2026-2027 Board Members

 ​Mission Statement:  To promote cultural exchange, cultivate friendship, and support cross-cultural understanding among people in the St. Louis region with ties to and/or interest in Japan
  • President: Naomi Spells
  • Vice President: Mami Mulkey
  • Treasurer / Directory: Sawa Leonard 
  • Treasurer: Aya Kawasaki 
  • Recording Secretary: Ashley Duhaime
  • Advisor / Newsletter Editor: ​Robin Hattori​
  • Website: Daria McKelvey
  • Member at large: Izumi Mueller, Linda Austin, Lucy Day, Michiye Jones, Carol Gentry, Jennifer Branden-Robillard, Christine Mazrim

​Our History

The Japan America Society Women's Association (JASWA) was founded by Jane Freund Harris with the support of George Hasegawa and Kikue Atkins in 1979. JASWA held its first official meeting at the Westwood Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. The organization has since provided educational, social, and cultural programs and is proud to be a part of the St. Louis Community.  As of this year, we are an active and growing community with over 130 members.

JASWA Milestones and Historical Events

  • 1979: The Japan America Society Women's Association was founded
  • 1990: Monthly newsletter launched
  • 1994: Japanese Emperor and Empress vist St. Louis
  • 1994 - 2006: Hands Across the Pacific
  • 1997: Bylaws approved
  • 1997-1998: St. Louis Nisei Oral History Project 
  • 1998: Completed "Living in St. Louis Handbook for Newcomers" 
  • 1998: School Visits, "Japan in A Suitcase" program begins 
  • 1999 & 2005: Supported Japanese lung transplant patients 
  • 2000 & 2001: Hosted an orientation for Japanese newcomers 
  • 2002: Book Reading Club begins 
  • 2002 - 2004: Pen-pal project with elementary students in Japan and Missouri 
  • 2003: Current logo was introduced
  • 2003: A cherry tree was planted at the Missouri Botanical Garden to commemorate the 25th anniversary of JASWA
  • 2005: Participated in the translation of the St. Louis Children's Hospital Pediatric Lung Transplant Program Teaching Booklet 
  • 2008: Respect for the Elders Day became a reoccurring event in September
  • 2009: Provided assistance to the St. Louis Japanese Language School in celebration of their 30th anniversary
  • 2010: Sponsored Beate Sirota Gordon
  • 2011: Published the Janice Koizumi Story
  • 2011: Assisted with the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Relief-
  • 2019–Present: Annual donation to the Missouri Botanical Garden
  • 2022: Visit Nikkei-jin legend Janice Koizumi in Chicago
  • 2023: Donated $1,000 to the St. Louis and Suwa Exchange Student Program
  • 2024: Hosted a potluck for the Suwa Delegation team from Suwa Prefecture, Japan
  • 2024–Present: Represent a JASWA table at the JAS Annual Gala
  • 2026: Revise and update by-law