Annual Gala Dinner 

Each year, the Annual Dinner of The Japan Society of Boston celebrates the organization's role as a bridge between the people of Japan and America. The Dinner provides an opportunity to support the diverse activities of the Japan Society of Boston. The Society carefully selects individuals to honor who have made outstanding contributions to the greater good in both the US and Japan: business and cultural leaders as well as internationally celebrated artists and performers. 

In addition to our honored guests, The Annual Gala features fine cuisine, world-class music, and a silent auction with specialty items donated to support our mission: to connect Boston and Japan in friendship for the greater good.

Some of our past honorees:

Daisaku Kadokawa, Mayor of Kyoto City 

Tasuku Honjo, Distinguished Professor, Kyoto University 

Mr. Roger T. Servison, Japan Society of Boston Board Member

Midori, World famous Violinist 

Caroline Kennedy, Former Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan

Dr. Kazuo Inamori, President Emeritus of Kyocera Corporation, KDDI, and Japan Airlines

Joi Ito, Director of MIT Media Lab

Kathy Matsui, Vice Chair, Chief Japan Strategist, Goldman Sachs, Japan

Anderson Cooper, Anchor, Anderson Cooper 360 

Tim and Nancy Cushman, Head Chef and Owners of O Ya Restaurant 

Diane Paulus, Director of Theater and Opera at the American Repertory Theater

Shinichiro Takagi, Owner and Head Chef of Zeniya Restaurant in Kanazawa, Japan

Yoshihiro Takishita, Master of Japanese architecture preservation and reconstruction 

Wakako Tsuchida, Professional Wheelchair Athlete 

Nobuyuki Tsuji, Pianist and Composer

Kenzo Tsujimoto, Capcom CEO and founder of Napa's Kenzo Estate

Ezra Vogel, Distinguished Asian scholar

Shinya Yamanaka, Director, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA)