A Tokyo native Ohioan, Mari has served on JASCO’s Board of Trustees for a long time, including President of the Board between 2017 and 2019. She was Interim Executive Director for three months in 2023 to lead JASCO’s hosting of the 30th Japan-America Grassroots Summit. She has resumed this role in September 2024. She is Professor Emerita at the Ohio State University, where she taught Japanese and East Asian language pedagogy for 33 years.

As Interim Executive Director, Mari oversees JASCO’s programs, activities, and events while also serving as an advocate for not only JASCO’s mission but also the broader Ohio-Japan relationship, engaging with local educators, business and community leaders, and government to help create cultural understanding, improve Japanese business success, build relationships, and foster education about Japan in Central Ohio.

Yuu joined JASCO in August 2024 as Program Director.

A native of Yokohama, Yuu brings extensive experience from her seven years at The Japan Foundation, where she led initiatives in Japanese language education and cultural exchange in both domestic and overseas offices.

As Program Director at JASCO, Yuu is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing programming, including one of JASCO's most significant events, the Japan Festival (formerly known as the Obon Festival). She also works closely with the Executive Director to ensure smooth daily operations for the organization.

Nobuko is originally from Osaka/Kobe and has worked for Procter &Gamble Japan and US in Research and Development in Feminine Care Department. In 2019, she retired from P&G after 29 years of dedicated service both in Japan and in the US.

Nobuko joined JASCO in March 2024 as Programming Assistant, supporting the smooth operation of JASCO’s signature language program, membership management, and external communications.