DALLAS–FORT WORTH, TX, February 05, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Japan-America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth (JASDFW) is proud to announce two major developments at the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) that will elevate our mission and expand our reach. Today, we officially unveil our brand new website at https://jasdfw.org/ and share details about our premier signature event—the Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala, taking place on April 15. Click for Photos

2026 Sun & Star Legacy Awards Gala
This marquee event will unite leading figures from civic, business, and cultural communities for an
evening celebrating friendship, innovation, and the deepening business relationships between Japan and Texas. The 2026 gala is anticipated to be our largest yet as we honor Governor Greg Abbott, this year's Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Japan and Texas.

Governor Abbott's efforts have played a central role in forging partnerships that have led to over 400 Japanese companies operating in Texas, more than $14 billion in investment, and 81,000 Texans employed—making Japan the state's largest foreign investor and employer.

The evening will also feature distinguished guest presenters Tetsuo Ogawa, President & CEO of Toyota Motor North America, and Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. Rick Stopfer, Mayor of Irving, will serve as Honorary Host, while Zentaro Naganuma, Consul General of Japan in Houston, will offer the ceremonial toast.

For full event details and sponsorship information, please visit https://jasdfw.org/sun-star-legacy-award-dinner/

Introducing Our New Website
Visitors to our new mobilefriendly website can easily learn about JASDFW's growing network of corporate and individual members, business networking events, cultural celebrations, educational programs, and leadership initiatives that connect North Texas with Japan. The new website reflects JASDFW's commitment to strengthening U.S.–Japan relations through business engagement, cultural exchange, and educational programs. Featuring a new logo, cleaner navigation, and enhanced user experience, the site makes it easier than ever to explore membership benefits, upcoming programs, sponsorship opportunities, and community initiatives.

The website also highlights our expanding network of loyal corporate Benefactors—whose partnership powers our business networking events, cultural celebrations, and educational programming that connects North Texans with Japan. It now serves as a centralized hub for event registration, organizational news, and media resources.

"Our new website is more than a refresh—it reflects the momentum and impact of the growing presence of Japanese businesses and the strong interest in Japanese culture across the DFW region," said Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW. "It showcases our mission, our members, and our business, cultural, and educational programs, along with the meaningful relationships we continue to build between Japan and North Texas."

Upcoming Programs:
You'll also find information about three major upcoming programs spotlighting business insights and
leadership achievements:
• Feb 12 – Business Outlook in 2026 - https://jasdfw.org/event/business-outlook-in-2026/
• Feb 20 – Japan Currents - https://jasdfw.org/event/2026-japan-currents/
• Mar 19 – Celebrating Women's Career Achievement - https://jasdfw.org/event/celebrating-womens- career-achievement/

We invite you to explore the new website, stay connected, and join us at the Sun & Star Gala for an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, partnership, and friendship!

Media Contact:
Margaret McKoin
[email protected]
817-403-0866

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