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• Workout with Delta Kai (online)

  • When
    2025-03-26
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

  Register

  Join us on Wednesday, March 26th at 6:00pm for an online demonstration from our Corporate Member Delta Kai Martial Arts. Through this online event, Thomas Drager will teach and demonstrate kata - a series of forms and movements utilized in many different martial arts. Come join in this fun way to get some exercise together! 

  
  

  JASM Member: Free

  Non-Member: $8

  
  

  Donate for the Kicks!

  We are also very grateful to Delta Kai Martial Arts for doing a Tornado Kick fundraiser. For every $5 donated to JASM, Thomas will do a tornado kick! Let's see how dizzy we can get this martial arts master! 

  

  
  

  At Delta Kai, Martial Arts is a discipline to grow and become a strong and confident individual. Fueled by your donations, we can help our community through our free classes and our Community Warriors volunteer program.

  Thomas Draeger began his martial arts journey in American Karate, earning his black belt in September 1999. Over the years, he progressed and achieved his 3rd-degree black belt in 2019. In 2021, he made the decision to step away from American Karate to deepen his focus on Traditional Karate.

  In his time, he has also trained:

  • Shotokan (2012–2014)
  • Shorin Ryu (2015–2018)
  • Muay Thai (2021)
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2021)
  • Shurite (2021–2025)

  Thomas' son began his journey in Karate in 2020 at the age of four and it has always been something they've enjoyed together. Now he joins Thomas as his first student in our own family Dojo.

  The Delta Kai style is a fusion of all Thomas has learned, offering something truly unique and as a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Youth Exercise Specialist, he's combined my fitness expertise with martial arts to create an empowering experience for all ages.

  

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• Mondale Scholarship 2025-2026 Application Open

  • Start
    2025-04-01
  • End
    2025-07-27

  Mondale Scholarship applications open!

  
  

  

  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 broden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel. Former Ambassador Mondale has 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.

  Picture from a Mondale Scholarship Recipient 2023-2024: Livvy Peters (second from right), Wearing Kimono with friends in Arashiyama, Kyoto
  

  
  

  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

  
  

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

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• New Member Social 2025 (In-Person)

  • When
    2025-04-10
  •  
    6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Saji-Ya: 695 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
  • Spaces left
    96

  Register

  This is new JASM member only event.

  Welcome new JASM Members!

  

  (Picture: New Member Social 2024 at Taiyo International, Inc., one of our corporate members)

  New members who registered from April 2024 to April 9, 2025, will be invited!

  Join us for the New Member Social 2025 at Saji-Ya in Saint Paul on Thursday, April 10, from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.  (Google Maps)

  This New Member Social will take place at Saji-Ya just before Know Me Kai, a casual networking event starting at 6:30 PM at the same location.

  Schedule:

  • 6:00 PM: New Member Social​ - a new member only event
  • 6:30 PM: Know Me Kai (Casual Networking Event)

  This event is a great opportunity to get to know JASM a little better and meet other Japan enthusiasts in Minnesota and the surrounding area. 

  

  Your Continued Support is Appreciated!

  
  

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• Know Me Kai: Networking Event (in-person)

  • When
    2025-04-10
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Saji-Ya, 695 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA
  • Spaces left
    93
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  JASM Know Me Kai is back! 

  Join us for a casual networking event at Saji-Ya in Saint Paul on Thursday, April 10 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. (Google Maps)

  Know Me Kai is a play on the Japanese expression nomikai (飲み会) which is the name of informal social gatherings which often involve drinking.  

  Come and get to know JASM and other Japan enthusiasts in Minnesota and the surrounding area! We encourage everyone to attend with your favorite refreshments at hand. 

  *Price:

  Non-Member: $10

  Member: Free

  There will be some special door prizes!

  We are looking forward to seeing you there!

  *Participants are responsible for the purchase of their own food and drink.

  
  

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• JASM Connects - with MGK Company

  • When
    2025-05-28
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    97

  The Quarterly JASM Social

  

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

  When: Wednesday, May 28 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

  Sponsor: MGK Company, JASM Corporate Member

  Where: 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.  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

  $10 for non-members — apply for membership now! Simply scan the QR code or click here to join. The $10 fee will be credited toward your membership.

  
  

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

   

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• Save the Date! JASM Connects - with Fredrickson & Byron

  • When
    2025-07-09
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    97

  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

  $10 for non-members — apply for membership now! Simply scan the QR code or click here to join. The $10 fee will be credited toward your membership.

  
  

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

   

  Show details
• JASM Activities at Mia Family Day! (Exhibitor)

  • When
    2025-07-13
  •  
    11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
  • Spaces left
    75

  
  

  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!

  

  
  

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• 2025 Japanese Obon Festival

  • When
    2025-08-17
  •  
    3:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

  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!

  Show details
• Save the Date for JASM Connects - with Satellite Industries

  • When
    2025-10-29
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    97

  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

  $10 for non-members — apply for membership now! Simply scan the QR code or click here to join. The $10 fee will be credited toward your membership if you join.

  
  

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

   

  Show details
• Save the Date for the 2025 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala (in-person)

  • When
    2025-11-15
  •  
    5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Oak Ridge Country Club 700 Oak Ridge Rd, Hopkins, MN 55305

  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.

  Please keep an eye out for registration information which will come in September.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Save the Date! Annual Meeting 2025 (In-Person)

  • When
    2025-12-11
  •  
    6:30 PM

  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!

  
  

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