Japan America Society of Colorado

What Japan America Society of Colorado does

Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in the late 1980s and headquartered at 1373 Grant St #103, Denver, CO. Its mission is to expand people-to-people relationships between Colorado and Japan by serving as a bridge connecting the two regions through business, education, and cultural opportunities. The organization serves 500+ individual members, 67 corporate members, and a 25+ member Board of Directors, supported by a lean staff of approximately 4–5 employees plus 64+ annual volunteers. It operates within the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) network of 38 sister societies across the U.S., and holds formal diplomatic ties including a 40-year Colorado–Yamagata Prefecture sister-state relationship (since 1986), sister-city agreements (Fujiyoshida, Takayama, Chino, Broomfield-Ueda, Greeley-Moriya), and a 2025 Sister Byways agreement with Hokkaido.

JASC's core "products" are programmatic rather than technological: Japanese language instruction (Passport to Japan classes, Kaiwa Club), the Japan in the Schools program (free K-12 outreach reaching 3,000 students/year), the Japan Cup competition (160 students from 11 schools, 64 volunteers), Japanese Business Protocol training (200+ professionals/year), cultural workshops (Sushi Series, Ouchigohan cooking, calligraphy, bonsai, ikebana, urushi lacquerware), and signature annual events (Annual Gala, Colorado-Japan Charity Golf Tournament, Nichi-Bei-GO dragon boat team). Underlying technology is minimal — a content website on Duda, Neon CRM for membership/event management, email newsletter, and an Instagram-led social media presence — there is no proprietary platform, app, or API, and AI/ML is not in use.

Revenue is generated through five streams: individual and corporate membership dues (individual from $5/month, corporate on annual tiers including Investor Level and Benefactor), paid event revenue (Gala tickets, golf tournament entry at $250 individual / $875 foursome, sushi workshops at $15–$25, cooking classes at $10–$15), donations and fundraising (charity raffle with a United Airlines grand prize of two round-trip tickets worldwide, silent auction), educational program fees, and corporate sponsorships (United Airlines presenting sponsor, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, DEN, Sakura Square LLC). The organization is privately held as a 501(c)(3) with no parent company, no subsidiaries, and no funding rounds; governance rests with its Board of Directors under President Stephanie Garnica and Executive Director Claudine Locascio (since 2012).

Name

Japan America Society of Colorado

Legal name

Japan America Society of Colorado

Website

https://jascolorado.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Japan America Society of Colorado is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that bridges Colorado and Japan through cultural, educational, and business programming, serving 500+ individual members, 67 corporate members, and 3,000+ K-12 students annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Individual and corporate memberships provide recurring annual revenue. Individual membership available from $5/month.
2. Event Revenue: Revenue generated from paid events including Sushi Series workshops ($15-$25 per session), Charity Golf Tournament ($250 individual / $875 foursome), and Annual Gala tickets.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Charity raffle (with prizes such as round-trip United tickets), silent auction at Annual Gala, and general donations from members and supporters. 2026 raffle benefits education programs and cultural initiatives.
4. Educational Programs: Revenue from Japanese language classes (Passport to Japan series), Japan in the Schools presentations (some free, some paid), and Ouchigohan cooking classes ($10-$15).
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate members and event sponsors (e.g., United Airlines as presenting sponsor, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs) provide sponsorship revenue and in-kind support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that operates as a bridge between Colorado and Japan. It delivers Japanese language classes, K-12 cultural outreach, cultural workshops (sushi-making, calligraphy, bonsai, ikebana), Japanese business protocol training, an annual Japan Cup competition for students, an Annual Gala, a Charity Golf Tournament, a dragon boat team, and ongoing networking events for both individual members and corporate member companies.

Product overview

Japan America Society of Colorado is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating as a membership-based community platform rather than a traditional software product. The organization offers a portfolio of cultural, educational, and networking programs designed to expand people-to-people relationships between Colorado and Japan. The core offerings include Japanese language instruction (Passport to Japan classes, Kaiwa conversation clubs), K-12 educational outreach (Japan in the Schools, Japan Cup competition), cultural workshops (Sushi Series, Ouchigohan cooking classes, calligraphy, bonsai, ikebana), business protocol training, and community events (Annual Gala, Charity Golf Tournament, Dragon Boat Team). Programs are delivered in-person at venues throughout Colorado and virtually via Zoom, with membership providing access to exclusive events, discounts, and the member directory. The organization connects via business, education, and cultural opportunities rather than through a unified software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nichi-Bei-GO: Dragon boat team operated by JASC for community building and cultural exchange
• Kaiwa Club
• Japan Cup
• Japan in the Schools
• Passport to Japan
• Ouchigohan
• Sushi Series

