Our History

The Japan-America Society of New Hampshire (JASNH) is a non-profit, nonpolitical organization with a membership of individuals and businesses, both American and Japanese. The Society's primary purpose is to further mutual understanding between the peoples of New Hampshire and Japan -- each other's society, history, economy and culture -- and to promote the US-Japan relationship in general.

Founded in 1988, the Japan-America Society of New Hampshire sponsors educational, cultural and public affairs programs, as well as programs of studies and exchanges undertaken by the members and the general public.

The Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum

In recent years, the Japan-America Society of NH (JASNH) has put particular focus on the importance of Portsmouth in the history of New Hampshire and Japan -- as host to the 1905 negotiations that produced the Treaty of Portsmouth ending the Russo-Japanese War. Since 1994, the Society has presented the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum, welcoming diplomats and scholars to explore diplomatic themes in the spirit of the Treaty of Portsmouth. (For details and transcripts of the Forum proceedings, visit the Forum pages on the Portsmouth Peace Treaty website.)

Events and Collections

The Japan-America Society of New Hampshire offers members the opportunity to participate in additional events organized to commemorate the Portsmouth Peace Treaty and to explore its themes.

Each year the Japan-America Society of New Hampshire celebrates the Cherry Trees that are descended from the iconic Washington DC cherry trees that were given to the US by Japan in thanks for our help in the Russo-Japanese War -- the diplomacy that resulted in the Portsmouth Peace Treaty.

Join Us!

We invite you to participate in these events and discoveries and to support the Society's work by becoming a member of the Japan-America Society of New Hampshire.

For the online membership application, click here.