Japan-America Society Programs

The Heart of America Japan-America Society sponsors many activities and has several civic responsibilities. Since 1974, JAS has engaged in a Sister City Program with the beautiful city of Kurashiki, Japan. Over the past 28 years, the JAS membership has hosted nearly 440 Japanese high school and college students during summer visits to Kansas City. Host families are from a variety of locations in the Greater Kansas City area. For the students, the Society sponsors social activities, sight-seeing, a welcome picnic by the members, and a grand party which includes presentations from both hosts and visitors.

Student Ambassador Program (Kurashiki Japan)

Since 1981, JAS has helped sponsor over 64 American high school and first year college students in a summer home-stay program in Kurashiki as student ambassadors. The American student ambassadors study the Japanese language intensely and are well qualified to represent the Japan-America Society.

2010 Kurashiki Student Ambassador Application

If you know of a high school student who is interested in being an ambassador to Kurashiki, Japan this summer, please make sure they get the application below. Hurry because the application is due March 14th.
Download 2010 Kurashiki Ambassador Application

Cultural Involvement

The society participates in two major cultural festivals each year. The Japan Festival in the fall and the city-wide Ethnic Festival held at Swope Park each August. Proceeds from each event help support the JAS Student Ambassador Fund and the JAS Scholarship Fund. JAS has also participated in annual local 4H Club gatherings.

Greater Kansas City Japan Festival

The Japan Festival has been in operation over a decade. The Japan-America Society typically has several members who are actively participating in the planning of the festival, as well as countless others who set up and volunteer on the day(s) of the event. This may mean directing visitors, working a craft or sales table, or holding workshops and performances. This is one of our biggest events of the year for representing Japan and its culture. Japan Festival Website

NIJIKAIWA | Casual Conversation Practice

Are you wanting to learn Japanese, or use what you already know so you don't forget it? Formed in November 1993, Nijikaiwa is an informal gathering of individuals that get together to use their Japanese language conversation skills. Curently the meeting time and place is 7:30 - 9:00 PM Thursdays at Starbucks on the Plaza. See the map below. There is no cost to join. It is not a class, there are no lessons, just a place to use what you've learned. People of all ages and Japanese language ability are welcome, including Japanese people wishing to practice English.

For more info, email Tim Wagner: [twagner AT mindspring DOT COM]

Starbucks at the Plaza

Map
302 Nichols Road (Corner of Nichols Road & Central)
Kansas City, MO

Scholarship Fund

The JAS Scholarship Fund is presently administered by Johnson County Community College. In past years it has also been administered by University of Missouri at Kansas City and Rockhurst College. The fund is established for a Japanese student studying in the U.S.or an American student studying in either country. If you are an educational institution in the Kansas City area and would like to inquire about administering our scholarship, please contact us.

Shinnenkai (The New Year celebration)

Since its founding, the Japan-America Society traditionally held a Christmas / Year end dinner dance in early to mid-December. Beginning in 1999, this party was shifted into January of the new year and called the “Shinnenkai”. The Party Committee, makes the reservation for the following year’s party. In past years, the celebration has been held in the Kansas City Carriage Club, as well as the Marriot hotel and other locations.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival in KC

The Japan-America Society sets up a section to display Japanese culture, food and items for purchase at the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. Every year in August, the Festival features countries throughout the world. We are happy to be apart of it.

Publications

The official JAS newsletter, Nichibei News, is sent to each member bi-monthly

Monthly Meetings (with exceptions)

Monthly meetings of JAS are normally held at the Loose Park Garden Center on the fourth Tuesday of the month; however, other activities may take place from time to time. The time, date, and the location of each meeting or event are published in the Nichibei-News.