The Japan-America Society of Mississippi was founded in 2002 as an avenue to bridge cultural gaps between families that were moving in for the then-new Nissan factory and their suppliers in Central Mississippi.
When Toyota opened a manufacturing facility in Blue Springs in 2007, a membership committee was launched in the Tupelo area.
Now, with Yokohama Tire locating in West Point, the organization wants to make its presence felt in the Golden Triangle, JASMIS Treasurer Thom Eason said.
The organization is hosting a reception at Mississippi State University’s Bost Conference Center on Thursday to introduce itself to local business leaders, educators and individuals interested in Japanese culture and becoming a member of JASMIS.
“Our main goal has always been to do our best to be a bridge between the Japanese and local businesses when possible and be a bridge between the government of Japan through the Consuls General and their citizens that are here in the country,” Eason said. “We also want to direct American inquiries about Japanese culture and travel and anything else back through the Consuls General and to bring Japanese events to the people of Mississippi.”
In the past, these events have included events featuring Japanese musical artists performing on instruments native to their country as well as sword fighting demonstrations, Eason said. The organization consists of volunteers who go to schools and educate children on Japanese culture or provide translation services to people who have recently moved here from Japan and have limited knowledge of the English language, Eason said.
Thursday’s event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will feature speakers Motohiko Kato, Consul-General of Japan in Nashville, and Peter Kelly National Association of Japan-America Societies President.
Nathan Gregory covers city and county government for The Dispatch.
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