JASWDC Announces 2026 John and Hiroko Malott Leadership Award Recipients

WASHINGTON, DC – The Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) is proud to announce the 2026 John and Hiroko Malott Leadership Award Recipients. The John and Hiroko Malott Leadership Award recognizes individuals and groups that are working to develop and mentor the next generation of leaders in the US-Japan relationship.

J-LEARN (Japanese Language Education Advocacy and Resource Network):
J-LEARN is a coalition of Japanese language teachers at all levels, interested parents, and other stakeholders. It was established in 2016 to respond to proposed cuts in Japanese language programs in the Washington DC area. The focus is on public schools at the K-12 level.

J-LEARN’s purpose is to ensure that local school administrators, school board members, and parents make informed decisions about Japanese language study, and that they understand the value of Japanese language learning to students and the importance and breadth of America’s ties to Japan.

NABEA (National Association for Black Engagement with Asia):
The National Association for Black Engagement with Asia (NABEA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and empowering Black Americans engaged with Asia. Guided by the belief that America’s engagement with Asia should reflect the diversity of America, NABEA works to cultivate the next generation of Black leaders in U.S.–Asia relations and create opportunities for promoting understanding across borders.

Founded in 2019 by a small group of Black professionals working in Asia, NABEA has grown into a vibrant community of more than 500 members across the United States and Asia. Its members bring diverse perspectives and expertise to fields ranging from diplomacy and business to education and the arts. Their expertise also spans geographies, with over 40% of members specializing in Japan or speaking Japanese.

Connection and empowerment are at the heart of NABEA’s work. Through community gatherings and networking events, NABEA brings Black students and professionals together, creating spaces where shared interests grow into meaningful relationships. The organization also supports members as they navigate their professional journeys, offering mentorship, career development resources, and access to opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to find.

NABEA believes that Black talent in Asia-related fields already exists. Its mission is to make that talent visible, connected and impossible to overlook.

The recipients will be recognized at the 40th US-Japan Capital Gala to be held on November 12th, 2026, at the National Building Museum. This year’s theme is Japanese Landscapes. Featured Guests include Amb. Shigeo Yamada, Senator Bill Hagerty, Representative Diana DeGette, and and this year’s Marshall Green award Winner, renowned Japanese landscape architect Hoichi Kuris.

About the US-Japan Capital Gala
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s US-Japan Capital Gala is one of the Society’s signature flagship programs. Over the years, the Gala has welcomed and honored some of America’s and Japan’s most distinguished leaders. The Gala supports Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s educational activities, including theNational Japan Bowl, the Tanaka &Green Scholarship program, and the Japanese Language School. For more information, visit jaswdc.org/capital-gala/.

About the Japan-America Society of Washington DC
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC is a 501(c)(3) educational and cultural non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Japan and the U.S. at the grassroots public diplomacy level. Our programming aims to bring Japanese and American people closer together in the National Capital Region.

Media Inquiries
William Denton, Communications Manager
wdenton@jaswdc.org