Anniversary Gala
As a nonprofit organization supported by individuals, foundations, and corporations, JASCO aims to bring the people of Japan and the United States in the region closer together through mutual understanding, appreciation, and cooperation.
The Anniversary Gala is a celebration and testament to the shared vision of the people of the U.S. and Japan. Each year, JASCO recognizes one corporation and one individual for their dedication to the U.S.-Japan community in central Ohio with JASCO Corporate Partnership Award and Bradley Richardson Award.
In April 2024, JASCO hosted our 27th Anniversary Gala at COSI and celebrated the contribution of Hidaka USA, Inc. and Mr. Takashi Takenaka.
JASCO Corporate Partnership Award
The JASCO Corporate Partnership Award is awarded to a company that has not only supported the Ohio-Japan business relationship, but also has served as a valued corporate citizen.
2024 Recipient:
Hidaka USA, Inc.
Hidaka USA, Inc. was incorporated in August 1989, and commenced production in June 1991. Since that date, the facility has undergone four expansions that more than doubled the size of the operations. Currently, the company utilizes two facilities that have a combined total of 82,000 square
feet. This facility sits on 23 acres of land in Dublin, Ohio (which is a suburb of Columbus, Ohio).
Hidaka USA, Inc. is a sheet metal fabrication company specializing in the production of smaller volume automotive parts, as well as railcar parts and assemblies. The management team at Hidaka USA approaches each project as an opportunity to provide its customers with high-quality products that meet their distinct requirements and deadlines.
Bradley M. Richardson Award
The Bradley M. Richardson Award, established in honor of JASCO’s founding member, Dr. Bradley M. Richardson, is awarded to an individual who has distinguished themselves in supporting US-Japan relations.
2024 Recipient:
Takashi Takenaka
Takashi Takenaka was born in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1950. He started his food business career from 1980 in New York City. He then moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1986 to open Restaurant Japan, later called Akai Hana. Takenaka-san has also helped to set up 3 Japanese grocery stores in the Midwest and has worked as an advisor for many Japanese restaurants throughout the country. He is currently president of Pacific Food Inc.
He has learned a lot from Mr. Kazuo Inamori, the founder of KYOCERA corporation through reading many of his books and putting his principles into practice.
