The Japan-America Society of Houston, Inc. (JASH)

What The Japan-America Society of Houston, Inc. (JASH) does

The Japan-America Society of Houston, Inc. (JASH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1968 and headquartered in Houston, Texas (2990 Richmond Ave, Suite 670). Its stated mission is to foster mutual understanding and friendship between the United States and Japan in the Greater Houston area, where more than 150 Japanese-affiliated companies are based. JASH is the lead convening body of the bilateral Houston–Japan community and operates within the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) network, providing reciprocal membership benefits with 38 Japan-America Societies in North America and 24 America-Japan Societies in Japan.

Name

The Japan-America Society of Houston, Inc. (JASH)

Legal name

Japan-America Society of Houston, Inc.

Website

https://jas-hou.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

JASH is a 58-year-old Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers U.S.-Japan cultural exchange, language education, and business networking programs for individuals, students, and the 150+ Japanese-affiliated companies in Greater Houston, anchored by the annual JASH BASH gala and Japan Festival Houston.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

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 & Family Memberships: Annual membership dues from individuals and families, ranging from $25 (student) to $100 (family), providing access to programs, discounts, and reciprocal benefits with 38 Japan-America Societies in North America and 24 America-Japan Societies in Japan.
2. Corporate Memberships: Annual corporate membership dues at five tiers: Maegashira ($500, 2 employees), Komusubi ($1,500, 5 employees), Sekiwake ($2,500, 10 employees), Ozeki ($5,000, 15 employees), and Yokozuna ($10,000+, unlimited employees). Tiers include complimentary Japan Currents Program admissions and event recognition.
3. JASH BASH Gala: Annual flagship fundraising gala (JASH BASH) generating operating revenue through ticket sales (Host Committee Couple $1,548, Individual $361.20, Young Patron $180), sponsorship packages (Champion $51,600 to Friend $3,096), and silent auction proceeds. Described as the principal source of JASH's operating revenue.
4. Japanese Language Program: Revenue from group Japanese language classes (session-based), private lessons, semi-private lessons, and sale of Japanese textbooks and workbooks.
5. Event Tickets & Registration: Revenue from paid events, workshops, and cultural programming including the Japan Festival Houston, cooking classes, and specialty workshops. Non-member pricing is generally higher than member pricing.
6. Sponsorships: Event and program sponsorships at various levels, including Champion ($51,600), Sustainer ($36,120), Partner ($25,800), Steward ($15,480), Advocate ($10,320), and Friend ($3,096) tiers for JASH BASH.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

JASH is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural exchange organization that delivers Japanese language education (group, private, and semi-private lessons), signature cultural events (JASH BASH gala, Japan Festival Houston, Glen Gondo Memorial Golf Classic), youth exchange programs (Houston-Chiba Youth Ambassador Exchange), and recurring cultural workshops (Ikebana, origami, kamishibai, tea ceremony). It sustains these programs through tiered individual and corporate memberships, event sponsorships, gala ticket sales, and language program tuition.

Product overview

The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) operates as a non-profit cultural exchange organization rather than a technology product company. Its offerings consist of cultural, educational, and networking programs centered on U.S.-Japan relations. The core programs include the Japanese Language Program (offering group, private, and semi-private lessons via Zoom), signature events (JASH BASH gala and Japan Festival Houston), youth exchange programs (Houston-Chiba Youth Ambassador Exchange), and the annual Japanese Language Speech Contest. Cultural programming includes Ikebana classes, Japan Junction monthly sessions, Monthly Origami workshops, and Multicultural Tuesdays at Fort Bend Museum. The organization offers Individual/Family Memberships and Corporate Memberships with various benefit tiers. No technology product, API, or AI capabilities are offered.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Japan Festival Houston: Annual cultural festival celebrating Japanese traditions, arts, cuisine, and the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States, held at Hermann Park.
• JASH BASH
• JASH Japanese Language Program (JLP)
• Houston-Chiba Youth Ambassador Exchange
• Japan Currents

