Contents
- 2025 JAA NEW YEAR REMARKS
- JAA 117th Anniversary Gala Dinner
- The 30th JAA Charity Golf Tournament
- The 18th Autumn Health Fair
- The 38th JAA Foreign Minister’s CupBaseball Tournament
- 9/11 Community Volunteer Service
- JAA Open House
- JAA Young Professionals
- JAA Japanese Language Committee
- Autumn Grand Bazaar
- JAA Women in Business (JWB) Committee
- Congratulations!
- 2025 Membership Renewal
- Holiday Party & Volunteer Appreciation Party
- The meeting at the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C.
- JAA Junior Board members 2025
- Donation
- KEIROKAI
- Obityary
2025 JAA NEW YEAR REMARKS
JAA President: Koji Sato
Happy New Year, I wish all of you a wonderful start to the new year in 2025.
2024 was another active year for JAA as we were able to provide the local Japanese and Japanese American community with a wide variety of events and programs throughout the year. One of our most popular programs is our Keirokai/Senior Luncheon which we hold once or twice a month for 120 senior citizens, 70 of those seniors enjoy lunch at JAA Hall and the other 50 seniors enjoy their lunch at home. Our seniors are always happy to see each other and together they enjoy entertainment or lectures at each keirokai. In March, JAA was able to participate in a 3.11 event to help the Bowery Mission by serving hundreds of meals and organizing clothing donations. JAA was happy to also participate in a 9/11 event to prepare pantry bags and hot meals at the Food Bank for New York City. JAA also volunteered to prepare nonperishable food kits on-board the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to be distributed to people in need.
In April, JAA held its 19th Sakura Matsuri at Flushing Meadow Corona Park and had our Bosankai at the Japanese Cemetery in Mt. Olivet on Memorial Day at the end of May. Our Spring Health Fair was held on a hybrid basis, with in person programs and on-line programs on topics such as health care, mental health, exercise, and nutrition. On May 11th, JAA was proud to have participated in the 3rd Japan Parade. In May, we also held JAA’s 54th Anniversary Scholarship Dinner and awarded over $100,000 of scholarships and 2 round trip air tickets to Japan to 14 graduating high school seniors and 5 graduate students. The Tanabata Festival in July held at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side attracted many people on a beautiful evening. Our sports fans were able to enjoy the JAA Foreign Ministers Cup Baseball Tournament held in Central Park from April to August as well as the Annual Golf Tournament held in October at the New York Country Club.
I was honored to have been invited by United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York to attend the speech given by Prime Minister Kishida of Japan to the Joint Session of Congress on April 11th. In May, I was fortunate to be named an Honoree for AAPI Heritage Month by the State of New York. New York State Assemblyman Chris Burdick presented me with this award on May 21st at the New York State Capitol in Albany. I was also honored to have been selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field when the New York Mets played the Boston Red Sox on September 3rd for Tomodachi Night. Tomodachi Night was co-sponsored with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, the Nippon Club, the Japan Society, U.S.-Japan Council, and the Japanese American National Museum. Those holding special tickets were allowed on the field before the game and Japanese American and Japanese Community leaders from the co-sponsors were introduced to the fans before the game. The New York Mets also showed a video prepared by the Japanese American National Museum of the 14 Japanese baseball players that played for the NY Mets and films of Japanese Americans playing baseball during the internment.
The Autumn Health Fair sponsored by JAA attracted over 2,000 participants from all over the world to participate in programs regarding a variety of health issues. In April and November, JAA’s Young Professionals Committee held successful social networking events which created an opportunity for JAA to introduce itself to the younger generation in New York. JAA enjoyed having a booth at Anime NYC 2024 in November where thousands of fans of anime, manga and cosplay were brought together to the Javits Center.
Our biggest event of the year was the 117th Anniversary Gala Dinner held in December at the Harvard Club. We honored Ito En (North America) Inc. with our Corporate Community Leadership Award for having been a longtime supporter of JAA’s core annual events and Project Bento for seniors during the pandemic. We also honored Julie Azuma with our Individual Community Leadership Award for being a trailblazing advocate for the civil liberties of Japanese Americans, AAPIs, women, and the autism community, ceaselessly bolstering the JAA community and preserving its rich history in New York. JAA is fortunate to have the support of the Consulate General of Japan in New York, Japanese companies and organizations and volunteers and we truly thank each and every one of you for all you have done.
Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful New Year.
JAA General Election Meeting
At the General Election Meeting held on December 4, 2024, Mr. Koji Sato was re-elected for his fourth term as JAA President.
Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath was elected a new JAA Vice President and Consul Naoki Matsunaga and Mr. Naoki Yaguchi were elected as new JAA Board of Directors.
2025 Officers
- President: Koji Sato
- Vice Presidents: Dr. Yuzuru Anzai, Julie Azuma, David Hiromura, Dr. Shunichi Homma, Keiko Ishida, Riki Ito, Dr. Makoto Iwahara, Yuki Kaneshige, Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath, Susan McCormac, Tsuneko Mitsunaka, Satoru Murase, Dr. Kamal Ramani, Katsuo Takeda
- Secretary: Nobuhisa Ishizuka
- Assistant Secretary: Yuki Kaneshige
- Treasurer: Kumiko Hasegawa
- Assistant Treasurer: Masaki Shimomura
The 2025 Board of Directors and Committee Chairs will be listed in the next issue of JAA News.
Schedule in 2025
- March 11: 3/11 Community Volunteer Service
- March: Japanese Language Spring Workshop
- April 4 (Fri.)-May 4 (Sun.) : 17th Sakura Health Fair
- April 19 (Sat.): 19th Sakura Matsuri @ Flushing Meadows Parks
- April – August: 39th JAA Foreign Minister Nanshiki Baseball Tournament
- May 10 (Sat.): Japan Parade
- May 15 – May 31: 29th JAA Art Exhibition of Japanese and Japanese American Artists
- May 26 (Mon.): Memorial Service at Japanese Cemetery/Bosankai
- May – June: 55th JAA Scholarship Dinner
- July: Tanabata Festival
- Aug. 2 (Sat.) : Summer Flea Market
- Sept. 5 (Fri.) – Oct 5 (Sun): 19th Autumn Health Fair
- Sept.: 22 (Mon.) : JAA Charity Golf
- Oct.: Japanese Language Autumn Workshop
- Nov. 1 (Sat.): Annual Grand Bazaar
- Dec. 5 (Fri.): JAA 118th Anniversary Gala Dinner
- Dec. 11 (Thu.): Year End Keirokai
- Dec. 12 (Fri.): Holiday Party & Volunteers Appreciation Party
Note: dates and times may change in the future.
JAA 117th Anniversary Gala Dinner

(All photos by Masao Katagami)
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We celebrated our 117th Anniversary on Friday, December 6th at the Harvard Club. JAA Honorary President Susan Onuma gave a welcome speech and JAA President Koji Sato expressed thanks for all the support from corporations and individuals. 190 guests attended, including Ambassador Mikio Mori and Madame Kimiyo Mori, Mr. and Mrs. Tetsuo Kawate, President of Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Mr. and Mrs. Sayu Ueno, President of Mitsui & Co., (U.S.A.), Inc., and Mr. Masatoshi Komoriya, Chairman of MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation. This year’s awards recipients were ITOEN (North America) represented by Mr. Yosuke Honjo, President and Ms. Julie Azuma, Vice President of JAA. Ms. Sachie Ueshima, a soprano sang opera pieces accompanied by pianist Ms. Yurika Mihara. At the closing, our Vice President Susan Miyagi McCormac and Executive Director Michiyo Noda expressed their gratitude to the supporting companies and individuals in attendance. Many thanks to Yuki Kaneshige and Masao Katagami for a lively digital presentation which showcased the energy and impact of JAA.
JAA 117th Anniversary Gala Dinner Gala Sponsorship
Platinum Sponsorships ($15,000)
ITO EN (North America) Inc.
MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Orient Corporation of America
Silver Sponsorship ($7,500)
Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)
Bronze Sponsorships ($5,000)
Furumoto Realty
Different Roads to Learning, Inc.
George Hirose
Japanese Medical Society of America, Inc.
Hiroko Onoyama/Ken Sugawara
ORIX Corporation USA
Professional Outsourcing Solutions, Inc.
Smith Gambell & Russell LLP
Wendy Takahisa
Photo and Digital Presentation: Masao Katagami
Co-Chairs: Susan J. Onuma and Yuki Kaneshige
Members: Susan M. McCormac, Michiyo Noda, Koji Sato and Wendy Takahisa
The 30th JAA Charity Golf Tournament

(l to r) Mr. Sato, Mr. Taniguchi, Mr. Nomura and Ms. Tahara
![]() Mr. Iimura
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![]() Mr. Yamamoto
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![]() Mr. Akimoto (left) and Mr. Nomura
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![]() Mr. Yoshida(right) and Mr. Hasegawa
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![]() Super seniors
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On Monday, October 21 at the New York Country Club in Hempstead, New York, a total of 72 golfers participated in the 30th Annual JAA Charity Golf Tournament, including Kazuya Mori, Chief Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in New York and Toshio Nomura, General Manager of ANA’s Americas Office and General Manager of the New York Branch. At 9 a.m., the tournament started with a shotgun format. After the competition, an award ceremony was held, and JAA President Sato first expressed his gratitude to the participants, followed by greetings from Mr. Toshio Nomura of ANA. The ranking was determined by using the Peoria method as in past tournaments. Mr. Casey Taniguchi was crowned the winner by a close margin. He acknowledged his win with a smile, saying “I was lucky.” Mr. Taniguchi was presented with a championship cup and a prize of “ANA, JFK – Tokyo round-trip business class ticket” from Mr. Nomura, ANA branch manager. The second prize went to Mr. Haruo Iimura and third place went to Mr. Tatsuya Yamamoto.
Mr. Yamamoto won the Best Gross Male and Ms. Chikako Hanaoka won in the Women’s category. There were no winners for the hole-in-one prize.
For the raffle, the grand prize “ANA JFK = Tokyo Round-trip Economy Class Ticket” was won by Mr. Jimmy Akimoto and the first prize, a pair of roundtrip tickets for United Air Lines (any of the 48 states excluding Hawaii and Alaska) donated by IACE, was won by Mr. Jin Yoshida. The $4,500 in raffle proceeds and a portion of the entry fees will go toward JAA activities.
At the end of the event, Mr. Shige Kosuda, co- Chairman of the Charity Golf Committee expressed his gratitude to all the participants, sponsoring companies, and individuals. We promised to meet again at the next tournament, and the tournament ended successfully. Thank you for your participation and support.
The 18th Autumn Health Fair
![]() About Long COVID by Dr. Anzai
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![]() CPR for children by SUKUSUKU-Kai
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![]() Apple Kids Play Date
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![]() Helen Irie Esq.
Medicaid Planning |
![]() Reiko Takikawa Esq.
Estate Planning |
![]() Self-defense
by Mr. Ryu Goto |
![]() Ms. Sachie Ueshima
Opera Singer (soprano) |
![]() Documentary Film
“Baseball Behind Barbed Wire” |
JAA co-hosted with the Japanese Medical Support Network (JAMSNET) and supported by the Consulate-General of Japan in New York, a variety of events from September 6 to October 13 under the theme of “Let’s learn about a healthy and safe life!” for all age groups. 2,052 people participated in 50 programs at JAA hall and online. This year, many people participated in lectures on the latest in social welfare, taxes, and pensions for the elderly, the latest information on dementia, differences in gynecological cancer and senior diseases treatments between Japan and the U.S., CPR for children, parenting roundtable discussions, and advice for those who are considering returning to Japan.
The 38th JAA Foreign Minister’s Cup
Baseball Tournament
![]() Winner: Rookies
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![]() Runner-up: Dumbos
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![]() Naoki Maruta (Dumbos)
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![]() Kyohei Kishikawa (Beads)
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![]() Kiyohisa Miyazaki(Junks)
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The Tournament opened in May and concluded on September 22 with the final game (7 innings) at Randall’s Island. This year, the game schedule was delayed due to poor weather. The final was a night game starting at 6:30 p.m., between the Dumbos and the Rookies with aces from both teams as starting pitchers. In extra innings, the Rookies scored one run to win their second straight title. An awards ceremony was held after the game, and the Rookies were presented with the Foreign Minister’s Cup.
