The end of the year is just around the corner. It’s time for JASM’s Annual Meeting!
The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 11, at 6:30 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.
Agenda
1. Welcome
2. Call to Order
3. Message from the President
4. Treasurer's report
5. Message from the Executive Director
6. Board candidate introductions and election of board members
7. Review of 2025 Events and overview of 2026 Events Plan
8. Improv That Works Workshop by Stevie Ray
9. Closing remarks & networking (fabulous door prizes!)
There will be special door prizes and light refreshments. 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.)
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
March
April
May
June
July
Discover Japanese Temple and Shrine Stamps "Goshuin"
Have you ever heard of Goshuin? Goshuin is the unique and artistic stamps collected at temples and shrines across Japan. This online event will take place on Thursday, January 15 at 6:00pm to 7:00pm (CST). Join us for a cultural session exploring the fascinating world of Goshuin. In this session you will learn about beautifully hand-drawn stamps and calligraphy offered at temples and shrines acrossJapan. We’ll explore what Goshuin really are, where you can find them, and even how you might be able to get them in the U.S.
This event is perfect for anyone planning a trip to Japan, those interested in Japanese calligraphy, or anyone fascinated by shrines and temples.
This event will be led by Mika Usuki (JOI coordinator). She has been traveling around Japan visiting various shrines and temples to collect Goshuin. She will also share some hidden gems—lesser-known places that most tourists miss. Here is the chance to get inspired for your future trip to Japan! This is a great opportunity to see real Goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) and stylish Goshuincho (stamp books) up close. Mika will talk about Japanese deep and unique culture.
Tickets:
JASM Member: FREE
Non-JASM Member: $10
Please note that tickets are non-refundable. However, they are transferable. Please contact jasm@mn-japan.org for transfers
Mika Usuki is currently based at Plains Art Museum in Fargo, ND, as a coordinator with the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) program. The mission of this program is to foster cross-cultural understanding by engaging local American communities with Japan-themed activities, such as lectures, cultural workshops, school visits, and community events. Her efforts to share Japanese culture extend beyond ND and include MN as well.
On Sunday, February 15th, JASM will host J-Quiz 2026 online! Please mark your calendars! JASM’s J-Quiz 2026 is for anyone who are interested.
Stay Tuned for the Registration Opening Date!
One of the JASM’s important missions is to support Americans who want to learn Japanese and get to know Japan more. And we know there are so many of you always studying and reading about Japan. As we hit our 50th Anniversary of our organization, we created this Japan-focused trivia for anyone who is learning 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.
What is J-Quiz?
There will be 30 questions regarding Japan and Japanese languages. The participants can join these fun quizzes to test the knowledge of Japan!
This event also has information regarding the colleges who offer Japanese classes and cultural exhibition videos where experts will share their knowledge and skills with us! With Hopin’s “networking” function, you can meet and chat with people who are learning Japanese and share ideas or ask questions!
Here is a 15-minute video showcasing this fun event! Click the image below to take a look:
We look forward to seeing you!
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:
2025: Abdulla Abdulaziz and Pajtshiab Yang
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. )
jasm@mn-japan.org
P.O. Box 26639
Minneapolis, MN 55426
