Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth Concludes Record-Breaking December Events Fostering Cultural Exchange
TL;DR
JASDFW's record-breaking events offer networking advantages through cultural immersion and international athletic exchanges that can enhance cross-cultural business relationships.
JASDFW organized three December events: Anime Frontier with 50,000 attendees, a pickleball social with Japanese cuisine, and a marathon welcome for elite runners from Sendai.
These events foster cultural understanding and lasting connections between Japan and America, making communities more inclusive and globally aware through shared experiences.
Visitors at Anime Frontier saw a 200-year-old Ukiyo-e woodblock print book and tried hands-on printmaking, connecting historical art to modern manga culture.
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The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) concluded a series of December events that demonstrated significant community engagement with Japanese culture through diverse programming. Three signature events—Anime Frontier, an inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration, and a welcome for Japanese marathon runners—collectively attracted record participation while advancing cross-cultural understanding in the Dallas/Fort Worth region.
Anime Frontier, held December 12–14 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, drew approximately 50,000 attendees, providing JASDFW with a substantial platform to introduce aspects of Japanese culture beyond anime and manga. Through a complimentary booth, volunteers engaged thousands with information about the organization, Japanese language classes, and upcoming cultural programs like the Mochitsuki New Year celebration. A dot-survey revealed that culture, language, and food were the top interests among visitors. The booth featured a 200-year-old Ukiyo-e woodblock print book, offering historical context for modern manga, and included a hands-on printmaking activity inspired by traditional techniques. Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW, noted that the event allowed the organization to meet people through existing passions and invite deeper cultural exploration.
On December 12, JASDFW members gathered at RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport for the first-ever Pickleball Social & Bonenkai, blending recreation with Japanese culinary traditions. The event featured izakaya-style dishes from Yama Izakaya & Sushi along with sake, beer, and wine, emphasizing community building through shared experiences. This gathering exemplified JASDFW's mission of fostering connections through cultural activities accessible to participants of all skill levels.
JASDFW also supported international athletic exchange by welcoming elite runners Shiho Endo and Satoshi Tanaka from Sendai, Japan, who participated in the BMW Dallas Marathon with support from JASDFW and the City of Dallas. The runners joined the Bonenkai celebration and were honored at a post-race reunion luncheon that connected them with local runners who have participated in the Sendai Half-Marathon through programs sponsored by JASDFW and partners like Japan Airlines. Despite freezing temperatures, Endo placed 4th overall among female marathon runners and 2nd in her age division, marking a significant athletic achievement celebrated by the community.
These December events collectively showcased JASDFW's expanding impact across cultural, social, and international domains. The organization's ability to attract thousands to anime conventions while facilitating intimate social gatherings and supporting elite athletic exchanges indicates growing public interest in Japanese culture in North Texas. For more information about upcoming programs, visit https://www.jasdfw.org/.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
