The Japan-America Society of Washington DC

What The Japan-America Society of Washington DC does

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1957 by US State Department officers and Japanese Embassy contacts to promote people-to-people relations between the United States and Japan. Headquartered at 1819 L Street NW in Washington, DC, the organization operates with a 32-person staff and a large volunteer base, delivering a portfolio of signature programs that include the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States, embedded in the National Cherry Blossom Festival), the National Japan Bowl high school competition, the US-Japan Capital Gala (largest annual fundraiser, 40th edition in 2026), and the Japanese Language School (the area's oldest and largest adult Japanese language school, delivered online via Zoom). JASWDC also runs the Japan-in-a-Suitcase K-8 school outreach program, academic scholarships (William & Margaret Breer up to $10,000 and Tanaka & Green up to $5,000), policy events like the Japan in the Year symposium and JUMP event, and cultural classes (Ouchigohan cooking with Table for Two, Shodo calligraphy, and other offerings).

The organization's revenue model is a hybrid of subscription-style membership (individual tiers Kiku, Tsutsuji, Ume; corporate tiers Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi), recurring tuition from the Japanese Language School, event revenue from ticketed cultural programs and flag

Name

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC

Legal name

The Japan-America Society of Washington, Inc.

Website

https://jaswdc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Founded in 1957, the Japan-America Society of Washington DC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes US-Japan relations through cultural, educational, and policy programming, serving individual and corporate members, K-12 students, high school Japanese language competitors, and scholarship recipients in the greater Washington DC area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural and Educational Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Language Schools (611630), Business Associations (813910), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hybrid, Multi-Location & Multi-Country Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Student Clubs & Organizations (General Interest, Cultural, Service) (EDAJAJAG), Inbound Exchange Hosting & Visiting Student Administration (EDAIABAK), Cultural, Identity & Inclusion Programs (EDALAHAF)

Keywords

• Cultural exchange programs
• Japanese language education
• Community cultural events
• Educational outreach services
• International nonprofit services

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

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. Individual Membership Dues: Annual membership fees at multiple tiers (Kiku, Tsutsuji, Ume) providing access to events, language classes, and member discounts. Higher tiers like Kiku include complimentary Gala tickets and Sakura Matsuri access.
2. Corporate Membership and Sponsorship: Three corporate membership levels (Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake) plus Komusubi for nonprofits. Corporate members receive networking events, policy briefings, promotional opportunities, and resume circulation services. Additional bundled annual sponsorships available.
3. Japanese Language School Tuition: Revenue from Japanese language classes at multiple skill levels (beginner to advanced), with JASWDC members receiving discounts. Classes conducted online via Zoom.
4. Event Revenue: Ticket sales and sponsorships for signature events including the US-Japan Capital Gala (largest fundraising event), cultural classes, networking events, and special programs.
5. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible charitable contributions from individuals and organizations supporting the nonprofit's educational and cultural mission. Includes designated gifts for specific programs like scholarships and Japan-in-a-Suitcase.
6. Scholarship Program Support: The William & Margaret Breer Scholarship (up to $10,000) and Tanaka & Green Academic Scholarships (up to $5,000 for academic year) are funded through endowed gifts and family donations, supporting students studying in Japan.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes friendship and people-to-people ties between the United States and Japan through cultural, educational, and policy programming. Its core offerings include signature cultural events (Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, US-Japan Capital Gala, Japan Bowl competition), Japanese language instruction via the Japanese Language School, K-8 cultural outreach through Japan-in-a-Suitcase, academic scholarships for U.S. students studying in Japan, and policy/networking forums connecting corporate members, government officials, and academics. Programs are delivered to individual members, corporate members, students, and schools primarily across the greater Washington DC area and, for select programs, nationally.

