Governor Greg Abbott to Receive Sun & Star Legacy Award for Strengthening Texas-Japan Economic Ties

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth will present Texas Governor Greg Abbott with its highest honor, the Sun & Star Legacy Award, during the 28th Annual Legacy Award Dinner on April 15, 2026. The event will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Irving Convention Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., bringing together hundreds of executives from business, government, and diplomatic communities to celebrate the Texas-Japan partnership.

Governor Abbott is being recognized for his outstanding leadership in advancing economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Japan and Texas. Under his administration, Texas has become one of Japan's strongest partners in the United States for trade, innovation, and investment. This includes establishing strategic agreements with both the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Aichi Prefecture, which serves as home to Toyota's global headquarters. Today, Texas hosts hundreds of Japanese-owned businesses and represents a cornerstone of continued U.S.-Japan collaboration.

The Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner serves as JASDFW's signature annual fundraiser, supporting programs that promote education, culture, and business exchange across North Texas and beyond. Proceeds from the event enable the Society to continue its mission of fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between Japanese and American communities. Lawrence P. Howorth, Chair of the Board of Directors for JASDFW, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating that the event stands as a powerful platform for building friendships, fostering business collaboration, and celebrating shared values of innovation, respect, and community.

Guests attending the 2026 gala can expect an elegant evening featuring a VIP reception, gourmet dinner, and extensive networking opportunities with influential figures from both nations. The event will also include a silent auction offering curated travel experiences, designer jewelry, fine dining packages, and exclusive sports and golf offerings. Sponsorships and table reservations are currently available through the organization's website at https://www.jasdfw.org.

The recognition of Governor Abbott underscores the significant economic impact of Japanese investment in Texas and the ongoing importance of international partnerships in driving regional economic growth. The event highlights how strategic diplomatic relationships continue to shape business opportunities and cultural exchange between Texas and Japan, reinforcing the state's position as a global business destination. This award ceremony serves as a testament to the successful economic development strategies that have positioned Texas as a preferred location for international investment, particularly from Japanese corporations seeking to expand their North American operations.

For Texas businesses, the strengthened Japan-Texas relationship translates into increased investment opportunities, technology transfer, and access to international markets. The hundreds of Japanese-owned businesses currently operating in Texas contribute significantly to the state's economy through job creation, supply chain development, and technological innovation. This partnership model demonstrates how strategic international relationships can drive economic prosperity while fostering cultural understanding between nations, creating a blueprint for other states seeking to enhance their global economic footprint.