Products and services

• Japanese Language Program (JLP) Comprehensive Japanese language education program offering group classes, private lessons, and semi-private lessons for various skill levels, currently delivered online via Zoom Meetings. Designed for students, young professionals, and adults in the Greater Houston area.
• JASH BASH Annual Gala Annual principal fundraising gala celebrating U.S.-Japan friendship through baseball diplomacy, featuring dinner seating, silent auction, sponsorship packages, and awards ceremony. For members, corporate sponsors, and community supporters.
• Japan Festival Houston One of Houston's largest cultural celebrations featuring live musical performances, traditional and contemporary Japanese arts, authentic cuisine, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural workshops. Over 30 years of operation with record-breaking 80,000+ visitors in 2025.
• Glen Gondo Memorial Golf Classic Annual fundraising golf tournament honoring Glen Y. Gondo. Targeted at corporate members and individual supporters for sponsorship and team participation.
• Houston-Chiba Youth Ambassador Exchange Program Sister-city youth ambassador exchange program between Houston and Chiba, Japan, providing opportunities for selected students to experience international cultural exchange.
• Individual & Family Memberships Annual membership tiers (ES/MS/HS Student $25, College Student/Young Professional $35, Individual $50, Family $100) providing program discounts, complimentary admissions, and reciprocal benefits with 38 Japan-America Societies in North America and 24 America-Japan Societies in Japan.
• Corporate Memberships Corporate membership program with five tiers (Maegashira $500, Komusubi $1,500, Sekiwake $2,500, Ozeki $5,000, Yokozuna $10,000+) offering employee benefits, complimentary Japan Currents admissions, event recognition, and committee eligibility for Japanese-affiliated companies and Houston-area businesses.
• Job Board Online job board connecting job seekers with employment opportunities related to the Japan-Houston business community.
• Japan Junction Monthly Program Monthly cultural program at Levy Park featuring kamishibai paper drama storytelling and crafts such as origami and woodblock print making for children and families.
• Monthly Origami at Evelyn's Park Monthly origami workshop held at Evelyn's Park with seasonal themes tied to Japanese holidays and celebrations, featuring designs for various skill levels.
• Japanese Language Speech Contest Annual speech contest for students to demonstrate Japanese language proficiency, including Texas state registration and participation in the All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest.
• Ikebana Classes Japanese flower arrangement classes teaching the traditional art of Ikebana, offered as part of cultural programming for members and the community.

