Sotatsu Talk at the DIA and Freer House 11.19.23

Click here to watch the Video on YouTube

“From the National Museum of Asian Art, Freer Gallery, Dr. Frank Feltens lectured at the DIA on the significance of Sotatsu's Waves of Matsushima. He retraced the footsteps of this celebrated masterpiece—from Kyoto, to Detroit, and finally landing in DC. In the very early 1900s, Charles Freer emerges as one of the first collectors of Japanese art beyond the shores of Japan, was one of the first to recognize Asian art as fine art. Later, with the support of President Teddy Roosevelt, Freer's collection became the foundation collection for the first art museum at the Smithsonian, that would later become the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery in 1923. Who would have thought that a rail car manufacturing guy from Detroit would possess such foresight? A heartfelt shoutout to the trailblazers at DIA, Wayne State University Freer House, NMAA, and the Japan American Society for bringing renewed attention to this incredible odyssey with roots here in Detroit!”

- Japan America Society Chair Derrick Redding

Derrick Redding Elected Chair of the Japan America Society

The Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwest Ontario is excited to announce our new Chair, Derrick Redding, CEO of Betterfrost Technologies.  Derrick’s accomplishments at Toyota, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology start-ups in the US, Japan, and Canada position him to lead the Society into its fourth decade of fostering friendship, cultural understanding, and business associations between the three cultures.

The 5:01 CLUB returns, sponsored by PwC

PwC hosted a networking reception on Friday, October 13th, at their Detroit office high above Woodward Avenue, with views of both Detroit and Canada. The Society introduced Derrick Redding as its newly elected Chair. The Japanese Consulate presented a lively and informative sake-tasting master class.

Japan Festival October 8, 2023 @ Novi High School, a Day of Japan-US Friendship

The JBSD and the JSD Women’s Club extended a day of Japan-US friendship to the Novi community offering Japanese calligraphy lessons, paper making, tea ceremony, drumming, shamisen, Japanese songs, flower arrangement, festival games, and toys!

The Festival was supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, Shiga Prefecture, City of Novi, Novi Community School District and the Japan America Society.

Obon Festival at the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research on Sunday, August 13th

Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research welcomed the Japanese Community to celebrate the beginning of the traditional Obon Festival in Japan. Visitors relaxed in Cranbrook’s Japanese Garden, which is open to the public for everyone to enjoy1

INOAC USA, Inc. Vice Chairman Chuck Little Receives Consul General's Commendation

Consul General Shindo has recognized Chuck Little for his enthusiastic contributions to the Japan-America network of friendship and collaboration with a Certificate of Commendation. On the occasion, INOAC USA, Inc. welcomed guests for a celebration of Japan-US friendship and connoisseurship that included a piano concert by Yuta Sugano, sake tasting, and fine dining at the Longacre House in Farmington Hills.

JAS Young Professionals visit Toyota Technical Center in Saline

The Society’s Young Professionals Group enjoyed a warm welcome from the Toyota YP group leaders and the Vice President of Purchasing, Greg Laskey.

Annual Dinner 2023 - University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens with UM President Dr. Santa J. Ono

ANNUAL DINNER June 6, 2023 at the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Bonsai Garden

University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono welcomed Japan America Society members to stroll through the tropical oasis of the glass conservatory while sipping refreshing Japanese sake from Shiga Prefecture. Along the Bonsai garden path, everyone enjoyed sushi in the company of internationally and nationally ranked specimens of bonsai azaleas and pines, many over 100 years old, and at least one 1000 years old!  Seated on the Terrace, with members of Michigan’s Japanese-American business community, members conversed over a formal outdoor dinner complimented by wine, live jazz, and warm greetings from special guests. Consul General of Japan Yusuke Shindo honored Japan America Society Chairman, Michael Fetters with a much deserved  Certificate of Commendation from the Consul General.

Michigan-Shiga Sister State event at the University of Michigan Museum of Art

Students learned about Japanese Shigaraki ware in the “Clay as Soft Power” Exhibition from ceramics artist Yoshiko Takahashi and about the wonders of Shiga from Yuta Matsubara, representative of the Shiga Prefectural Government on April 14th at UMMA’s ‘Feel Good Friday’ event.

Japanese Language Speech Contest 3.11.2023

High School and University students bravely took up the mic to present their speeches in Japanese at the Novi Civic Center. Sponsors included the Consulate General of Japan, the Japan Business Society of Detroit, the Japan America Society, and the Japanese Teachers Association of Michigan. Thank-you to the volunteer judges!