The Japan-America Society of Greater Austin has come a long way in its first full calendar year and looks forward to great things in 2006.

JASGA didn't begin accepting applications for membership until February of 2005, but the dedicated volunteers who worked to organize the Austin chapter were already achieving great things as early as January 2005. That's when founding members co-hosted the 16th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan, Houston, and the other Japan-America Societies of Texas on Jan. 22.

As the list of volunteers grew in the early months of the year, JASGA focused all its efforts on planning for the chapter's inaugural event, the Satsuki Matsuri or May Festival. Nearly a dozen organizations pitched in to provide entertainment, and the contributions of individuals and corporate sponsors paid for an array of Japanese delicacies and provided a fabulous assortment of items for a silent auction.

The planning and preparation came to fruition May 15 at Zilker Botanical Garden. The huge turnout, which exceeded 700 visitors, surprised everyone. The food line wrapped around the room at times and visitors filled both the event hall and outdoor demonstration areas the entire day.

In the months that followed, JASGA committees hosted smaller, but equally successful, events tailored to specific topics of intercultural interest. Social events included ladies luncheons and teas, a congratulatory meal for graduating students, a children's origami party and several professional networking happy hours. Educational programs included a presentation by Japan's Ministry of Education on changes in the Japanese education system and a lecture on the history of Kyoto's Gion Festival.

Cultural events gave members an opportunity to create kurumi-e (paper-relief art) and to correctly wear and move in the kimono. Members explored a little Texas culture as well with a virtual visit to the Big Bend country.

Most recently, JASGA hosted its first formal business lecture with visiting author Tim Clark on Nov. 29. Thanks to admission fees, a cash sponsorship from the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and in-kind donations from the Austin Omni Hotel, the event broke even on expenses and provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about business opportunities in Japan's service industries.

To the committees and many volunteers and supporting organizations that contributed to a very successful year for JASGA, please accept our profound thanks and good wishes for the New Year!

The Christmas and New Year holidays are a time of transition, a momentary respite to assess progress and prepare for challenges ahead. Entering 2006, JASGA has positioned itself to expand programs and improve its offerings to members in the coming months.

To enhance JASGA's resources and abilities, the organization has expanded the board of directors and streamlined its committee structure. The JASGA board of directors added several new members at its Oct. 8 meeting and expressed its thanks to some board members as they rotated off the panel. The board welcomed its newest member, Barry Cotton, on Dec. 12. Entering the New Year, directors include: Stephen Portnoy, interim president; Adriana Cruz, treasurer; Cecil Lawson, secretary; Dr. Yukie Aida; Barry Cotton; Matt Hudgins; Sonia St. James; and Hiroshi Urabe.

To avoid redundancy, the board merged the hospitality committee into the culture committee. Chairs for 2006 are Kazuko White, culture; co-chairs Dr. Yukie Aida and Cecil Lawson, education; Michael Roemer, membership; Matt Hudgins, communications; and Clyde Prestwood Jr., professional networking, with Tomoko Hall chairing the Young Professionals subcommittee and Michiko Miyata Lambelet as Japanese-community coordinator.

Rounding out JASGA's knowledge base is the senior advisory council, which includes Dr. Ron Aqua, Mark Eaton, Dr. Deirdre Mendez, Atsuko Parker and Dr. Takeshi Udagawa.

At its first meeting in 2006, JASGA directors are scheduled to set an event calendar for the year. A goal in creating this critical planning tool is to provide members with a slate of opportunities that balances cultural, educational and professional interests in Japan and in U.S-Japan relations.

In 2006, watch the calendar section of the JASGA web site at www.jasga.org for details of these upcoming events, and plan to mix and mingle with others who share your international interests!