Japanese language specialist Michael Gillum, representing Japan America Society member firm Dickinson Wright, presented University of Michigan student Ella Sidorowicz with an award at the Japanese Language Speech Contest organized by the Japan Teachers Association of Michigan.
Maki Namekawa Piano Concert at Valade Jazz Center Wayne State University
Society members and Deputy Consul General Yamane were warmed on a winter’s night in Detroit by a masterful presentation of Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, and Philip Glass compositions in the newly restored Valade Jazz Center.
Society President Receives Japan Foreign Minister's Commendation Award
Consul General Kishimori presented the Minister’s Award to Liseann Gouin, President of the Japan America Society, for ‘her outstanding contributions to friendly relations between countries’. The Minister refers to her as a ‘key figure in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States’.
JAS Festive Holiday Gathering 2025
Society members celebrated a year of Japan-US-Canada friendship with good cheer, warm greetings from the Consul General of Japan and of Canada, friendly bidding rivalry at an auction of generous corporate contributions, and a choir performance from the White Pine Glee Club with Trillium and Otomodachi.
Michigan-Japan HR Conference
On November 21, 2025 Ikigai Connections invited Consul General Kishimori, and Society experts from: Dickinson Wright, Plante Moran, and Hirotec America to present the most up-to-date information to HR professionals. The City of Novi was the Conference host and Paris Baguette supplied a delectable lunch and snacks from Sakura Novi. Thanks to our partners JBSD & JETRO.
Michigan Governor Whitmer with the Consulate, JBSD, and the JAS November 12th
Inviting investigation of the theme of Discover What You Love about Japan, the Consulate General of Japan offered the Governor and Michigan legislators the opportunity to participate in the traditional Japanese arts in downtown Lansing.
Sakura NOVI Dedication Ceremony October 23rd!
Downtown NOVI has a new Public Garden with a peaceful pond, a playground, and residences for lease, all anchored to Asian inspired restaurants and shops.
Summit on Japan-US Cultural and Educational Exchange
Thursday, October 23, in Novi, Society leaders and members joined the United States-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) a binational advisory panel that serves to elevate and strengthen the vital cultural and educational foundations of the U.S.-Japan relationship, and to strengthen connections between U.S. and Japan leadership in those fields.
Cranbrook Japanese Garden's New Entrance Designed by Sadafumi Uchiyama
Japanese landscape architect Sadafumi Uchiyama cuts the ribbon accompanied by the great great grandson of Cranbrook’s founders George and Ellen Booth, Greg Wittkopp, Director of Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, and Consul General of Japan, Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, on Monday, October 20th, 2025, 110 years after the Garden’s original creation.
Japan-Michigan Innovation Seminar at Newlab Detroit
Japanese start up TriOrb Inc. was invited by the Consulate General of Japan to participate in a panel titled: JAPANESE STARTUPS and CRAFTSMANSHIP moderated by JETRO's Exe. Dir. SHIONO Tatsuhiko.
Michael Magdich from Industry 4.0 Accelerator led the show with a Panel on COLLABORATION BETWEEN JAPANESE COMPANIES and STARTUPS.
A winning collaboration between the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, JETRO - Japan External Trade Organization, Japan Business Society of Detroit, Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwest Ontario, MEDC and Newlab
Japan Festival 2025 with JBSD in NOVI
September 28th was a great day of celebrating Japanese Culture with the community including: a musical Shodo performance from ‘Kyoko Calligraphy’, the White Pine Glee Club and Trillium, Japanese Tea Ceremonies from three traditions and many matsuri activities and snacks for children and adults alike.
We bid the fondest of farewells to our dear Tomoyo Koehler, tea ceremony master, as she travels back to Japan.
Cranbrook MiBon Festival 2025
An enthusiastic crowd of Taiko musicians and Bon Odori dancers braved the summer heat on Sunday, August 10th to uphold the Japanese tradition of Obon in honor of our ancestors. The 3rd Annual Japanese Bon Festival with the Great Lakes TAIKO Center hosted by Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research also celebrated the renovations of the Cranbrook Japanese Garden announcing the scheduled reopening on October 19th!
JAS Young Professionals led by Stephanie Knitter hosted a Japanese crafts table for children that featured a Yayoi Kusama theme.
Generous community support came from Tokyo Rope Mfg, Japan Business Society of Detroit, the Consulate General of Japan, JCMU, Michigan-Shiga Sister State Program, JACL, Novi Public Library, and Ikebana International.