Products and services

• Japanese Language Classes (Passport to Japan) Japanese language instruction programs including Passport to Japan 1 (beginner) and Passport to Japan 2 courses, designed for first-time travelers and those seeking conversational skills with cultural insights.
• Kaiwa Club Japanese conversation practice sessions held every other Saturday at Edgewater Public Market, welcoming all language levels for conversational practice in a relaxed environment.
• Japan in the Schools Free in-school presentations on Japanese language and culture for K-12 and college students, covering topics such as Journey through Japan, Art & Culture of Origami, Japanese Poetry (Haiku), Wabi-sabi, and Anime in Japan. Reaches approximately 3,000 students annually.
• Japan Cup Competition Annual statewide Japanese language and culture competition for Colorado students, JASC's largest volunteer effort, featuring multiple rounds in culture, language, and current events; 2026 event drew 160 student participants from 11 schools.
• Sushi Series Interactive sushi-making workshop series in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver, teaching techniques including Inari, Temari, and Chirashizushi; priced $15 for members and $20 for general public.
• Ouchigohan Cooking Classes Japanese home cooking class program hosted nationwide by Japan America Societies, teaching recipes like Oyako Donburi, Okonomiyaki, and Hot Pot, available both in-person and virtually via Zoom; members pay $10 and general public pays $15.
• JASC Annual Gala Annual fundraising gala celebrating Colorado-Japan relations, featuring corporate recognition, silent auction, charity raffle (grand prize: two round-trip United tickets anywhere in the world), and cultural performances; 2026 Gala held September 9 at ReelWorks Denver.
• Colorado-Japan Charity Golf Tournament Annual charity golf tournament at The Pinery Country Club with cultural activities, sushi dinner, and raffle, with proceeds supporting Japanese education programs; individual entry $250 and foursome $875.
• Nichi-Bei-GO Dragon Boat Team JASC's dragon boat team competing at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, providing a summer activity for members to connect with the Asian-American community.
• Japanese Business Protocol Training Training programs on Japanese business etiquette including meishi (business card) exchange, communication styles, and cultural customs for corporate members preparing for Japan business; trains over 200 professionals per year.
• JASC Memberships (Individual and Corporate) Recurring annual membership program with Individual membership starting at $5/month and Corporate membership tiers (Investor Level, Benefactor, standard) that include business etiquette training, networking events, member directory access, and visibility at the Annual Gala; 67 corporate member companies and over 500 individual members.
• Sister Cities Program Program connecting Colorado communities with Japanese sister cities including Yamagata Prefecture, Fujiyoshida, Takayama, Chino (Nagano), Greeley-Moriya (Ibaraki), and Broomfield-Ueda, including student exchanges, business missions, and sports exchanges.
• JASC Rikai Scholarship Scholarship program supporting students studying Japanese language and culture.
• Cultural Workshops (Calligraphy, Bonsai, Ikebana, Urushi Lacquerware) Various cultural workshops covering traditional Japanese arts including Shodo (calligraphy), Bonsai, Ikebana (flower arrangement), and Urushi Lacquerware.
• 3rd Thursday Nomikai Networking Event Monthly business networking event held on the third Thursday at Edgewater Beer Garden, combining Japanese drinking party culture with professional networking.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,000 students reached via Japan in the Schools annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• United AirlinesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Annual Gala and Colorado-Japan Charity Golf Tournament. United provides round-trip tickets for charity raffle grand prize. Major supporter of cross-cultural exchange programs.
• Sumitomo Corporation of AmericascoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member and sponsor. Donated premier tires for charity raffle. Lunchbox sponsor of the Colorado-Japan Charity Golf Tournament. Masa Ikeda serves on JASC Board.
• Mt. Princeton Hot Springs ResortcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing prizes for the charity raffle. Amanda Warren serves on JASC Board.
• Denver International Airport (DEN)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestor-level corporate member. Laura Jackson serves on JASC Board.
• Sakura Square LLCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBenefactor-level corporate member. Organizer of Denver Cherry Blossom Festival. Tim Higashide serves on JASC Board.
• Inspired Functional BrandscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestor-level corporate member. Brandon Shepherd serves on JASC Board. Hosted in-person Ouchigohan cooking class session.
• Adams CountyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of JASC programs.
• Matsuhisa DenvercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatered the last three JASC Annual Galas. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa attended the 10th Anniversary celebration. Represents high-end Japanese culinary culture at JASC events.
• Japanese Business Association of the Rockies (JBAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Colorado-Japan Charity Golf Tournament. Joint happy hour events. Minori Matsuda serves as JBAR President. All golf tournament proceeds benefit both organizations' education programs.
• Japanese School of DenvercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASC golf tournament proceeds support the Japanese School of Denver. Toshiro and Yuri Wakasugi of the Japanese School attend JASC events.
• Consulate-General of Japan in DenverflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHiroyuki Okajima serves as Honorary Board Member. Consul General attends JASC events including Japan Cup, Golf Tournament, and Gala. Sushi Series features Chef Jin Jo from the Consulate. Regular collaboration on cultural programming.
• Broomfield Sister CitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted Ikebana Workshop to benefit Ueda student exchange trip. Broomfield is a sister city relationship with Ueda, Japan. JASC Board member Junko Goodwin chairs Broomfield Sister Cities Board.
