SJA at Japan-Virginia Night
On March 23rd, SJA had the incredible opportunity to host a booth at this year’s Japan-Virginia event, held at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C. The event celebrated the strong cultural and economic ties between Japan and the Commonwealth of Virginia, making it so exciting to be part of something with such a meaningful impact. In fact, Japan is Virginia’s nine-largest export destination (according to a 2025 report by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership) with Japanese companies investing over $32.5 billion in the past five years into Virginia.
The timing of the event made it even more special. It took place less than a week after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the capital for a summit with President Donald Trump. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, she gifted 250 cherry blossom trees to be planted in the region. It felt like a fitting symbol of the continued friendship between the two nations.
Walking through the residence, it was hard not to feel the energy in the room. There was a wide mix of cultural, educational, economic, and culinary booths, each offering something unique. Some standout booths included Schrader Pacific, which showcased advanced valve technology, San-J with its tamari soy sauce, MAATJ (Mid-Atlantic Association of Teachers of Japanese), and North American Sake Brewery, founded by an American entrepreneur producing sake in Charlottesville, Virginia. Each booth told its own story, and together they highlighted the depth of collaboration between Japan and Virginia.
And of course, the food did not disappoint. There was an impressive variety, starting with appetizers such as Japanese wagyu beef, Virginia peanuts, french fries, and a wide range of entrées. Guests could try multiple types of sushi, tonkotsu ramen, ikura (salmon roe), and takikomi gohan, a traditional rice dish cooked with seasonal ingredients. There were also dishes featuring local vegetables, fried oysters, and desserts such as pound cake and strawberry milk pudding. Everything was thoughtfully prepared, and all in all, everything was delicious!
The event brought together an incredible group of attendees, including Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, and Senator Tim Kaine. Representatives from local organizations such as the Japan-Virginia Society, Team Virginia Beach, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership were also present. One particularly memorable moment of the night was a skit featuring the renowned historical figure, Patrick Henry, who was Virginia’s first governor. This performance ultimately demonstrated the connection between Virginia’s historical roots and its modern-day leadership.
For SJA, one of the most rewarding parts of the evening was getting to talk with the attendees who stopped by our booth. It was exciting to share our mission and see genuine interest in what we do. We were especially honored when Governor Spanberger visited our booth to inquire about our goals during her rounds. Moments like that made the experience feel even more meaningful.
Overall, the event served as more than a celebration of international partnership by also being a valuable opportunity for SJA to grow its presence and build connections within the community. It is definitely an experience we won’t forget anytime soon.
