Japan-America Society Golf Classic Strengthens Cultural and Business Ties Between Japan and Texas
TL;DR
Orix Corporation USA and SMBC secured top positions at the JASDFW golf event, gaining valuable networking exposure among Japanese and Texan business leaders.
The 11th Annual Sun & Star Golf Classic at Bear Creek Golf Club raised funds through corporate sponsorships to support cultural and educational programs.
This event strengthens Japan-Texas relations through cultural exchange and community engagement, fostering mutual understanding and international friendship.
Participants competed in various contests including longest drive and closest to the pin while supporting Japanese cultural programs in North Texas.
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The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth hosted its 11th Annual Sun & Star Golf Classic at Bear Creek Golf Club, bringing together business leaders, community members, and friends of Japan and Texas for a day focused on supporting the organization's cultural and educational programs. The tournament featured winning teams from Orix Corporation USA and SMBC, with individual contest winners including Dan Sinawat of AI Connex, Barron Bryant of KPMG, and Joe Bunch of Barnes & Thornburg demonstrating exceptional skills throughout the competition.
Major sponsorship played a critical role in the event's success, with Toyota North America serving as Title Sponsor and Zeal IT Consultants as Lunch Sponsor. Other significant supporters included the City of Irving as Pre-Tournament Sponsor, Plano EDC as Cart/Beverage Sponsor, and contest sponsors Orix Corporation USA and SMBC Group. Additional sponsorship came from Fortinet as Hole in One Sponsor and multiple hole sponsors including Panasonic, Technologent, Toyota Tsusho Systems (Thailand) Co., Ltd., First Class Imports, MUFG, KPMG, and Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
Lawrence P. Howorth, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, emphasized the event's broader significance beyond the golf course. Each year, this event demonstrates how much can be accomplished when business and cultural communities unite, focusing on building bridges, creating opportunity, and celebrating the collaborative spirit that defines the Japan-Texas relationship. The sponsorship support ensures that JASDFW programs continue to thrive and inspire new connections across generations.
The funds raised through this event directly support JASDFW's cultural and educational initiatives, including the Japan America Friendship Night at the Texas Rangers, the annual Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration, and the Japan-America Grassroots Summit. These programs strengthen the partnership between Japan and Texas while cultivating mutual respect and appreciation. More information about the organization's mission and activities can be found at https://www.jasdfw.org.
As the Society prepares for upcoming programs, including the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner with special guest Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the continued success of events like the golf classic demonstrates the growing importance of Japan-Texas relations in both business and cultural spheres. The collaborative efforts of members, sponsors, and volunteers create lasting impact that extends far beyond the golf course, reinforcing the vital role cultural exchange organizations play in fostering international understanding and partnership.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
