The Japan America Society is dedicated to strengthening friendly relations between Americans, Canadians and Japanese nationals doing business in this area.

The JAS was established as a non-profit 501 c (3) corporation in 1989 by the legendary Detroit ‘Big 3’, Lee Iacocca of Chrysler Corporation was the Society's first officer, he was joined by Roger Smith of General Motors and Harold Poling of Ford and Mr. Nabuto of Mazda.

Community leaders Walter McCarthy, chairman of the Detroit Edison Company, Peter Stroh of the Stroh Brewery Company and Detroit Mayor Coleman Young introduced the Japan America Society in 1989 in an effort to support Japan-American relations by encouraging the development of a common understanding. 

The Society's members represent local American, Japanese and Canadian manufacturers, R&D operations, trading companies, transportation companies, major banks, utilities, accounting and law firms. 

The Society maintains an extensive network of relationships with local Universities, cultural institutions, organizations and government offices to collaborate on programs. Projects foster the Japan-US relationship, and demonstrate the beneficial effect of enduring relationships among Japanese and American people, and traditional and contemporary craftsmanship and art on industry. The Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario is part of a network of 38 Japan-America Societies across the country. Taken together, these Societies represent more than 25,000 people. 

The Society is closely aligned with the Japan Business Society of Detroit an organization of Japanese corporations and families here in Michigan. 

 Derrick Redding is the Society's Chair and Liseann Gouin is its President.

Honorary Chairs: Consul General of Japan Yusuke Shindo, Consul General of Canada Colin Bird, and University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono Treasurer: Makoto Fujimoto Assistant Treasurer: David Roden Secretary: Izumi Suzuki