The Japan-America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth (JASDFW) has announced two significant developments that highlight the deepening economic and cultural connections between Japan and Texas. The organization revealed details for its signature Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala scheduled for April 15, 2026, which will honor Governor Greg Abbott as this year's recipient for his leadership in strengthening bilateral ties. Governor Abbott's efforts have contributed to over 400 Japanese companies operating in Texas, representing more than $14 billion in investment and employing 81,000 Texans, making Japan the state's largest foreign investor and employer.
The gala will feature distinguished guest presenters including Tetsuo Ogawa, President & CEO of Toyota Motor North America, and Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Rick Stopfer, Mayor of Irving, will serve as Honorary Host, while Zentaro Naganuma, Consul General of Japan in Houston, will offer the ceremonial toast. The event is anticipated to be the organization's largest gala yet, uniting leading figures from civic, business, and cultural communities to celebrate friendship, innovation, and deepening business relationships between Japan and Texas. For full event details and sponsorship information, please visit https://jasdfw.org/sun-star-legacy-award-dinner/.
Simultaneously, JASDFW has launched its new website at https://jasdfw.org/, featuring a new logo, cleaner navigation, and enhanced user experience. The mobile-friendly site serves as a centralized hub for event registration, organizational news, and media resources while showcasing the organization's mission to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through business engagement, cultural exchange, and educational programs. Visitors can easily learn about JASDFW's growing network of corporate and individual members, business networking events, cultural celebrations, educational programs, and leadership initiatives that connect North Texas with Japan.
"Our new website is more than a refresh—it reflects the momentum and impact of the growing presence of Japanese businesses and the strong interest in Japanese culture across the DFW region," said Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW. The website highlights the organization's expanding network of corporate Benefactors whose partnership powers business networking events, cultural celebrations, and educational programming. It also provides information about three major upcoming programs: Business Outlook in 2026 on February 12 (https://jasdfw.org/event/business-outlook-in-2026/), Japan Currents on February 20 (https://jasdfw.org/event/2026-japan-currents/), and Celebrating Women's Career Achievement on March 19 (https://jasdfw.org/event/celebrating-womens-career-achievement/).
These developments come at a time when Japanese investment continues to play a crucial role in Texas's economy, with the state benefiting from substantial job creation and economic growth through bilateral partnerships. The new website and gala announcement underscore JASDFW's commitment to fostering relationships between Japan and North Texas through multiple channels, from high-level business networking to cultural and educational exchanges that strengthen the foundation of international cooperation. The organization's efforts demonstrate how strategic partnerships between Texas and Japan create tangible economic benefits while building cultural bridges that enhance the business environment for companies operating across both regions.
