Japan-America Society Golf Classic Strengthens Texas-Japan Business and Cultural Ties
TL;DR
Orix Corporation USA and SMBC secured top positions at the JASDFW golf event, gaining valuable networking exposure among Japanese and Texan business leaders.
The 11th Annual Sun & Star Golf Classic at Bear Creek Golf Club raised funds through corporate sponsorships to support cultural and educational programs.
This event strengthens Japan-Texas relations through cultural exchange and community engagement, fostering mutual understanding and international friendship.
Participants competed in various contests including longest drive and closest to the pin while supporting Japanese cultural programs in North Texas.
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The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth celebrated another successful year at the 11th Annual Sun & Star Golf Classic, held at Bear Creek Golf Club. This signature event brought together business leaders, community members, and friends of Japan and Texas for a day of golf, connection, and shared purpose in support of JASDFW's cultural and educational programs. The tournament's success demonstrates the growing importance of Japan-Texas relations in both business and cultural spheres, creating lasting impact beyond the golf course.
The tournament featured impressive performances from winning teams including first place winner Orix Corporation USA and second place winner SMBC. Individual contest winners included Dan Sinawat of AI Connex as Mega Putt Putting Contest winner, Barron Bryant of KPMG for Longest Drive, and Joe Bunch of Barnes & Thornburg for Closest to the Pin. Each participant's contribution helped advance JASDFW's mission to deepen understanding and partnership between Japan and North Texas through cultural exchange, education, and community engagement.
Major sponsors played a crucial role in the event's success, with Toyota North America serving as Title Sponsor and Zeal IT Consultants as Lunch Sponsor. Other significant supporters included the City of Irving as Pre-Tournament Sponsor, Plano EDC as Cart/Beverage Sponsor, and contest sponsors Orix Corporation USA and SMBC Group. Additional sponsorship came from Fortinet as Hole in One Sponsor and multiple hole sponsors including Panasonic, Technologent, Toyota Tsusho Systems (Thailand) Co., Ltd., First Class Imports, MUFG, KPMG, and Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
Lawrence P. Howorth, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, emphasized the event's broader significance. Each year, this event reminds us how much can be accomplished when our business and cultural communities come together. It's not just about a day of golf—it's about building bridges, creating opportunity, and celebrating the shared spirit of collaboration that defines the Japan–Texas relationship.
The sponsorship support ensures that JASDFW programs such as the Japan America Friendship Night at the Texas Rangers, the annual Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration, and the Japan-America Grassroots Summit continue to thrive and inspire new connections across generations. These initiatives strengthen the partnership between Japan and Texas while cultivating mutual respect and appreciation. More information about the organization's mission and activities can be found at https://www.jasdfw.org.
As the Society looks ahead to its upcoming programs, including the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner with special guest Texas Governor Greg Abbott, JASDFW remains grateful to its members, sponsors, and volunteers who make events like the golf classic possible. The continued success of these gatherings demonstrates the growing importance of Japan-Texas relations in both business and cultural spheres, creating lasting impact beyond the golf course.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
