The Japan-America Society of West Michigan was founded in 1999 to foster greater understanding and friendship among Japanese and Americans in West Michigan. Over the years, our organization has planned, organized and implemented a variety of educational, cultural and social programs that foster goodwill and friendship between Japan and the US. We have hosted a pottery exhibit, film series, golf outings, and seminars to name a few of the programs as well as done outreach to more than 300 local elementary and junior high students. We have supported and participated in the Takasaki and Koka sister city programs between Battle Creek and Marshall, respectively. We produced a guidebook to living in West Michigan in Japanese in 2006, which is still widely used today.
The time has come, however, for the Society to close its doors for a number of reasons. Our mission has become well-incorporated into the social, cultural, and professional fabric of West Michigan communities, and with meaningful options now available to our constituency, JASWM no longer generates sufficient fiscal resources to continue as a viable nonprofit organization. Further, the niche that the Society has served, is now more readily and aptly served under the auspices of area educational institutions such as the Soga Center at Western Michigan University, Michigan State University Asian Studies Center and University of Michigan, Center for Japanese Studies.
In one way, the closing of JASWM is an end to our existence as a non-profit entity, but it also signifies a full maturity of Japanese-US relations in West Michigan. On multiple levels, JASWM's mission has been achieved. Our part of the state is a welcoming place for our Japanese friends; we have positive and solid relationships with Japanese corporations in West Michigan; and the goodwill and friendship between Japanese and Americans continue to thrive. JASWM is proud to have played a small role in this effort.
Finally, we would like to offer sincere thanks and much appreciation to our members and friends of the Society who have been involved with JASWM and brought talent, hard work and interest to our programs and activities. Also many thanks to the community of Battle Creek for the wider support and involvement over the history of our organization.
For any inquiries, please call Tracy Miller, Executive Director at (269)660-9910. Our current telephone number (269)441-3502 will be operational until the end of April and this website will be phased out later this summer.
Jan Frantz, Chairperson
Japan-America Society of West Michigan