• Colorado SymphonycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for VIP event featuring Japanese pianist Makoto Ozone. Colorado Symphony string quartet performed at the Annual Gala.
• National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASC is one of 38 Japan-America Societies in the US. NAJAS oversees the national network. Emma Chanlett-Avery serves as Chair of NAJAS. JASC Executive Director participates on NAJAS Finance Committee.
• Japan Society (New York)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASC Executive Director attended NAJAS leadership gathering at Japan Society in NYC. JASC represents Colorado within the broader Japan-America Society network.
• Japan Foundation, New YorkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided grant enabling JASC's speed-mentoring event at CU Boulder for students exploring international business careers.
• Denver Botanic GardensminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertified Bonsai experts from Denver Botanic Gardens taught JASC's Bonsai Workshop.
• Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished Sister Byways relationship with Scenic Byways Hokkaido Promotion Council. Celebratory event held along Lariat Loop Scenic Byway in Golden, CO.
• World Trade Center DenverminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSandi Moilanen serves on both JASC Board and World Trade Center Denver Board. Cross-promotion of international business events.
• Denver Startup WeekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASC participated in International Day at Denver Startup Week, leading session 'Understanding Japan through Business, Education & Cultural Synergy.' Connected with Japanese startups interested in Denver.
• Ramen Tarden DenverminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted VIP Sake Dinner for JASC corporate members. Part of local Japanese culinary community support.
• Edgewater Inn PizzaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTeam sponsor of Nichi-Bei-GO dragon boat team. Hosts team celebrations and gatherings.
• Yamagata PrefecturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner40-year sister state relationship with Colorado established in 1986. Active exchange programs including student exchanges, business missions, and sports exchanges (skiing, judo). JASC facilitates exchanges and hosted Governor Yoshimura's visit in July 2026.
• JapanCraft21minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted Japanese Urushi Lacquerware presentation event with Steve Beimel of JapanCraft21. Focused on revitalizing traditional Japanese arts.
• Shoyeido (300-year-old Japanese company)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRepresentatives from Shoyeido participated in JASC's speed-mentoring session for career development.
• Eberspächer VairexminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member receiving Japanese business etiquette training from JASC. Florence Kehn serves on JASC Board.
• Table for Two (Onigiri Action program)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnigiri Action program: for every photo shared with #OnigiriAction, Table for Two donates a meal to a child in need. JASC hosted onigiri-making event as part of this program.
• Misaki Restaurant (Stanley Marketplace)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerJASC member restaurant that catered the Colorado-Hokkaido Sister Byways celebratory event.
• Japan America Society of Washington D.C.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization that co-hosted a cooking class with JASC featuring yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori via Zoom.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Japanese American Association of New York: Comparable Japanese-American community organization providing cultural and educational programming and member services in the U.S.
• Japan America Society of Chicago: A Midwest-based Japan America Society. Directly comparable membership-based organization operating cultural, business, and educational programs in its region.
• Japan Society of Northern California: San Francisco-based Japan-America Society. Directly comparable membership organization serving as a bridge between the U.S. and Japanese business and cultural communities.
• Japan America Society of Washington D.C. A peer Japan-America Society serving the D.C. region. Directly comparable regional Japan-America Society with similar cultural, educational, and business programming; recently co-hosted a virtual cooking class with JASC.
• Japan Society (New York): The flagship U.S. Japan-America organization founded in 1907, operating cultural, educational, and business programs in New York. Directly comparable membership-based nonprofit model serving as the bridge between U.S. and Japan. Already a strategic partner via NAJAS.
• Japan America Society of Southern California: One of the larger Japan America Societies in the U.S. network. Directly comparable mission and programming model with a much larger regional scope and corporate base.

Others

• Colorado Dragon Boat Festival: The host festival where JASC's Nichi-Bei-GO dragon boat team competes. Related organizational peer given JASC's dragon boat team participation and shared community partnerships.

Emerging players

• JET Program Alumni Association of Colorado: Alumni network for former Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program participants in Colorado. Overlaps with JASC's Japan-interested community and shares the same bilateral US-Japan people-to-people mission.

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS): The umbrella network of the 38 Japan America Societies in the U.S. Comparable as the coordinating body across the same mission space; JASC is a member society and its Executive Director serves on NAJAS committees.
• Japan Foundation, New York: The U.S. arm of the Japan Foundation, funding cultural and educational exchange programs. Operates in JASC's same mission space at greater scale; already provided a grant for JASC's CU Boulder mentoring event.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQuantumConnections
• Instagraminstagram.com/jascolorado
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jascolorado

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Japan America Society of Colorado