JASA Annual Celebration Dinner & Business Forum

About the Annual Celebration Dinner...

Each year, the Japan-America Society of Alabama hosts a special reception and fundraiser to allow our members and guests from all over Alabama to gather, network, and dine with a special program to celebrate the JASA community. We recognize New and Expanding Japanese Companies across the state, hear from JASA leadership about our community's mission and goals, and honor the recipient of the Samuel Ullman Award. 

Additionally, we’ve introduced a Business Forum in the morning following the Annual Dinner, offering attendees valuable business insights and updates from a keynote speaker.

Our Program...

先日のJASA 35周年記念ディナー＆ビジネスフォーラムにご参加いただき、誠にありがとうございました。皆さまのご支援とご協力のおかげで、二日間にわたり約320名の方々にご参加いただき、無事にイベントを大成功として終えることができました。今後とも、JASAへの変わらぬご支援を賜りますようお願い申し上げます。

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported the 2024 JASA 35th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Business Forum at the Ross Bridge Resort! Held on November 8th and 9th, the event was a great success, with nearly 320 attendees over two days. We were honored to bring together key leaders from both the Japanese and American business communities, as well as government officials, to celebrate and strengthen the growing partnership between Japan and Alabama.

Key Highlights from the Celebration Dinner:

• A Special Milestone: 35 Years of JASA

The event also marked the 35th anniversary of JASA, celebrating three decades of fostering stronger ties between Japan and Alabama. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support!

• Keynote Address by Camille P. Dawson

The evening’s keynote address by Camille P. Dawson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, provided insightful perspectives on Japan’s role in global affairs and the importance of maintaining strong U.S.-Japan relations.

• Presentation of the Samuel Ullman Award

We were honored to present the Samuel Ullman Award to State Rep. Mike Shaw for his leadership in co-sponsoring the Alabama-Japan Legislative Exchange Group, which aims to promote friendship and cooperation between Alabama and Japan.

• Recognizing Japanese Companies in Alabama

Six Japanese companies were recognized for their significant contributions to Alabama’s economy. These companies—Topre America, Cullman Casting, MTNA-Rainsville, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Unipres Alabama, and Honda—continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and advancing technology in Alabama.

Key Highlights from the Business Forum

This year’s forum focused on the theme, "Japanese and U.S. Perspectives on Business and Leadership."

• Hiro Kagohashi, Executive Vice President of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, shared valuable insights on building successful business operations in Alabama and the history of the Mazda-Toyota collaboration.

• Mark Moore, General Manager of Topre America, discussed the company’s operations in Alabama and the experience of working with Japanese workers in a global manufacturing environment.

• David Sides, International Trade Manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce, highlighted the strong Japan-Alabama trade relationship and future opportunities for growth.

• Kiyoshi Tanigawa, Executive Director of Keidanren USA, gave an overview of Keidanren’s role in fostering U.S.-Japan business ties and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations.

Made in Alabama covered the event in a recent article, which you can read here.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

JASA 35th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Business Forum Photo Gallery