Japan America Society of Minnesota upcoming events

Mondale Scholarship 2026-2027 (Wed, April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Registration now open

Picture from a Mondale Scholarship Recipient 2024-2025: Molly Turley (second from right), Making Pottery in Unnan City (雲南市 )

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 broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel.

Former Ambassador Mondale 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.

The selection committee has the discretion to award up to $2,000 for each scholarship. In a typical year, between 3 and 5 scholarships are awarded. The awards are specifically to be used for travel to or within Japan before, during, or after the student’s specified term(s) of study.

July 16, 2026 - Application Deadline

July 26, 2026 - Send interview invitations to candidates

Aug 7, 2026 - Complete interviews of candidates

Aug 10, 2026 - Award scholarships

Find out about what goes into the application, read testimonies from past Mondale Scholars, and get all the details here.

2026 Obon Festival Volunteers Needed! (Thu, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

We are especially looking for volunteers for the 2nd shift (5:00 pm-9:30 pm). If you are available later in the day, we would greatly appreciate your help.

(Picture: 2025 Obon Festival first shift volunteers)

Join us in bringing the Obon Festival to life!

JASM is now accepting volunteer applications for the 2026 Obon Festival. Whether you are a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of one of JASM’s most beloved community events. Volunteers play an essential role in creating a welcoming, fun, and memorable experience for hundreds of festival attendees.

The Obon Festival will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2026. To help everyone feel prepared and confident in their role, volunteers are required to participate in Volunteer Orientation on either Thursday, August 6th at 6:00 PM or Tuesday, August 11th at 6:00 PM.

Below, you will find descriptions of the various volunteer opportunities available. We hope you will join us in sharing Japanese culture, building community, and making this year's festival a success!

Yo-Yo Tsuri - a game where participants fish for floating balloons. Volunteers will need to organize booth, prepare water balloons, prepare hooks, and help run game.
Calligraphy - assist calligraphy master and help people with calligraphy (previous experience with calligraphy is preferred)
Balloon Makers - help make balloons for Yo-Yo Tsuri
Kingyo sukui - our version will involve participants fishing for rubber fish with scoopers. Volunteers will need to prepare tubs of water, and help run game.
Japanese Quiz - encourages participants to take part in a fun challenge

Wanage - the Japanese version of ring toss, participants can try their accuracy to win prizes. Help demonstrate and run game, as well as distribute prizes.

Main Booth - attend the JASM market to help fundraise

Everyone aged 18 and older is welcome to volunteer. Current JASM members will be given priority consideration. If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to join the JASM family today and become part of our community.

Please fill out the form as soon as possible to secure your spot in the fun! Please note that while the deadline is Saturday, August 1st, our volunteer spots can fill up before then. Thank you!

**Please note that all volunteers need to attend a mandatory volunteer workshop before the festival to get all necessary information and instructions.

We're looking forward to working with you!

Experience Taking Shape at the 2026 Obon Festival (in-person) (Sun, August 16, 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Taking Shape, a large-scale ceramic installation by artist Juliane Shibata featuring ceramic cherry blossoms created through JASM community workshops, will be on display during the 2026 Obon Festival at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. We hope you'll have the opportunity to experience this unique installation.

Taking Shape: A Malleable Ceramic Public Art Installation

on Display during the 2026 Obon Festival at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Taking Shape, a large-scale collaborative ceramic public art installation made in partnership with the Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM), will be on display for public view during the 2026 Obon Festival. Taking Shape is a group project, conceived and led by Juliane Shibata, that includes over a thousand floral-shaped pieces made by over 45 individuals, most of whom did not have any prior art or ceramics experience.

Creating Installation Pieces through Community Workshops

Since February, Juliane has led three pairs of workshops for community participants. The first workshop centered on people designing a stamp out of clay that visually communicates an element of their heritage. Once these stamps were bisque fired, participants returned for the second workshop in which they used the stamps to transfer their designs onto slabs of clay. They then used cookie cutters shaped like cherry blossoms to create the installation components.

Experiencing the Installation

On August 16, participants’ ceramic pieces will be represented in an architectural installation where viewers will be invited to reflect on the nuanced and multifaceted nature of identity. Those who encounter the installation will be able to touch, manipulate, and move some of its components, thus contributing to its evolution as a work of art. Juliane hopes to encourage reflection about whom art is for, what role it can play in civic life, and what impact every individual can have on the environment around them as they design, shape, and re-shape the artwork.

