Japan House La Foundation

What it reported doing in 2024

09/29/25 tastes of japan | the rise of japanese food brands in america : in today's interconnected world, understanding and respecting cultural differences is more important than ever. The cultural awareness series, generously sponsored by mufg bank, invites individuals from all backgrounds to explore the rich tapestry of traditions and perspectives that shape our global community. Through engaging events, personal stories, and educational experiences, this series celebrates the diverse cultures that enrich our lives.while sushi might have once been seen as exotic, over the years japanese cuisine has become a beloved part of america's food culture. Today, it spans everything from high-end restaurants to neighborhood grocery store staples. For the inaugural program of the cultural awareness series, we are honored to welcome the leaders from several influential japanese food companies that have shaped this evolution.in this lively discussion, industry leaders will share their corporate histories, the motivations behind their entry into the u.s., and how they've adapted their products and strategies to appeal to american consumerswhile preserving the authentic spirit of japanese cuisine. The panel will also explore their visions for future growth and the balance between embracing american food culture and maintaining the distinct character of their offerings.akira kajita, chief executive director of jetro los angeles, will set the stage for the evening as he shares an overview of historical trends in the japanese food industry within the u.s. Market. Following him, brian huff, president and ceo of nissin foods USA, will highlight the company's pioneering role in introducing japanese noodle culture to the u.s., including the launch of top ramen in 1972the first instant ramen made and sold in america. Atsuko kanai, executive vice president of mutual trading co., inc., will share the legacy of a company that was founded in 1926 as a small cooperative serving the japanese immigrant community, then making culinary history by introducing sushi in america, and reaching the centennial mark, continues to advance the washoku (japanese cuisine) art for the next generation of chefs. Taka ozawa, president of otafuku foods inc., will describe the company's journey from its 1922 origins in hiroshima to becoming one of japan's largest seasoning manufacturers, rebuilding after wwii and expanding into the north american market.the second part of the program will be a networking reception where guests are welcomed to continue meaningful conversations and make new connections. To celebrate our inaugural cultural awareness series, uka, our michelin-starred restaurant, will delight guests with a buffet-style dinner reception.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 72.1%; rating input score 72
• Program expense ratio: 59.2%; rating input score 59
• Fundraising efficiency: $8.16 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 49; 49th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 4 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 44
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Fail
  • CEO compensation review process: Fail
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -3%; rating input score 51; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 6.91; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.02; rating input score 24; 24th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 13%; rating input score 15; 15th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: -30.5% per year; rating input score 0; 11th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -46.3% per year; rating input score 0; 9th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -8.9% per year; rating input score 0; 15th percentile among comparable filings