・Winner: Rookies
・Runner-up: Dumbos
・3rd place: Niko Niko and the Batmen (canceled due to bad weather)
Individual Award:
・Most Winning Pitcher: Naoki Maruta (Dumbos) 8 wins
・Home Run Award: Takenari Miki (Rodeo 50) 4,
・RBI King Award: Kyohei Kishikawa (Beads) 16 RBI, Naoki Maruta (Dumbos) 16 RBI
・JAA Kato Spirits Award: Kiyohisa Miyazaki (Junks)
JAA congratulated the staff and players for their hard work and congratulated the winners.
The four-month 2024 season came to an end.
9/11 Community Volunteer Service
JAA and the Consulate General of Japan in New York volunteers devoted September 11th to serving the people at the Food Bank of New York , distributing pantry bags and hot meals. We do this annually to honor those lost on 9/11 and to help others in their names.
On the12th, a Meal Packing was held at the Intrepid Museum as 9/11 Day, with the participation of the JET Alumni Association and many JAA members.
JAA Open House
On September 20, JAA held an Open House to introduce JAA’s activities and deepen the friendship between participants, and nearly 100 young and long-time members. The event began with a greeting from Vice President Julie Azuma, followed by President Koji Sato explaining JAA’s activities in English and Executive Director Michiyo Noda explaining in Japanese. Keiko Kato, Stephanie Kato, Ryoko Hirose and others introduced the activities of JAA Young Professionals (JAAYP). All the participants enjoyed the music of the Naoya Ogura Jazz Band, as well as the fine food and wine.
JAA Young Professionals
On November 22, Mr. Joe Tokumasu Field from the Noguchi Museum was invited to JAA Hall to give a lecture on Nikkei artists Isamu Noguchi and Yasuo Kuniyoshi and the challenges these artists faced as Japanese Americans during and after WWII.
JAA Japanese Language Committee
The autumn meeting was held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, with 35 participants. Mr. Kazuei Kurahara of the Japan Society gave a presentation on “onomatopoe”. It is a Japanese katakana word that describes human behavior, the state of things, animal sounds, etc. Since it is often used in manga, it is familiar to Japanese language learners. Korean and Japanese are overwhelmingly more common than other languages and are a characteristic of “onomatope”.Due to a large number of topics, it was suggested that the learners choose familiar topics using “onomatope”. It was a good training session to understand “onomatope” better.
(JAA Japanese Language Committee Chairperson Nobuko Kodama)
Autumn Grand Bazaar
The autumn grand bazaar was held on Saturday, November 2nd. There were items that were perfect for Christmas gifts, bargains, good quality clothing, and home cooking food, such as inari, red rice, yakisoba, fried chicken, and sweets. Thanks to your donations and the help of volunteers, we were able to raise $7,000. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
JAA Women in Business (JWB) Committee
With sponsorship by JAA JWB (Thursday) Ms. Keiko Tsuyama, an international journalist gave a lecture, on November 14 titled “The Presidential Election in the United States: Changes in American Society from 2008” at JAA Hall in front of an audience of nearly 60 people. She talked about the factors that led to Mr. Trump’s landslide victory over expectations.
Congratulations!
On November 3, 2024, the Japanese government announced the recipients of the 2024 Autumn Conferment of Decoration, which included JAA Vice President Dr. Shunichi Homma from the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General of Japan in New York.
Professor Shunichi Homma, MD, FACC.
Medal of Honor: The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Achievement: Distinguished services to the welfare of Japanese Residents and those of Japanese descent, and a very significant service to promote medical education and knowledge in Japan.
Professor Shunichi Homma has been very active in contributing to the Japanese and Japanese-American community through leadership in several organizations. He also contributes to the Japanese medical community as a professor at Columbia University especially through the education of many Japanese researchers and students.
2025 Membership Renewal
Please renew your membership and register your emergency contact information! In late December last year, we sent out the JAA membership renewal application form for 2025, and many members have renewed their membership. Thank you very much! If you haven’t already, please do so by the end of May. As our members age, emergency contacts in the U.S. and Japan are becoming more important, so please keep us up to date.
