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NAJAS 2025 NETWORK CONFERENCE Hosted by Japan/America Society of Kentucky |
Japan-America Is Working: Strength in the Grassroots Join NAJAS at an unmatched assembly of U.S.-Japan non-profits converging from 30 states and one province across North America in our country's industrial and agricultural heartland. Network with leadership, staff and board members from most of our 41 Japan-America & Japan Societies (JAS/JS), together with selected institutional supporters, government leaders, and representatives of business and other sectors. The Japan-America Partnership is working for both sides and the world. Network and present to ensure that our grassroots ties remain vital in an era of rapid change. | Hosted by Japan-America Society of Kentucky (JASK)
Host Hotel: Main Venue: |
SPONSORS |
Institutional Sponsor
| Venue Sponsor
| Lead NAJAS Network Sponsor  |
FEATURED SPEAKERS |
Amb. Shigeo Yamada |
Rep. Andy Barr (KY-6) |
Gov. Andy Beshear (Invited) |
HIGHLIGHTS
Toyota Tour for JAS/JS Members Wednesday Tour of Toyota’s largest manufacturing plant at nearby Georgetown |  JASK Welcome Reception for JAS/JS Members Gather and network with your peers from across North America Photo Credit: |
Thursday Night Live Socialize and enjoy Lexington's outdoor arts festival with food vendors and a festive atmophere |
JASK Gala & Closing Reception Co-hosted with NAJAS Network |
AGENDA |
Wednesday & Thursday Members-Only Programming focuses on society management challenges and networking opportunities, with the generous support of Japan Foundation, New York. In response to members' interest, optional workshops are included on Wednesday afternoon. Members arriving early to Lexington can join optional social activities on Tuesday, coordinated by JASK. Wednesday afternoon also features a tour of Toyota's Georgetown plant. Thursday & Friday General Programming includes Lexington's vibrant Thursday Night Live, Friday programming with a Keynote Luncheon featuring Amb. Shigeo Yamada, and an invitation to the JASK Annual Gala & Conference Closing Reception co-hosted by the NAJAS Network. Optional Saturday activities will be coordinated by JASK. Transportation will be provided between the host hotel and the Gray Conference Center. Full Agenda & Speakers Coming Soon | Jump to FAQ > |
NAJAS Member Programming For NAJAS Members Only JAS / JS Members-Only Event Information > Tuesday Activities Coordinated by JASK (Optional)* Wednesday Hosted Lunch (Optional) Afternoon Workshops & Toyota Tour (Optional) Welcome Reception for JAS / JS Staff & Board Thursday Breakfast Members-Only Workshops Lunch Dialogue: State of the Grassroots in 2025 Open Networking Japan Foundation Presentation NAJAS Team Presentation Annual Board of Directors Meeting Thursday Night Live Friday All General Programming JASK Annual Gala & Conference Closing | General Programming For All Attendees
Thursday Night Live
Lexington Arts Social & Networking Outing Local Restaurant Group Dining Options* Friday Tariffs & The U.S. - Asia Economic Strategy Laydown US-Japan Bilateral Relations & Industry Panels Luncheon with Keynote by Ambassador Shigeo Yamada Funders & Partners Panels JASK Annual Gala & Conference Closing Saturday Activities Coordinated by JASK (Optional)* TBD - ex. Uma no Kokoro - * Tuesday & Saturday JASK activities and Thursday evening group dinners are options attendees may select. These options are at a separate cost to the registration fee |
NAJAS wishes to thank our sponsors for the 2025 Annual Conference: Japan Foundation, New York For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to NAJAS President Andrew Wylegala at wylegala@us-japan.org.
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ABOUT THE NAJAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The NAJAS annual conference moves across the U.S., hosted by a different Japan-America member society each year, and helps us surface insights from the most diverse Japan-America network anywhere. As a core benefit of NAJAS membership, member societies access a focused day of workshops and peer learning for staff and board participants. All attendees are invited to our Thursday evening and Friday programming.