Named customers10 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

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hotel New Otani TokyocoreOthersHotel New Otani Tokyo offers special accommodation rates to all JASH members through December 29, 2026. JASH members book through JASH, which connects members with hotel representatives. Rates range from JPY 26,000 (The Main Quality King) to JPY 37,000 (The Main Deluxe King) per night, with various room types available at both The Main and Garden Tower properties.
• Imperial Hotel TokyominorOthersImperial Hotel offers discount accommodation rates to JASH members as part of reciprocal membership benefits. Part of the hotel partnership program alongside Hotel Okura and New Otani.
• Hotel Okura TokyominorOthersHotel Okura offers discount accommodation rates to JASH members as part of reciprocal membership benefits. Part of the hotel partnership program alongside Imperial Hotel and New Otani.
• Consulate-General of Japan in HoustoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH collaborates with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston on cultural programming, including the Tanabata Star Festival at Children's Museum Houston, youth exchange programs, and consular receptions. Consul General Takeshi Koyama was welcomed to Houston at a special JASH reception.
• Fort Bend MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH partners with Fort Bend Museum for Multicultural Tuesdays programming, offering monthly cultural workshops including chopstick etiquette, Karuta, Kirigami, and Japanese calligraphy throughout summer 2026.
• Rice University Moody Center for the ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH collaborates with Rice University's Moody Center for the Arts on the Masako Miki exhibition 'Shapeshifters, Sprites, and Spirits' (May–August 2026) and volunteers at Summer Jam 2026. The Moody Center hosts Japan-related cultural programming in partnership with JASH.
• Evelyn's ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH and Evelyn's Park co-host monthly origami workshops (Family Fold) on the second Saturday of each month, with seasonal themes tied to Japanese holidays and celebrations.
• Children's Museum HoustoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH partners with Children's Museum Houston for cultural programming, including Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) celebrations and AANHPI Heritage Month activities featuring Japanese crafts and cultural activities.
• Levy ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH and Levy Park co-host Japan Junction — monthly kamishibai storytelling and crafts programs for children and families. Additional collaboration on FIFA World Cup watch parties and soccer-related community events.
• Hermann Park ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH collaborates with Hermann Park Conservancy on 'Kicking It at Hermann Park' activations during the FIFA World Cup period, offering origami activities and cultural experiences alongside the conservancy's public festival programming.
• Houston AstroscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerJASH partners with Houston Astros for baseball diplomacy events and AAPI Heritage Night celebrations at Daikin Park. In 2025, Daikin Park became the first MLB stadium named by a Japanese company. Jim Crane (Owner/Chairman) was honored with the Houston-Japan Friendship Award at JASH BASH 2026.
• Table for Two USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTable for Two USA partners with JASH on the 'Ouchigohan' (Japanese Home Cooking) online series, providing Japanese food education content and curriculum. Debra Samuels leads the program content development.
• National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH participates in NAJAS network events and programs, including the joint Ouchigohan online cooking series across multiple Japan-America Societies (JASG, JASWDC, JASNC, USJETAA). NAJAS presents 'The Power of Local US-Japan Partnerships' events featuring JASH leadership.
• Daikin Comfort Technologies North AmericacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDaikin Comfort Technologies North America is the naming sponsor of Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park), the first MLB stadium named by a Japanese company. President & CEO Satoru Akama was honored with the J. Thomas Schieffer Leadership Award at JASH BASH 2026 for his leadership in U.S.-Japan relations.
• George Memorial Library (Fort Bend County Libraries)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH partners with George Memorial Library in Richmond, TX to offer Matcha Tea Ceremony Workshop, providing hands-on cultural education in partnership with the public library system.
• JapanCraft21minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJASH collaborates with JapanCraft21 on online presentations about Japanese traditional crafts, including Bamboo Basketry and Japan's Metalcraft Superstars, featuring presenter Steve Beimel.
• MonstarlabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMonstarlab, a Japanese-founded global digital transformation firm operating across 20+ countries, is featured at the Japan–Texas Business Leaders Roundtable Breakfast. Founder & CEO Hiroki Inagawa is the keynote speaker, providing networking opportunities for JASH corporate members.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Japanese American National Museum: JANM is a Los Angeles-based cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing Japanese American heritage through exhibits, educational programming, and events. It operates a similar nonprofit cultural-exchange model to JASH, though with a stronger museum/preservation focus.
• Japan-America Society of Georgia: JASG is a sister Japan-America Society based in Atlanta, providing U.S.-Japan cultural programming, corporate networking, and joint online cooking series with JASH (explicitly named as a co-producing society). It operates under the same NAJAS umbrella with comparable membership and event models.
• The Nippon Club: The Nippon Club is a New York-based private membership organization for individuals and corporations with ties to Japan, offering cultural programming, language classes, dining, and networking. It directly mirrors JASH's membership model and corporate-benefactor structure.
• Japan Society (New York): Japan Society is the oldest and largest U.S.-based organization dedicated to Japanese cultural exchange, offering programming in arts, language, business, and policy. It is the closest direct peer to JASH, operating a similar membership, language-program, and gala-f fundraising model at a larger scale in New York.
• Japan-America Society of Washington DC: JASWDC is a sister Japan-America Society operating in the Washington DC market, offering programming, language classes, networking events, and reciprocal membership benefits within the same NAJAS-affiliated network as JASH. It is one of the most direct peers, sharing the same business model and operating structure.
• Asia Society Texas Center: Asia Society Texas is a Houston-based cultural organization offering programming on Asian arts, culture, and business. It operates in the same Houston market as JASH with overlapping corporate member audiences and comparable program formats (gallery exhibitions, cultural workshops, business roundtables).
• Japan House Los Angeles: Japan House LA is a Japanese cultural destination and exhibition space in Hollywood offering arts programming, retail, and dining with a focus on contemporary Japanese culture. It competes for corporate sponsorship and audience attention from Japanese-cultural enthusiasts in a major U.S. market.
• Japan-America Society of Northern California: JASNC is another NAJAS sister society serving the Northern California market, operating cultural programming, language education, and corporate networking in a major Japanese-affiliated business hub. It is named in the data as a co-producing society for the Ouchigohan online cooking series with JASH.

Broad incumbents

• Japan Foundation (New York): The Japan Foundation is the Japanese government's affiliated cultural organization operating globally with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. It funds and runs Japan-related cultural, arts, and educational programming at a much larger scope, often partnering with sister societies like JASH.
• Asia Society (New York): Asia Society is the flagship U.S.-based organization focused on Asia-wide cultural and business engagement, with a broader geographic and topical scope than JASH. It serves as a model and broader competitor for cross-cultural programming targeting corporate members.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/japanamericahouston
• Instagraminstagram.com/jashtx
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-japan-america-society-of-houston-inc-jash-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 The Japan-America Society of Houston, Inc. (JASH)