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.

New Wednesday Section Added – JASM Inaugural Online Japanese Language Course (Pilot Program) (Wed, June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Registration for this class is now full.

We are happy to announce that, due to popular demand, JASM will open a Wednesday class of its inaugural online Japanese language course. This course will meet once a week in the evening for twelve weeks and will be offered online via Zoom.

This is a pilot course offered exclusively to JASM members.

Course Description

SCHEDULE

Dates: April 8 – June 24, 2026 (12 weeks)
Day: Wednesdays
Time:

Class: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CT
Office Hour: 7:30 – 8:00 PM CT

Each session includes 90 minutes of class, followed by an optional 30-minute office hour for individual questions and support.

LEVEL

Beginner

PRICE

$350* (JASM members only)

*This pilot course is available exclusively to JASM members.

ABOUT THE CLASS

The Beginner-Level Japanese Course is intended for learners who are new to the language and do not yet read or write Hiragana or Katakana.
If you have no prior experience learning Japanese, this course is highly recommended.
The class will have a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 10 students.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT (Optional Tandem Partner Program)

JASM wants every participant to succeed in this course. To provide additional support, we offer an optional tandem partner or volunteer support service for those who are interested. Participants may be matched with a tandem partner for mutual language practice or with a volunteer who wishes to assist learners in an informal setting. Tandem partners and volunteers will be native speakers or individuals who are fluent in the language. Tandem partners and volunteers do not provide formal instruction or tutoring. Participation in this service is completely optional and available upon request.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Genki I (3rd Edition), The Japan Times

Textbook
ISBN-13: 978-4-7890-1730-5
Workbook (CDs included)
ISBN-13: 978-4-7890-1731-2

Please prepare a small whiteboard and marker, or alternatively, paper and a thick marker (such as a Sharpie) for use during class activities.

Textbooks may be purchased through Amazon or other (online) bookstores.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed for those who have no previous knowledge of Japanese, and it aims to develop the four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing as well as culture-specific skills: Do’s and Don’ts. Based on the guidelines that the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has made, you will aim to reach the level of Novice Mid by the end of this course.

This course will cover Lessons 1 through 3 of GENKI I (refer to “Required Materials”), including both “Conversation and Grammar” and “Reading and Writing.” The following topics are covered in this course:

Meeting people for the first time,
Shopping and eating out, and
Describing activities and extending/declining invitations.

To facilitate literacy, two types of Japanese characters, Hiragana and Katakana, and 15 Chinese characters, Kanji, will be introduced. When you learn characters in class, you will show your handwritten characters to the instructor through the camera.

Respectful interactions are critical to successful professional conduct, and facial expressions are very important to avoid misinterpretation and miscommunication. It is strongly encouraged to turn on your camera throughout class to help build our classroom community.

About Instructor

Keiko Kawakami is a Senior Teaching Specialist of Japanese in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) at the University of Minnesota since 2010. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Literature, and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics with Bilingual Education and Diversity Studies. She has taught Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Japanese courses in higher education, and she teaches private lessons to those from children to the elderly.

Besides teaching, she enjoys translating documents and has done several works including “Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story” published in 2016 and "A Bowl Full of Peace" published in 2020 written by Caren Stelson.

She is an active member of Minnesota Council of Teachers of Japanese (MCTJ) , American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ), and Saint Paul – Nagasaki Sister City Committee (SPNSCC) as well as Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM).

TERMS & POLICIES

Holiday Breaks & Make-Up Classes

If the instructor knows in advance that she will be unable to teach on a regularly scheduled class date, an alternative date will be noted in the course description. Make-up classes will be held on another date mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the class.

Registration Deadline

Monday, March 23^rd

Membership Requirement

JASM membership is required to register.

Individual: $50
Family: $75
Individual-Sustaining: $25/month
or more

Memberships are valid for one year from the date of payment.

Join here: https://japanamericasocietyofminnesota.wildapricot.org/Join-JASM

Textbooks

JASM does not place textbook orders on behalf of students. Please purchase your required textbooks independently and have them ready before the first class session.

Registration

https://japanamericasocietyofminnesota.wildapricot.org/event-6554922

Class Size

The class requires a minimum of 5 students and has a maximum of 10 students.

Online Meeting Platform

JASM’s Japanese language class is conducted via Zoom, unless otherwise specified.

Students are responsible for securing a quiet and appropriate space to participate in the full 90-minute class session. The additional 30-minute office hours is optional.
The instructor will email the Zoom link prior to the first class.
The Zoom link will remain the same throughout the term unless otherwise announced.

Classes may be recorded at the instructor’s discretion and shared only with enrolled students for a limited time of up to one month for review purpose or in case of absence. Sharing Zoom links or recorded class materials with third parties is strictly prohibited.

Recommended Device

Students are strongly encouraged to use a computer or tablet. Mobile devices are not recommended, as they may limit Zoom functionality.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted by email.

By March 25, 2026: Full refund
March 26 – April 7, 2026: 50% refund
After April 8, 2026: No refunds

No refunds or credits will be issued for missed classes.
(All times are Central Standard Time.)

Waitlist Policy

If a class is full at the time of registration, students will be placed on a waitlist. Students will be notified if space becomes available.

Tandem Partner Policy

Tandem partners will be matched by the JASM office. Requests for partner changes may be made up to two (2) times, subject to availability. Please contact us at jasm@mn-japan.org. Participants are responsible for arranging meeting format (in person or online), schedules, and communication directly with their tandem partner. Tandem partners and volunteers provide informal language exchange only and do not offer instruction or tutoring. JASM is not responsible for arrangements or interactions that occur outside of official class sessions.

Additional Notes

Tuition is not prorated. Missed classes cannot be made up, and no refunds or private tutoring are provided for absences.
If a class receives fewer than 4 registrations, it will be canceled. In that case, registered students may request a full refund.
Class schedules may change due to instructor availability, holidays, or unforeseen circumstances. Any make-up classes will be scheduled in consultation with the class.
A certificate of class completion may be issued upon request for students with 60% or higher attendance.
This is an adult language program. Classes are open to individuals 18 years and older.

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

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

(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!

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

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Obon Festival 2026 ticket will be 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!

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

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Registration will open soon. Please check back for updates.

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.)