Japan-America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth Unveils New Website and Details 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala

The Japan-America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth (JASDFW) has announced two major developments that will enhance its mission and expand its reach. The organization has officially launched its new mobile-friendly website at https://jasdfw.org/ and shared details about its signature Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala scheduled for April 15, 2026. These initiatives represent significant steps in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations through business engagement, cultural exchange, and educational programs.

The 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala will unite leading figures from civic, business, and cultural communities for an evening celebrating friendship, innovation, and the deepening business relationships between Japan and Texas. This marquee event is anticipated to be the largest yet as the organization honors Governor Greg Abbott as this year's Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient. Governor Abbott is being recognized for his leadership and commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Japan and Texas. His efforts have played a central role in forging partnerships that have led to over 400 Japanese companies operating in Texas, more than $14 billion in investment, and 81,000 Texans employed, making Japan the state's largest foreign investor and employer.

The evening will feature distinguished guest presenters Tetsuo Ogawa, President & CEO of Toyota Motor North America, and Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Rick Stopfer, Mayor of Irving, will serve as Honorary Host, while Zentaro Naganuma, Consul General of Japan in Houston, will offer the ceremonial toast. For full event details and sponsorship information, visitors can access https://jasdfw.org/sun-star-legacy-award-dinner/.

The newly launched website reflects JASDFW's commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations through business engagement, cultural exchange, and educational programs. Featuring a new logo, cleaner navigation, and enhanced user experience, the site makes it easier than ever to explore membership benefits, upcoming programs, sponsorship opportunities, and community initiatives. Visitors to the new mobile-friendly website can easily learn about JASDFW's growing network of corporate and individual members, business networking events, cultural celebrations, educational programs, and leadership initiatives that connect North Texas with Japan.

The website also highlights the organization's expanding network of loyal corporate Benefactors whose partnership powers business networking events, cultural celebrations, and educational programming that connects North Texans with Japan. It now serves as a centralized hub for event registration, organizational news, and media resources. Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW, stated that the new website reflects the momentum and impact of the growing presence of Japanese businesses and the strong interest in Japanese culture across the DFW region. The website showcases the organization's mission, members, and business, cultural, and educational programs, along with the meaningful relationships being built between Japan and North Texas.

The website features information about three major upcoming programs spotlighting business insights and leadership achievements. These include the Business Outlook in 2026 event on February 12 accessible at https://jasdfw.org/event/business-outlook-in-2026/, the Japan Currents event on February 20 at https://jasdfw.org/event/2026-japan-currents/, and the Celebrating Women's Career Achievement event on March 19 at https://jasdfw.org/event/celebrating-womens-career-achievement/. These developments collectively represent significant advancements in the organization's efforts to foster stronger ties between Japan and Texas through multiple channels of engagement and collaboration.