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 New 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. )
REGISTER TODAY!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2025 (ONLINE) - 10 AM to 1 PM CST
An important mission of JASM is to support Americans who want to learn the Japanese language and learn more about Japan in general. We know there are so many of you interested in Japanese topics, spending your time studying and reading about Japan. Our goal for J-Quiz is to encourage people to continue their study of Japanese language and culture and have a place to share with like-minded people.
Anyone of any age is welcome, whether you're a novice or an expert in Japanese language and culture. Please join us!
Image: J-Quiz Ambassador, Kana-chan
REGISTER HERE
Price
Program (subject to change)
(US Central Time)
9: 50 am (the site will open)
10:00 am Opening ceremony
10:30 am J-Quiz (approx. 45 min.)
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Culture videos and College Fair are open
11:45 am - 12: 45 pm Guest Speaker Lindsay Jenkins
12:45 pm - 1:00 pm Closing ceremony and group photo
Guest speaker
Lindsay Jenkins is originally from College Station, Texas, and holds a degree in Theatre from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She is deeply passionate about Japanese language, culture, and the arts, particularly traditional Japanese puppetry. As a JET Program alumna, Lindsay spent five years as an Elementary English Teacher in Hyogo Prefecture on Awaji Island. Now based in Atlanta, Georgia, she works in International Education at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Outside of her professional role, Lindsay serves as the Events Chair for the JET Alumni Association of the Southeast (JETAASE) and lends her voice to audiobooks and animation projects as a skilled voice actor.
Cultural Video speaker
My name is Shizuka Durgins. I was born and raised in Saitama Japan, where my family grew and processed Sayama green tea – the tea fields, factory, and shop were my playground, and green tea has always been a part of my life.
After moving to the U.S. in 1990, I lived in San Diego, where I attended English school, college, and design/art school. I worked as an assistant interior designer before moving to Minnesota in 2000. Since then, I’ve been working for a Finnish company called Rapala for the past 24 years.
Two years ago, I founded Cha-Ami Japanese Cultural Center, which recently moved to a new location. I envision it as a place where people can not only learn but also enjoy each other’s company. We’re working on opening a Japanese library and creating a welcoming community space. I hope you come and visit us.
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Have you checked the J-Quiz item this year? If you haven't, please click here to see the Kana-chan beanie and order it to support the J-Quiz!
What is J-Quiz?
There will be 30 questions regarding Japan and Japanese language. The
participants can join these fun quizzes to learn and grow their knowledge of Japan!
JASM will utilize an online platform for J-Quiz where participants can meet other Japan enthusiasts and network. There will also be information on colleges who offer Japanese classes, as well as cultural exhibition videos where experts will share their knowledge and skills with us!
Here is a 15-minute video showcasing this fun event! Click the image below to take a look:
We look forward to seeing you!
Sample Questions
(Answers are at the bottom right.)
1. Japan's mainland consists of four major islands. Which one is the largest island?
a) Honshu
b) Shikoku
c) Hokkaido
d) Kyushu
2. Demon Slayer's main character, Tanjiro, has a younger sister. What is the name of his sister?
a) Natsuko
b) Netsuko
c) Nazuko
d) Nezuko
Stay tuned for updates!
(1) Honshu (2) Nezuko
Sponsors
Ken Port Scholarship
Support JASM’s Mission Through J-Quiz 2025
An important part of JASM’s mission is to inspire
and support Americans interested in learning the Japanese language and exploring Japanese culture. Many individuals in our community dedicate their time to studying, reading about, and engaging with all things Japan.
Our annual J-Quiz event is designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese language and culture. It offers a welcoming space for participants to connect, learn, and share their passion with like-minded individuals, regardless of age or expertise.
This event provides a unique opportunity to promote language education and cross-cultural understanding, and we invite you to play a vital role in making it a success.
Why Sponsor J-Quiz?
By sponsoring J-Quiz, you:
Please consider sponsoring this year’s J-Quiz to help us continue this impactful tradition. Thank you for supporting JASM’s mission and the communities we serve!
$1000 Sponsorship
– Your name will be mentioned in every publication JASM will have of J-Quiz and you will receive three Kana-chan beanie. (Black and/or Gray)
$500 Sponsorship – Your name will be mentioned in every publication JASM will have of J-Quiz and you will receive two Kana-chan beanie. (Black and/or Gray)
$250 Sponsorship – Your name will be mentioned in every publication JASM will have of J-Quiz and you will receive one Kana-chan beanie. (Black or Gray)
$100 Sponsorship – Your name will be mentioned in every publication JASM will have of J-Quiz
$50 Sponsorship – Your name will be mentioned in every publication JASM will have of J-Quiz
If you don't see the amount you'd like to contribute, please use the link below and make sure to add 2025 J-Quiz in the comment section
jasm@mn-japan.org
P.O. Box 26639
Minneapolis, MN 55426
