The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth celebrated another successful year at the 11th Annual Sun & Star Golf Classic, held at Bear Creek Golf Club. This signature event brought together business leaders, community members, and friends of Japan and Texas for a day of golf, connection, and shared purpose in support of JASDFW's cultural and educational programs.
The tournament featured impressive performances from winning teams, with Orix Corporation USA taking first place and SMBC securing second place. Individual competition winners included Dan Sinawat of AI Connex as the Mega Putt Putting Contest winner, Barron Bryant of KPMG, LLP for Longest Drive, and Joe Bunch of Barnes & Thornburg, LLP for Closest to the Pin. Each participant's contribution helped advance JASDFW's mission to deepen understanding and partnership between Japan and North Texas through cultural exchange, education, and community engagement.
The event's success was made possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors, whose commitment ensures the continuation of vital programs. Major sponsors included Toyota North America as Title Sponsor, Zeal IT Consultants as Lunch Sponsor, and the City of Irving as a Pre-Tournament Sponsor. Additional support came from Plano EDC as Cart/Beverage Sponsor, with contest sponsors including ORIX Corporation USA and SMBC Group. Other significant contributors included Fortinet as Hole in One Sponsor and multiple hole sponsors such as Panasonic, Technologent, Toyota Tsusho Systems (Thailand) Co., Ltd., First Class Imports, MUFG, KPMG, and Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
Lawrence P. Howorth, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, emphasized the broader significance of the event. Howorth stated that the golf classic demonstrates how much can be accomplished when business and cultural communities come together, noting that it's not just about golf but about building bridges, creating opportunity, and celebrating the shared spirit of collaboration that defines the Japan-Texas relationship.
The sponsorship support enables JASDFW to maintain and expand programs such as the Japan America Friendship Night at the Texas Rangers, the annual Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration, and the Japan-America Grassroots Summit. These initiatives continue to thrive and inspire new connections across generations, fostering mutual respect and appreciation between the two cultures. As the Society looks ahead to upcoming programs, including the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner with special guest Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the organization remains grateful to its members, sponsors, and volunteers who make such events possible. More information about the organization's mission and activities can be found at https://www.jasdfw.org.
