JASWI and Oregon Public Library Celebrate Japanese Culture and Community

On April 17, 2025, the Japan America Society of Wisconsin (JASWI) partnered with the Oregon Public Library to present a special community event celebrating Japanese culture, literature, and the role of libraries in building bridges between Wisconsin and Japan. 

The evening began with a warm welcome from Kara Ripley, Adult Services and Outreach Librarian at the Oregon Public Library. Kara shared the story behind the generous donation of the Library of Japan Collection, made possible by the Seaborg Family Fund and JASWI. This is the first of 16 collections that JASWI will give to public libraries across Wisconsin, one for each library district in the state. 

The Library of Japan Collection features 130 titles, including modern works of fiction and non-fiction, classic literature, poetry, cookbooks, manga, and graphic novels all in English. 

The program continued with remarks from Andrew Seaborg, Chair of JASWI and Honorary Consul of Japan in Wisconsin, as well as Acting Consul General Naoya Kishi from the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. Both speakers emphasized the importance of grassroots diplomacy in sustaining our U.S. – Japan friendship.  

Another highlight of the evening was a presentation by Oregon High School students who shared their experiences and impressions from a recent trip to Japan as part of the “Go Global” Social Studies curriculum. 

JASWI is proud to host and support initiatives that promote and strengthen ties between Wisconsin and Japan. We thank the Oregon Public Library and Oregon High School for their partnership and all who attended for making the evening a memorable celebration of cross-cultural ties and a common love of reading.