At the NAJAS 2024 Annual Conference in Portland Oregon on Aug. 21-22, 2024 (called the Annual Meeting), over two hundred attendees benefitted from extensive networking and talks on geostrategic, political and international investment issues within the U.S.-Japan relationship. Explore the Programming & Highlights > We visited the Portland Japanese Garden and and gathered at a reception hosted by JASO and the Japanese Consul General. General programming focused on geostrategic, political and tech investment matters at the heart of the U.S.-Japan relationship, culminating with a keynote and Q&A by Ambassador Nina Hachigian and remarks from Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada. Download the Conference Summary (PDF) > Themes for the 2024 Annual Conference included:
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2025 CONFERENCE FAQThis section will be continually updated to support attendees on registration and logistical questions. |
Lexington Marriott City Center |
ABOUT Registration
For JAS / JS Member Societies | Access the registration code on the Membership Benefits page
Trouble logging in? Write to misha@us-japan.org for the registration code.
Discounted registration is available to all staff and Board Members of Japan-America / Japan Societies as a key benefit of NAJAS membership.
Member Registration includes all conference programming and hosted events:
- Wednesday afternoon lunch and Member Workshops
- Wednesday afternoon Toyota Tour (space is limited)
- Wednesday evening JASK Welcome Reception
- Thursday members-only conference programming (breakfast and lunch included)
- Thursday and Friday access to Solutions Providers tabling during the conference
- Thursday Night Live social outing
- Friday conference programming and Keynote Luncheon
- Friday evening JASK Gala & Closing Reception Co-Hosted by NAJAS Network
Members may also sign up with interest in optional activities at a separate cost:
- Tuesday evening social activities (coordinated by JASK)
- Thursday evening local dining options (with advance signups)
- Saturday local activities (coordinated by JASK)
Additional members-only information will be added to the Membership Benefits page.
For General Attendees
General attendee registration includes:
- Thursday Night Live social outing
- Thursday evening local dining options (with advance signups)
- Friday conference programming and Keynote Luncheon
- Friday access to Solutions Providers tabling during the conference
- Friday evening JASK Gala & Closing Reception Co-Hosted by NAJAS Network at Limestone Hall
Attendees may also sign up with interest in optional activities at a separate cost:
- Thursday evening local dining options (with advance signups)
- Saturday local activities (coordinated by JASK)
How do I register?
Register here for the 2025 Conference >
Have questions about the Annual Conference, including about registration? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
I would like to stay at the host hotel and save on accommodations with the Annual Conference room rate. How can I make a reservation?
The conference host hotel is the Lexington Marriott City Center, in the heart of Downtown Lexington. Once you register for the conference, you will receive the link to reserve your room.
The host hotel conference rate of $184 + tax / night is available until July 25.
I am a member of a Japan-America / Japan Society (staff, board, or volunteer). How can I access Members-Only conference information?
Please visit the Membership Benefits page for the registration code to access your discounted rate. We will continue to update this page with more information on hotel subsidies, workshops, and other Members-Only offerings.
Trouble logging in or accessing the page? Please reach out to Misha (they/them) at misha@us-japan.org.
Where can I view the schedule and learn more about the speakers?
More information about the detailed schedule and speakers will be added here. View the schedule at a glance on the registration page.
I am interested in the Toyota Tour, Thursday evening dinners, and/or activities coordinated by JASK. How do I learn more?
NAJAS & JASK will be in touch with you at a later date to provide updates and confirm signups for these options.
The Toyota Tour for JAS/JS members will be on Wed. afternoon, 8/20, with limited space available. Transportation to the tour will depart from the host hotel at approximately 1pm.
Thursday evening dinners and Tues/Saturday social activities and outings will be coordinated in advance by JASK. You will receive more information and signups for restaurants and/or activities in advance of the conference.
I'm flying in. How do I get to the hotel?
The hotel is 6 miles from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington (LEX). A free airport shuttle will be provided.
I'm driving in for the day. Where can I park?
Please check back for updates.
Will wi-fi be available in the host hotel?
Free wi-fi will be available for guests staying at the host hotel.
What are the accommodations for dietary restrictions?
Attendees who provided dietary restrictions for hosted meals will receive further information at registration to access your dietary-safe meals at the conference. Thank you and we are glad to ensure you enjoy safe meals.
Thursday evening optional dining options will include options for vegan and vegetarian attendees.
Are there spaces to work and for small meetings outside of conference programming?
The host hotel features open gathering areas. There may be additional space at the Gray Conference Center. JAS/JS members interested in space on Wed. morning may contact Misha at misha@us-japan.org.
SPONSORSHIP
Please reach out to NAJAS President Andrew Wylegala at wylegala@us-japan.org about sponsorship opportunities.
Questions & Support
Have questions about the Annual Conference, including about registration? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.