The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) concluded a series of December events with record-breaking attendance and community engagement, highlighting cultural exchange and connection across three signature programs: Anime Frontier, the inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration, and a special welcome and reunion tied to the BMW Dallas Marathon.
Anime Frontier, held December 12–14 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, drew approximately 50,000 attendees. JASDFW operated a complimentary booth that engaged thousands with information about Japanese language classes, cultural programs, and the popular Mochitsuki New Year celebration. A dot-survey revealed that culture, language, and food were top interests among visitors. The booth featured a 200-year-old Ukiyo-e woodblock print book and a hands-on printmaking activity inspired by traditional techniques. "Anime Frontier gave us an incredible opportunity to meet people where their passion already lives and invite them to explore deeper cultural experiences," said Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW.
On December 12, JASDFW hosted its first-ever Pickleball Social & Bonenkai at RYSE Energy StarCenter Multisport. The evening included izakaya-style dishes from Yama Izakaya & Sushi, sake, beer, and wine, along with friendly pickleball play. The event embodied JASDFW's mission of bringing people together through shared experiences to foster cultural understanding.
JASDFW also supported international athletic exchange by welcoming two elite runners from Sendai, Japan—Shiho Endo and Satoshi Tanaka—invited by the BMW Dallas Marathon with support from JASDFW and the City of Dallas, an International Friendship City of Sendai. The runners participated in JASDFW's Bonenkai and were honored at a post-race reunion luncheon. Despite freezing temperatures, Shiho Endo placed 4th overall among female marathon runners and 2nd in her age division.
Looking ahead, JASDFW plans to continue building cross-cultural understanding in 2026. For more information, visit https://www.jasdfw.org/.
