Japan-America Society Celebrates Successful 11th Annual Golf Classic Strengthening Texas-Japan Relations

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth celebrated another successful year on the greens 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 spirited day of golf, connection, and shared purpose in support of JASDFW's cultural and educational programs. The tournament's importance lies in its role as a key fundraising and networking event that sustains the organization's mission to deepen understanding and partnership between Japan and North Texas through cultural exchange, education, and community engagement.

Winning teams included first place winner ORIX Corporation USA and second place winner SMBC, demonstrating the strong corporate participation from Japanese and international companies with significant Texas operations. Additional contest winners included Dan Sinawat of AI Connex as Mega Putt Putting Contest winner, Barron Bryant of KPMG for Longest Drive, and Joe Bunch of Barnes & Thornburg for Closest to the Pin. The diverse representation of winners across multiple industries highlights the broad-based support for Japan-Texas relations within the business community.

JASDFW extended its deepest appreciation to sponsors whose generosity and commitment made the event possible. Major sponsors included Title Sponsor Toyota North America, Lunch Sponsor Zeal IT Consultants, and multiple contest sponsors including ORIX Corporation USA and SMBC Group. This corporate support ensures that 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 continue to thrive and inspire new connections across generations. The sustained corporate participation year after year indicates the strategic importance companies place on maintaining strong Japan-Texas business relationships.

Lawrence P. Howorth, Chair of the Board of Directors, emphasized the event's broader significance, noting that it demonstrates how much can be accomplished when business and cultural communities come together. He stressed that the tournament represents more than just a day of golf—it's about building bridges, creating opportunity, and celebrating the shared spirit of collaboration that defines the Japan-Texas relationship. This perspective underscores how such events serve as critical platforms for maintaining and strengthening international partnerships that have significant economic and cultural implications for both regions.

As the Society looks ahead to its upcoming programs and the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner with special guest Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the successful golf classic provides crucial momentum and funding for continued relationship-building efforts. The event's success reflects the growing importance of Japan-Texas relations in an increasingly interconnected global economy, where cultural understanding and business partnerships become increasingly valuable assets for regional economic development and international cooperation.