Jackson Chamber proudly celebrates 20 years of membership with the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc. (JAST). With seven Japanese-owned manufacturing companies in Jackson, Tenn., this membership has been vital in learning about Japanese culture, helping to better support and understand our current and future Japanese companies.

JAST promotes friendly relations and cultural understanding between the people of the state of Tennessee and Japan. Headquartered in Nashville, JAST’s mission is “to strengthen a vibrant bilateral economic future for Tennessee and Japan by building upon long-standing relationships and promoting mutual understanding and cultural awareness among Japanese and American communities in Tennessee.”

“JAST offers a variety of Business, Cultural and Educational events throughout the year in Tennessee,” said Mandy White, Jackson Chamber senior vice president, economic development. “I am thankful for the support the organization has given to me through the years and am proud to work with its leadership to continue to support and promote our Japanese-owned companies in our community.” White also serves on the board of directors for the organization.

Having this membership has been a plus, not only for the Chamber but also for Jackson. The Chamber has partnered with JAST to offer several Japanese Business Etiquette courses for area professionals throughout the years. These courses help to enhance bonds and promote cultural awareness. JAST also assisted in planning recent trips to Japan in 2015 and 2019 for Jackson Chamber, City of Jackson and Madison County officials.

For more information on JAST, visit JapanAmericaSocietyOfTennesseeInc.WildApricot.org/.

About the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc.

Established in 2000 to promote friendly relations and cultural understanding between the people of the state of Tennessee and Japan, the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc. (JAST) is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, funded by individual and corporate membership fees and grants from government institutions and private foundations. Serving as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Society are The Honorable Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee and The Honorable Kayoko Fukushima, Consul-General of Japan in Nashville.