This project was made in collaboration with:

Organizations

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Japan America Society of Minnesota, Normandale Community College, Northern Clay Center, Northfield Arts Guild

Workshop Participants included:

Mayumi Amada, Kat Dalager, Denise Daly, Kim Fackler, Marissa Gunderson, Rachel Hanson, Cheryl Hirata-Dulas, Jessikah Holmes, Morgan Hoversten, Sarah Kass, Gloria Kumagai, Scott R. Larson, Lori Lee, Sheila McNellis Asato, Rachel Martinson, Rick Murray, Clara Nelson, Luke Nelson, Meagan Nishi, Melanie Peterson-Nafziger, Alex Nafziger, Jamie Nafziger, Kristin Partlo, Megan Reed, Julia Rodman, Rio Saito, Chris Senn, Tomas Stegemann, Dawn Swanson, Ben Takash, Kirstin Thielen, Dalton van Buren, Jennifer van Buren, Will van Buren, Kana Vang, Arlo Nora Weckman, Kate Woodstrup, Hanna Ueno, and Yoko Ueno.

Taking Shape Location: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Ordway Gardens (indoor bonsai area)

1225 Estabrook Dr.

Saint Paul, MN 55103

Date: Sunday August 16, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Access:

Free to the general public from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
People who wish to view the installation from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. need to purchase a festival ticket. Information on the festival and purchasing tickets can be found on Como Park’s website: https://comozooconservatory.org/obon2026/

About the Artist and Organizer

Juliane Shibata is a ceramic artist and educator based in Northfield, Minnesota. Her work is informed by the Japanese concept of mujō (mutability and impermanence) as well as the Pattern & Decoration movement. Juliane draws viewers to her work through the rhythm of repeated forms that visually energize the space around them. Her temporary installations in unexpected spaces draw attention to both the nature of our own existence in relation to the constructed environment and to traces of activity in and around the architecture we encounter.

Recent grants include a 2026 Forecast Public Art Mid-Career Project Grant, a 2026 Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, a 2025 Center for Craft Teaching Artist Cohort Grant, and a 2021 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists. Juliane has been a resident artist at Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, VA; Art Omi in Ghent, NY; The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China; Starworks Center in Star, NC; and the College of Biological Sciences Conservatory at the University of Minnesota.

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Related Exhibition:

Taking Shape | Celebrating 50 Years of the Normandale Japanese Garden

After being displayed at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Taking Shape will be exhibited at Normandale Community College in conjunction with the 50^th Anniversary of their Japanese Garden. In mid-July, Juliane will work with two sections of ceramics students at Normandale; their ceramic creations will contribute to the installation in the Gallery of Fine Arts.

Location: Normandale Community College

Gallery of Fine Arts, 9700 France Ave S., Bloomington, MN 55431

Exhibition dates: August 24 – October 2, 2026

Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 16, 4:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

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Taking Shape is funded by Carleton College, Forecast Public Art, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.

This project is supported by Forecast Public Art through funding from The McKnight Foundation.

Juliane Shibata is a fiscal year 2026 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

2026 Japanese Obon Festival (in-person) (Sun, August 16, 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Obon Festival 2026 ticket is available at Como Park website.

Please save the date for Obon Festival 2026 at Como Park on Sunday, August 16 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.

The Obon Festival will take place rain or shine!

Please stay tuned for updates!

To find details, including parking information, and purchase 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

Wanage - Enjoy Japanese ring toss with friends

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!

2026 Mondale Award Nominations (Mon, August 31, 2026)

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We are currently accepting nominations for the Mondale Award for Japan–Minnesota Partnership. If you know an individual or organization that exemplifies this spirit, we’d love to hear from you!

Please click here for a list of criteria for the Mondale Award and here to nominate someone.

The due date for nominations is August 31. 2026.

Every year, the Japan America Society of Minnesota presents the Mondale Award for Japan-Minnesota Partnership to an individual or organization that has been nominated by the membership and selected by a committee of the Board of Directors. Purpose: The Mondale Award for Japan-Minnesota Partnership is presented by JASM to recognize outstanding contributions to the building of understanding, cooperation and respect between the people of Japan and Minnesota.

