WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
Honoring
GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient
AMY LEWIS HOFLAND
Bridges-to-Friendship Award Recipient
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039
5:30 p.m. Registration Opens
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Samurai Reception (invitation only)
The Irving Convention Center, The Grand Ballroom (4th Floor)
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. General Reception, Silent Auction & Networking
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Governor’s Meet & Greet (invitation only)
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Dinner & Award Program
Business / Cocktail attire
Parking: $15
GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT
Governor of Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has served as the 48th Governor of Texas since 2015, leading one of the world’s largest economies with a focus on economic growth, innovation, and global partnership. Under his leadership, Texas has consistently been recognized as a top destination for business, job creation, and foreign direct investment.
Since Governor Abbott became governor, Texas has won Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup every year for attracting the most job-creating business location and expansion projects in the United States. Texas has also attracted more than 325 corporate headquarters since 2015, including business titans like Chevron, Tesla, and Charles Schwab.
A strong advocate for advancing international collaboration, Governor Abbott has played a pivotal role in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Texas and Japan. Today, Japan is the largest source of jobs created by foreign direct investment in Texas. Japanese companies operating across the state have contributed billions in capital investment and support tens of thousands of jobs for Texans.
Governor Abbott has actively supported business development missions and strategic partnerships that expand this vital relationship. His leadership continues to position Texas as a global economic powerhouse.
Prior to becoming Governor, Abbott served as Texas Attorney General and as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court. His career has been defined by a commitment to public service, economic opportunity, and maintaining Texas as a welcoming and business-friendly state for communities and companies around the world.
BRIDGES-TO-FRIENDSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
AMY LEWIS HOFLAND
Senior Director Crow Museum of Asian Art of the University of Texas at Dallas
Amy’s path transformed when she joined the Crow Collection of Asian Art as Education Coordinator. Inspired by Trammell S. Crow’s vision of museums as places of intercultural understanding, she helped evolve the institution into the Crow Museum of Asian Art—a leading museum dedicated to presenting, researching, and amplifying Asian and Asian American artist voices. Under her leadership, the museum has become a vibrant hub for community engagement, cultural literacy, and lifelong learning.
Her impact extends throughout the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. Amy played a key role in growing the Otsukimi Moon-Viewing Festival from intimate beginnings in Trammell S. Crow’s home into a beloved annual tradition welcoming thousands each year.
A longtime supporter of the Society’s Mochitsuki New Year celebration, she was instrumental in its 2026 revival, hosting the first post-pandemic event at the Crow Museum at UT Dallas—resulting in the largest Mochitsuki in the Society’s history.
Amy’s story reflects the power of cultural connection—building bridges that strengthen our shared future.
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE
Carter Arnett
Comerica Bank
Crow Museum of Asian Art
Dallas Fort Worth Airport
First Class Imports
Mitsui Bussan Logistics Inc.
TABLES
Breakfast Brothers Collin College
Dallas Business Journal
Dallas College
Dallas Japanese Association
Dallas Regional Chamber
DART
Dynamic Chemical Solutions
Greater Dallas Restaurant Association
Hioki USA Corporation
Hitachi Group
Rex's - Fort Worth University of Texas at Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management & International Center
Virtuous Capital Yamagata Foundation
Kamei North America Corporation / Mitsuwa Marketplace
M6 Degrees
Miyako Hybrid Hotel Plano
NTT Data Services
OpenTable
SpotOn Trammell S. Crow
WaSho United
Wells Fargo
WWA Integrated Wealth Strategy Group
LEGACY AWARD GALA LIVE AUCTION
5 nights/6 days in Beautiful Maui, Hawaii at the Westin Ocean Villas Resort
Enjoy 5 nights/6 days in paradise at the Westin Ocean Villas Resort, where a beautifully appointed one-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry offers the perfect home base for up to four guests. Ocean view villa may be yours upon availability.
With 150,000 American Airlines miles to take you there and $200 in dining credits to enjoy the island’s best flavors, this is your chance to experience Maui at its finest. Reservation dates upon availability through December 2027. Excludes some holidays.
Value: $8,000 | Donated by: The Time Group & American Airlines
Handcrafted Japanese Knife with Exclusive Custom Engraving
A one-of-a-kind, handcrafted Japanese knife, expertly made by renowned artisan Takayuki Sakai of Aoki Hamono in Osaka, and generously donated by WaSho United. These knives are trusted and used by master butchers and elite chefs across Japan. Each piece is meticulously crafted by hand, one by one.
This particular knife is uniquely engraved in gold by Michiko Kubota, one of Japan’s most renowned engraving artists. Custom engraving commissions currently carry a waiting list of over five years.
This is a truly one-of-a-kind piece with a 24 inch blade. It’s an exceptional work of craftsmanship that exists only once in the world.
aoki-hamono.co.jp
Value: $5,000 | Donated by: WaSho United
Don’t Miss the Live Auction!
11-Day Japan Luxury Cruise Experience for Two
Set sail on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Japan for two, combining culture, beauty, and elevated comfort. Choose from October 15 or November 2 departures and enjoy private airport transfer and a onenight stay at the InterContinental Tokyo. Then, embark on a remarkable cruise exploring Japan’s most captivating destinations with exceptional onboard amenities. Escape the stress of travel— forget lugging suitcases through busy stations or hopping from hotel to hotel.
Airfare to and from Japan is not included.
Value: $7,798 (for inside cabin)
Upgrades to ocean view or balcony available
Donated by: Japanet America
Japanese vs. Netherland Watch Party with Gourmet Food
Featuring Japanese Wagyu Beef & Drinks at Rex’s Fort Worth for 50 guests on June 14th
Watch the soccer game on DFW’s Largest LED Screen with 50 guests while enjoying a chef curated menu and Japanese Beer by Ben. E. Keith.
Value: $6,500 | Donated by: Rex’s, First Class Imports and Ben E. Keith
Exclusive Dinner for 30
Curated by Chef Brian Olenjack featuring Sendai Japanese Waygu Steaks and Exclusive Drinks from Tequila Don Julio 1942 FIFA World Cup 2026™ Edition
(Official FIFA World Cup™ 2026 Supporter)
The dinner will take place in a lovely private dining room. The dinner reservation can be scheduled 30 days in advance for up to 12 months. Offer expires 12/31/2026.
Value: $9,000 | Donated by: First Class Imports, Rex’s and Southern Glazier
Auctioneer Jake Addams
Jake Addams, B.A.S. is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations grow their revenue, services and outreach to better serve their communities.
