The mission of the Japan America Society of Oregon (JASO) is to promote cultural and business exchange with Japan and to enhance mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. JASO sponsors a variety of business, public affairs, educational and cultural programs each month for JASO members and the general public. In recent years, the Society has also increased its public service programming, developing a school visitation program called Japan on the Road: teaching elementary students about contemporary Japan. Since this program's inception in 1997, JASO volunteers have visited hundreds of elementary schools throughout the State of Oregon and Southwest Washington, helping to teach many young people in this region about contemporary Japanese society. B,D,V.