Dallas, December 24, 2025
The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth recently celebrated a successful series of events, including Anime Frontier, the inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration, and welcoming elite Japanese athletes at the BMW Dallas Marathon. These events showcased the strong local enthusiasm for Japanese culture, reinforced community bonds, and highlighted JASDFW’s commitment to cultural exchanges. With approximately 50,000 attendees at Anime Frontier alone, the weekend underscored the importance of community engagement and friendship.
Dallas, Texas – December 24, 2025
Record Attendance Highlights Cultural Exchange in Dallas
The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) has wrapped up a successful series of December events, achieving record attendance numbers and reinforcing its commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement. This remarkable weekend included three major activities: the much-anticipated Anime Frontier, the inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration, and a warm welcome for elite Japanese athletes competing in the BMW Dallas Marathon. Each event exemplified the flourishing local enthusiasm for Japanese culture, strong community bonds, and the resilience of innovative community-driven initiatives.
Anime Frontier: A Splash of Japanese Culture
From December 12–14, the Fort Worth Convention Center hosted the inaugural Anime Frontier, drawing in approximately 50,000 anime enthusiasts. JASDFW set up a complimentary booth, engaging attendees by providing information on various programs, including Japanese language classes and upcoming cultural events like the exhilarating Mochitsuki New Year celebration. A dot-survey revealed visitors’ primary interests lay in culture, language, and food. The booth also showcased a 200-year-old Ukiyo-e woodblock print book, offering insights into Japan’s historical ties to modern manga, and provided an interactive printmaking activity based on these traditional techniques. The event offered an invaluable opportunity for cultural connection, allowing community members to explore shared interests.
New Beginnings at the Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Celebration
On December 12, the RYSE Energy Star Center Multisport buzzed with excitement as members and friends gathered for the organization’s inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration. This unique event combined friendly pickleball play with a delectable spread of izakaya-style dishes from Yama Izakaya & Sushi, alongside offerings of sake, beer, and wine. It emphasized camaraderie and community spirit while celebrating the year’s end, illustrating how social gatherings can strengthen connections and bolster local culture.
Forging International Friendships Through Sport
Further highlighting its mission of cultural exchange, JASDFW welcomed elite runners Shiho Endo and Satoshi Tanaka from Sendai, Japan, during the BMW Dallas Marathon. This initiative reflects the strong ties between Dallas and Sendai, which has been designated an International Friendship City. Endo and Tanaka participated in the marathon with organizational support, and their attendance at the Bonenkai was commemorated with a post-race reunion luncheon attended by local runners who have engaged in the Sendai Half-Marathon through collaborative programs sponsored by JASDFW and partners, including Japan Airlines. Against a backdrop of chilly weather, Shiho Endo showcased her athletic prowess by securing fourth overall among female marathon runners and earning second place in her age division—achievements celebrated by the Dallas community.
Together, these events underscore the significant impact of JASDFW and the increasing interest in Japanese culture within the Dallas community. The organization expressed its heartfelt gratitude to volunteers and partners for their contributions and looks forward to exciting activities in 2026. To learn more about upcoming events and initiatives, interested individuals can visit JASDFW’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What events did the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth host in December 2025?
In December 2025, JASDFW hosted three major events: Anime Frontier, the inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration, and a special welcome for Japanese athletes participating in the BMW Dallas Marathon.
How many people attended Anime Frontier?
Anime Frontier, held December 12–14 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, attracted approximately 50,000 attendees.
What activities were featured at the Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration?
The Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration combined friendly pickleball play with Japanese izakaya-style dishes from Yama Izakaya & Sushi, along with sake, beer, and wine, emphasizing fun and fellowship while celebrating the end of 2025.
Who were the Japanese athletes welcomed at the BMW Dallas Marathon?
JASDFW welcomed elite runners Shiho Endo and Satoshi Tanaka from Sendai, Japan, who participated in the BMW Dallas Marathon with support from the City of Dallas, an International Friendship City of Sendai.
What is the Mochitsuki New Year celebration?
The Mochitsuki New Year celebration is a traditional Japanese event where rice is pounded into mochi, a cherished New Year treat. JASDFW has announced the 2026 Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration, to be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum located on The University of Texas at Dallas campus. Admission to the event is free, and all attendees will receive free freshly made mochi.
| Event | Date | Location | Attendance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anime Frontier | December 12–14, 2025 | Fort Worth Convention Center | Approximately 50,000 attendees | Engagement with Japanese culture, language classes, Mochitsuki New Year celebration, Ukiyo-e woodblock print display, hands-on printmaking activity |
| Inaugural Pickleball Social & Bonenkai Year-End Celebration | December 12, 2025 | RYSE Energy Star Center Multisport | Members and friends gathered | Friendly pickleball play, Japanese izakaya-style dishes, sake, beer, wine, celebration of the end of 2025 |
| BMW Dallas Marathon Welcome & Reunion | December 12–15, 2025 | Various locations in Dallas | Elite runners Shiho Endo and Satoshi Tanaka from Sendai, Japan | Participation in the marathon, Bonenkai celebration, post-race reunion luncheon, local runners’ participation in Sendai Half-Marathon |
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