The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth celebrated another successful year at the 11th Annual Sun & Star Golf Classic, held at Bear Creek Golf Club. The signature event brought together business leaders, community members, and friends of Japan and Texas for a day of golf and connection in support of JASDFW's cultural and educational programs.
Winning teams included Orix Corporation USA taking first place and SMBC securing second place. Individual contest winners included Dan Sinawat of AI Connex winning the Mega Putt Putting Contest, Barron Bryant of KPMG achieving the longest drive, and Joe Bunch of Barnes & Thornburg winning closest to the pin honors.
The event's success was made possible through generous sponsorship support from major corporations with strong Japan-Texas connections. Toyota North America served as title sponsor, while Zeal IT Consultants sponsored lunch and Plano EDC supported cart and beverage services. Additional contest sponsors included Orix Corporation USA and SMBC Group, with Fortinet serving as hole-in-one sponsor and multiple companies including Panasonic, Technologent, Toyota Tsusho Systems (Thailand) Co., Ltd., First Class Imports, MUFG, KPMG, and Barnes & Thornburg LLP serving as hole sponsors.
Lawrence P. Howorth, Chair of the Board of Directors for JASDFW, emphasized the event's broader significance, stating that it demonstrates how much can be accomplished when business and cultural communities unite. The golf classic serves as more than just a sporting event—it functions as a platform for building bridges, creating opportunities, and celebrating the collaborative spirit that defines the Japan-Texas relationship.
The funds raised through this event directly support JASDFW's ongoing programs, including the Japan America Friendship Night at the Texas Rangers, the annual Mochitsuki New Year's Celebration, and the Japan-America Grassroots Summit. These initiatives continue to thrive and inspire new connections across generations, strengthening the partnership between Japan and North Texas through cultural exchange, education, and community engagement.
As the Society looks toward future programming, including the upcoming 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Dinner featuring Texas Governor Greg Abbott as special guest, the organization remains committed to its mission of deepening understanding and partnership between Japan and North Texas. The continued success of events like the golf classic ensures that cultural and educational programs will maintain their momentum in fostering mutual respect and appreciation between the two regions. More information about the organization's activities can be found at https://www.jasdfw.org.
