Delta Air Lines is a much-valued supporter of US-Japan in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This year, this raffle is the ONLY chance you will have to win TWO main-cabin, round-trip tickets to Tokyo for just one $40 raffle ticket, with our JASO Golden Ticket Raffle. Plus, you're doing a good thing and supporting JASO in our work at the same time. Read the rules below carefully to ensure that you are eligible to win.
With our thanks to Delta Air Lines.
JASO will draw one lucky winner live at our Annual Gala and General Meeting at The Redd on Salmon on June 4, 2026. You do NOT need to be present to win.
You do NOT need to be a JASO member to participate. You DO need to physically be in Oregon at time of purchase and be at least 18 years old to participate.
Click on REGISTER to purchase NOW and we'll write your name on one Raffle Ticket for each $40 purchase you make. Along with your purchase confirmation with all details, we'll include a separate email with your raffle ticket number(s) (from #1 to #300).
Full details below:
Rules: Transportation is valid on Delta Air Lines and booking certificate expires one year from date of issue. Redemption details will be emailed to the winner. Tickets must be used together. This raffle is open only to people who are physically in the state of Oregon at time of purchase and 18 years old or older. If you are not physically in the state of Oregon or are under the age of 18, you are not eligible to purchase a raffle ticket, to be entered into the drawing, and to claim the prize. If the ticket of an ineligible entrant is drawn, JASO will continue the drawing until the ticket of an eligible entrant is selected. Purchaser does not have to be present to win.
The winner will be drawn live at our Annual Gala and General Meeting at The Redd on Salmon (831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214) on June 4, 2026, at 7:30PM or shortly thereafter by the Japan-America Society of Oregon.
Winner will be contacted at the Annual Gala and General Meeting on June 4, 2026, or shortly afterwards.
Agreement:The winner will sign an affidavit of eligibility and publicity/liability release and a publicity/liability release from the travel companion of each travel prize winner, which documents will include adequate provisions that (1) grant Delta the right to use the name, likeness, voice, and biography of the winner (and travel companion) for promotional purposes, and (2) release Delta and its affiliated companies from and against any and all liability arising from the use of the prize awarded to the winner or otherwise in connection with the Contest.
By registering here and purchasing one or more tickets you agree to be bound by the above terms and conditions.
If you are an adult and work with Japanese colleagues or you’re planning a future business trip to Japan, our Japanese Language Classes for Business on Zoom helps prepare you.
We cover business situations in all classes, and also conversation after work and getting to know each other. After mastering these basics of business, language terms and simple sentence construction, at higher levels we move into more all-purpose Japanese topics and discussion.
Our Philosophy: We’re busy working professionals and come to class to study. We ask that you include time each week outside class to prepare, then we practice and expand in class. Then review again at home. Expect up to 2 hours preparation each week.
Class study at JASO is a benefit of membership, so you or your company must be a current JASO member to participate. All membership details at www.jaso.org.
Group Class Information
Small group classes run 8 weeks total, 75-minute classes (10 hrs contact time). Maximum 10 students. Minimum 4 needed for class to run. Classes held online on Zoom.
Week 1 starts from Monday April 20, Week 8 finishes mid-June, with the following week in case emergency make-up needed due to unavoidable teacher cancellation. Note: No classes on Memorial Day.
Technology
It is the student’s responsibility to use an up-to-date operating system, camera, headphones and microphone to ensure you can engage effectively in the classroom. Quality connectivity is also the student’s responsibility, not the instructor’s. The instructor will try to make a reasonable effort in case of a student’s connectivity trouble. However, the instructor will not pause, halt or interrupt class in a way that overly impacts other students.
Process
Sign-up online. Select your class. Pay the fee.
We make every effort to ensure you are placed correctly. Follow the course description SPECIFICALLY when signing up. We reserve the right to move you after first class. We also want you to talk to us if you think you need to move.
Find a quiet space for class, so as not to disrupt others. Preparing for class outside of the lesson is both good manners toward fellow classmates, and ensures you make the most of your investment in study.
Our Levels
Beginner level classes are for students who are new to Japanese, or have only a little self- or class-based study. If you think you've done a little study, but have not studied with us, do not choose Beginner 2 or 3. Choose Beginner 1. If you do NOT have a reasonable understanding of the ーて verb form, do NOT sign up for Improver or beyond.
Choose your level by signing up.
Our Classes
Beginner 1 - Monday 5:30-6:45pm
Students are introduced to concepts around working at a Japanese company including introductions, situational expressions and language, pronunciation, and the building blocks of starting to speak and create short sentences.
Students are expected to have very little knowledge of the language. Textbook provided.
Beginner 2 - Monday 7-8:15pm
Students should have completed Beginner 1. Textbook provided.
Beginner 3 - Wednesday 12 noon - 1:15pm
Students should have completed Beginner 2. Textbook provided.
Improver 2 - Wednesday 7:15-8:30pm
Continuing from last term, feel like you’ve covered most of the basics of Japanese? Covered standard verb tenses and understand a few uses of the “-te” verb form? Putting sentences together, but slower than you’d like and with multiple errors? Join us as we start your journey to improve the things you know already, and introduce a lot you don’t. You must purchase textbook Business Japanese for ExPats Book 2 and have ready for Week 1 of class. Kindle version also available.
Refund Policy
Course will run with minimum 4 students signing up. If course does not run, 100% of fees refunded. Cancellation after April 15, no refund if your cancellation causes numbers to drop below 4 in total. 50% refund otherwise. Refund processed after classes start. We will communicate with you as sign-up windows close regarding number of sign-ups.
We understand business people sometimes have work commitments that cause them to miss class. Many students end up missing 1 or 2 classes because of work commitments. We price these classes affordably to take this into consideration. We do not give refunds because “work became busy”.
Join us in downtown Portland as we open up our textbooks and practice Japanese together in conversation based around traveling and vacationing in Japan. These classes are for adults 18 years and older. Sorry, no high school students (we do accept in our Salem classes).
We have 4 classes this term. Term runs for 8 weeks with 75-minute classes, from Tuesday April 21 to June 9. Classes take place in-person at our office in downtown Portland close to Pioneer Place.
These classes always fill quickly, and we only accept a maximum of 10 students in class. Sign up before April 12 to receive the $50 discount (but they usually sell out before then anyway).
Class TV1 is for Beginner Level 1 (those with a little self-study only). You have not had the opportunity to speak out loud or practice any study with others or a teacher. You don't recognize the hiragana or katakana alphabets. We have two classes available on Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:45pm, and again on the same day from 7pm to 8:15pm. Select the Early Class or Late Class as you register.
We will study Chapters 1 & 2 of the Genki 1 - 3rd edition textbook and workbook.
Class TV2 is for Beginner Level 2. You must have completed our TV1 Course, or if not, be prepared to show that you recognize and can say words written in hiragana with some speed and confidence, before class starts. You have some ability to speak some simple sentences out loud, with confidence, including that/that/which/where/questions, and so on. This class takes place Thursdays from 5:30-6:45pm.
We will study Chapters 3 & 4 of the Genki 1 - 3rd edition textbook and workbook.
Class TV3 is for Beginner Level 3. You must have completed our TV1 and TV2 Courses, or if not, be prepared to show that you read and recognize both alphabets - hiragana and katakana with speed and confidence. You'll also need to be confident with standard and casual verb forms, particles, and simple grammatical constructs covered earlier in the textbook. You have some ability to speak simple sentences out loud, with confidence. This class takes place Thursdays from 7-8:15pm.
We will study Chapters 5 & 6 of the Genki 1 - 3rd edition textbook and workbook.
Note: additional costs - JASO Membership (from $33/yr) https://jaso.org/individual-membership, Genki 1 3rd edition textbook and workbook (around $65). You must purchase membership AND textbook AND workbook in advance of first class.
Course will run with minimum 4 students signing up. 10 maximum. If course does not run, 100% of fees refunded. Cancellation after April 15, no refund if your cancellation causes numbers to drop below 4 in total. 50% refund otherwise. Refund processed after classes start. We will communicate with you as sign-up windows close regarding number of sign-ups.
