JASCO Celebrates 29th Anniversary Gala at the Columbus Museum of Art
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April 30th, 2026 l Columbus Museum of Art, OH
On April 30, 2026, the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO) hosted its 29th Anniversary Gala at the Columbus Museum of Art. Approximately 160 guests from across Ohio and beyond gathered to celebrate the longstanding friendship and partnership between Japan and the United States.
The evening began with opening remarks from Deborah Scherer, JASCO President and Executive Vice President of Global Development at One Columbus, followed by a kanpai toast from Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, Consul General of Japan in Detroit.
This year’s gala featured keynote speaker Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, Founder and CEO of Quality Electrodynamics and Chairman of Canon Healthcare USA, Inc. In a conversation with Deborah Scherer, Dr. Fujita shared his inspiring personal and professional journey, reflecting on innovation, leadership, and the importance of international collaboration.
Guests also enjoyed a special musical performance by Kirsten Carey, a shamisenist, guitarist, and composer based in Osaka, Japan. Her performance showcased the powerful and beautiful sound of the Tsugaru shamisen and added a memorable cultural element to the evening.
As part of JASCO’s annual gala tradition, two awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the U.S.–Japan relationship.
The Bradley M. Richardson Award, which honors an individual who has distinguished themselves in supporting U.S.–Japan relations, was presented to Mr. Hiroshi Fukuda. For decades, Mr. Fukuda has been a trusted resource for Japanese companies and families relocating to Ohio. As President of Nissin Travel Service (U.S.A.), Inc. and former President of the Central Ohio Japanese Association of Commerce (COJAC), he played an instrumental role in supporting the Japanese community in Central Ohio. As a longtime JASCO Board Director, he is also fondly remembered for his many years serving as a judge for JASCO’s Annual Japanese Speech Contest, where he encouraged generations of students with warmth and humor.
JASCO also presented the Corporate Partnership Award to the City of Dublin in recognition of its longstanding support of Ohio–Japan business and cultural relations. Home to the largest Japanese community in Ohio, the City of Dublin has demonstrated decades of commitment to strengthening ties with Japan through business initiatives, educational programming, Japanese language education, ESL support, and cultural programs such as Dublin Taiko. The city also celebrates its 10-year Friendship City relationship with Mashiko, Japan, and serves as the host city of Japan FestOH!, an annual celebration of Japanese culture attended by thousands each year.
JASCO extends its sincere gratitude to all sponsors, supporters, and guests who made the evening possible. The success of the gala would not have been possible without their generous support and continued partnership.
2026 Gala Sponsors
City of Dublin
TS Tech Americas, Inc.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development
GBQ Partners
Hidaka USA, Inc.
Hylant Toyotsu
Nissin Travel Service (U.S.A.), Inc.
One Columbus
THK Manufacturing of America, Inc.
TSG Advice Partners
Union County-Marysville Economic Development
JASCO thanks everyone who joined the celebration and looks forward to continuing to strengthen Japan–U.S. relations through cultural, educational, and business programming in the years ahead.
See more photos of the event here: