The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
About The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Washington has been at the center of the US-Japan relationship for over 150 years. But it was only in 1957 that a group of US State Department officers got together privately with friends at the Japanese Embassy and established the Japan-America Society of Washington DC. Their goal was to add a personal face to Washington’s official relationship with Japan and create a people-to-people organization.
The Society’s first official act was to host the new Prime Minister of Japan, Nobusuke Kishi, on June 22, 1957 (photo). Stressing the importance of people-to-people ties, Prime Minister Kishi said, “You will agree with me that government-to-government relations are only one side of the picture. Equally, if not more important in tying our countries closely together, are the relations at private levels in the economic, cultural, and other fields.”
Despite its historic ties to official Washington, the Society has never forgotten its purpose to be a non-partisan educational organization dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between Japan and the six million people of the greater Washington DC area.
Our Vision
A world in which Americans and Japanese of every generation value and contribute to the U.S.-Japan relationship. JASWDC will be a driving force in forging close ties between our two peoples. We will be the most comprehensive, visible, trusted, and accessible resource in the DC area, and your bridge to Japan.
Our Mission
Drawing on the unique resources of the nation’s capital and our long history, JASWDC promotes friendship and understanding between Americans and Japanese through diverse programming that spans the educational, cultural, business, and policy spheres.
Our Values
- We are trusted stewards of the U.S.-Japan relationship, committed to mutual understanding and service to our community
- We are friendly and welcoming to all who seek to advance their understanding of Japan and contribute to U.S.-Japan ties
- We are good, reliable partners to other institutions
- We operate with honesty, integrity, transparency, and the highest ethical standards
Locations
Primary Office Location
1819 L Street, NW, Suite #410 Washington DC 20036
(202) 833-2210
