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 17, 2025 - Application Deadline

July 27, 2025   - Send interview invitations to candidates

Aug 8, 2025 - Complete interviews of candidates

Aug 11, 2025 - Award scholarships

Edo Sanpukutsui is woodblock print art by Japanese Ukiyo-e artist Katsukawa Shunko, created in 18th century of the Edo period in Japanese history.  This ukiyo-e masterfully captures three of the biggest stars from Edo’s top entertainments of the time—kabuki theater, sumo wrestling, and the Yoshiwara pleasur

Please join us for Curator Talk: the World of Ukiyo-e Sumo Prints on Thursday May 15 at 6:00 p.m. CST on Zoom where Curator Noriko Okubo will be joining from Okayama, Japan.

Discover the fascinating world of Japanese ukiyo-e—the art form that captivated Europe and inspired the rise of Japonisme. In this special lecture, you'll have the rare opportunity to learn directly from a Japanese curator and dive deeper into the history, techniques, and cultural significance of ukiyo-e. Find out how these iconic woodblock prints were made, explore the unique artistic methods behind them, and gain insight into the lesser-known but powerful world of sumo-themed prints. 

Non-Member: $8

JASM Member: Free

Please consider donating to help JASM in its mission!

Noriko Okubo is a member of the International Ukiyo-e Society and specializes in sumo-e prints depicting sumo wrestlers. She is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University in Okayama, Japan, and also holds a concurrent position as an Associate Professor at the Institute for Civilization Dynamics. Beyond the field of education, she is also dedicated to promoting the beauty of Ukiyo-e through lectures, media appearances, and other public engagement activities, contributing to the wider appreciation and understanding of Japanese art.

She earned a Ph.D. in Art Studies from the University of Tsukuba in March 2009, following a Master's degree in Art Studies from the same institution in March 2006. She is also a member of several academic associations, including the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS), the Japanese Art Society of America, the International Ukiyo-e Society, the Japan Art History Society, Japanese Association of Art Education(JAAEd), and the University Art Education Society.

The Quarterly JASM Social

We invite you to join us for an informal get-together on Wednesday, May 28th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. 

Sponsor : MGK Company, JASM Corporate Member

7325 Aspen Ln N, Minneapolis, MN 55428

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 MGK (and bugs!), followed by a lively exchange of ideas. Light appetizers and (non-alcoholic) drinks will be provided by MGK.  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!

Please register 48 hours ahead of the event so we can print out a name badge for you.

JASM members: Free

This event is brought to you by JASM, the bridge-building organization between Minnesota and Japan. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Quarterly JASM Social

We invite you to join us for an informal get-together at JASM Connects!

When: Wednesday, July 9 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Sponsor: Fredrickson & Byron, JASM Corporate Member

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. 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!

This picture is from last year's workshop

Please join us for activities including a "Yosakoi Workshop" and Making Origami Sakura on Sunday, July 13th at the Mia Family Day!

We are lucky to have this in-person dance workshop by the wonderful instructor, Ms. Maria Traxler, from the Kizuna International Yosakoi Team. 

In this workshop, Ms. Traxler will introduce the Tokyo Ondo, a simple and fun dance that everyone can join in and enjoy together, regardless of age or experience!

JASM will also be operating a booth for making paper Sakura flowers! This is to go alongside Mia's Hokusai | Monet Exhibition. Feel free to join us and make some pretty flowers. We will be building a large tree filled with Sakura together as a community.  

This is a family-friendly event. No prior experience is necessary to participate. Please wear clothes that are easy to move in.

This event will be a fun way to get some exercise and learn about a regional dance of Japan. Please sign up today! We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Maria Traxler is a current member of the Kizuna International Yosakoi Team. She danced in the 2019 Kochi Yosakoi Festival as a Kizuna member, as well as in the 2015 Kochi Yosakoi Festival as a member of the Shimanto Town team Shimamuta.

(Photo: Maria Traxler)

You can watch the video from last year. 

This event is free for all and open to the public!  

Your donations are greatly appreciated!

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!

The Quarterly JASM Social

We invite you to join us for an informal get-together at JASM Connects!

When: Wednesday, October 29th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Sponsor: Satellite Industries, JASM Corporate Member

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. 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!

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.

The 2025 Annual Meeting is scheduled on December 11th at 6:30 pm. The place is TBD.

At the meeting, we will be reflecting on the year as a whole and looking forward to next year. We’ll discuss additional ways we can further JASM’s mission and will hold elections for board members.

Please mark your calendar!

JASM’s Community Engagement: Connecting Minnesota with Japan

Explore the events and organizations JASM visited in 2025 to share Japanese culture and strengthen ties between Minnesota and Japan.

February

• Emperor's Birthday Celebration at The Consulate General of Japan in Chicago
• Chinese New Year Celebration at The Century College

March

• Talking to the History of Comic Class at The Century College
• Cultural demonstration at The St. Thomas Academy
• Japanese language consultant at The History Theater
• Cultural Demonstration at Anime Detour

April

• Cultural Support at the Cha-ami Library Opening Event
• Class Visit at The University of Minnesota
• Cultural Demonstration at Cooper High School Culture Fest

May

• Cultural Support at the SPNSC Cherry Blossom Celebration
• Company Visit with Hoya Vision

June

• Conference at the Midwest Forum - Consulate General of Japan in Chicago

July

• Presentation at Anoka County Library
• Cultural Demonstrations at Mia Family Day