About the Annual Celebration Dinner...

Each year, the Japan-America Society of Alabama hosts a special reception and fundraiser, providing an opportunity for members and guests from across the state to gather, network, and enjoy a program that celebrates the JASA community. During this event, we recognize new and expanding Japanese companies in Alabama, hear from JASA leadership about our mission and goals, and honor the recipient of the Samuel Ullman Award.

We’ve also introduced a Business Forum the morning after the Annual Dinner, where attendees can gain valuable business insights and hear updates from a keynote speaker.

Thank you for joining the 2025 Annual Celebration Dinner and Business Forum!

See the 2025 Recap Video here!

先日の2025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350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 2025 JASA Annual Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Business Forum at the Ross Bridge Resort! Held on November 6th and 7th, the event was a great success, with nearly 350 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.

The Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) was honored to host both our Annual Dinner Celebration and Business Forum from November 6th and 7th, and welcome a record-breaking number of esteemed guests from across Alabama and Japan.

The evening began with warm welcomes from Reiko Nakazawa (JASA Cultural Affairs Coordinator), Milton Davis (Board Member & Former President), Ellen McNair (Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce), and Mayor Nick Derzis of Hoover.

Mark Jackson, JASA President and Honorary Consul General of Japan, presented the JASA Year in Review, followed by greetings from Consul General Kenichi Matsuda of the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta.

During the dinner program, Ambassador Shigeo Yamada of Japan delivered the evening’s keynote address, introduced by Dr. Joshua Walker, President & CEO of The Japan Society.

Recognition was also given to outstanding Japanese companies in Alabama by Secretary McNair and Consul General Matsuda, with the Samuel Ullman Award presented to Greg Canfield of Burr Forman. The evening concluded with the symbolic Passing of the Gavel led by Mark Jackson, Carolyn Turner, and a graceful adjournment presented by JASA Assistant Director, Gwenafaye McCormick. 

The following morning’s Business Forum featured insightful discussions from distinguished speakers, continuing the spirit of collaboration and innovation between Japan and Alabama.

The following morning’s Business Forum featured an excellent lineup of speakers, including:

• Kota Kiriyama, entrepreneur and professional bass fisherman
  
  

• Morris Morioka, Senior Manager of Promotions & Entertainment for the Rocket City Trash Pandas
  
  

• Kevin Orr, former head coach for Japan’s Wheelchair Rugby team (2017-2023)
  
  

• Kojiro Sampei, CFO & CAO of Mizuno USA
  
  

Their presentations explored the intersection of sports, culture, and business–exploring an innovative platform for strengthening Japan-Alabama connections. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Yamada, Consul General Matsuda, our partners, sponsors, and attendees for making this year’s events a true celebration of friendship and progress. Together, we look forward to an even brighter future for U.S.–Japan relations in Alabama.