Holiday Party & Volunteer Appreciation Party
On Friday, December 13, 2024, the “JAA Holiday Party” was held with a beautiful Christmas tree decorated by Shizuko Kato. The Holiday Party participants enjoyed the songs performed by the JAA Chorus, the jazz piano by Kuni Mikami, the shakuhachi performance of Adam Robinson, the piano of Hideo Nakamura, and the harmonica of Tokumichi Ishikawa. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment, food and wine. This year’s event was attended by many young people including those who volunteered at 3.11, 9,11 & ANIME events as well as many members from the JAA Young Professionals Network.
The meeting at the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C.
JAA President, Mr. Koji Sato attended the Ambassador, Consuls General and Japanese American Leaders Meeting sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting was held at the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. on Dec. 2, 2024
JAA Junior Board members 2025
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Nana Alster Vice President on the investment team at AlpInvest Partners (part of The Carlyle Group) |
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Matthew D’Aquila a management consultant at a Japanese consulting firm, ABeam Consulting |
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Ryoko Hirose a writer of historical novels represented by Trillis Literary Management |
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Stephanie Kato an attorney at Baker Botts L.L.P. specializing in the technology and healthcare industries |
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Haruka Kokaze a workplace mental health research associate & Japanese Strategy analyst at Columbia University’s Mental Health + Work Design Lab |
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Hiro Sato a real estate development & Senior Vice President of Development at WITKOFF |
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Daren Taniguchi based in technology consulting, specializes in data ad analytics within NYC financial services organizations |
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Chad Tanioka a Director & Portfolio Strategist within UBS Global Wealth Management’s Portfolio Advisory Group East Division |
Donation from stylists of free haircut
Donation of $2,579.00 from stylists of free haircut. Ms. Michi Tahara, Mr. Shige Kosuda, Mr. Nori Sasaki, Ms. Yasuko Tsuda, Mr. Haruka Kobayashi, Mr. Jimmy Akimoto and Mr. Kazunori Ueda who served 217 seniors.
KEIROKAI
(September – December, 2024)
September
- 9/12 : Seniors enjoyed BentOn Lunch. Ms. Hito Star sang Japanese songs accompanied by Mr.Kuni Mikami on the piano. Mr. Ryu Goto gave a Karate self-defense demonstration.
- 9/26 : BentOn Lunch, September Birthday Party, Lecture on Health by Dr. Yuzuru Anzai and the IWAKI band played Japanese songs.

Happy birthday for September Ms. Kiyomi Watanabe, 100 years old (center)
10/10・10/24

Happy birthday for October
11/14

Happy birthday for November
December 12 : Year-end Keirokai
With a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, the year-end Keirokai was held on December 12th at JAA Hall. We had available 130 bento boxes from BentOn. After a greeting from President Sato, an overview of the Isabella Elderly Facility was given by Ms. Leona Chen. The JAA Women in Business Committee presented special BentOn kits to everyone. Toru Furukawa, President of BentOn participated in the event and said that he would like to continue to support Keirokai in 2025. For those who won the in-house lottery, BentOn’s Osechi were delivered to their homes. This year’s Keiro events were held with the support of Mitsui USA Foundation.

Happy birthday for December
![]() Dr. Robert Emy, 92 years old (the second from the left) |
![]() JAA Women in Business Committee members and Mr. Furukawa |
![]() Mr. Furukawa (center) and seniors |
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- Mrs. Chieko Inagaki, a member and JAA supporter, died on September 26 at a nursing home in Philadelphia. She was 97 years old. Chieko inherited the legacy of the late JAA President Shigeru Inagaki (1991-96) and supported the JAA and JAA’s Sakura Matsuri. At the JAA 111th Anniversary Gala in 2018, she received the JAA Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Member Mr. Yasuomi Hashimura was pushed while walking in the city on October 22. He was hospitalized but died at the hospital on November 12. He was 79 years old. After retiring from the advertising industry, he joined JAA and enjoyed our programs.
- Member Mr. Kenji Takaishi passed away at the age of 80. He was the first Japanese taxi driver in New York City.
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