Texas Governor Greg Abbott to Receive Sun & Star Legacy Award for Strengthening Japan-Texas Relations
TL;DR
The JASDFW gala offers executives exclusive networking with top Japanese and Texas business leaders to gain strategic partnerships and competitive advantages.
The event on April 15, 2026 at Irving Convention Center includes a VIP reception, dinner, silent auction, and networking from 6:00 to 9:30 PM.
This gala strengthens Japan-Texas relations through cultural exchange and supports educational programs that foster mutual understanding between communities.
Attendees can bid on curated travel experiences, designer jewelry, and exclusive sports packages while celebrating Governor Abbott's international leadership award.
The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) will host the 2026 Sun & Star 28th Annual Legacy Award Dinner on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the Grand Ballroom of the Irving Convention Center. This prestigious event brings together hundreds of top executives from business, government, and diplomatic communities to celebrate the enduring partnership between Japan and Texas.
In 2026, JASDFW will present its highest honor, the Sun & Star Legacy Award, to Texas Governor Greg Abbott in recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Japan and Texas. Under Governor Abbott's leadership, Texas has become one of Japan's strongest partners in the United States for trade, innovation, and investment. This includes establishing strategic agreements with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Aichi Prefecture, which is home to Toyota's global headquarters.
The significance of this recognition extends beyond ceremonial honors, highlighting Texas's strategic position in international commerce. Today, Texas is home to hundreds of Japanese-owned businesses and serves as a cornerstone of continued U.S.-Japan collaboration. The state's relationship with Japan represents a model of international partnership that drives economic growth and cultural exchange.
Lawrence P. Howorth, Chair of the Board of Directors for JASDFW, emphasized the importance of this relationship, stating that the Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner exemplifies how partnerships between Texas and Japan continue to shape our future. The event serves as a powerful platform for building friendships, fostering business collaboration, and celebrating shared values of innovation, respect, and community.
Guests can anticipate an elegant evening featuring a VIP reception, gourmet dinner, and opportunities to connect with influential figures from both nations. The event will also include a silent auction with curated travel experiences, designer jewelry, fine dining packages, and exclusive sports and golf offerings. For those interested in participating, additional information about sponsorships and table reservations can be found at https://www.jasdfw.org.
The Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner functions as JASDFW's signature annual fundraiser, supporting programs that promote education, culture, and business exchange across North Texas and beyond. Proceeds enable the Society to continue its mission of fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between Japanese and American communities. This event underscores the growing importance of international partnerships in an increasingly interconnected global economy, where cross-cultural understanding and business cooperation drive innovation and prosperity.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release