Japan-America Association of South Carolina

The Japan-America Association of South Carolina (JAASC) is a statewide nonprofit organization based in Greenville, SC, dedicated to strengthening bonds of friendship and understanding between the people of South Carolina and Japan through comprehensive social, educational, and cultural programming. JAASC coordinates meaningful exchanges that benefit both business and residential communities across the state, with particular emphasis on Upstate South Carolina while maintaining resources and activities throughout the Midlands, Lowcountry, and Coast regions.

The organization operates two specialized Japanese language schools serving South Carolina's Japanese-American community. The Greenville Saturday School (GSS) provides Japanese educational support for expatriate and native Japanese children, facilitating smooth assimilation into the Japanese education system upon family relocation. The South Carolina Nihongo Club (SCNC) offers heritage language and cultural education to children from bilingual families who are permanent US citizens or residents. Beyond language instruction, JAASC organizes cultural events including the Shinnenkai New Year's Banquet and Bon Dance Festival, coordinates networking opportunities, hosts educational seminars at schools and universities, and partners with artists, museums, and nonprofit organizations to bring Japan-related programming to the community. The organization also supports relocation resources and language study connections for community members. JAASC membership provides access to discounted event pricing, networking opportunities, resource directories, and community engagement activities. As a volunteer-led nonprofit, JAASC welcomes both membership participation and tax-deductible donations to support the longevity of its programs and initiatives serving Greenville and South Carolina.