Thank you for your interest in the Japan Culture Center of Western New York (JapanWNY), the largest and most active Japan-related 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the area, serving the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, and their surroundings.
We operate the Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City Committee, one of the longest continuously running US-Japan sister city relationships in the US, and promote Japan-related interests in WNY as a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS).
Your membership or contribution supports Japan-related activities in Western New York and a 60+ year mission of strengthening cultural exchange and relationships between the US and Japan. Check out our brochure below for more information on our programs and activties.
Member benefits include:
- Exclusive member activities, events, and discounts, including member dinners, a book club, folk craft lessons, and more.
- Extensive networking/volunteering opportunities: Access to member-exclusive Facebook group and Discord server and connections to other US-Japan societies in NAJAS
- Ability to participate in yearly exchange events, including regular group visits to Kanazawa and Hamamatsu, and activities in Japan/online
- A platform to showcase Japan-related interests/skills and support for further development
- Resources on language learning & trip planning
- Access to a growing collection of Japan-related books, movies, and collectibles
What’s more, your support makes a tangible difference in the world. Membership impacts include:
- Further strengthening US-Japan sister city relations (Buffalo/Kanazawa and Rochester/Hamamatsu)
- Community fundraisers and sponsorhip of casues related to Japan (disaster relief, educational programs, etc.)
- Cleanups of the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park
- Regular classroom and community presentations/seminars on Japanese culture
- Facilitation of cross-organization events (Bunka no Hi, Cherry Blossom Festival, Asian Food & Culture Festival) and shared causes
Membership is billed annually and may be cancelled at any time. Organizations should use the Affiliate, Sponsor, or Partner levels. Consult with general@japanwny.org for the latest benefits of each.
Please use the form below or visit our page on Givebutter.
224 BrochureFAQ
HOW IS THE JAPAN CULTURE CENTER RELATED TO THE BUFFALO-KANAZAWA SISTER CITY COMMITTEE?
JapanWNY is the parent organization of the Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City Committee, which has promoted friendship between Buffalo, NY and Kanazawa, Ishikawa since 1962. We work directly with city officials in Buffalo and Kanazawa to host delegation visits and promote ongoing iniativies, exchanges, and activities that deepen the friendship between our cities.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN?
We are a completely volunteer organization, and membership is the primary way we raise funds for our regular events, seminars, exchange programs, and workshops. Members receive regular discounts and can attend yearly exclusive get-togethers and events. Members can also receive discounted Japanese language lessons through a partner school in Japan, join our lively book club, and browse our growing library of Japanese books. Past activities include ikebana flower arranging, Shakuhachi flute and Taiko drum performances, origami paper art, Kanazawa folk crafts, Japanese cooking, calligraphy, gardening seminars, and more!