Gala Dinner 2026
Global Diplomacy:
US & Japan Take Center Stage
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, join the Japan Society of Boston for an evening of fine cuisine, world-class entertainment, and a silent auction in recognition of the increasingly important role of the U.S.-Japan relationship in global diplomacy.
The Japan Society of Boston's Gala Dinner is a celebration of our community and vital role as a gateway between New England and Japan. We carefully select individuals to honor who have made outstanding contributions to the greater good in both the US and Japan: business and cultural leaders as well as internationally celebrated artists and performers.
This year, we are honored that Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, Japan's Ambassador to the United States, will attend in person to give a keynote address, providing an opportunity to convene the cross-border community that strengthens U.S.-Japan ties.
Be a part of this momentous night and support the continuation of Japan Society of Boston's diverse and impactful programming in 2026 and beyond.
For Premier Sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Jessy LeClair, director@japansocietyboston.org
Individual tickets coming soon!
2026 Program
Kenote Speaker:
Ambassador Shigeo Yamada
Thayer Award Recipients:
Christine Pilcavage, MIT-Japan Program
The Coolidge Corner Theatre
Honorees and Entertainment to be announced
2026 Program
Distinguished Honorees:
Honoree
Honoree
Honoree
Kenote Speaker:
Ambassador Shigeo Yamada
Thayer Award Recipients:
Christine Pilcavage, MIT-Japan Program
The Coolidge Corner Theatre
MC:
Chris Tanaka
Entertainment:
Entertainment
Entertainment
Event Chairs:
Online Auction
Support the Japan Society of Boston by bidding on a curated selection of goods and experiences that that represent the best of New England and Japan.
JEFF
HAYES
James
Nuzzo
Keiko
Thayer
Kiyoko
Morita
NIHO
KOZURU
Takako & Drew Edwards
Thanks to our generous donors!
Profiles
Ambassador Shigeo Yamada
Ambassador Shigeo Yamada assumed his post as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America in December 2023.
Ambassador Yamada is a long-time veteran of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His very first posting was as a Second Secretary in Washington D.C. in 1989. In 2012, he returned to Washington as Political Minister. Prior to assuming his current post, Ambassador Yamada served as Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. In that capacity, he was Political Director for Japan's 2023 G7 Presidency, supporting the G7 Summit in Hiroshima and the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Nagano-Karuizawa.
Ambassador Yamada's previous positions in Tokyo include Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs for Foreign Policy, Deputy Director General for North American Affairs, Director for Northeast Asia, Director for Southeast Asia, and Director for the Status of U.S. Forces Agreement. He also served as a Cabinet Councillor in the National Security Secretariat in the Prime Minister's Office.
In addition to his postings in Washington and Tokyo, over the course of his career he was in charge of the public and culture affairs at the Embassies of Japan in London and Beijing. The Ambassador’s broad diplomatic assignments have led him to the realization, "The Japan-U.S. alliance is no longer just a bilateral relationship, but a global partnership." It is this conviction that informs his perspective as Japan's Ambassador to the United States.
Ambassador Yamada earned a BA in law from Keio University in 1987 and a BA in political science from Carleton College in Minnesota in 1989. He is married to Maki Yamada, who is currently a judge in Japan. Ambassador Yamada enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid runner.
Christine Pilcavage
Christine Pilcavage received the 2025 Thayer Award for her central role in program-building activities as Managing Director of the MIT-Japan Program, where she works closely with MIT students, faculty, and staff to share Japanese culture and foster strong ties between Japan and the MIT community. Chris has been promoting cultural exchange and understanding between the US and Japan throughout her career. She has worked with USAID, various Japanese Ministries, local governments, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. For the last 10 years, Chris has served as the Managing Director of the MIT-Japan Program, where she connects MIT students to Japan through industry and academic internships. Chris was born and raised in Japan, and has also lived in Cambodia, the Philippines, Kenya, and the United States. However, she considers herself to be a true Kansai-jin.
The Coolidge Corner Theatre
The Coolidge Corner Theatre's mission is “to entertain, inform and engage, building vital community through film culture,” and it fulfills this not only locally but also across cultures, including through its extensive and ambitious programming of Japanese cinema. The Coolidge received the 2025 Thayer Award for its distinction as one of the region’s foremost presenters of Japanese film, curating programs that have brought thousands of people together to experience the breadth, depth, and artistry of Japanese cinema. The Coolidge’s programming has consistently highlighted Japanese cinema in ways that go beyond simple exhibition. By presenting retrospectives of legendary directors, contemporary works by emerging filmmakers, and themed series exploring cultural and historical contexts, the Coolidge creates meaningful encounters with Japanese culture.
