Fort Worth Japanese Society

Since 1985, the Fort Worth Japanese Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has worked to build friendship and understanding between the people of Japan and the United States through education, exchange, and community engagement.

FWJS is composed of more than 300 members, including Japanese ex-patriots, Japanese Americans, and Americans who have an interest in Japan. The Society provides its members with the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and to socialize and network with community members with similar experiences or interests. The Society and its members also provide important educational and enrichment activities for the community at large and support the City of Fort Worth in its relationship and exchanges with Japan.

FWJS has been highly acclaimed for its work in U.S.-Japan relations and has received awards from the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, Sister Cities International headquarters, and the City of Fort Worth. Our members have received commendations from the Emperor of Japan for their efforts in shaping the U.S.-Japan relationship over the last several decades in both business and at the grassroots level.

Our Impact:

Japanese Language Education - The School provides weekly Japanese classes, serving more than 100 teens and adults, including classes for children.

Supporting International Ties Across Sectors - Each year, FWJS supports delegations traveling to or from Japan, and is a key supporter of the Nagaoka-Fort Worth Sister City relationship, providing cultural and business etiquette workshops, scholarships, home stay, translation, and other support.

Fine Arts Programming -We offer workshops, demonstrations, and performances in traditional arts including calligraphy, folk dance, tea ceremony, flower arranging, and taiko drumming. Members demonstrate these skills at area schools and events. Twice a year, over 100 volunteers from FWJS share Japanese culture with the 1000s of attendees at the Fort Worth Japanese Garden Festivals.

Supporting our Japanese and Nikkei Community - To promote friendship between members and the community, FWJS holds informal monthly gatherings celebrating Japanese culture. FWJS also records the oral histories of its members and other local Japanese immigrants in order to preserve their stories and document their impact on North Texas.