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 Kentucky's Capitol, Frankfort, JASK provides member events and services throughout the state.
JASK is overseen by a 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 200 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 here. Membership is open to organizations and individuals. For more information on Membership fees, click here.

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 JASK and are invited to all events/programs.
  
• Complimentary consulting services on Japanese etiquette, protocol, and travel to Japan (JASK staff will conduct on-site training customized to your organization's needs)
  
• Access to the JASK database, which includes contact information for leaders in JASK member companies.
  
• Advertising in JASK's monthly newsletter, Kon Getsu.
  
• Referrals for translation / interpreters / bilingual staffing. 
  
• Assisting Japanese expatriates located in Kentucky. This includes providing our Welcome to Lexington, Welcome to Elizabethtown and Welcome to Bowling Green handbooks published entirely in Japanese. (Email programs@jask.org to receive this document)
  
• Corporate Sponsorship opportunities 
  

Individual/Student benefits include:

• All of the above, except 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; Sake and Sushi Tasting; the always-packed Annual JASK Golf Classic; JAPAN! Summer Family Festival; our Annual Shinnenkai to kick off each New Year; and our end of the year Annual Karaoke "Bonenkai" party. 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 JASK at 502-209-9630 or programs@jask.org
464 Chenault Road, Frankfort KY 40601.