Yesterday, December 7th, JASA had its final quarterly board meeting for the year, covering various topics, including a review of the previous year's events and programs, and exploring strategies to best serve members and the community in the upcoming year. We believe it was a highly productive session and are excited for everyone to see what we have in store. 

We’ve started the process of preparing for our Annual Cherry Blossom Festival as well as giving thought to a few other events such as our Annual Celebration Dinner and Business Forum. We also hope to have some new and exciting opportunities for everyone in both cultural and business-focused events, in addition to our monthly Kayoubikai and cultural events. Please keep your eyes on our platforms for more details as time goes on.

As the year comes to an end, the JASA board would like to extend “Happy Holidays” to everyone. We look forward to seeing you all at our events in 2024!

December Kayoubikai: Bonenkai 忘年会

December 19, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

@ Samurai Japan: 700 Montgomery Hwy #178, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 

Join us for our December Kayoubikai at Samurai Japan, a great opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests, practice Japanese, and stay connected with other people in our JASA community. All are welcome, whether you're a JASA member or not!

In addition to our usual fare, we are considering this a Bonenkai, a time to reflect on our year and celebrate. We hope to blow off some steam with you all, catch up and reminisce on our meetings in 2023, and look forward to the times spent together in 2024.

Please RSVP at least one day in advance! There is no cost to attend this event but everyone will be responsible for their own ticket at the end of the meal.

RSVP HERE!

Become a JASA Member!

We are grateful to have the support of our corporate members and individual members at all levels!

Our members enjoy basic benefits as well as special support from JASA for welcoming Japanese guests, coordinating events, and more. Whether you are Japanese or American, represent a group related to Japanese business and culture, or just have an interest in Japanese culture, we welcome all members. 

If you are interested in our membership program or would like more information, please contact us at officemanager@jasaweb.org or visit our website.

日本人対象の英会話教室

Spring English Courses

１月〜４月 (日程はレベルによって異なります)

Online (Zoom)

ジャパン・ソサエティー・語学センターでは、日本人向けの英会話教室、「Spring English Courses｣を開講いたします。ジャパン・ソサエティーでしか受けられない授業です。ぜひ一度ご体験ください。

英会話教室のレベル：初級・中級（下）・中級（中）・中級（上）／上級

いずれも日本語に精通するBen Milam先生が担当いたします。各レベルの授業内容の説明をご確認の上、ご自分に適したクラスをお選びください。ご自分のレベルが分からない場合は、第一週目に限り、他のクラスもお試しになれます。先生の助言も得られますので、ぜひお試しください。

アメリカ国内だけでなく、日本や他の国・地域からもご参加いただけるようご用意しております。

なお、全コースにおいて教科書の購入は不必要です。

詳細はこちらから

Virtual Introduction to the

Japanese Language

December 9, 16, 23, January 20, & 27 (Saturday Classes)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)

Online (Zoom)

The Japanese Culture Center is offering a virtual class over the next few weeks. Conducted over 5 weeks (with a break in the middle for the holidays), this course will be an introduction to the Japanese language by instructor, Mieko Fujii. Enjoy learning to read, write, and speak with classmates in our Introduction to Japanese Language class!

The course has a registration fee of 120 dollars and does not include a copy of the textbook. If you are interested, act fast, as some of the time slots have sold out.

More Info

おうちごはん! (Ouchigohan) Okonomiyaki Homecooking Class

December 9, 4:00 - 5:30 PM CST

Online (Zoom)

Ouchigohan is back with another installment of their series of home cooking classes! A fun, family-friendly class for Japan-America Society members! This event is being hosted as part of the ongoing Onigiri Action campaign from Table for Two USA.

This month's dish is the Japanese staple okonomiyaki! There will not be any packages shipped, so registration will be open till the event. An ingredient card and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event. (This month’s dishes can be prepared vegetarian and/or gluten-free.)

After a short presentation, participants will cook together with the Japanese ingredients lead by our Ouchigohan instructor, Debra Samuels from TABLE FOR TWO.

More Info

JFLA Online Lecture:

NETSUKE: MASTERPIECES OF

JAPANESE MINIATURE SCULPTURE

December 12, 9:00 - 9:40 PM CST

Online

As part of their ongoing online lecture series the Japan Foundation of Los Angeles will be holding another online lecture, this time on "netsuke". Netsuke are small toggles that are attached to the end of the cords used to hang various accessories from an obi. There is a large amount of craftsmanship that goes into these items given their size, and also artistry and personality in the form they take in depicting many different subjects.

In conjunction with Japan Foundation's video series, Doors to the Arts of Japan, Japanese art historian Meher McArthur will introduce these miniature works of art, exploring their evolution in Japanese kimono culture, their production and their popularity with collectors around the world. The short lecture will be followed with a brief Q&A session.

Read More

Go see the Holiday Poinsettia Tree at Birmingham Botanical Gardens!

For a festive experience like no other, make your way to Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Their Holiday Poinsettia Tree, a beloved centerpiece in the Gardens' Conservatory, is now standing tall and proud at an impressive 16 feet.

Plan a visit during December to see this annual favorite that has been months in the making. Family photos are welcome; please note the Gardens' photography guidelines.

Free and open to the public

The conservatory is open Tuesdays–Sundays, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.

Location: 2612 Lane Park Road Birmingham, AL 35223

Plan Your Visit