The Japan-America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth (JASDFW) has announced two significant developments: the launch of a new mobile-friendly website and detailed plans for its 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala. These initiatives aim to elevate the organization's mission of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations through business engagement, cultural exchange, and educational programs.
The new website, accessible at https://jasdfw.org/, features a new logo, cleaner navigation, and enhanced user experience. It serves as a centralized hub for event registration, organizational news, and media resources while showcasing JASDFW's growing network of corporate and individual members. Visitors can explore membership benefits, upcoming programs, sponsorship opportunities, and community initiatives that connect North Texas with Japan.
"Our new website is more than a refresh—it reflects the momentum and impact of the growing presence of Japanese businesses and the strong interest in Japanese culture across the DFW region," said Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW. The website highlights the organization's expanding network of corporate Benefactors whose partnership powers business networking events, cultural celebrations, and educational programming.
The website also provides information about three major upcoming programs: Business Outlook in 2026 on February 12, Japan Currents on February 20, and Celebrating Women's Career Achievement on March 19. Details for these events can be found at https://jasdfw.org/event/business-outlook-in-2026/, https://jasdfw.org/event/2026-japan-currents/, and https://jasdfw.org/event/celebrating-womens-career-achievement/ respectively.
The organization's premier signature event, the Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala, will take place on April 15, 2026. This marquee event will unite leading figures from civic, business, and cultural communities for an evening celebrating friendship, innovation, and the deepening business relationships between Japan and Texas. The 2026 gala is anticipated to be the largest yet as it honors Governor Greg Abbott as this year's Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient.
Governor Abbott is being recognized for his leadership and commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Japan and Texas. His efforts have played a central role in forging partnerships that have led to over 400 Japanese companies operating in Texas, more than $14 billion in investment, and 81,000 Texans employed—making Japan the state's largest foreign investor and employer.
The evening will feature distinguished guest presenters Tetsuo Ogawa, President & CEO of Toyota Motor North America, and Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Rick Stopfer, Mayor of Irving, will serve as Honorary Host, while Zentaro Naganuma, Consul General of Japan in Houston, will offer the ceremonial toast. Full event details and sponsorship information are available at https://jasdfw.org/sun-star-legacy-award-dinner/.
These developments matter because they highlight the substantial economic impact of Japanese investment in Texas and the ongoing efforts to strengthen international relationships. With Japan serving as Texas's largest foreign investor and employer, initiatives like the new website and annual gala facilitate continued business networking, cultural understanding, and educational exchange that benefit both regional economies and international diplomacy.
The implications extend beyond ceremonial recognition to tangible economic benefits for Texas residents through job creation and business opportunities. The organization's programs and events provide platforms for cross-cultural collaboration that can lead to further investment and partnership development. As globalization continues to shape regional economies, maintaining and strengthening these international ties becomes increasingly important for economic stability and growth.