Product overview

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC operates as a non-profit cultural and educational organization offering a portfolio of programs centered on US-Japan cultural exchange. The organization functions as a single unified mission with multiple programmatic offerings rather than a platform architecture. Core signature programs include the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, National Japan Bowl competition, and US-Japan Capital Gala. Educational offerings span the Japanese Language School (online classes from beginner to advanced), Japan-in-a-Suitcase school outreach, and scholarship programs (William & Margaret Breer and Tanaka & Green). Additional programming includes cultural classes (cooking, calligraphy), policy events, web series content, and various networking/social events. The organization delivers these programs through digital platforms (Zoom for classes, Neon CRM for membership) rather than a traditional software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sakura-chan: JASWDC mascot, a special rabbit from birth who works to bring Japanese culture to Washington DC and celebrate the cherry blossoms. Fluent in Japanese, English, and alien rabbit language. Hired in 2018 as mascot for Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival.

Products and services

• Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival The largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States, held each April as a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and stretching six blocks through downtown Washington DC. Open to the public.
• National Japan Bowl America's premier high school Japanese-language competition testing students' knowledge of Japanese language and culture, hosted annually at Johns Hopkins University SAIS in partnership with the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies.
• US-Japan Capital Gala DC's preeminent celebration of the US-Japan relationship and the Society's largest annual fundraising event, co-hosted with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The 40th annual edition is scheduled for November 12, 2026 at the National Building Museum.
• Japanese Language School (JLS) The Washington DC area's oldest and largest adult Japanese language school, offering online classes from beginner to advanced skill levels (including JLPT preparatory classes) via Zoom, with member discounts.
• Japan-in-a-Suitcase Free educational outreach program that sends volunteers into local elementary and middle schools, libraries, and organizations to introduce K-8 students to life in Japan through presentations, hands-on activities, games, and demonstrations.
• William & Margaret Breer Scholarship Annual scholarship awarding up to $10,000 (paid in two $5,000 installments) to one U.S. student for a full academic year of study in Japan during the 2026-2027 school year.
• Tanaka & Green Academic Scholarship Scholarship program supporting short-term academic study at colleges and universities in Japan for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students, awarding up to $5,000 per academic year or $4,000 per semester.
• Culture Classes Cultural education classes including the online Ouchigohan Japanese cooking class (delivered with Table for Two), Shodo (calligraphy) classes, and seasonal Ikebana and Kimono offerings.
• Policy Events Policy-focused programming including the JUMP Event at the National War College and the Japan in the Year annual symposium that gathers top Japan experts from think tanks, academia, government, and business.
• Cultural Events & Networking Social and cultural programming including Networking Lunch in Japanese, Otsukimi moon viewing, Ohanashikai children's storytelling, Happy Hours, Bonenkai/Shinnenkai, Sake/Shochu tastings, Karaoke events, Izakaya Pub Quiz, and J-Book Club.
• Web Series Online video programming including Japan-in-a-Suitcase videos, Weekly Nihongo Japanese-language lessons (posted each Friday on Facebook), and the Japan in 3 interview series featuring everyday people in Japan.
• Corporate Membership Program Annual corporate membership program with four tiers (Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, plus Komusubi for nonprofits, academic institutions, and small businesses) offering networking events, policy briefings, resume circulation services, and promotional opportunities to Japanese corporations, American companies with Japan interests, and partner organizations.
• Individual Membership Program Annual individual membership program with three tiers (Kiku, Tsutsuji, Ume) providing members with access to events, Japanese Language School discounts, and member benefits; the top Kiku tier adds complimentary Gala and Sakura Matsuri tickets plus free JLS access.
• Tanabata Celebration at Hillwood Gardens Annual public ticketed Tanabata (Japanese Star Festival) celebration held at Hillwood Museum & Gardens' Lunar Lawn with outdoor entertainment, music, crafts, and other cultural activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,000 children reached annually through Japan-in-a-Suitcase educational program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Table for TwocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Ouchigohan Japanese cooking class program, combining online cooking classes with charitable meal support. Classes are hosted on Zoom in collaboration with multiple Japan societies.
• Japan Society of BostonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Ouchigohan Japanese cooking class series, co-hosting monthly online cooking classes with other Japan-America societies.
• Japan-America Society of GeorgiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Ouchigohan Japanese cooking class series.
• Japan-America Society of HoustonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Ouchigohan Japanese cooking class series.
• Japan-America Society of Greater PhiladelphiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Ouchigohan Japanese cooking class series.
• U.S. National ArboretumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Otsukimi (moon viewing) celebrations. JASWDC has introduced all forms of Japanese culture including traditional performing arts and customs.
• Japanese Ambassador's ResidenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapan-in-a-Suitcase program has visited the Japanese Ambassador's residence for cultural programs.
• U.S. Department of StateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapan-in-a-Suitcase program has visited the State Department for Japanese culture-related educational programs.
• Library of CongressminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapan-in-a-Suitcase program has visited the Library of Congress for Japanese culture-related educational programs.
• Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the National Japan Bowl at the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies.
• Hillwood Museum & GardenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual partner for Tanabata (Japanese Star Festival) celebration held at Hillwood's Lunar Lawn with outdoor entertainment, concerts, and cultural activities.
• 501(c)(3) Nonprofit OrganizationcoreOthersThe Japan-America Society of Washington DC is a private, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing tax-deductible contributions.
• Embassy of Japan in the United StatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerH.E. Shigeo Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, serves as Honorary Patron. Close relationship with Japanese government for diplomatic programming.
• National Cherry Blossom FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASWDC is host of the two primary Japanese events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, including Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.
• Ekoji Buddhist TempleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for annual Obon Festival celebrations.
• JET Alumni Association of DC (JETAADC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for Izakaya Pub Quiz and other joint programming.
• Washington Toho Koto SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusical performers at JASWDC cultural events including Tanabata celebration.
• National Air and Space MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteers from the museum participate in Tanabata celebration, exploring constellations through solar telescopes.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Japan Society (New York): The flagship US-based nonprofit dedicated to US-Japan relations, offering cultural programming, language classes, policy events, and corporate networking in NYC. Most directly comparable peer given overlapping mission, programming categories (language school, galas, policy events), and similar membership-based nonprofit structure.
• Japan-America Society of Georgia: Direct partner in JASWDC's Ouchigohan program. A regional US-Japan nonprofit with comparable corporate membership, language education, and cultural event programming.
• Japan Society of Boston: Named partner in JASWDC's Ouchigohan series. Functions as a regional US-Japan nonprofit offering cultural programming, language classes, and networking - closely aligned in mission and operating model.
• Japan-America Society of Houston: One of JASWDC's named sister societies that co-hosts the Ouchigohan cooking class program. Comparable as a regional US-Japan cultural/educational nonprofit with corporate membership tiers, language programming, and galas.
• Japan-America Society of Greater Philadelphia: Named partner in JASWDC's Ouchigohan monthly cooking series. Operates similar US-Japan cultural and educational programming with membership and event model in another regional market.

