The Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW) invites you to our Annual Meeting 2026 on Friday, April 24th, at the Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004). Our Annual Meeting is JASSW’s premier networking event, offering a chance to reflect on past accomplishments, learn more about the Society, and connect with our leadership team as we share future goals.
The meeting will be followed by our Spring Gala, featuring a Japanese buffet-style dinner, raffle prizes, and more. Program details will be revealed soon. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission of promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and Washington State by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.
Wednesday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30–9:00PM
Venue: Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)
Ticket: $60 for Non-Member | $50 for Members
$40 for Students | $20 for Member Students
https://jassw.org/annual-meeting-2026
*Dress code for this event is Business Casual*
*JASSW is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 23-7282194). Contributions to JASSW are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. For sponsorships, the tax-deductible amount is the total contribution minus the fair market value (FMV) of any goods or services received. For the Annual Meeting 2026, the FMV is $40 per guest admission.
Download JASSW's W9 From this page
General Timeline
4:30PM: Doors Open
5:00PM-6:00PM: Annual Meeting
- Special Remarks
- Mo Malakoutian, Mayor of Bellevue
- Dave Hamilton, Deputy Mayor of Bellevue
- Annual Report from JASSW Leadership
- Announcing 2026-2027 Officers & Directors for Class to 2029
- Passing the Gavel
6:00PM: Spring Gala begins
- Food and drink serving begins
- Networking, raffle sales, Passport Rally, JASSW and community booths
7:00PM-7:30PM: Gala Stage
- Toast and Remarks
- Makoto Iyori, Consul General of Japan in Seattle
- Small Business Presentation
- Raffle Drawing
9:00PM: Event Closing
Special Remarks
Makato Iyori – Consul General of Japan in Seattle
We are excited to welcome the Honorable Makoto Iyori to our Annual Meeting. Iyori joined Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1990 and most recently served as Managing Director of the General Affairs Department at the Japan Foundation before being appointed Consul General of Japan in Seattle in 2023.
Mo Malakoutian – Mayor of Bellevue
Elected to the Bellevue City Council in 2023, he currently serves as Mayor of Bellevue. With over 20 years of experience spanning engineering, academia, and technology, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to public service.
Dave Hamilton – Deputy Mayor of Bellevue
Dave Hamilton was elected to the City Council in November 2023. His colleagues elected him deputy mayor in January 2026. Prior to his election, he served on the Parks & Community Services Board for six years, chairing the board from 2021 to 2023. Dave supports the city’s efforts to increase housing supply, improve housing affordability, maintain a high level of public safety and improve our transportation systems. His priorities also include parks and open space and protection and enhancement of the environment.
This Year's Passing The Gavel
Yuka Shimizu – 2025-2026 Chair
Yuka Shimizu is the founder of Bellevue Children’s Academy (BCA), BCA Saturday Japanese School, and Willows Preparatory School. She also serves as president of Asunaro and co-chair of Japan Fair. Yuka is on the boards of the Seattle Symphony, Overlake Hospital Foundation, Arboretum Foundation, and is the president of the Urasenke Tankokai Association. A strong advocate for strengthening ties between Japan and Washington State, Yuka has been a member of the JASSW board since 2013. Born and raised in Japan, she moved to Bellevue in 1998 and has three adult children and two granddaughters.
Joshua Ishibashi – 2026-2027 Chair (Candidate)
Josh Ishibashi is a senior infrastructure and construction executive with more than 20 years of experience delivering complex capital programs across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia. He currently serves as a Construction Program Manager overseeing major transportation infrastructure delivery in the Pacific Northwest. Josh is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and holds an MBA from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. A former U.S. Army officer, he led soldiers for seven years, including a combat deployment.
About Venue
This year’s Annual Meeting and Spring Gala will be held at Bellevue City Hall, a modern civic landmark in the heart of downtown. Known for its welcoming public spaces and contemporary architecture, City Hall offers a bright, open setting that embodies community engagement and global connection.
Parking Directions
Free parking is available for all attendees at Bellevue City Hall in the following two areas:
1. Visitor Parking Lot
- Enter from 110th Ave NE
- Limited capacity (approximately 60 vehicles)
2. Staff Parking Garage (P3)
- Enter from 112th Ave NE
- Take a ticket from the P3 gate upon entry
- Scan the same ticket when exiting the garage
- Follow signs to enter the building and take the elevator to the Lobby entrance
Food at the Gala
I Love Sushi (https://ilovesushi.com/) has been dedicated to serving fresh, high-quality sushi crafted with care since opening its doors. Their passion for authentic flavors and exceptional service has made them a beloved destination for sushi lovers in the community. While they offer the best fish from local and Japanese fish markets, they also offer a wide array of other Japanese foods, including Sukiyaki, Sashimi and Tempura.
Sakura Sweets (https://bakesy.shop/b/sakura-sweets) is a Shoreline-based cottage bakery specializing in handcrafted floral cupcakes, where each petal is piped by hand using light, silky Korean-style buttercream. Designed as “edible art,” their creations are both beautiful and delicious, perfect for special occasions and events.
Participate in our Raffle Drawing
Enter our raffle for a chance to win a variety of exciting prizes. Tickets are $20 for one or $50 for three!
Seattle Sounders Game Tickets - Two tickets to the Austin FC vs. Sounders game on 08/19/26 at Lumen Field. Sponsored by Delta.
Hotel & Restaurant Certificate Package - Treat yourself to a one-night stay at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and a $100 gift certificate to Melrose Grill.
Local Business Gift Basket - A gift package packed with unique and interesting items from our small business partners. Small Business Package items include: 2 sets of chopsticks from Yuzu Marche, eco-friendly wrapping paper from Fantastic Wrapping LLC, a stained glass hand mirror from Stained Glass Akasakakobo, a scented candle from Candle Momo, 6 bags of beef jerky from KHOBO Jerky LLC, 2 shirts from Chiyo Sanada Design, a gift card from Koko Kona Coffee, and 3 children’s books from Staynative.US.
Proudly supported by our 2026 Annual Event Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Karin Zaugg Black 
