The JAA Anniversary Gala, our annual year-end celebration, will take place on Friday, December 4, 2026, at the Harvard Club of New York City in Midtown Manhattan. Since JAA’s 100th Anniversary in 2007, the Gala has become a cherished annual tradition and one of JAA’s most important fundraising events.

This year, JAA will honor Japan Village with the Corporate Community Leadership Award and Susan J. Onuma with the Individual Community Leadership Award for their longstanding contributions to the Japanese and Japanese American community.

Through the continued efforts of Mr. Tadao Yoshida and his family, Japan Village has become a hub for Japanese culture and cuisine in Brooklyn, fostering exchanges between Japan and the United States and supporting JAA’s community initiatives.

An accomplished attorney, Susan J. Onuma has served on the JAA Board of Directors for more than 30 years and as JAA President from 2005 to 2007 and 2014 to 2021. In 2020, she received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Government of Japan in recognition of her contributions to U.S.-Japan relations.

The evening will feature a performance by the Naoya Ogura Band, as well as Christmas songs performed by the New York Mix Chorus.

Space is limited, so we kindly ask that you make your reservations by Tuesday, November 24.