Japan America Society of Colorado

09/22/2026

When our emcee asked the room how many students had ever seen live sumo before, not a single hand went up. 🎒

A little over 12 hours after wrapping up our 2026 Annual Gala, our team was right back out in the community, bringing authentic cultural education, history, and live demonstrations directly to local students—many of whom might never otherwise have the opportunity to experience this tradition firsthand.

Events like our Gala serve a direct purpose: 100% of the proceeds from that single evening is directed back into our work of educational outreach, school visits, and community programs for the entire year.

To everyone who bought a ticket, sponsored a table, or supported the Gala: thank you for making cultural access possible for these kids. 🎌✨

09/22/2026

JASC connects Colorado and Japan through sumo! ✨

The atmosphere was electric as guests witnessed incredible live demonstrations from sumo wrestlers Ichi, Zorig, and Mendee.

We were honored to welcome Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Consul General of Japan in Denver Hiroyuki Okajima, alongside our extended JASC community to celebrate this iconic art form and dynamic tradition.

Guests indulged in an unforgettable dining experience featuring exceptional catering from Matsuhisa with fresh fish flown in directly from Ehime Prefecture, Japan, followed by spirited bidding in our silent auction. 🍣

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this monumental evening of culture and community!

09/21/2026

On September 9, the Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC) held its annual gala in Denver. This year’s theme was “Strength and Spirit: Celebrating Culture, Community, and Connection.” The event brought together many participants and provided a valuable opportunity to deepen the bonds of friendship and understanding between the Japanese and American communities.

The gala opened with remarks from JASC President Stephanie Garnica, followed by a guest address from Governor Jared Polis. Sponsors were also introduced, and the Community Award was presented to the coach and captain of JASC’s dragon boat team, Nichi-Bei-GO.

A special highlight this year was the appearance of three sumo wrestlers—Ichi (former Sekiwake-ranked Ichinojō), Zorig, and Mendee—whose presence greatly energized and entertained the audience.

Consul-General Hiroyuki Okajima and staff from the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver attended the event, enjoying meaningful exchanges with many attendees. The Consulate-General expresses its deep respect for JASC’s significant contributions to strengthening Japan-U.S. relations at the grassroots level and looks forward to continuing close cooperation in the future.

08/27/2026

Ever wanted to travel to Japan with confidence, or just challenge your brain with a beautiful new skill? 🏯

Dive headfirst into an immersive journey through Japanese language and culture with our popular 8-week Passport to Japan 1 & 2 classes!

Our interactive, hands-on courses are built around practical, real-life Japanese that you can actually use from day one. 🍂

You will master essential phrases, navigate travel situations with ease, and unlock rich cultural insights you simply will not find in any textbook.

Spaces fill up fast for this beloved series, so do not wait to reserve your seat at the table! ✨

🗓 Dates: Thursday Evenings: Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22
⏰Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM (Passport 1) | 7:00 - 9:00 PM (Passport 2)
📍 Location: Sakura Square - Mezzanine Room

Click here to learn more and register! 🔗 https://www.jascolorado.org/learning-japanese

08/27/2026

⛷Skiing is a big part of what connects sister cities Yamanouchi, Japan and Vail, Colorado!

Hot springs and ski slopes create an everlasting bond between these two, with Yamanouchi hosting the largest ski resort in Japan.

🐵Even better, the snow monkeys enjoy the wonderful hot springs as well!

Want to visit them? Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the world flies, including their nonstop flight from Denver to Narita.

🗻Enjoy the hikes and beautiful scenery that await you!

Every ticket purchased for our annual raffle directly sustains essential Colorado-Japan academic pipelines and community initiatives.

Why not see all of Colorado's sister cities? Enter for your chance to win big!

Drawing 🗓 Date: Sept. 9th 2026 (TWO WEEKS AWAY!)| ⏰ Time: 8:00 PM | 📍 Location: ReelWorks Denver at the 2026 JASC Annual Gala

🔗 Click here for more information and to buy your tickets: go.rallyup.com/jascolorado2026

08/26/2026

Feel the thunderous beat of the drums and the roar of the crowd as colorful dragon boats slice through the glittering water of Sloan's Lake this weekend! 🌊

Our fearless team, Nichi-Bei-GO, is ready to pour their hearts, sweat, and spirit into every single paddle stroke.

This spectacular summer tradition brings high-energy competition, rich cultural performances, and unbelievable energy to the heart of Denver.🐉

Grab your friends, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and help us cheer our paddlers all the way to the finish line!

Admission is completely free, so come make some noise and support our team! 📣

🗓 Date: Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Saturday) | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday)
📍 Location: Sloan's Lake Park (1700 Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80212)

Click here to learn more! 🔗 https://www.cdbf.org/

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Denver, you've been spotted! 📍👀

Our mini sumo dolls have been taking a quick tour around the city to get ready for the 2026 JASC Annual Gala, and it looks like the sumo hype is officially taking over! 🤼✨

👉Swipe to the end to see who's MOST excited about sumo coming to Denver!

Don't miss out on seeing real sumo wrestlers, enjoying incredible sushi from Matsuhisa Denver with fish flown in from Ehime Prefecture, and supporting our biggest fundraiser of the year!

🗓️ Date: September 9th
⏰ Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
📍 Location: ReelWorks Denver
🎫 Tickets: https://www.jascolorado.org/jasc-annual-gala

Register for the 2026 JASC Annual Gala today!

08/19/2026

🚨BREAKING NEWS: The sumo wrestlers have a message for Denver...

All three of the sumo wrestlers who will be joining us for the 2026 JASC Annual Gala have trained and wrestled professionally. And Yes... you can actually meet them in person!

But that's not all. We're taking the evening to the next level with an unforgettable culinary experience:

🍱 Exquisite food prepared by Matsuhisa Denver
🐟 Premium fish flown in fresh directly from Japan's Ehime Prefecture especially for this event

Get ready for a night of incredible food, world-class entertainment, top-tier networking and unforgettable memories, all supporting a great cause.

🗓️ Date: September 9th
⏰ Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
📍 Location: ReelWorks Denver
🎫 Tickets: https://www.jascolorado.org/jasc-annual-gala

Wanna meet the sumo wrestlers for real? Register for the 2026 JASC Annual Gala today before tickets sell out!

08/18/2026

❄ The snowy sister cities of Shimukappu Village, Japan, and Aspen, Colorado, invite you to join them this winter!

The flourishing woodlands of Shimukappu Village invite you to enjoy their stunning wonders. With beautiful wildflowers in the spring and blankets of snow in the winter, this village has something for nature lovers year-round. 💐

Want to walk on clouds and get a good view of the forests? Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the world flies, including their nonstop flight from Denver to Narita.

🎫Every ticket purchased for our annual raffle directly sustains essential Colorado-Japan academic pipelines and community initiatives.

Why not see all of Colorado's sister cities? Enter for your chance to win big!

Drawing 🗓 Date: Sept. 9th 2026 | ⏰ Time: 9:00 PM | 📍 Location: ReelWorks Denver at the 2026 JASC Annual Gala

🔗 Click here for more information and to buy your tickets! go.rallyup.com/jascolorado2026