A Bridge Between Worlds

Join the Japan Society

Learn Japanese

Upcoming Events

Arts & Culture

Kobo Sessions: Sonic Improvisation Trio x Japanese Wine x Bento Box

May 2 @ 6:00 pm - 8:45 pm
$100 – $150
Learn More about Kobo Sessions: Sonic Improvisation Trio x Japanese Wine x Bento Box
Healthcare

2026 U.S.-Japan Healthcare Connection Reverse Pitch Event

May 12 @ 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Learn More about 2026 U.S.-Japan Healthcare Connection Reverse Pitch Event
Language

*SOLD OUT* Intermediate Speaking Workshop – Level up your 日本語

May 13 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
$350
Learn More about *SOLD OUT* Intermediate Speaking Workshop – Level up your 日本語
Innovation

What Silicon Valley Can Learn from Japanese Innovation

May 21 @ 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Learn More about What Silicon Valley Can Learn from Japanese Innovation
Arts & Culture / VIP

*SOLD OUT* Chiharu Shiota: Two Home Countries’ Tour with Asian Art Museum Chief Curator Rob Mintz

May 28 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Learn More about *SOLD OUT* Chiharu Shiota: Two Home Countries’ Tour with Asian Art Museum Chief Curator Rob Mintz
Arts & Culture

Japan’s Metalcraft Superstars: Ten Master Artists

June 2 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Free
Learn More about Japan’s Metalcraft Superstars: Ten Master Artists
Arts & Culture

“Diamond Diplomacy” Screening and Special Director’s Talk

June 9 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn More about “Diamond Diplomacy” Screening and Special Director’s Talk
Innovation / Special Events

2026 Japan – US Innovation Awards Symposium

July 16 @ 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Learn More about 2026 Japan – US Innovation Awards Symposium
Community / Special Events

2026 US-Japan Friendship Cup Tennis Tournament | Millbrae

August 16 @ 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Learn More about 2026 US-Japan Friendship Cup Tennis Tournament | Millbrae

For a full list of events, visit our Events Calendar.

Explore Our Programs

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

Experience the diversity of our region through food, culture, and traditional arts.
Innovation

Business & Innovation

Explore cutting-edge ideas and connections through events like the Innovation Salon, Business Programming, and Technology Programming, driving U.S.–Japan collaboration in innovation.
Community

Community

Join us for unique events that connect and inspire the U.S.–Japan community.
Healthcare

Healthcare

Discover opportunities to advance healthcare innovation through networking and events on important topics.
Language

Language

Learn Japanese with us through various affordable Japanese language programs.
Politics/Policy

Politics/Policy

Explore discussions on U.S.–Japan relations, diplomacy, and global policy issues.
Exclusive Events

VIP

Experience exclusive access to invite-only events like Leadership Circle gatherings and private dinners, connecting leaders shaping the U.S.–Japan relationship.

For a full list of events, visit our Upcoming Events page.

Japanese Classes

We offer Japanese language classes at various levels throughout the Bay Area.

Learn More

Latest News

President’s Note for May 2026

Dear Friends, It’s Golden Week in Japan. Golden Week is a very popular string of holidays from April 29 to May 6, starting with Showa Day (the birthday of the…

Read More about President’s Note for May 2026

New Board Chair Announcement

Welcome to our New Board Chair, Suzanne Basalla, and Thank You to Larry Greenwood! The Japan Society of Northern California has appointed Suzanne Basalla as the new Chair of our…

Read More about New Board Chair Announcement

President’s Note for April 2026

Dear Friends, April is one of my favorite times of year in Japan – the sakura are so spectacular that I don’t even mind the crowds of people out enjoying…

Read More about President’s Note for April 2026
304-Japan Society of Northern California Gala 2025-10-24 - Mark Shigenaga -DSC03014

"Award of Honor" Gala

For more than 100 years, the Japan Society of Northern California has fostered collaboration and understanding between the United States and Japan by providing Northern Californians with a range of language, cultural and business programming and opportunities for fellowship.

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Innovation Awards

The Society’s vision is to energize the creativity, imagination and actions of individuals, businesses and academics – in both the U.S. and Japan – through creating distinctive dialogues and programs that broadly publicize and encourage “best in class” Japan – U.S. innovation and entrepreneurship.

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