Japan America Society Honors Musician YOSHIKI with International Citizens Award during 117th Anniversary Gala at Biltmore Hotel in Downtown L.A. Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6:30PM
Posted on July 18, 2026, revised on August 30, 2026 by Cultural News
The Japan America Society of Southern California (JASSC) is thrilled to announce that JASSC will host its 117th Anniversary Dinner & Gala on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
JASSC will honor YOSHIKI with International Citizens Award (Kokusai Shimin Sho) during the gala event.
YOSHIKI, internationally acclaimed composer, musician, producer, and philanthropist, has inspired audiences worldwide while building cultural bridges through music and humanitarian efforts.
Honored with this year’s Kokusai Shimin Sho, he exemplifies creativity, resilience, and Japan–U.S. friendship.
Register https://www.jas-socal.org/event-6756204
International Citizens Award: YOSHIKI
YOSHIKI is Japan’s biggest rock star and an internationally acclaimed composer, musician, producer, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador whose influence extends far beyond the world of music. As the leader and co-founder of X JAPAN, he helped redefine Japanese rock music and became one of the country’s most influential artists. His remarkable career has expanded across classical music, film scoring, fashion, and international collaborations, earning him worldwide recognition while introducing Japanese artistry and culture to global audiences.
Beyond his artistic achievements, YOSHIKI has devoted himself to humanitarian efforts and charitable initiatives throughout his career. He has generously supported disaster relief, children’s charities, medical research, and educational programs in Japan, the United States, and around the world. Through both his philanthropy and his music, he has inspired hope, resilience, and compassion across cultures.
As a cultural ambassador, YOSHIKI has built meaningful bridges between Japan and the United States through creativity, innovation, and mutual respect. His ability to unite people through music while using his global platform to support humanitarian causes reflects the very spirit of international friendship.
This year, we are proud to honor YOSHIKI with the Kokusai Shimin Sho (International Citizens Award) in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in music, his humanitarian leadership, and his enduring commitment to strengthening the relationship between Japan and the United States.
Next Generation Rising Star Award: Rintaro Sasaki
Rintaro Sasaki is one of Japan’s most promising young baseball players, recognized for becoming the all-time high school home run leader in Japanese baseball history. Rather than immediately pursuing a professional career in Japan, he chose to continue both his academic and athletic journey at Stanford University, demonstrating remarkable vision, ambition, and a commitment to personal growth on the international stage. His continued development has now led to his signing with the Miami Marlins organization, marking an exciting new chapter in his baseball career.
Beyond his accomplishments on the baseball field, Rintaro represents a new generation of leaders who embrace global opportunities while serving as ambassadors of Japanese excellence. Through his dedication, sportsmanship, and willingness to challenge himself in a new cultural environment, he has inspired young athletes in both Japan and the United States to pursue their dreams beyond borders.
As a student-athlete competing in the United States, Rintaro continues to strengthen the connection between Japan and America through sports, education, and cultural exchange. His journey reflects the values of perseverance, humility, and international understanding that define the next generation of global leaders.
This year, we are proud to present Rintaro Sasaki with the Next Generation Rising Star Award in recognition of his exceptional achievements, his inspiring pursuit of excellence, and his potential to build lasting bridges between Japan and the United States through sports and leadership.
Mistress of Ceremonies: Rina Nakano
Rina Nakano is an award-winning storyteller at CBS LA. She joined the team in 2022 as a Reporter/Multi-media journalist.
Don’t be surprised to see her with a big news camera and tripod. Many times, she’s on assignment as a solo-storyteller, specializing in human-interest, long-form, and feature stories. Everyday she is reminded of the power of local journalism, especially after covering the Eaton and Palisades Fires of 2025.
Rina’s journalism journey began as an intern at KGTV in San Diego and CNN in Tokyo. After graduating from UC San Diego, she landed her first TV job in Casper, Wyoming. Her next stop was Tokyo, Japan. At NHK, she was able to use her bilingual skills to tell impactful longer-form stories, featuring the survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. After returning to the US, she continued to her career in Sacramento and San Diego, where she earned the first of her Emmy Awards.
Though her job has taken her around the world, she’s thrilled to be home in Southern California. She is most proud of being a mother of two, wife, and dog mom. When she is not reporting, you will most likely find Rina with her family, scarfing down tacos or slurping a boba.