Japan-America Society of Oregon
About Japan-America Society of Oregon
Since its establishment in 1907, the Japan-America Society of Oregon has been a cornerstone of cross-cultural understanding in Portland and Southwest Washington, standing as the third-oldest Japan-America Society in the United States. JASO is built on a volunteer-driven model where passionate individuals and corporations unite around a shared mission: to develop business and community by strengthening the US-Japan relationship. The organization serves a diverse community of over 800 individual members and 120 corporate partners who believe in the importance of fostering mutual respect, understanding history and culture, and building lasting connections between the two nations. More than just a networking organization, JASO creates meaningful spaces for community members to connect—from cultural celebrations like Shinnenkai and the Japanese Beer Garden to inclusive events such as the Women's Leadership Luncheon and the annual gala that brings the Portland community together. The organization's commitment extends to supporting Japanese companies as they integrate into local communities, offering guidance on American nonprofit culture and community involvement. With a dedicated team of three full-time staff members and over 150 volunteers, JASO demonstrates that sustainable community development happens when people commit their time and talent to something larger than themselves. Whether through educational initiatives, business development, or cultural programming, JASO embodies over a century of dedication to bridging the US-Japan relationship in the Portland area.