What is the Japan/America Society of Kentucky?

Established in 1987, the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical membership organization dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the business, cultural and social practices and customs of Japan and Kentucky. Headquartered in Lexington, JASK provides member events and services throughout the state.

JASK is overseen by a 34 member volunteer Board of Directors who represent leading businesses throughout the commonwealth. JASK members have the opportunity to communicate and cooperate with each other, fostering greater mutual reliance and creating an improved regional business climate for companies of both nations.

JASK is a member of the National Association of Japan/America Societies (NAJAS). This allows our Corporate Members access to each of the 38 Japan/America Societies, including a job/resume database and a directory of links to Japan resources.

Who are JASK members?

Kentucky is home to over 150 Japanese companies and thousands of Japanese citizens.  JASK members include nearly 210 Japanese and American corporations representing all sectors of the business world, including leading Japanese and Kentucky manufacturers, law firms, accounting firms, construction companies, trading companies, airlines, banks and a variety of other nonprofit organizations. For a complete listing of our Corporate Members, please click on our Corporate Member Listing page. Membership is open to organizations and individuals. For more information on Membership fees, please http://jask.org/join or click "Join" on the menu above.

Why should my company join?

JASK members gain access to business, educational, cultural and social programs that provide opportunities for developing personal relationships with members of both the Japanese and American communities.  Membership signifies that you are an active part of Kentucky's Japan/America community. 

Corporate benefits include:

• Opportunities to develop relationships with executives from Japanese & American companies through participation in regular JASK programs.  All employees of Corporate Members are considered members of the Society and are invited to all functions.
• Access to the JASK database, which includes full contact information for leaders in all the JASK member companies. 
  
• Monthly newsletter, Kon Getsu, program invitations and other special mailings.
• Advertising in the JASK Newsletter: Kon Getsu.
• JASK Corporate Membership Directory access.
• Referrals for translation / interpreters / bilingual staffing.
• Complimentary consulting services on Japanese etiquette, protocol, and travel to Japan (JASK staff will conduct on-site training customized to your organizations need).
• Assistance with Japanese expatriates locating in Kentucky, including our Welcome to Lexington, Welcome to Elizabethtown and Welcome to Bowling Green handbooks published entirely in Japanese.
• Corporate Members are listed on the JASK website (http://jask.org/members) with links to their web sites.
• Corporate Sponsorship opportunities are available for member organizations to enhance their visibility while helping JASK fulfill its mission.

Individual/Student benefits include:

• All of the above, excepting corporate recognition (for sponsorships, in the directory, etc...).
  

JASK Programs

JASK unites Japanese and American interests primarily through our diverse programs. Recent Highlights include a Lunch Program featuring Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear speaking about Japan's Economic Impact on Kentucky.  We have also hosted former Japanese Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa.  Other programs include our popular "6:01 Club" Business Networking Socials; seminars presented by Corporate Members on a variety of topics; a Sake Tasting; A Sushi Tasting; the always-packed Annual JASK Golf Classic; our Annual Shinnenkai to kick off each New Year; and an animated Annual Karaoke party. This year we are excited to hold two new  major programs: JAPAN! Summer Family Festival and the Japan/Kentucky Cultural Exchange.  In addition to these programs, JASK regularly works with civic and educational organizations to provide assistance, materials and/or instruction for children and adults about Japan.

Educational Outreach

JASK has developed an educational outreach program geared at elementary school age children. We have worked with the Lexington Public Library on an outreach program to bring this educational opportunity to hundreds of children. JASK is pleased to accept applications from schools, libraries, youth groups, etc., to present this free program to children around Kentucky. There are several modules to choose from and include Japanese holidays, Japanese crafts, Japanese stories and folktales, and our popular "Day in the life of a Japanese Student," which focuses on the lives of elementary age children in Japan. JASK hopes this program will create a greater awareness and appreciation of Japan in Kentucky's schools.



For more information, contact the Society at 859/224-7001, by fax at 859/224-7033 or info@jask.org.
333 W.Vine St., Ste. 1600 Lexington, Kentucky 40507.