Consul General Kishimori Celebrates President Liseann Gouin in her new role as President Emerita of the Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario

On Thursday, August 27, Consul General Kishimori hosted a reception in honor of JASMSO President Liseann Gouin, in recognition of her longstanding contributions to Japan-U.S. friendship. She has now assumed the position of President Emerita. Joining the celebration were President Andrew Wylegala of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), and Mrs. Yoko Wylegala, who were visiting Detroit from Washington D.C.

President Gouin joined JASMSO in 1990 and has served as President since 1997. In this role, she has helped strengthen ties and promote mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. through the only Japan America Society serving both Michigan and Ontario. In recognition of her accomplishments and dedication, she was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2025.

120th Anniversary of Charles Lang Freer’s Gift to the Nation

The 120th Anniversary of Charles Lang Freer’s Gift of his extensive collection of Japanese and Asian Art and the Freer Gallery, now the National Museum of Asian Art on the mall in Washington, DC was held on Sunday, June 7.

Detroit industrialist Charles Lang Freer’s vision and philanthropy was commemorated with a luncheon held at the Freer House, where remarks were delivered by Senator Gary Peters who is also a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, Director Chase Robinson of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, Director William Colburn of the Freer House, President Liseann Gouin of the Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario, Deputy Consul General of Japan Kentaro Yamane, and Director, President, and CEO Salvador Salort-Pons of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Guests were served Japanese bento meals.

Following the luncheon, guests met at the Detroit Institute of Arts where Director Robinson delivered a keynote lecture titled, “Detroit and Charles Lang Freer’s Vision for a National Museum,” in which he spoke about Freer’s life, his connection to the city of Detroit, his voyages to Japan, and the art collection he donated to the nation 120 years ago.

Additionally, during a reception held afterward at the Freer House, Deputy Consul General Yamane presented congratulatory messages from Kōetsu-ji Temple in Kyoto to Director Robinson and Director Colburn. During his lifetime, Freer developed a connection with Kōetsu-ji Temple through his collection of works by Hon’ami Kōetsu, and a stone monument donated in his memory continues to be preserved at the temple.


36th Annual Dinner at Sakura Novi

The 36th Annual Dinner Celebration was a perfect combination of our remarkable members, guest officials, the lush sunlit setting of Sakura Novi, and the cuisine of its fine restaurants!

The highlight of the evening of celebrating international friendship was Sadafumi Uchiyama’s keynote address, “The Power of the Garden in Japan-US Friendship”.

Thanks to our sponsors HIROTEC AMERICA and Fifth Third Bank Comerica Bank

And restaurants Dancing Pine, Chubby Cattle, Paris Baguette

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Japan Day at Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village

Consul Takeshi Hamada warmly welcomed the Japan America Society group to the Henry Ford Museum where a presentation and a museum tour highlighted many historical connections between Japan and Michigan. Since the Henry Ford is known as ‘the Museum of American Innovation,’ it was especially interesting to hear about the Toyoda family’s early visits to study Henry Ford’s production process. Society Officer, Izumi Suzuki, who joined the visit, generously offered her interpreting services that included memories of aiding the Toyoda family during their trips to Ford.

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.