JASP HIGHLIGHTS

2021
- JASP and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh held a briefing and moderated panel discussion on the evolving Japan-US alliance and its impact on security and geostrategy in Asia.

2020
- JASP provided many online programs during the COVID-19 shutdown. 

2019
- The Richard J. Wood Art Curators Series featured curator Stephen Salel discussing the ukiyo-e collection of James A. Michener at the Honolulu Museum of Art.

2018
- The Japan America Society of Pennsylvania, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, and the Western Pennsylvania Global Business Forum held a breakfast briefing on the growing energy economy in Western Pennsylvania, featuring Elliott Group.

2017
- The Richard J. Wood Art Curators Series, bringing attention to major collections of Japanese art in the U.S. and their role in the U.S.-Japan grassroots relationship, featured curator Janice Katz discussing Clarence Buckingham's collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.

2016
- Ten Pittsburgh students travel to Japan for the TOMODACHI Ties Through Taiko exchange, a part of the TOMODACHI/NAJAS Grassroots Initiative.

2015
- Twelve students from the Aichi, Japan come to Pittsburgh for the TOMODACHI Ties Through Taiko exchange, a part of the TOMODACHI/NAJAS Grassroots Initiative.

2014
- "Voices from Japan," an exhibition of tanka poetry written by Japanese citizens in the aftermath of the disaster, was presented in the lobby of the USX/UPMC Tower.

2013
- A special presentation of the NAJAS KKC Business Speaker Series, Takashi Hatchoji, Chairman of Hitachi America, Ltd., and Matthew Goodman, Center for Strategic & International Studies, addressed the future economic outlook for Japan and the United States.

2011
- Led by the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania and Brother’s Brother Foundation, Pittsburghers and Pittsburgh businesses donated more than $500,000 for new hospital equipment and a youth center for orphans of the Great Tohoku Earthquake.

2010
- Collaborating with the University of Pittsburgh, JASP was able to purchase taiko drums for the local Japanese drumming group, Pittsburgh Taiko.

2007
- Special reception for University of Pittsburgh Emeritus Professor Isamu Sando's receiving the "Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" Award from the Emperor of Japan. 
- Chairman Stephen Ceurvorst and board member Dennis Unkovic travel to Tokyo, Japan, for a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the America-Japan Society. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan were also in attendance.

2006
- A one-week tour of Kyoto, Japan that included attendance at the 5th International Symposium of America-Japan Societies. 15 people attended.
- The JASP is featured on the KDKA Sunday Business Page, a local weekly public affairs program.

2002
- Crane Peace Project to fold a thousand paper cranes for peace, harmony, and understanding in the community and world. This was part of the JASP's collaboration with Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for their Japanese Chrysanthemum Festival.

2001
- U.S. Steel receives the International Bridge Award in remembrance of the JASP's former Chairman, Paul J. Wilhelm, for his efforts to advance the Pittsburgh region globally.

1997
- Japan in the Schools (JIS) program launches. JIS volunteers go to local schools, and use authentic Japanese materials to teach school children about Japan and Japanese culture in a concrete and engaging manner.

1996
- The JASP endorses a 15 member delegation to Japan as the first Pittsburgh-Allegheny Country international trade mission to promote Pittsburgh interests in Japan: members include Mayor of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Commissioners.
- First Japanese Language Speech Contest in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh

1995
- The JASP was the first Japan-America chapter to gather funds and provide relief for the Kobe Earthquake. Working with the Brother's Brother Foundation, the JASP was able to raise over $48,000
- A Resource Library was established for members' use

1994
- First Japan Bowl national Japanese speech and language competition.

1993
- First annual JASP Golf Outing. Although the idea of a golf outing initially was met with resistance, it has since become one of the biggest and most popular events that JASP puts on each year. It was later renamed the Paul J. Wilhelm Memorial Golf Outing in honor of Mr. Wilhelm of United States Steel, who served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the JASP from 1995 to 2000

1991
- First annual dinner, speaker Ambassador Lynn Williams, former Deputy United States Trade Representative
- The America-Japan Society of Pittsburgh begins operating as the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania

1990
- The 5:01 Club was established (in 1995, it became the 5:31 Club); it entailed monthly cocktail meetings with informal 20-30 minute presentations about Japan or Japanese-American relations and opportunities for informal networking
- Society hosts "Japan-Pittsburgh Business Dialogue" with eleven of Japan's most influential business executives, including Akio Morita of Sony

1988
- The American-Japan Society of Pittsburgh was accepted as a member of the Associated Japan-American Societies of the United States
- This was also the year the AJSP was awarded a three year grant from the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission to hire an Executive Director and cover administration costs
- JASP is established with 501(c)(3) status, but the society continues to operate under the name America-Japan Society of Pittsburgh

1987
- AJSP holds a cocktail reception for a delegation from Kitakyushu, including Mayor Sueyoshi
- Luncheon for Ambassador Hidetoshi Ukawa, Consul General of Japan to New York

1986
- America-Japan Society of Pittsburgh (AJSP) officially incorporates.
- AJSP sponsors its first program. Keynote speakers are Tom Murrin and Sosuke Doi, Executive Vice President of National Steel.

1985
- The America-Japan Society of Pittsburgh is formed to foster business ties and international understanding between Japan and the Pittsburgh area.