Founded in 1988, the Japan-America Society of New Hampshire represents a vital bridge connecting the people and cultures of Portsmouth, NH with Japan through meaningful community engagement and cultural stewardship. As a nonpolitical, nonprofit organization, JASNH brings together American and Japanese individuals and businesses united by a shared commitment to deepening mutual understanding and promoting goodwill between the two nations. The society's mission extends beyond typical cultural programming to encompass education, the arts, sciences, and substantive people-to-people exchanges that foster lasting connections.
Serving the Portsmouth community and beyond, JASNH has become a guardian of important historical narratives and cultural traditions. The organization maintains the Portsmouth Peace Treaty website and educational resources accessed by researchers worldwide, preserving the legacy of the 1905 treaty that was negotiated in this historic New Hampshire city. Through initiatives like the Living Memorial Cherry Trees project and annual Portsmouth Peace Treaty Day celebrations, JASNH honors the deep historical bonds between the United States and Japan while inviting the broader public to participate in these meaningful commemorations. The society's commitment to cultural, social, and educational interchanges reflects a belief in the transformative power of cross-cultural dialogue and community participation, making it an essential institution for anyone in Portsmouth, NH seeking to understand and appreciate Japanese culture or strengthen U.S.-Japan relations.
Portsmouth, NH