The Japan-America Society of Mississippi (JASMIS) will host a reception Nov. 13 at Mississippi State University to introduce the society to MSU and the Starkville community.
Mieko Kikuchi, board of directors for JASMIS, said the event will include a presentation from some representatives from JASMIS as well as two special guest speakers.  
“We are going to have a speech to introduce JASMIS and we will have Peter Kelley,” Kikuchi said.
“He is the president of the National Association of Japan-America Societies and Consul-General of Japan in Nashville Motohiko Kato to speak,” Kikuchi said. 
Kikuchi said it is important to host the event because of the growing interest in Japanese culture. 
“Interest in the community is increasing, and it is important that we strengthen the relationship between Japanese and American culture,” Kikuchi said. 
According to Kikuchi, JASMIS provides opportunities for the Japanese and Americans to collaborate. 
“The Japanese Program gives us a chance to work together, get to know each other and understand each other. It gives us a chance to find similarities between Japanese culture and American culture,” Kikuchi said.
Thom Eason, treasurer of JASMIS, said MSU became included in the JASMIS organization with the construction of a new factory. 
“MSU became a member of JASMIS when Yokohama Tire began construction on their new factory in West Point, Mississippi,” Eason said. 
Eason said JASMIS is a non-profit organization and hosts various types of programs and events. 
“We are an all-volunteer society. None of our board or officers receives compensation for the work everyone does. Therefore, our members are important to us, as we do not have any full-time staff to raise funds,” Eason said. “We exist on the membership fees we receive and sponsor donations when we are trying to put on larger events, such as bringing musicians or sword masters from Japan to Mississippi for performances. We also have business seminars when we can get some good speakers to come down, and we are available to anyone in the state that needs assistance with Japanese culture or language.”
Motohiko Kato, consulate-general of Japan and one of the speakers at the event, said he believes this event will broaden people’s minds about Japanese culture. 
“People need to have an open mind and broaden their horizons, and the Japanese need to feel comfortable coming to the United States,” Kato said. 
Kato said he would like young people to gain more knowledge about how the Japanese do business so they can find great jobs. 
“Young students should learn business culture so they will be able to find better opportunities in the Japanese job market,” Kato said. 
Kato said he believes students at MSU could benefit greatly from this event. 
“Students should learn about foreign culture, find out about opportunities in Japan after they leave MSU and learn about the Japanese/U.S. alliance and U.S. relations,” Kato said.