Obon Festival at the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research on Sunday, August 13th

Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research welcomed the Japanese Community to celebrate the beginning of the traditional Obon Festival in Japan. Visitors relaxed in Cranbrook’s Japanese Garden, which is open to the public for everyone to enjoy1

INOAC USA, Inc. Vice Chairman Chuck Little Receives Consul General's Commendation

Consul General Shindo has recognized Chuck Little for his enthusiastic contributions to the Japan-America network of friendship and collaboration with a Certificate of Commendation. On the occasion, INOAC USA, Inc. welcomed guests for a celebration of Japan-US friendship and connoisseurship that included a piano concert by Yuta Sugano, sake tasting, and fine dining at the Longacre House in Farmington Hills.

JAS Young Professionals visit Toyota Technical Center in Saline

The Society’s Young Professionals Group enjoyed a warm welcome from the Toyota YP group leaders and the Vice President of Purchasing, Greg Laskey.

Annual Dinner 2023 - University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens with UM President Dr. Santa J. Ono

ANNUAL DINNER June 6, 2023 at the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Bonsai Garden

University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono welcomed Japan America Society members to stroll through the tropical oasis of the glass conservatory while sipping refreshing Japanese sake from Shiga Prefecture. Along the Bonsai garden path, everyone enjoyed sushi in the company of internationally and nationally ranked specimens of bonsai azaleas and pines, many over 100 years old, and at least one 1000 years old!  Seated on the Terrace, with members of Michigan’s Japanese-American business community, members conversed over a formal outdoor dinner complimented by wine, live jazz, and warm greetings from special guests. Consul General of Japan Yusuke Shindo honored Japan America Society Chairman, Michael Fetters with a much deserved  Certificate of Commendation from the Consul General.

Michigan-Shiga Sister State event at the University of Michigan Museum of Art

Students learned about Japanese Shigaraki ware in the “Clay as Soft Power” Exhibition from ceramics artist Yoshiko Takahashi and about the wonders of Shiga from Yuta Matsubara, representative of the Shiga Prefectural Government on April 14th at UMMA’s ‘Feel Good Friday’ event.

Japanese Language Speech Contest 3.11.2023

High School and University students bravely took up the mic to present their speeches in Japanese at the Novi Civic Center. Sponsors included the Consulate General of Japan, the Japan Business Society of Detroit, the Japan America Society, and the Japanese Teachers Association of Michigan. Thank-you to the volunteer judges!

Japan Business Society of Detroit 50th Anniversary!!

Consul General Shindo was joined in acknowledging the half-century milestone by Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and JBSD president Mr. Hiroki Sasaki, vice-president Nissan US in Novi on Sunday, January 29th, 2023.