Join Us for a night of elegance and celebration at the

JASNC 10th Anniversary Winter Gala! 

 

Enjoy a magical evening filled with fine dining, delightful company, and a festive atmosphere with laughter and holiday spirit. This celebration marks a decade of North Carolina’s active participation in the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS)—a nationally recognized network whose mission is to strengthen cooperation and understanding between the peoples of Japan and the United States.

 

The evening will feature the presentation of the inaugural JASNC Governor Hunt Japan-U.S. Business Leadership Award, honoring former Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. for his outstanding contributions to strengthening Japan–North Carolina relations. The award will be accepted on his behalf by Mr. John Atkins, former Honorary Consul General of Japan. We will also recognize Dr. John Mertz, Professor Emeritus at NC State University, with the JASNC Community Service Award for his dedication to fostering cultural and educational exchange.

 

Guests will enjoy our annual Silent Auction and a Raffle for two round-trip economy tickets to Japan on Air Canada—last year’s winners, David and Jenine Atoji, traveled this past April to visit family and Durham’s Sister City, Toyama, where they presented a gift from the City of Durham.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and generous donations to JASNC—your contributions make it possible for us to carry forward our mission of strengthening U.S.–Japan relations at the grassroots level here in North Carolina. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable evening!

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                                                                      ✨ Raffle Alert! ✈️
Raffle tickets are on sale now to the general public! Only 300 tickets will be sold! Enter for your chance to win 2 round-trip tickets to Japan on Air Canada! Take advantage of this opportunity to win a trip and explore the beauty and culture of Japan.

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Program Schedule: (tentative)

    

    6:00 pm– Registration/ Auction Sign up/Air Canada Raffle sales/Networking with Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres

    6:45 pm – Introduction​ and Welcome 

 ​Mr. Kenichi Matsuda, Consul General of Japan in Atlanta

 Mr. David Robinson – Honorary Consul for Japan in North Carolina and  Chairman of JASNC

 Introduction of New Corporate/Institutional Members

     7:00 pm – Presentation of Governor Hunt US-Japan Business Leadership Award/ JASNC Community Service Award

     7:15 pm – Thank you to Gala Sponsors - Denso and Air Canada

     7:20 pm -  Report from Japan: World Expo in Osaka/Sister Cities Summit

     7:30 pm -   JASNC Video - Community Impact

     7:35 pm - Annual Member Meeting

     7:45 pm – Buffet Dinner

     9:00 pm – Silent Auction and Raffle Winner Announced

     9:15 pm – Closing Remarks​​​​​

     9:30 pm - Gala Closes