Annual Gala & General Meeting

If you haven’t signed up for our Annual Gala and General Meeting, there’s still time to do so!

The Gala is our main fundraiser for the year. Your sponsorship or ticket purchase brings vital outcomes. We focus on business, education, culture, community, women and NEXT Gen in our programming – developing a stronger relationship with Japan in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Your commitment counts. Join us and let’s celebrate.

This year’s highlights include:

Slicing of a full 22lbs yellowtail (buri) on main stage by Zilla Sake owner Kate Koo, followed by kitchen preparation for you to eat directly afterwards
Bon Odori dancing: join in this traditional summer festival celebration dance, led by our friends Takohachi
Come in full cultural costume: you’ll receive a raffle ticket and may win a prize! See contest details below.
Amazing Japanese street festival menu: chicken karaage, takoyaki, yakitori special mix, cold somen noodles, edamame in garlic glaze, pickled cucumbers, chilled tomatoes in kombu dashi vinaigrette, temari sushi assortment (salmon, cucumber, tuna, egg, shrimp, plus fresh buri sashimi served direct from the fish
Delicious drinks include: mixed IPAs from Hopworks Brewing, pinot noir and chardonnay from Denison Cellars, Momokawa sake from SakeOne; plus special dessert cocktail of SHEZEN sake over shaved ice along with all kinds of non-alcoholic options
Member showcase booths: learn about our partners in the community who work with Japan. Try your hand at calligraphy!
Lots of networking, great silent auction from small to large items, music from shakuhachi throughout

REGISTER NOW

If you have already registered or you are a guest of a sponsor, here’s what you need to know:

Location: The Redd on Salmon at 831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 6pm to 9pm

Parking: On-site parking for around 50 vehicles. Streetside for all others.

Dress code: Portland Business, from business casual to cocktail
If you wear a full traditional cultural costume showcasing your heritage, you’ll be entered into a special prize drawing! We love part, and we love modern interpretation or fusion, but the prize is just for full traditional.

Menu:

Chicken Karaage Dusted with Sansho Salt
Takoyaki with Kewpie, Ao Nori, Takoyaki Sauce, Katsuo, and Kizami Shoga
Yakitori Special Mix
Cold Somen Noodles with Mentsuyu with Ginger, Green Onion, Shiso, and Sesame or Okra
Edamame in Garlic Glaze
Pickled Cucumbers on a Stick
Chilled Tomatoes in Kombu Dashi Vinaigrette,
Temari Sushi Assortment (Salmon, Cucumber, Tuna, Egg, Shrimp)
PLUS Fresh Buri Sashimi served direct from the fish with Daikon, Shiso, Ginger, Wasabi, and Yamasa Soy Sauce

On-Site Showcase: details to be announced.

Silent Auction: We’ll have around 25 gift packages with different items to be won. Please bid generously. There’s still time to donate items. Contact kmiyanaga@jaso.org. Minimum suggested retail value $200. The auction opens at 6:15pm, closes at 8:15pm, and we start giving out items from 8:45pm.

Our friends from Japan are often not familiar with how a silent auction works, or its purpose. Click HERE for the explanation.

Our sponsors and supporters: Everyone who buys a ticket to attend, or wins a silent auction item contributes to JASO’s work. But we owe a special thank you to our sponsors and supporters – who go the extra mile make sure all our programs are well-funded and able to continue securely.

PRESENTED BY
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