Mission Statement: To encourage friendship, cordial exchange, and cultural understanding between the women of Japan and the United States of America.
President: Robin Hattori
Vice Presidents: Naomi Spells & Linda Lindsey
Secretary: Miranda Miller
Treasurers: Aya Kawasaki & Sawa Leonard
Newsletter Editor: Kathleen Foster
Website: Daria McKelvey
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.
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
