Welcome to the Japan-America Society of Indiana

The Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization whose mission is to serve as a bridge of friendship between the people of Indiana and Japan. The Society is supported by a diverse membership of individuals, families, businesses and academic institutions.


 

2024 Japan Currents Symposium

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

The JASI Japan Currents Symposium is a much-anticipated signature event, providing a business, economic, and international relations outlook. Speakers include Japan-related industry representatives as well as internationally recognized experts. 

This year’s program, “The Intersection of Investment and Innovation”, will focus on new technologies, new energies, updates on industry trends, and geopolitical considerations for the Japan-U.S. alliance. 

Tony Satterthwaite, Senior Vice President of Cummins, Inc., will give the Keynote Corporate Presentation speaking on Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy of decarbonizing their products in a way that is best for all stakeholders, the role Japan plays, and the support from Japan-based partnerships. Notably, Mr. Satterthwaite represented Cummins during the visit of President Biden to the company.

JASI is pleased to welcome in his new role, Scott Brand, President and COO of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., (SIA), who will share SIA’s challenges, obstacles and lessons learned in the journey into new technologies. Scott is the incoming President as of April 1, and will be the first American to serve in this position.

Colonel Van T. Thai, newly appointed Commander of the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, will speak on the U.S.-Japan Alliance. Colonel Thai most recently served as the U.S. Director of Operations and Exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from where he will be coming directly to Indiana. His service has included many leadership assignments in Japan. Colonel Thai received the Japan Cooperation Medal presented by Japan Air Self Defense Force in 2023.

The program will include The Honorable Jun Yanagi, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago; Hiroyuki Nemoto, Chief Executive Director, JETRO Chicago; Yusuke Hara, Program Coordinator, JETRO Chicago; Tony Denhart, Executive Vice President, Workforce and Talent, Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Andy Wylegala, President, National Association of Japan-America Societies; and Adilet-Sultan Meimanaliev, Senior Director, Social Impact, Eli Lilly and Company.

Panel presentations will showcase Japan-invested businesses and joint-ventures which are bringing forward exciting innovations. Panelists will include Kazumi Kikuchi, President, North America, Idemitsu Lubricants America; Tatsuya Inoue, General Manager, Metals Company, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation; Stefan Boel, CEO, Exurban; and Kent Anderson, General Manager & Special Advisor, Yajima USA.

The Japan Currents Symposium draws business, community, government, and economic development leaders from throughout the state and the Midwest region. The conference is presented by the Japan-America Society of Indiana in partnership with the Embassy of Japan and the National Association of Japan-America Societies. 

For more information, and to register, click here.


On behalf of the Japan America Society of Indiana, and in the spirit of kizuna (the enduring bonds of friendship) between the peoples of Indiana and Japan, we continue to keep at the top of our minds and hearts the people of the Noto Peninsula, and Ishikawa, Toyama, and Niigata Prefectures, which were struck by the 7.6 magnitude Noto Peninsula Earthquake on New Year’s Day, as well as by subsequent earthquakes. It is difficult to comprehend the loss of lives, homes, and infrastructure, with thousands injured, evacuated, and staying in shelters. In support of those in the devasted areas of Japan, and following with the requests of JASI members, JASI has launched a disaster relief campaign to support the recovery and relief efforts in Japan.

We ask you to consider donating to assist the people of these areas in rebuilding their lives. 100% of the funds raised will go to direct relief, recovery, and humanitarian aid efforts in Japan.

The Japan-America Society of Indiana is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID #35-1747168

Click here to donate.


JASI's "Oishii Indiana"!

The Japan-America Society of Indiana's new restaurant series, "Oishii Indiana", travels around Indiana visiting some of the best and most authentic Japanese restaurants in the state.  Enjoy "touring" a new restaurant each week!  The short videos will include interviews with the owners and chefs, the chef's demo of a popular dish, and live comments from customers. The new online series is made possible with support from the GEN-J program, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and Japan-America Society of Indiana, with professional support from Monumental Productions. "Oishii Indiana" will help you discover the best of Japanese cuisine in Indiana!

Click here to watch the whole series!

JASI’s online series is made possible with support from the GEN-J program, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and Japan-America Society of Indiana, with professional support from Monumental Productions. "Oishii Indiana" will help you discover the best of Japanese cuisine in Indiana! 


COVID-19 Information for the Japanese Community in Indiana

Dear JASI Members and Friends:

To help provide service and support for our members and the Japanese community, JASI has complied information regarding the current COVID-19 situation.

Click here to be taken to more information.


Indiana's Back on Track Information in Japanese
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As a community organization, we believe it is important to follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in preventing the spread of COVID-19.  In the interest of the health and safety of our staff, the Japan-America Society of Indiana will be working from home.  During this period we will continue to monitor and respond to emails remotely but our response time may be delayed.  Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
The JASI Staff

JETRO Quick Business Surveys During COVID-19

Survey One

Survey Two


Conferral of The Order of the Rising Sun,
Gold and Silver Rays Upon Ms. Theresa A. Kulczak

On November 3, 2016 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the recipients of the 2016 Autumn Imperial Decorations.  Among the 96 foreign recipients is Ms. Theresa A. Kulczak, Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of Indiana.  She will receive The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays in recognition of her significant contribution to promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.  The prestigious decoration is conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

Click here for more information.