Upcoming Events
Japan America Society of Iowa Presents: “Sake: The Way of Japanese Arts” – A Cultural & Culinary Celebration
Des Moines, Iowa - The Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) is excited to announce its highly anticipated annual Sake Tasting Event, happening Friday, November 21st, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the uniquely styled West End Salvage in downtown Des Moines.
This year’s theme, “Dō – The Way of Japanese Arts,” brings together the rich traditions of Japan in an immersive cultural and culinary experience like no other in the region.
An Evening of Food, Sake, and Japanese Culture
Guests will enjoy:
Six Japanese Izakaya-Style Food Stations serving small plates inspired by Japanese gastropubs
Six Sake Stations offering 10 to 20 premium sake varieties from across Japan—ranging from dry and bold to fruity and smooth
VIP Experience
This year’s VIP ticket holders are in for a special treat:
A Japanese Wagyu Beef Flight curated and prepared by Chef Dom Iannarelli of Prime & Providence—a rare and premium tasting experience
Handcrafted sake-based cocktails created by expert mixologist Chase Eslinger, adding a creative twist to traditional flavors
Cultural Highlights
The event will feature displays and demonstrations of traditional Japanese arts, including:
Kadō - Ikebana, Japanese Flower Arranging
Shodō - Japanese Calligraphy
Sadō - Japanese Tea Ceremony
Kimono and Cultural Presentations
And don’t miss a special performance by Takumi Kato, whose powerful taiko rhythms echo a lifetime of dedication and cultural devotion. Born in Gifu Prefecture and trained under the celebrated Kodo ensemble, he won the grand prize in the Big Japanese Drum category at the 2008 Tokyo International Wadaiko Competition. Takumi alongside his 3 children are traveling across the USA, performing in all 50 states as a way to promote peace and harmony.
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Event Details:
What: JASI Sake Event – “Dō: The Way of Japanese Arts”
When: Friday, November 21st, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: West End Salvage, 22 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Tickets: General Admission and VIP Tickets will be available at jasi2025.eventbrite.com
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Come raise a glass, savor the flavors, and explore the art, tradition, and spirit of Japan—right here in Iowa.
Origami Workshop under 2000 Cranes
Connecting Iowa communities, one crane at a time, and celebrating 65 years of friendship between Iowa and Yamanashi, our sister state in Japan.
Sasago Oiwake Puppet Theater Des Moines Performance
Once upon a time, at the most challenging pass of Koshu Kaido, weary travelers found solace in Sasago Village. Today, this timeless art from the village is crossing oceans to Des Moines for its first-ever U.S. performance. Don't miss this incredible journey through history and culture!
CelebrAsian Japan Village
This year, JASI's Japan Village has some exciting surprises in store:
- A food tent with a unique twist—come discover what’s cooking!
- A traditional puppet theater troupe will demonstrate the fascinating mechanics of Japanese puppetry, alongside other captivating cultural presentations.
Sasago Oiwake Puppet Theater Iowa Tour
Experience the mesmerizing artistry of a 300-year-old puppet theater tradition from Yamanashi. Prepare to be captivated by this unique cultural performance!
Kimono Club April Event
Step into Summer Style: Yukata Workshop!
The perfect weather calls for the elegance of a Yukata! Join us to learn how to wear this traditional Japanese summer kimono.
Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace tradition and celebrate summer in style!
Sakura Special Week at Wasabi
Celebrate Japan’s cherished cherry blossom season with our exclusive Sakura Special Menu—no tickets needed! Join us for a taste of spring, open to all. We can’t wait to see you!
Sakura Special Week 3/23 - 4/6/2025
Wasabi West Des Moines
5054 Bentley Dr, #140
West Des Moines, IA
Hina Matsuri
Join us this Saturday for JASI's Annual Hina Dolls Display! This year, we are showcasing three complete sets of exquisite Hina Dolls, each featuring 15 beautifully crafted figures. It's a breathtaking display you won't want to miss!
JASI Shinnenkai
Join us this Saturday for our first JASI event of 2025. We will have a Used Book sale, an Open General JASI meeting, a Potluck Party, and Sumo Demonstration from the Des Moines Sumo Club!
Joya no Kane
JASI invites you to cherish the memories of this year’s wonderful events and friendships while welcoming the start of a new year together.
Join us on 12/31 at 9:00 AM at the Peace Bell Tower as we ring in the new year in harmony with Japan’s own transition into 2025.
JASI Summer Festival
Please join for some summer fun and experience a traditional Japanese celebration. Along with exciting games like watermelon smashing and other activities, as well as sweet and savory snacks, we will be dancing the Bon Odori, a traditional folk dance performed in a group. No worries, there will be dancing instructions. It will give you a taste of being in rural Japan.
CelebrAsian Japan Village
We are looking for volunteers who could help us on May 24 and 25 for the CelebrAsian Japan Village.
This year, we will have 4 tents: Food, Concession and 2 Culture tents. We truly appreciate your support in making this event a success together.
