JASI 2013 Annual Gala Report
Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Yasokichi Konishiki, Sumo Star!

Here's what guests had to say about this year's Gala:

“We don’t know how you come up with such a great event year after year, but this year’s Gala was really the best yet!”

“I thought the Gala was a great success.  Konishiki was, at least to me, a surprise hit.  I was excited to see him in person but wasn’t sure what the message might be.  It was an excellent one though -- his life story in the world of sumo; helping the people of Tohoku; and bridging the cultures.”

“On behalf of our company and our guests, JASI did an amazing job with every detail of the gala event. We ended the evening feeling wonderful and ever so grateful to have been a part of it…You were correct in that it was a great way to network. I look forward to our continued interaction with JASI and its member companies and I can’t wait for the next event!”

Everyone agrees:  JASI’s 2013 Annual Gala was smash of Sumo-sized proportions!  Held on Tuesday, June 11th and attended by 500 guests from across Indiana and the Midwest, this year’s Gala was “BIG” - both in attendance (one of the largest attended galas ever) and featured keynote speakers, Indiana Governor Mike Pence and Sumo Star Yasokichi Konishiki.  Thank you to all of our sponsors, speakers, guests, and volunteers who made this year's event one of the best galas ever.

Attendees enjoyed networking during the Patrons' Reception and the General Reception before the start of the dinner and program.

Consul General of Japan Masaharu Yoshida gave the welcoming remarks in his first appearance at a JASI Gala and presented longtime JASI friend and founding board member Robert H. Reynolds with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” award from his Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Congratulations Bob!

In what continued to be an evening of firsts, JASI was honored to welcome Indiana Governor Mike Pence as the keynote speaker.  In his enthusiastic speech, Governor Pence reaffirmed Indiana’s strong commitment to its friendship with Japan.  He also presented Tatsuhiro Shindo, outgoing Chief Executive Director of JETRO Chicago, with an "Honorary Hoosier" award. Thank you Governor!

Following Governor Pence, Pawel Fludzinski of Eli Lilly & Co., JASI's previous president, was presented
with the Bridge of Friendship Award. Thank you Pawel for your service and support!

Yasokichi Konishiki, sumo star, gave a presentation on his successful sumo career and explained how a young Hawaiian became the highest ranking foreign-born sumo wrestler in Japan. 

The event was concluded when Konishiki was joined by his wife Chie, local Indianapolis band “The Tides”, and dancers from IndyHula for a wonderful and uplifting musical performance.

Thank you again to all of the guests and sponsors!  We look forward to seeing you next year!

Program Details