Masataka Hata
Masataka Hata is President of Shoyeido Incense Company. He was born in Kyoto in 1954 and after graduating from the Department of Commerce at Doshisha University, he studied in England for one year. In 1977 he joined his family’s 300 year old incense company, Shoyeido, in Kyoto, and is currently the President of the company.
He is active in many prominent organizations and important events in Kyoto, including lectures at Doshisha’s Women’s College.
He has been the recipient of many honors, such as the first Distinguished Member Award from the Japan Society of Boston in 1997, and in 2004 he was awarded the Society’s 12th John E. Thayer Award in recognition of his 20 years of sharing incense programs that contribute to cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
Ernest M. Higa
Ernest M. Higa is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Higa Industries Co., Ltd. and Wendy’s Japan. He is also a Director of JC Comsa Corporation and Shinsei Bank, and a member of Keizai Doyukai, the Board of Councilors of USJC, and the Board of Overseers of the Columbia Business School.
In 1990, he was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the New Business Conference, and in 1998, he was awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture for “innovation in the food industry” and recognized by Toyo Keizai as one of the top 50 entrepreneurs in Japan. Mr. Higa earned his MBA from Columbia Business School and his B.S. from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ambassador Shigeo Yamada
Ambassador Shigeo Yamada assumed his post as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America in December 2023.
Ambassador Yamada is a long-time veteran of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His very first posting was as a Second Secretary in Washington D.C. in 1989. In 2012, he returned to Washington as Political Minister. Prior to assuming his current post, Ambassador Yamada served as Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. In that capacity, he was Political Director for Japan's 2023 G7 Presidency, supporting the G7 Summit in Hiroshima and the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Nagano-Karuizawa.
Ambassador Yamada's previous positions in Tokyo include Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs for Foreign Policy, Deputy Director General for North American Affairs, Director for Northeast Asia, Director for Southeast Asia, and Director for the Status of U.S. Forces Agreement. He also served as a Cabinet Councillor in the National Security Secretariat in the Prime Minister's Office.
In addition to his postings in Washington and Tokyo, over the course of his career he was in charge of the public and culture affairs at the Embassies of Japan in London and Beijing. The Ambassador’s broad diplomatic assignments have led him to the realization, "The Japan-U.S. alliance is no longer just a bilateral relationship, but a global partnership." It is this conviction that informs his perspective as Japan's Ambassador to the United States.
Ambassador Yamada earned a BA in law from Keio University in 1987 and a BA in political science from Carleton College in Minnesota in 1989. He is married to Maki Yamada, who is currently a judge in Japan. Ambassador Yamada enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid runner.
Christine Pilcavage
Christine Pilcavage received the 2025 Thayer Award for her central role in program-building activities as Managing Director of the MIT-Japan Program, where she works closely with MIT students, faculty, and staff to share Japanese culture and foster strong ties between Japan and the MIT community. Chris has been promoting cultural exchange and understanding between the US and Japan throughout her career. She has worked with USAID, various Japanese Ministries, local governments, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. For the last 10 years, Chris has served as the Managing Director of the MIT-Japan Program, where she connects MIT students to Japan through industry and academic internships. Chris was born and raised in Japan, and has also lived in Cambodia, the Philippines, Kenya, and the United States. However, she considers herself to be a true Kansai-jin.
The Coolidge Corner Theatre
The Coolidge Corner Theatre's mission is “to entertain, inform and engage, building vital community through film culture,” and it fulfills this not only locally but also across cultures, including through its extensive and ambitious programming of Japanese cinema. The Coolidge received the 2025 Thayer Award for its distinction as one of the region’s foremost presenters of Japanese film, curating programs that have brought thousands of people together to experience the breadth, depth, and artistry of Japanese cinema. The Coolidge’s programming has consistently highlighted Japanese cinema in ways that go beyond simple exhibition. By presenting retrospectives of legendary directors, contemporary works by emerging filmmakers, and themed series exploring cultural and historical contexts, the Coolidge creates meaningful encounters with Japanese culture.
Chris Tanaka
Chris Tanaka co-anchors the 5:30p newscast on CBS News Boston's WBZ-TV with Paula Ebben and the 8p news on TV38. He joined WBZ in 2022 after most recently working in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Emmy and Associated Press award-winning journalist has had the good fortune to cover both news and sports in some of the most incredible places across the country, including Montana, Colorado, Hawaii and California.
Rakugo Performance by Katsura Sunshine
