The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth concluded a series of December events that achieved record attendance and highlighted the organization's role in fostering cultural exchange and community connections. The weekend featured three distinct activities: Anime Frontier, an inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration, and a special welcome for Japanese athletes participating in the BMW Dallas Marathon.
Anime Frontier, held December 12–14 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, attracted approximately 50,000 attendees. The society utilized a complimentary booth to engage thousands with information about its programs, including Japanese language classes and cultural events like the Mochitsuki New Year celebration. A dot-survey revealed that culture, language, and food were the primary interests among visitors. The booth featured a 200-year-old Ukiyo-e woodblock print book, illustrating historical connections to modern manga, and offered a hands-on printmaking activity inspired by traditional techniques. Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW, noted that the event provided an opportunity to meet people through existing passions and invite deeper cultural exploration.
On December 12, members and friends gathered at the RYSE Energy Star Center Multisport for the organization's first Pickleball Social & Bonenkai. The event combined friendly pickleball play with Japanese izakaya-style dishes from Yama Izakaya & Sushi, along with sake, beer, and wine, emphasizing fun and fellowship while celebrating the end of 2025. This gathering exemplified the society's mission of building connections through shared experiences.
JASDFW also supported international athletic exchange by welcoming elite runners Shiho Endo and Satoshi Tanaka from Sendai, Japan, who participated in the BMW Dallas Marathon with support from the City of Dallas, an International Friendship City of Sendai. The runners attended the Bonenkai and were honored at a post-race reunion luncheon that included local runners who have participated in the Sendai Half-Marathon through programs sponsored by JASDFW and partners like Japan Airlines. Despite freezing temperatures, Shiho Endo placed 4th overall among female marathon runners and 2nd in her age division, a performance celebrated by the community.
These events collectively demonstrated the society's broad impact and the growing community interest in Japanese culture. For Texas businesses, this increased cultural engagement creates opportunities for cross-border partnerships, tourism development, and expanded markets for Japanese and Texan products. The athletic exchange program strengthens international relationships that can lead to business collaborations, while cultural events like Anime Frontier introduce thousands of Texans to Japanese traditions that can translate to consumer interest in Japanese goods and services. The society's activities serve as a bridge for economic opportunities between Texas and Japan, fostering an environment where cultural understanding supports business growth and international investment. JASDFW expressed gratitude to volunteers and partners and looks forward to upcoming programs in 2026. For more information about the organization and its activities, visit https://www.jasdfw.org/.