Call 503-552-8813 if you are under 18 but believe you should be cleared to register for class. We also run semi-private classes for 2 people at reasonable rates. We are unable to provide facilities for partners of those who sit and study to wait for them, or others with a particular special need, sorry. We understand busy people sometimes have life commitments that cause them to miss class. Many students end up missing 1 or 2 classes because of these. We price these classes affordably to take this into consideration. We do not give refunds because “life became busy”.
Join us and let's study and practice Japanese together in conversation, led by Hiromi Lathrop in downtown Salem. Hiromi is a qualified Japanese language instructor with over 11 years teaching experience. These classes are in-person, downtown in Salem on Wednesdays from April 22 to June 10, 8 weeks, 75-minute classes, 10 hours contact time. Great if you've planned a vacation to Japan. But also, just great anyway :-).
Class TV1 is for absolute beginners - You may have done a little Duolingo or looked online, or even bought a book. But you've never studied in a formal, consistent manner before. You aren't able to express basic structures.
We will study Chapters 1 & 2 of Genki 1 textbook and workbook. Wednesdays 7pm - 8:15pm.
Class TV2 is for improving beginners especially those who have studied TV1 with us. If you are new with us, you should have an understanding of this/that/over there and other basics of Chapters 1 & 2, including solid recognition and reproduction of hiragana and some katakana. If you do NOT have all these skills, opt for TV1.
We will study Chapters 3 & 4 of the Genki 1 - 3rd edition textbook and workbook. Wednesdays 5:30-6:45pm.
Call 503-552-8813 if you are NOT 18+ and want to register. We may accept parents with high school children AFTER review phone call. We are unable to provide facilities for partners of those who sit and study to wait for them, or others with a particular special need, sorry. We understand people sometimes have life commitments that cause them to miss class. Many students end up missing 1 or 2 classes because of this. We price these classes affordably to take this into consideration. We do not give refunds because “life became busy”.
Join the Women's Leadership Council in downtown Portland for this rare opportunity to learn from Tango Tanimura, a 20th-generation artisan from Japan.
One of only 16 officially recognized chasen masters, Tango Tanimura will guide us through the history of matcha and chasen, the traditional bamboo whisk used in matcha preparation. Tea ceremony and tea service by Nara Tea and a light lunch is included.
This program is open to all women of any heritage.
Tickets are limited - register today!
Program Schedule:11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Presentation, tea ceremony and tea service
Admission: $30 (Members) / $45 (Non-Members)
Tickets are non refundable.
JASO's Women's Leadership Council is a dynamic group of women, passionate to support and advance Japanese, Japanese-American and API women in the workplace. Each year this is achieved by bringing in top executives and professionals in a mix of workshops, seminars, discussions and networking events.
Join us at our largest annual gathering as we celebrate and learn about the amazingly varied connectivity between our community and Japan. Help us deliver our mission of a stronger relationship; through your attendance, donation or sponsorship. Our Gala theme this year is Japanese summer traditions, including matsuri (festival), so bring your colleagues, clients and friends, and get ready to celebrate and learn!
From business, trade and welcoming Japanese investment here, through an amazing array of authentic culture to starting and building personal relationships and friendships. Let's spend time together, learn about educational opportunities, community Japanese heritage, and eye-opening Japan-related businesses.
A true celebration of Japan always embraces mouthwatering cuisine, and this year we've created a truly unique traditional Japanese summer foodie experience. Details are secret, but coming soon!
Our networking-focused format enables you to connect widely - you can walk and greet, stop and chat, or sit a while longer and talk. We also host a silent auction, and we'll draw the winner of a Golden Ticket Raffle for two round-trip main-cabin tickets PDX-Tokyo courtesy of Delta Air Lines during the evening. Raffle tickets available shortly.
Our Gala is also our General Meeting, so you can meet our new and returning Board members in-person. All details on the event such as food and beverages, booths, parking, and attire will be posted on our website shortly. And, IF you wear a full traditional cultural costume showcasing your heritage - you'll be entered into a special prize drawing! (We love part, and we love modern interpretation or fusion, but the prize is just for full traditional.)
