JASM will award the Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship to a student enrolled in a Minnesota high school who wants to broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel. The application deadline is now extended.
Please click here to read the application details.
2025 Timeline:
Past winner:
2024: Bennie Tornoe (Click here to read her report on Tsushin Nov. 2024 issue on page 4)
2023: Walter Barlow (Click here to read his report on Tsushin Nov. 2023 issue on page 3)
If you would like to make a contribution to the Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship's endowment, please click here.
Takuzo Ishida was a researcher, carpenter, chef, and bonsai enthusiast who served as President of JASM and Founder/Principal of the Minneapolis Japanese School. The Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Mr. Ishida’s family and friends to recognize his contributions to the Japanese community in Minnesota and to support his passion for youth education. (To read a special edition of the Tsushin dedicated to Mr. Ishida, please click here. )
We invite you to join us for an informal get-together at JASM Connects!
When: Thursday, March 6 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Sponsor: The Saint Paul Saints Baseball Club, JASM Corporate Member
Where: CHS Field, 360 Broadway St, Saint Paul, MN 55101 (Google Maps)
Who should attend: This event is open to all Japan America Society members, guests, and friends.
JASM Connects is a relaxed opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a casual conversation in any language. There are no agendas, no formalities — just a short, fun presentation on the Saints followed by a lively exchange of ideas. Refreshments are kindly provided by the host, Saint Paul Saints. Feel free to bring your meishi (business cards), though if you don’t have one, don’t worry — just come along and join the fun!
Free for JASM members
This event is brought to you by JASM, the bridge-building organization between Minnesota and Japan. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mondale Scholarship applications open!
The Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) will award the Mondale Scholarship to undergraduate students enrolled in Minnesota colleges or North Dakota State University who want to broden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel. Former Ambassador Mondale has continually promoted a deeper understanding of Japanese business, government, culture, and language among corporate leaders and employees in America. The Japan America Society of Minnesota is proud to have this opportunity to assist Minnesota/North Dakota students in their quest for a study experience in Japan since 1998.
Picture from a Mondale Scholarship Recipient 2023-2024: Livvy Peters (second from right), Wearing Kimono with friends in Arashiyama, Kyoto
July 17, 2025 - Application Deadline July 27, 2025 - Send interview invitations to candidates Aug 8, 2025 - Complete interviews of candidates Aug 11, 2025 - Award scholarships
July 17, 2025 - Application Deadline
July 27, 2025 - Send interview invitations to candidates
Aug 8, 2025 - Complete interviews of candidates
Aug 11, 2025 - Award scholarships
Obon Festival 2025 ticket will be available at Como Park website.Please save the date for Obon Festival 2025 at Como Park on Sunday, August 17 from 3 PM to sundown for a celebration of Japanese culture and tradition. There will be food, singing, dancing, martial arts, and of course, lantern lighting! This is a family friendly event perfect for everyone.
Please stay turned for the update!
To find the detail and purchase the tickets please visit Como Park website.
JASM Activities that will be at Obon Festival:
Calligraphy - Try your hand at calligraphy or ask the calligraphy master for a message on a fan (with a donation of $15 or more)
Yo-Yo Tsuri - A game where participants fish for floating balloons
Kingyo sukui - In our version, fish for rubber fish with scoopers
Japanese Quiz - Test your knowledge of Japan and win a prize
Main Booth - Find variety of JASM merchandise and other fun items.
Visit JASM Main Booth for Obon Festival Masks!
We hope to see you there!
Please mark your calendars! The 2025 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala will be held in person on Saturday, November 15th at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins.
Registration will open at the end of September.
Both the Mondale Award and Mondale Scholarship will be presented at this event. The Mondale Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the building of understanding, cooperation, and respect between the people of Japan and Minnesota.
The Mondale Scholarship is presented to students enrolled in Minnesota colleges and universities who want to broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel.
Please keep an eye out for registration information which will come in September.
jasm@mn-japan.org
P.O. Box 26639
Minneapolis, MN 55426
