JMSA hosts a memorable and successful 53rd Annual Dinner – Japanese Medical Society of America

Written by Dr. Kichiemon Asoma, JMSA Board Member, co-chair of the 53rd Annual Dinner, JMSA Scholarship co-chairperson

The JMSA 53rd Annual Dinner at the Metropolitan Club was an immense
success and a night to remember!

On Friday September 12th, 2025, JMSA hosted its 53rd Annual Dinner at the
Metropolitan Club. Over 240 guests attended the memorable dinner with the
theme of “Connecting, Serving, and Moving Forward.”

The evening started with a livery and energetic performance by the Alumni
Choir of the Harlem Boys & Girls Club, who performed a number of their well
known renditions of Broadway showtunes.

Ms Kaoriko Kuge, the evening’s MC, introduced JMSA President Maki Kano,
who gave her welcoming remarks. The dinner marked the start of Dr Kano’s
fourth year as JMSA president, and she spoke of the excitement she felt in
seeing the organization grow both nationally and internationally and the
connections that have developed and been fostered through the organization.
She quoted a visiting Japanese medical student, who expressed the
impression that JMSA left on him by saying that “Alone we are limited, but
together our potential is limitless.”

Ambassador Mikio Mori of the Consul-General of Japan in New York next
greeted the guests and gave thanks to JMSA’s commitment to supporting the
Japanese and Japanese-American community.

At the start of the main course, the Annual Dinner Video titled “JMSA: Building
Bridges in Health, Mental Wellness and the Community.” The video was well
received by the audience and showcased the many members of JMSA and
their various efforts in helping those in the community and the healthcare
fields. Mental Health and Wellness has been a main theme of Dr Kano’s
tenure as JMSA president and she made special mention of Haruka Kokaze,

who has been instrumental in the production of the video and increasing the
awareness for mental healthcare in the Japanese and Japanese-American
communities.

This year, JMSA presented the “JMSA Lifetime Legacy Award” to
Ambassador Miko Mori in grateful recognition of his enthusiastic and
unwavering support of JMSA during his tenure as the Ambassador of NY.

Dr Sei Higuchi and Dr Kichiemon Asoma, co-chairs of the scholarship
committee, presented the fourteen recipients of the scholarship awards to the
guests. The recipients were selected from the largest and most competitive
group of applicants on record.

The evening was closed with an entertaining live auction led by Dr Alex Ky
and Dr Kamal Ramani, which included a coveted Ichiro jersey, a trip to Italy,
and two ANA business class tickets to Japan. Dr Mío Sawai and Dr Asoma
gave the closing remarks and acknowledged the annual dinner committee and
also thanked the guests and wished all a safe and pleasant evening.

JMSA and its Board would like to thank the many donors, supporters, and
benefactors. Without their support, none of JMSA’s programs would be
possible. Please note the posting of donors to JMSA.