Broad incumbents

• Japan Foundation: Japanese government-affiliated organization promoting international cultural exchange including Japanese language education globally. Comparable in mission scope (Japanese language and cultural programming) but operates with government funding and a much larger international footprint.
• Asia Society: Larger pan-Asia cultural and policy organization with extensive programming, a national footprint, and substantial endowment. Comparable as a DC/NYC-area convener running cultural festivals, policy symposia, and corporate memberships, but with broader geographic and topical scope than JASWDC.
• National Association of Japan-America Societies: Umbrella organization for the US network of Japan-America Societies. Closely tied to JASWDC and peer sister societies; provides coordination, shared programming, and collective advocacy that complements JASWDC's local work.

Emerging players

• Kizuna Across Cultures: Smaller US-Japan youth exchange nonprofit recognized with a John & Hiroko Malott Leadership Award by JASWDC. Comparable as a youth-focused US-Japan educational nonprofit building future pipeline participants - one of JASWDC's network partners.
• Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation: US-based nonprofit advancing US relations with Japan and Northeast Asia through policy programs and exchange. Both organizations' current President (Ryan Shaffer) and Executive Director (Saori Kobayashi) previously worked at Mansfield, evidencing overlapping networks, programmatic focus on US-Japan policy, and exchange programming for emerging professionals.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCxZtYfsejb3phemF5FJ4P0A
• Facebookfacebook.com/jas.wdc
• Instagraminstagram.com/jaswdc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-japan-america-society-of-washington-dc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Japan-America Society of Washington DC