About Us
The Japanese American Students Union (JASU) was established in the fall of 2005 by students who sought to create a stronger, more unified Japanese American community at Yale. In the past five years, what began first as a gathering of a few friends has grown in size and flourished into an important social, cultural and political organization, holding various events to foster interest in Japanese American culture, history and politics. Highlights of the year include: the Cultural Dinner, in which we serve Japanese cuisine; the Cultural Show, in which we showcase various facets of modern and traditional Japanese culture; and the Day of Remembrance, for which we bring in speakers and reflect on the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. Members of JASU hold board and chair positions in the Asian American Students Alliance.
How to Join
JASU is comprised of a diverse group of people that includes Japanese international students, Japanese American students, half (quarter or eighth!) Japanese students, students who live in Japan but aren't Japanese, and students just interested in Japanese culture. You do not need to be of Japanese descent or have lived in Japan in order to join JASU, and since our meetings are always conducted in English, you do not need to be able to speak or understand Japanese. The only requirement is that you are a Yale student with a passionate interest in everything Japanese-American!
If you are interested in joining, please email our President at mary.zou@yale.edu or contact any of our current members, and feel free to drop by our weekly dinner meetings at Time TBD. Also, join our Facebook group!
Coming Up
Welcome Picnic
- When: Sunday, September 11, 2011
- Where: Old Campus
Mark your calendars for our first social event, on Old Campus.
Otsukimi
Our Otsukimi (traditional Japanese moon-watching) event is scheduled for mid-October, exact date TBD.
Cultural Dinner
The annual cultural dinner is scheduled toward the end of first semester.
Cultural Show
The annual cultural show is scheduled for spring semester.
Day of Remembrance
The Annual Day of Remembrance takes place on February 19. Please join us as we reflect upon the signing of Executive Order 9066 and the consequent internment of Japanese American citizens during WWII.
Resources and Affiliations
Japanese American Organizations:
Our Friends at Yale:
