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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 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.

  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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• 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. 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! No prior experience is necessary to participate. Please wear clothes that are easy to move in.

  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.  

  
  

  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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• JASM Connects - with Fredrikson & Byron

  • When
    2025-07-17
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    82
  • Registered
    15 registrants

  Register

  The Quarterly JASM Social

  

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

   Thursday, July 17 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

   Fredrickson & Byron, JASM Corporate Member

  60 South Sixth Street, Suite 1500

  Minneapolis, MN 55402-4400 (See the parking info below.)

  
  

  JASM Connects is a relaxed opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a casual conversation in any language. ​Light appetizers and beverages, beer and wine will be generously provided by Fredrickson. 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!

   

  
  

  Parking & Directions:

  Click here for Fredrikson’s Minneapolis office visitor information.

  Fredrikson is located at 60 South Sixth Street in downtown Minneapolis. The JASM Connects event will be on Floor 15. Please note, the building includes valet service. Gratuity for the valet is not expected. The 60 South Sixth Street ramp entrance is on 5th Street (one way). Be careful not to drive on the light rail tracks. There are three ramps in close proximity to the office, Gaviidae Commons Garage (61 South 6th Street), 517 Marquette Avenue Garage (517 South Marquette Ave), or the Midtown Garage (11 South 4th Street).

  
  

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• Expo 2025 Osaka: Insights with Mark Ritchie (online)

  • When
    2025-07-24
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Online (registration required)
  • Spaces left
    90

  Register

  ​Join us for an exclusive webinar with Mark Ritchie, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and former President of Global Minnesota, as he shares firsthand insights from his recent 18-day trip to Japan focused on the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.

  
  

  Mark’s journey included high-level meetings with city and regional officials, in-depth visits to national and corporate pavilions, and discussions with U.S. Pavilion staff and Youth Ambassadors. This is a unique opportunity to gain early perspectives on one of the most anticipated global events of the decade.

  Date: Thursday, ​July 24

  Time:​ 6 pm - 7 pm

  Location: Online (registration required)

  Non-Member: $10

  JASM Member: Free

  The ticket is not refundable but is transferable. Please contact us at jasm@mn-japan.org.

  
  

  Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from a ​global leader with an insider’s view of what’s coming at Expo 2025—and what it means for innovation, culture, and international collaboration.

  
  

  Please consider donating to help JASM in its mission!

  

  
  

  About the Speaker:

  Donald Mark Ritchie brings decades of leadership in public service, international collaboration, and civic engagement. His distinguished roles include:

  
  

  Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (2019–Present) – Representing the Secretary in Minnesota

  • President, Global Minnesota (2019–2022) – Leading international exchange and diplomacy programs

  Secretary of State, State of Minnesota (2007–2014) – Overseeing elections, business services, and investment initiatives
  
  Chair, World’s Fair Fund (2012–Present) – Spearheading efforts to bring the World’s Fair to Minnesota
  Endowed Chair in Ag Food Systems, University of Minnesota (2015–2017)
  

  
  

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• 2025 Obon Festival Volunteers Needed!

  • When
    2025-08-07
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    60

  

  (Picture: 2024 Obon Festival first shift volunteers)

  We are now accepting registration for volunteers! If you want to join us in making the Obon Festival successful and fun, we encourage you to apply!

  Mandatory Volunteer Orientation will be held virtually on Thursday, August 7th at 6 pm.

  The Obon Festival itself will be held on Sunday, August 17th.

  Please find information below on the various booths you can volunteer at and make this event successful together!

  • 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 - conduct J-quiz by asking participants questions and encouraging participants

  • Wanage - the Japanese version 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 given priority. If you are not JASM member yet, become a member and join the JASM family today! Whether you're new to Obon or an experienced volunteer, we look forward to having you!

  Please Fill Out This Form to Volunteer!

  Please fill out the volunteer form by Sunday, August 3rd!

  
  

  
  

  **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!

  
  

  Show details
• 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
• 2025 JASM Charity Golf Scramble (in-person)

  • When
    2025-09-20
  •  
    12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Pioneer Creek Golf Course 705 Copeland Rd #9787, Maple Plain, MN 55359
  • Spaces left
    69

  Register

  
  

  2025 JASM Charity Golf Scramble

  
  

  
  

  FORE!!! JASM will be holding our 5th annual charity golf scramble event on Saturday, September 20 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 (until August 30):

  Member: $85

  Non-Member: $110

  
  

  Regular Pricing (August 31 – September 20):

  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

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• Save the Date: 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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• JASM Community Engagements

  • Start
    2025-12-20
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    2025-12-31
  •  
    11:59 PM
  • Location
    Various locations

  
  

  
  

  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

  • Attendee at the Cha-ami Library Opening Event
  • Cultural Demonstration at Cooper High School Culture Fest
  • Cultural Outreach at the University of Minnesota Japanese Class

  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

  
  

  
  

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