Press Release

For Immediate Release

Japan-America Society of Washington DC to Host 39th US-Japan Capital Gala

WASHINGTON, DC – The Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) is pleased to announce its 39th annual US-Japan Capital Gala, the premier celebration of the US-Japan relationship in the nation’s capital. The gala will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.

The US-Japan Capital Gala is the Society’s largest fundraising event of the year, bringing together leaders from the policy, business, and civil society communities to celebrate the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan. Proceeds from the event support JASWDC’s educational and cultural programs, which aim to foster a deeper connection between the peoples of both countries.

The 39th US-Japan Capital Gala’s Featured Guests list includes H.E. Shigeo Yamada, Japan’s ambassador to the US, Congressman Ami Bera, and Ambassador Carla Hills, with more featured guests to be announced in the coming days.

This year’s gala will also recognize Mr. Charles D. Lake II, Chairman and Representative Director of Aflac Life Insurance Japan and President of Aflac International, with the prestigious 2025 Marshall Green Award. Established by the JASWDC Board of Trustees in 2011, the award honors an individual who has made a sustained and significant contribution to strengthening relations and increasing mutual understanding between the United States and Japan.

Receiving this year’s John & Hiroko Malott Leadership Award are Kazuyo Kato (Individual Award), Executive Director of JCIE USA, and the JET Alumni Association of Washington DC (JETAADC) (Group Award). 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.

Tickets for the 39th US-Japan Capital Gala are now available for purchase here.

For all gala sponsorship inquiries, please contact Emily Johnson at ejohnson@jaswdc.org.

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 the National 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 US at the grassroots public diplomacy level. Our programming aims to bring Japanese and American people closer together in the Nation’s Capital area.

Media Inquiries

William Denton, Communications Manager
wdenton@jaswdc.org