The SJA Founder Mine Sasaguri Service Award
Learn more about the Study Japanese in Arlington Founder Mine Sasaguri Service Award!
Who is Mine Sasaguri?
Mine Sasaguri is one of the founders of Study Japanese in Arlington, which at the time was called Save Japanese in Arlington. She led a group of APS students and parents in the fight against the removal of Japanese classes from Arlington public schools and, after the movement’s success, continued to advocate for the expansion of Japanese language classes and the strengthening of Japanese-American community ties. She served as the founding President for two years and as a board member of SJA for four years, after which she retired in 2022. A service award in her honor is granted by SJA annually.
What is the SJA Founder Mine Sasaguri Service Award?
The SJA Founder Mine Sasaguri Service Award recognizes one SJA volunteer who has made significant contributions to the promotion of studying the Japanese language or culture in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. The award is granted to thank this volunteer for all their hard work and encourage others to follow in their footsteps and in the footsteps of Mine Sasaguri.
When is the award granted?
The award is granted annually in the summer.
Who is eligible for the award?
Any SJA volunteer is eligible for the award if they have volunteered on a project or program involving 12 or more service hours within the past year. Current SJA board members are not eligible.
How can I nominate someone for the award?
Nominations for the 2024 SJA Founder Mine Sasaguri Service Award are now open. Please click here for details.
Who are the past awardees?
We would like to thank our past awardees for their prior and continued commitment to SJA!
2023: Michiko Okuma