Established in 1987, the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical membership organization dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the business, cultural and social practices and customs of Japan and Kentucky. Headquartered in Lexington, JASK provides member events and services throughout the state.

JASK is overseen by a 34 member volunteer Board of Directors who represent leading businesses throughout the commonwealth.

JASK members have the opportunity to communicate and cooperate with each other, fostering greater mutual reliance and creating an improved regional business climate for companies of both nations.

JASK is a member of the National Association of Japan/America Societies (NAJAS). This allows our Corporate Members access to each of the 38 Japan/America Societies, including a job/resume database, and a continuously evolving directory of links to other Japan resources.

JASK members include nearly 220 Japanese and American corporations representing all sectors of the business world, including leading Japanese and Kentucky manufacturers, law firms, accounting firms, construction companies, trading companies, airlines, banks and a variety of other nonprofit organizations. For a complete listing of our Corporate Members, please click on our Corporate Member Listing page. Membership is open to organizations and individuals. For more information on Membership fees, please click on the membership link at the bottom of this page.

JASK members gain access to business, educational, cultural and social programs, which provide opportunities for developing personal relationships with members of both the Japanese and American communities.

Opportunities to develop relationships with executives from Japanese & American companies through participation in regular programs.

Invitations to a variety of business networking, social, cultural, and educational programs.

Monthly newsletter, Kon Getsu, program invitations and other special mailings.

Advertising in the JASK Newsletter, Kon Getsu.

JASK Corporate Membership Directory access.

Referrals for translation / interpreters / bilingual staffing.

Complimentary consulting services on Japanese etiquette, protocol, and travel to Japan (JASK staff will conduct on-site training customized to your organizations need).

Assistance with Japanese expatriates locating in Kentucky, including our newly revised Welcome to Lexington, Welcome to Elizabethtown and Welcome to Bowling Green handbooks published entirely in Japanese.

All Associates of Corporate Members are considered members of the Society and are invited to all functions.

Corporate Members are listed on the JASK website (www.jask.org) with links to their web sites.

Corporate Sponsorship opportunities are available for member organizations to enhance their visibility while helping JASK fulfill its mission.

JASK is active in uniting Japanese and American interests through regular programs, Networking Opportunities, Business & Language seminars, Social and Cultural Activities. Recent Highlights include a Lunch Program featuring Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Shunji Yanai, a Dinner Program featuring former Japanese Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa, an extremely popular Japanese film series; Visiting Authors Arthur Golden (Memoirs of a Geisha) and Laura Kriska (The Accidental Office Lady); our popular "6:01 Club" Business Networking Socials; a wide variety of seminars presented by Corporate Members; a Sake Tasting; A Sushi Tasting; the highly successful, annual JASK Golf Classic; our festive, annual Shinnenkai (New Year's Party); and our ever- popular annual Karaoke party. The Society also works with civic and educational organizations, providing assistance, materials and/or instruction for children and adults.

JASK has developed an educational outreach program geared at elementary school age children. We have worked with the Lexington Public Library on an outreach program to bring this educational opportunity to hundreds of children. JASK is pleased to accept applications from schools, libraries, youth groups, etc., to present this free program to children around Kentucky. There are several modules to choose from and include Japanese holidays, Japanese crafts, Japanese stories and folktales, and our popular "Day in the life of a Japanese Student," which focuses on the lives of elementary age children in Japan. JASK hopes this program will create a greater awareness and appreciation of Japan in Kentucky's schools.

Please go to Links page for additional links.