Today we’d like to introduce you to Rio Saito.
Hi Rio, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Rio Saito, a Japanese national born in Japan, has served as Executive Director of the Japan America Society of Minnesota for the past seven years. Before joining JASM, Saito taught at an art school and later transitioned into nonprofit leadership after discovering the organization’s mission‑driven work. Today, Saito focuses on strengthening cultural exchange and community connections between Japan and Minnesota.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Less than a year after I began my role at JASM, the COVID‑19 pandemic upended everything I had learned. We had to rethink how to serve our community almost overnight. It is remarkable that the organization survived that period. After the murder of George Floyd, JASM reaffirmed its purpose—to provide a place for people to stay connected and maintain a sense of community, even if that connection had to happen online. We lost our office and several corporate members, and funding became more limited, as it did for many nonprofits. Still, JASM remains active and committed to strengthening a diverse and resilient community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a nonprofit organization registered in Minnesota, our goal is to enrich all aspects of life in the state and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive community. We do this through a wide range of programs, including cultural events, online lectures, business networking opportunities, and scholarships that support high school and college students studying abroad in Japan. Each summer, we also organize the Japanese Obon Festival at Como Park and continue to reach new audiences by introducing Japanese culture throughout Minnesota.
One of our most popular outreach activities is teaching people how to make an origami samurai helmet using newspaper. It is a simple activity, common for children in Japan, and participants can wear their finished helmets home. It is always rewarding to see people—especially children—light up with pride when they complete one. On several occasions, Japanese college exchange students have volunteered at our festivals, helping community members make these helmets. They are often surprised by how much joy such a simple cultural activity brings.
Moments like these remind me why our work matters. We hope the experiences we offer plant seeds of curiosity and encourage people to explore cultures beyond their own. From my own experience, learning about another culture also deepens understanding of one’s own. Cultural exchange, at its best, is a shared gain for everyone involved.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I often tell people that I do not possess any particular talent of my own, but that I am fortunate to know many people who do. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to learn from them—by listening to their ideas and by working alongside them.
As a young international student still learning English, I had to ask for help frequently. That experience made it easier for me to reach out when I need support, and it also taught me something important: when asked, many people in Minnesota are willing to help. That spirit of openness and collaboration continues to shape how I approach my work today.
Pricing:
- Individual Membership $50/year
- Family Membership $75/year (family of 4)
- Corporate Membership $1000+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mn-japan.org
- Instagram: MN_JAPAN
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@japanamericasocietyofminne3895
