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Japan–Seattle community network

JS ABC

Academics, Business, Culture

JS ABC — logo
Since
Nonprofit network
In Seattle
Greater Seattle
From
Japan

Origins

  • Japanese language, and the practice of actually using it
  • Academic, professional and creative networks on both sides of the Pacific
  • The expectation that an introduction should lead somewhere

New opportunities

  • Academics, Business and Culture run as three standing local programs
  • Language exchanges, board game nights, pitch events and storytelling, year-round
  • The first door for people arriving from Japan, and a standing one for Seattle

At a glance

Japan–Seattle ABC Network is a nonprofit community that connects Japan and Seattle through three core pillars: Academics, Business, and Culture. It continuously provides opportunities for students, professionals, business owners, and creatives to connect, learn, and collaborate across generations and backgrounds.

In full

Japan–Seattle ABC Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building lasting relationships between Japan and the Greater Seattle area across nationalities, professions, and generations. The “ABC” in its name represents its three main areas of activity: Academics, Business, and Culture.

In the area of Academics, the organization offers opportunities such as mentorship programs, workshops, language learning, and collaborative research for students, educators, professionals, and lifelong learners. Its Business initiatives support entrepreneurs and business professionals through networking opportunities, pitch events, skill-sharing programs, and partnership development, creating valuable connections for Japanese and Seattle-based businesses seeking new markets and collaborators.

Its Culture programs include Japanese–English language exchanges, board game nights, discussion groups, storytelling events, and arts-based activities held regularly throughout the Greater Seattle area. Programs are designed for a wide range of participants, from casual gatherings for beginners to more advanced sessions where participants discuss social issues and exchange in-depth perspectives.

What distinguishes Japan–Seattle ABC Network is its ability to turn personal connections into opportunities for learning, new challenges, and business collaboration rather than limiting its role to social gatherings or cultural exchange. For people arriving in or relocating to Seattle from Japan, it serves as an accessible first point of connection with the local community. For Seattle-area participants, it provides an ongoing gateway to Japanese language, culture, and business.

By working closely with local businesses, educational institutions, and community partners, the organization serves as a community hub that connects people, knowledge, and opportunities between Japan and Seattle.