The Gala is our main fundraiser for the year. Your sponsorship or ticket purchase brings vital outcomes. We focus on business, education, culture, community, women and NEXT Gen in our programming - developing a stronger relationship with Japan in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Your commitment counts. Join us and let's celebrate.
Keidanren USA and the Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO) are pleased to invite you to the Keidanren USA Business Speaker Series, supported by the Keizai Koho Center (KKC).
This program is also the inaugural program for JASO's new committee delivering discussions on contemporary affairs, business, and beyond: The Japan Forum.
The program is designed to highlight the significant contributions of Japanese companies - now the No.1 source of foreign direct investment in the United States - with a special focus on the vibrant Japanese business community in Oregon. We look forward to bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the broader U.S.–Japan community to deepen dialogue on economic partnership and regional growth.
Program Schedule 10:30–12:00 Business Speaker Series Program 12:00–13:00 Networking Lunch Reception (buffet style)
Opening Remarks by Consul General Ken Todoriki, Consular Office of Japan in Portland
Keynote Presentations Professor Hiro Ito, Economics Department, Portland State University Ms. Sophorn Cheang, Director, Business Oregon
Panel Discussion Special Guests Mr. Kazuya Hirai, Vice President & Branch Manager, Sojitz Corporation of America, Portland Branch Mr. Mark Blythe, Vice President, US Demo Center, Kokusai Electric Corporation Ms. Sophorn Cheang, Director, Business Oregon
Moderated by Ms. Teruko Wada, Executive Director, Keidanren USA
Concluding Remarks by Graham Morris, Executive Director, Japan-America Society of Oregon
A networking lunch reception will follow the program. There is no charge to attend, but you must register in advance of the event.
We hope you will join us for this opportunity to engage with leaders shaping the future of U.S.–Japan economic relations and to celebrate the strong presence and contributions of Japanese companies in Oregon.
Join us online for this 90-minute program to close the culture gap and learn strategies for business and social success when working with your Japanese counterparts. Available to you over Zoom locally, and to your company employees in other locations around the USA, free of charge.
This program is available as a membership benefit to organizations at the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond support levels only.
Check to see if your company is currently listed at one of these levels HERE. If it isn't, but you want to participate - please forward the information to your HR Director for consideration. Ask JASO for more information at gmorris@jaso.org if you need support in your request. The week after, we do a similar free workshop in Japanese language for all Japanese employees working in the US, to better understand US business culture—learn more here.
Join this workshop to gain valuable insights into Japanese culture, communication, and effective strategies for collaborating with your Japanese colleagues, partners, and clients.
Presenter Sue Shinomiya, MBA, Founder of Global Business Passport is a consultant, trainer, coach, and writer, who empowers professionals to connect, lead and succeed across cultures.