If you are interested, and are passionate about Japanese culture, please register below.
https://japanamericasocietyofiowajasi.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=85332
Takoyaki Party
JASI is hosting a "Takoyaki Party" on May 11th!!
Japanese octopus balls known as Takoyaki is a very popular street food, especially at summer festivals. This time, we will make Takoyaki without octopus, but it's still good. Let's have fun together!!
Date：Saturday, May 11th 12:30-2:00
Place：Franklin Junior High School, Room 1240 (4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines)
Admission ：Free for current JASI members. Also eligible if 2024 JASI membership is paid at the door or prior to the event.
Register HERE→https://forms.gle/CK1Q5WqFpRueUFHQ9
Onigiri Making Workshop
【Onigiri Making Workshop】
Date: Saturday, April 13 from 12:30-13:30
Place: Franklin Junior High School, Room 1240 (4801 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines)
Admission fee: Free
Registration: https://forms.gle/mPSjU1F9a6UhzQH87
Shodo Taikai
JASI is hosting a Shodo Taikai collaborating with Kennedy High School and University of Iowa (Japanese Calligraphy Workshop & Japan Trivia Quiz).
Date: March 23rd, 2024
Place: Kennedy High School
This event is invitational.
Volunteers are welcome!!
Hoto Noodle Workshop & Hotpot Party
Date: February 17th from 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Place: Franklin Junior High School, Room 1240 (4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines)
Admission fee: Free
Material fee: $5
Register: https://forms.gle/qgjJcDfy3FSG2Sae7
Eho-maki making workshop
JASI is hosting an “Eho-maki making workshop” on February 3rd. Let’s make it together!!
Date: February 3rd from 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Place: Franklin Junior High School, Room 1240 (4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines)
Admission fee: Free for current JASI members, also eligible for those if 2024 JASI membership is paid at the door or prior to the event.
Register: https://forms.gle/51aob3LTYMjLEBFQ9
Fruit Sandwich Making Workshop
JASI is hosting a “Fruit Sandwich Making Workshop” on Saturday, January 20th. Let’s make Fruit sandwich together!!
Date: Saturday, Jan 20th from 12:20pm-1pm
Place: Franklin Junior High School, Room 1240 (4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines)
Admission fee: Free for current JASI members, also eligible for those if 2024 JASI membership is paid at the door or prior to the event.
Register here: https://forms.gle/zfaJxk8DEa6wZwjU9
Shodo Taikai
JASI is hosting a Shodo Taikai (Japanese Calligraphy Workshop & Networking).
Date: Sunday January 7, 2024
Place: JASI Headquarters (4801 Franklin Ave. Des Moines)
This event is invitational.
Volunteers are welcome!!
New Year Bell Tolling(Joya No Kane)
JASI is hosting a Japanese tradition of tolling the friendship bell 108 times to welcome the New Year. Please join the tradition to ring the bell and receive a happy new year together.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 31, Start from 9:00 AM
Place: 1111 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
Register HERE→https://forms.gle/fbRpkcebTrekNpNz6
JASI Movie Night at Varsity
Let’s watch “The Boy and the Heron” together!!
December 11, JASI's Movie Night is taking place at Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St., Des Moines, IA 50311, as a spacial event.
We will provide Origami Totoro making workshop at 6:30pm. The movie will start at 7pm.
Tickets : https://varsitydesmoines.com/movies/the-boy-and-the-heron/
Potluck Bonenkai(The End of Year Party)
JASI is hosting a Potluck Bonenkai(The End of Year Party) on Saturday, December 2nd. This is free event for current JASI members, also eligible for those if 2024 JASI membership is paid at the door or prior to the event. We will do a White Elephant gift exchange. Please bring a family-friendly item(Value around $10)!!
Register HERE↓
Japan-US Business Conference
“Re-open for Business”
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023 |
BUSINESS CONFERENCE & DINNER, 2–5 PM @ 801 Grand
Invitation only. Please contact info@japaniowa.org.
Discover Sake Pairing Evening
Enjoy an evening of Sake culture, pairing ideas with a three course meal, entertainment and more interactive fun! Experience Japanese culture through Furoshiki workshop, Origami craft and more. You do not want to miss dynamic Taiko performance. VIP room offers additional unique experience.
VIP Room - East meets West
The word drinking Sake is interpreted in the Japanese language as a way of enjoying alcoholic beverages of many varieties. Whiskey is no exception. And in the recent trend, recognition for Japanese whiskey is rising. Let’s find out the charm of this mysterious amber colored drink.
Hallo Anime
JASI is hosting an “Anime Event” on Oct 29th!!
Save the date and join us to have fun time with our main stage and other activities. Don’t miss an opportunity to join Anime cosplay competition. Prizes will be awarded for winners!!!
Date: Sunday, Oct 29th from 1pm-5pm
Place: Franklin Junior High School, Room 148 (4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines)
Admission: FREE