Japan-American Society of San Antonio
About Japan-American Society of San Antonio
If you want a place where Japanese culture feels close enough to join in, this is it. Japan-American Society of San Antonio hosts festivals, language classes, and exchange events that give people in San Antonio a way to learn, participate, and build friendships with Japan. It’s the kind of group that makes the Japan-San Antonio relationship feel lived-in, not abstract.
What sets JASSA apart is how clearly it stays rooted in the Japan-San Antonio relationship. One month it might be a public festival, another a language class or a student speech contest, and then outreach at local events like Lunar New Year Asian Festival and San Japan. It keeps showing up in ways that feel open to members and the wider community.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Japanese language classes
Spring and fall language classes open to members and non-members, including a 12-class weekly course for different levels of Japanese language study.
Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival)
An annual fall festival featuring Japanese performances, food, craft vendors, and games for kids.
Speech Contest
A local Japanese free speech, poetry, and haiku contest for high school and university students, with advancement to state and national levels.
Cultural exchange events
Member and public events that promote Japanese culture, connections, and traditions, including seasonal gatherings and community activities.
Information tables at community events
Outreach at events such as Lunar New Year Asian Festival and San Japan to share information about the organization and Japanese traditions.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Japan-American Society of San Antonio connects cultural and business communities in San Antonio with those in Japan through grassroots exchange activities. It works to strengthen friendships between Japan and San Antonio and promote Japanese culture through festivals, events, and language classes.
Who they serve
People in San Antonio interested in Japan, Japanese culture, the U.S.-Japan relationship, and Japanese language learning, including members, students, and the wider community.
How your donation helps
- Annual festivals and cultural events
- Japanese language classes
- Grassroots exchange activities
- Community outreach and membership events
Our story
Japan-American Society of San Antonio began in 1985 to connect cultural and business communities in San Antonio with those in Japan through grassroots exchange activities. Since then, its work has centered on promoting Japanese culture, strengthening friendships between Japan and San Antonio, and sharing the diverse values of San Antonio through community events and language learning.
Events
Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival)
annualA fall festival with Japanese performances, food, craft vendors, and games for kids.
Shinnenkai (New Year Party)
annualA January potluck for members to meet, share well wishes, and discuss plans, budget, and events for the year ahead.
Bounenkai (End of Year Party)
annualA December dinner for members to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of the year.
Spring Language Classes
springSeasonal Japanese language classes open to all, with discounts for members.
Fall Language Classes
fallSeasonal Japanese language classes open to all, with discounts for members.
Speech Contest
FebruaryA local contest for high school and university students in Japanese free speech, poetry, and haiku.
Lunar New Year Asian Festival
annualAn outreach event where JASSA has an information table to share information about the organization and Japanese traditions.
San Japan
annualAn anime convention where JASSA has an information table to encourage Japanese language classes and the fall festival.
World Affairs Council Event
oftenA fundraiser where JASSA participates to help showcase the countries represented in San Antonio.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Japan-American Society of San Antonio has shared.
Current needs
- Sponsors for programs and events
- Members interested in learning about Japan, the U.S., and the U.S.-Japan relationship
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of events does JASSA host?
JASSA hosts festivals, seasonal member gatherings, language classes, speech contests, and outreach tables at community events.
Who can take the Japanese language classes?
The spring and fall language classes are open to everyone, and members get a discount.
What is Aki Matsuri?
Aki Matsuri is JASSA’s fall festival, with Japanese performances, food, craft vendors, and games for children.
Who can participate in the speech contest?
The speech contest is for high school and university students, with opportunities to move on to state and national levels in Japanese free speech, poetry, and haiku.
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