2026 SUN & STAR

28TH ANNUAL LEGACY AWARDS GALA

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Grand Ballroom, Irving Convention Center

An Evening That Celebrates Partnership, Leadership, and the Future Between Japan & Texas

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) proudly presents its 28th Annual Sun & Star Legacy Gala, a signature event honoring the enduring partnership between Japan and Texas. This distinguished evening brings together leaders from business, government, and culture to celebrate collaboration, strengthen relationships, and advance a shared global future.

2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient

Governor Greg Abbott, State of Texas

We are honored to recognize Governor Greg Abbott as the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Japan and Texas.

Governor Abbott has played a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections between Japanese enterprises and Texas businesses, including the establishment of strategic agreements with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Aichi Prefecture, home to Toyota’s global headquarters. His leadership continues to position Texas as a premier destination for Japanese investment and innovation.

 

2026 Sun & Star Bridges-to-Friendship Award

Amy Lewis Hofland

The Bridges-to-Friendship Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and lifelong commitment have strengthened cultural understanding and fostered enduring connections between Japan, the United States, and the broader global community. Hofland’s distinguished career in Asian art, education, and cultural exchange embodies the spirit of this honor.

As Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art, Hofland leads the preeminent museum in the southern United States dedicated to the art and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. Since joining the institution at its inception and later becoming executive director in 2002, she has shaped the museum into a nationally recognized center for artistic excellence, education, wellness, and cross-cultural engagement. Under her leadership, the museum expanded its permanent collection, launched major exhibitions, pioneered Asian-inspired wellness programming, and strengthened its role as a cultural bridge between East and West.

Hofland’s work has consistently emphasized accessibility, compassion, and community connection—values that align closely with JASDFW’s mission to strengthen U.S.–Japan relations through education, business collaboration, and cultural understanding. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the Dallas Arts District and the broader international cultural landscape.

EVENT DETAILS

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Grand Ballroom,
Irving Convention Center
500 W Las Colinas Blvd.,
Irving, TX 75039

5:30 – 6:00 PM Registration Opens VIPs
6:00 – 6:45 PM Reception (Sponsors & Special Guests)
Silent Auction & Networking
6:45 – 7:30 PM General Admission, Silent Auction & Networking
7:00 – 7:30 PM Governor’s Reception Meet & Greet (By Invitation)
7:30 – 9:30 PM Dinner & Awards Program

2026 SUN & STAR
28TH ANNUAL LEGACY AWARDS GALA

Event Details

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Grand Ballroom,
Irving Convention Center
500 W Las Colinas Blvd.,
Irving, TX 75039

 

Event Details

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Grand Ballroom,
Irving Convention Center
500 W Las Colinas Blvd.,
Irving, TX 75039

 

5:30 – 6:00 PM Registration Opens VIPs
6:00 – 6:45 PM Reception (Sponsors & Special Guests)
Silent Auction & Networking
6:45 – 7:30 PM General Admission, Silent Auction & Networking
7:00 – 7:30 PM Governor’s Reception Meet & Greet (By Invitation)
7:30 – 9:30 PM Dinner & Awards Program

HONORARY AWARD PRESENTER

Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa

 President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)

Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa is President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America, overseeing Toyota and Lexus operations across the United States. With decades of global automotive and leadership experience, Ogawa has played a key role in advancing U.S.–Japan business collaboration and innovation. He will present the Sun & Star Legacy Award to Greg Abbott in recognition of leadership strengthening the enduring partnership between Japan and Texas.

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Dr. Emily William Knight

President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association

President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association representing over 57,000 restaurants, 1.4 million employees, and $138B in annual sales, serving as the state and nation voice for Texas restaurants. Honors include Nation’s Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice, Top 30 Women in Food, Most Admired CEO – Dallas Business Journal and 50 Most Influential Restaurant Executives in U.S.

Toast by:

The Honorable Shigeo Yamada

Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America)
HONORARY AWARD PRESENTER

Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa

 President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)
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Dr. Emily William Knight

President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association

President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association representing over 57,000 restaurants, 1.4 million employees, and $138B in annual sales, serving as the state and nation voice for Texas restaurants. Honors include Nation’s Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice, Top 30 Women in Food, Most Admired CEO – Dallas Business Journal and 50 Most Influential Restaurant Executives in U.S.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) invites you to partner with us for the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Awards Gala, an evening celebrating friendship, innovation, and leadership between Japan and Texas. Join distinguished guests and community leaders for an unforgettable night honoring excellence in business, cultural exchange, and philanthropy. This year’s Special Guest of Honor & Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient is Governor Greg Abbott. Your sponsorship supports JASDFW’s mission to strengthen U.S.–Japan relations through education, business collaboration, and cultural understanding.

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