アメリカで働く（あるいはこれから働く）日本人の方々が、社内外のアメリカ人との間で効果的に仕事をしていくためには、言語や文化の違いから発生するコミュニケーションの問題を克服し、アメリカ人が持っているスタイルと日本人の持っているスタイルとの差異を理解し、その上で両サイドから辛抱強く摺り合わせをしていく必要があります。
このセミナーはゴールド、プラチナ、ダイヤモンド会員の皆様へ無料で提供しております。オンライン（Zoom）にて日本語で開催いたします。
文化やスタイルに絡む多くの要素は、それぞれが生まれ育った環境や受けてきた教育から培われてきたものです。それらを文書（マニュアル）化したり、トレーニングしたりするのは一筋縄にはいきません。これらの違いは、ちょうど 「空気」 みたいなもので、目には見えない暗黙知として、無意識のうちに日本人とアメリカ人それぞれに刷り込まれています。そうした環境では自分たちの状況が思い通りにいかなくなると、どうしてもフラストレーションやストレスが溜まるものです。
本ワークショップでは、それら目には見えにくい文化やコミュニケーションの持つ要素を見える化させて、そして体系化させて、皆様の日常業務の中で役立てられるヒントや気付きをご提供します。
ワークショップの主なアウトライン
パシフィック・ドリームス・インク （PDI）の紹介：
弊社は、当初アメリカおよび日本企業に、迅速で高精度の技術翻訳サービスを手頃な価格でお届けすることを目的に、酒井謙吉と妻の酒井アイリーンによって1996年にオレゴン州セーレムで設立されました。半導体やITなどのテクノロジー業界で多くの実績を積み、翻訳業界では一定のポジションを築くことができました。会社設立以来、翻訳と同時に日米異文化コンサルティングにおける専門知識をもとに、PDIは単なる翻訳プロバイダーの枠組みを超え、様々なアプローチで日系企業様の経営上でのご支援をさせていただくようになりました。その発展系としてかかわるようになったHRコンサルティングサービスではいまや全米各地に100社を超えるクライアント企業様を有しています。企業様からのHR全般に関するご相談やHRドキュメントの作成や見直し、マネジメント層や一般従業員へのセクハラ防止を含む各種トレーニング、採用時のバックグランドチェックや給与調査サービスを日本語で懇切丁寧にご提供しています。
講師、酒井謙吉の紹介
1987年夏に当時の三菱金属（現：三菱マテリアル）の駐在員としてオレゴン州セーレムに渡米してから今年で39年目を迎えようとしている。東京都葛飾区柴又の出身で信州大学農学部卒。JASOの会員歴もすでに25年を超える。趣味は妻のアイリーンとともに毎週欠かさず練習に通うアメリカンスタイルの社交ダンス。
From October 20-24, we invite you to join JASO in Japan on our very first Tour of Toyama!
While a vacation to Japan often lures visitors to the tourist traps in Tokyo and Kyoto, we invite YOU to go deeper into authentic Japan, where mixing with locals and eating fresh, local cuisine are integral to your immersive experience. There’s nowhere better to go than Oregon’s own sister state of Toyama Prefecture, where our friends are already excited to welcome you!
Our trip package focuses on fully engaging you with interactive experiences in craftsmanship, nature, culture, and peace. *All visitation items are currently planned, but subject to potential change. Attendees must be 21 or older on date of arrival.
Register NOW and join us on Zoom for FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS on Monday April 20th 5-6pm and Tuesday May 12th 5-6pm. We’ll have tour operator representatives and local Toyama expert Lisa Murakami online to help with your questions.
Craftsmanship – alongside a trip to Toyama’s Glass Art Museum and a sake distillery, you’ll try your hand at traditional metal casting, wood carving, and washi paper making.
Nature – enjoy views and walk the beach at the Amaharashi Coast, meander through Sengakei Gorge, and experience autumn foliage in Kurobe on the famous Torokko Train.
Culture – from a traditional kimono experience in Uchikawa Old Town to the folk dance show at the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Village of Gokayama plus village tour. Enjoy Buddha drawing or a traditional waterfall shower.
Peace – visit the Takaoka Great Buddha, Zuisenji Temple, and Oiwasan Nisseikiji mountain temple complex.
Your accommodations include onsen and tatami hotel or ryokan, or traditional dwelling, in single or shared room where possible.
Breakfast included each day. Set meals of one lunch at the distillery and one dinner at Unazaki Onsen Ryokan included. Our friends in Toyama will recommend the best local eating establishments for us to explore at other times.
Costs do not include flights or domestic travel to Toyama station.
Minimum 10 attendees $3,820; more than 18 attendees $3,400
Included:
Payment Schedule:
Preparation: All trip preparation is managed by our partner tour organization, Portland-based Academic Experiences Abroad. JASO is NOT directly involved in managing any trip area. Assistant Director Kaoru Miyanaga will travel together with attendees during the week, but is not responsible for any part of the trip planning or operations. Please make sure your JASO membership is up-to-date through the tour dates.
Japan-America Society of Oregon503.552.8811 | info@jaso.org | 900 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite #1810, Portland, Oregon 97204 © 2024 Japan-America Society of Oregon
