June 7th was the gala dinner for the Japan America Society of Southern California at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown. JAS builds economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between the people of Japan and US. JAS is the oldest civil communications organization founded in 1909, and has approximately 130 companies and 2000 individual members. They hold many economic seminars and workshops in order to create bonds in the Japanese American community. This year marks the 108th dinner and participants also did fundraising through silent auctions. The donated funds will be used for Japanese speech contests, Japanese kite making workshops and for student exchange programs from Fukushima. After stating his appreciations to the attendees, Chairman, Douglas Erber stated “Your efficient leadership skills and opinions are very important for the bonds between Japan and the US.” Pillsbury Law and Panasonic Corporation received the global citizen’s award. This award is sent to citizens and organizations that contributed to US/Japan relationship.