After Walter Mondale returned to Minnesota in 1997, having served with distinction as Ambassador to Japan, JASM created the Mondale Award for Japan-Minnesota Partnership. The award was first presented to Joan and Walter Mondale to recognize his work as an ambassador to Japan and her ongoing efforts to promote the arts in both countries. The Mondale's epitomized JASM's core value of fostering meaningful connection between Minnesota and Japan. Through this award, JASM celebrates individuals and organizations who are dedicated to bringing Japan and Minnesota closer together.

Recent awardees include:

JoAnn Blatchley (2025)

Ann McCarthy and Patricia Thornton (2024)

Dick Stahl (2023)

Gayle and Judith Fleming (2022)

Sarah Walbert (2021)

Bill Deef (2020)

Patricia Katagiri (2019)

You can find a complete list of awardees by clicking here.

We cannot wait to receive your nominations!

Akikaze: An Evening of Rakugo with Katsura Sunshine (Thu, September 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Registration now open!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Japanese storytelling and laughter as JASM presents internationally acclaimed rakugo performer Katsura Sunshine.

For many years, JASM has presented Harukaze ("Spring Breeze"), a performing arts program showcasing talented artists and cultural performers. This year, however, we are delighted to feature Katsura Sunshine in the fall, and in honor of the season, we are pleased to present this special event as Akikaze ("Autumn Breeze") on Thursday, September 10 at Sundin Music Hall. (Google Maps)

Whether you are new to Japanese culture or a longtime admirer of the performing arts, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most beloved traditional art forms through the engaging and accessible performance style of Katsura Sunshine.

What is Rakugo?

Rakugo is a traditional Japanese storytelling art that has entertained audiences for over 400 years. Seated on a cushion and using only a fan and a hand towel as props, a single storyteller brings multiple characters to life through expressive narration, humor, and wit. Blending clever dialogue, memorable characters, and universal themes, rakugo offers a unique glimpse into Japanese culture while delivering laughter that transcends language and borders.

Event Details

Date

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Time:

Door opens at 6:30 p.m.

Rakugo performance starts 7:00 p.m.

Location

Sundin Music Hall (Google Maps)

Admission

Pre-sale

$40 Non-member

$35 Member

Door sale ticket

$45 Non-member

About Katsura Sunshine

Katsura Sunshine is an internationally acclaimed rakugo performer born in Toronto, Canada. In 2008, he became the fifteenth apprentice of legendary rakugo master Katsura Bunshi VI and completed his traditional apprenticeship in 2011, becoming one of the very few non-Japanese performers to professionally master this centuries-old art form.

Since 2019, Sunshine has maintained a long-running Off-Broadway residency at New World Stages in New York City while continuing to perform internationally. Through his engaging performances in English and Japanese, he has become one of the most recognizable ambassadors of rakugo outside Japan.

2026 JASM Fundraiser Golf Scramble (in-person) (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

FORE!!! JASM will be holding our 6th annual charity golf scramble event on Saturday, September 26 at Pioneer Creek Golf Course in Maple Plain, MN. Enjoy a fun day of competition with friends while supporting JASM. This event is limited to 72 participants. The format of this event is a four-person team best-ball scramble. Each team member takes every shot, but only the best ball counts towards the final score. Expect to go low!

Do not worry if you do not have a team. Sign-up as an individual and JASM will make team arrangements for you. Club rental is also available.

There is no better way to meet your fellow JASM members and golf enthusiasts!

Early Bird Pricing (through September 4):

Member: $85

Non-Member: $110

Regular Pricing (September 5 – September 26):

Member: $110

Non-Member: $125

For further information, please contact:

Tom Haeg, 612-940-3351 tomhaeg@msn.com

Marc Blehert, 763-280-2108 mblehert@yahoo.com

Save the Date for the 2026 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala (in-person) (Sat, November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Please mark your calendars for the 2026 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala. It will be held in person on Saturday, November 14th 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.

2026 Annual Meeting (in-person) (Thu, December 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 10, at 6:00 p.m. at our Corporate Member, Taiyo International, Inc.’s office (Google Maps).

At the meeting, we will reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next. We’ll discuss new ways to further JASM’s mission and hold elections for board members.

Registration priority will be given to voting members.
If you wish to bring a guest, please contact jasm@mn-japan.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Parking information:

Please use Lilac Drive S to enter the parking garage on the east side. If arriving from Utica Street, take the road in front of the Taiyo office building, which will lead you to Lilac Drive and the parking garage entrance. There is no charge for parking. (Click here for a sky view map and here for the street view image of the parking garage.)