Japanese Businesses & Organizations in South Carolina

Founded in 1988 in response to a significant influx of Japanese-owned businesses into South Carolina, the Japan-America Association of South Carolina (JAASC) has grown into a vital community organization headquartered in Greenville, SC. Created by international leaders Professor Yuji Kishimoto and Attorney Henry "Buzz" Burwell, JAASC was established with a clear mission: to demonstrate that despite different histories and cultures, the values of the United States and Japan are remarkably similar, and to strengthen the enduring bond of friendship between the peoples of both nations. As a federally tax-exempt nonprofit, JAASC remains committed to its founding purpose through volunteer-driven leadership and community engagement. The organization recognizes that as the US and Japan continue to intertwine through trade, technology, and finance, meaningful connections between communities become increasingly important. JAASC creates lasting bonds among people of all ages by facilitating social, educational, and cultural exchanges that benefit the broader Greenville and South Carolina communities. The organization's volunteer leaders—drawn from the Japan-America community itself—are passionate advocates for JAASC's mission and work to sustain operations through collaborative commitment. Unlike many Japan-America societies, JAASC operates as a grassroots organization with no physical location, allowing volunteers who work full-time elsewhere to dedicate their passion to strengthening mutual understanding. Through educational programming, cultural celebrations, community outreach, and member networking, JAASC continues fulfilling its decades-long commitment to fostering positive relationships and deeper understanding between the peoples of the United States and Japan in South Carolina.