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 is now open.

Please click here to read the details.

2024 Timeline:

• Start accepting applications: December 1, 2023
• Deadline for applications: January 1, 2024
• Finalists' interviews with scholarship committee members:  During January, 2024
• Winner of the Scholarship will be notified: February , 2024

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. )

(Image left: Dwight Hwang, Color Gyotaku of Octopus, 2023. Gyotaku acrylic print on Japanese washi paper.)

Hwang will discuss the processes and inspiration behind the works in his exhibition From Sea to Paper: The Gyotaku Prints of Dwight Hwang on exhibition at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN September 8, 2023 through January 7, 2024.  Hwang pushes the boundaries of traditional Gyotaku, a process by which an artist makes a print using a real fish, by printing them in different angles & perspectives and patterns & gradations in order to produce a more natural appearance, as well as incorporating other organic forms such as birds, plants, and even people. 

Registration is $8, or free for JASM members.

Dwight Hwang creates classical Japanese gyotaku art and European nature printing.Whether his subject is a fish, plants, birds, or even a person, he pushes not only the art but himself to bring awe, memories, and quiet contemplation to viewers worldwide. Partnered with institutions like NOAA and Patagonia, his work has been exhibited in museums such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, displayed in hospitality such as the Four Seasons Resorts, and showcased in publications including Forbes.
“My many years in Japan have taught me some very important things. However, one that stands out and remains to sculpt how I view the Japanese approach to life and artistry is the cultural love and admiration for simplicity, fleeting moments and the 'Perfect Imperfection'. To take an imperfect subject and emphasize these imperfections to be beautiful. It is my wish to show and convey this mindful philosophy to others.” (Biography from his website)

(Picture right: Dwight Hwang)

We are pleased to announce that the 2023 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala will be held in person on

Saturday, November 4th at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins.

Please mark your calendars.

Both the MondaleAward 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.

Congratulations to Richard (Dick) Stahl, the 2023 winner of the Mondale Award for Japan-Minnesota Partnership! Named after its first recipients, Joan and Walter Mondale, the Award was established in 1997 to recognize outstanding contributions to the relationship between the people of Japan and Minnesota. 

Dick’s lifelong interest in Asia was sparked by a 3-1/2 year stint in the Navy when he was stationed in Taiwan. This led to an international banking career that started in Chicago and ended in Minneapolis, with an assignment in Tokyo along the way. While in Japan, he became fascinated with the country and its people. Upon returning to the U.S., Dick has served in a variety of important volunteer roles, including Board Member of the Japan America Society of Chicago; Secretary, Treasurer and President of the Japan America Society of Minnesota; and Honorary Consul General for the State of Minnesota. Dick has been active in three sister city organizations: Bloomington-Izumi, Minneapolis-Ibaraki and St. Paul-Nagasaki. He has also served as an informal advisor to JETRO and to Minnesota State Government officials.

Some highlights of Dick’s volunteer service include leading efforts in Minnesota to support the Tohoku region after the 2011 Tsunami, organizing JASM’s 40^th-anniversary celebration in 2012 and recruiting Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki as the keynote speaker for that year’s Gala. 

For his dedication in promoting U.S.–Japan relationships in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, Dick was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun and Gold Rays with Rosette by Consul-General of Japan in Chicago, Kenichi Okada, on August 12, 2021.

Dick seems to be everywhere. He has spent time lobbying on behalf of Japan with Governors Dayton and Walz and encouraging young people to pursue their interest in Japan. He is a constant presence at Japan-related events in the Twin Cities, but you will also find him at events in Duluth, Fargo, and Chicago. He supports long-established organization and welcomes newcomers. When I returned to Minnesota after living in Japan for 15 years, one of the first people I met was Dick. He had some great suggestions for me and my family, and he has continued to check in with me once a year for a cup of coffee and a chat about our mutual interests. 

Dick loves to drive, and rumor has it that he drives fast. Former JASM president Elizabeth Fehrman recalls driving with Dick to an event in Winona. Elizabeth feared that they would arrive seriously late. Not with Dick at the wheel. Last month, Dick drove all the way to Evanston IL to attend the farewell reception for Consul-General Hiroshi Tajima. Despite getting a flat tire along the way, Dick arrived almost on time. That is commitment!

For his many accomplishments, and for the relationships that he has built along the way, we are proud to recognize Dick as the 2023 recipient of the Mondale Award.

Bob Luck,

JASM President

Chair, 2023 Mondale Award Selection Committee

JASM is very pleased to present the Mondale Award to Dick Stahl in 2023 at the Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala on Saturday, November 4 at the Oak Ridge Country Club. Everyone is welcome to join us to honor Dick Stahl.