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Japan America Society of Minnesota

Hosted by

Japan America Society of Minnesota

About this event

2026 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala Silent Auction

Pick-up location

700 Oak Ridge Rd, Hopkins, MN 55305, USA


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Minneapolis Institute of Art - Private Tour
$250

Starting bid

An exclusive Minneapolis Institute of Art tour for eight (8) with Dr. Andreas

Marks, Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese & Korean Art.


A private tour of the 16 permanent galleries for Japan including the special exhibition "Breaking Tradition: The Avant-Garde in Japanese Ceramics, 1948 to 1990" (Oct. 24, 2026–Feb. 7, 2027) OR "Contemporary Metal and Lacquer from Japan" (Feb. 27–Aug. 8, 2027).


The auction winner will also receive a copy of the exhibition catalog "Breaking Tradition: The Avant-Garde in Japanese Ceramics, 1948 to 1990"


Winner must pick up gift certificate at the gala. Non-gala guests must provide an email address in order to receive certificate.


Item: 122

Stevie Ray's School of Improv - Six-Week Improv Course
$150

Starting bid

One (1) certificate for a Six-Week Adult Beginning I Improvisation Course at Stevie Ray’s School of Improv for one (1) new student age 16 or older.


This six-week class is for beginners. Learn basic skills and concepts in a fun, hands-on workshop environment. Whether you want to perform improv, or are interested in sharpening skills for your personal or professional life, this is the class for you!

All classes are taught by instructors from the Stevie Ray’s School of Improv.


Class Times: Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Upcoming course dates (Can be redeemed at a later date):  11/16/26 – 12/21/26

Location: Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres


Winner must pick up gift certificate at the gala. Non-gala guests must provide an email address in order to receive certificate. Certificate expires November 30th, 2027.


Item: 102

Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret - Evening Comedy Show Tickets
$90

Starting bid

Certificate for four (4) tickets to an evening of improv comedy with Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret.

The Stevie Ray’s Comedy Troupe creates hilarious improv comedy based on suggestions you call out from the audience! Every performance is fresh, fun, and completely unscripted, making it the perfect night out. Watch the show in a casual, relaxed atmosphere with servers who will bring drinks, appetizers or a full meal. 


Location: Playhouse Theatre

Dates/Times: Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. (Runtime 2 hours)

Shows recommended for ages 13+


Winner must pick up gift certificate at the gala. Non-gala guests must provide an email address in order to receive certificate. Certificate expires November 30th, 2027. Certificate is not valid for special events or any show between November 22nd, 2026 and December 31st, 2026.


Item: 103

Arthur Murray Dance Studio - Introductory Dance Course
$100

Starting bid

One (1) certificate for an introductory dance course at Arthur Murray Dance Studio Minneapolis for one (1) NEW student OR couple.


Course includes all of the following: one sample private lesson and consultation, one 30 minute private lesson, one 40 minute group class, and one 40 minute practice party.


Winner must pick up gift certificate at the gala. Certificate will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item: 105

Twin Cities Flamenco Collective - Holiday Show Tickets
$25

Starting bid

Two (2) tickets to Flamenco Holiday Community Show with Twin Cities Flamenco Collective.


When: Sunday, December 6th, 2026 @ 5pm

Where: Icehouse MPLS


Twin Cities Flamenco Collective is a dynamic group of Flamenco dancers and musicians dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich art of flamenco in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.


Through performances, workshops and community outreach, the Collective brings the passion, rhythm, and soul of flamenco to diverse audiences. Comprising skilled dancers and musicians, the members and their guests artists collaborate to create vibrant and authentic flamenco experiences. Their mission is to foster appreciation for this art and culture from Andalusia, Spain while building a supportive local community for flamenco artists and aficionados alike.


JASM office team will reach out to the winner with details on attending the performance.


Item: 109

Anime Twin Cities - Anime Detour Convention Tickets
$80

Starting bid

Two (2) adult (18+) registrations to the 2027 Anime Detour Convention.


When: March 26th - March 28th, 2027

Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403


Winner must provide an email to receive registration code. Winner must purchase tickets on their own with provided code.


Item: 111

Walker Art Center - Gallery Admissions Passes
$35

Starting bid

Four (4) gallery admissions passes for the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.


Includes full access to 11 indoor contemporary art galleries and rotating exhibitions, as well as the the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.


Excludes special ticketed events, films, and live performances. Subject to museum hours and advance reservation policies at walkerart.org.


Winner must pick up tickets at the gala. Tickets will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item: 118

Can Can Wonderland - Arcade and Mini-Golf Passes
$75

Starting bid

Vouchers for four (4) arcade admissions passes AND four (4) mini-golf passes at Can Can Wonderland.


Can Can Wonderland is a vibrant, arts-focused indoor entertainment venue and public benefit corporation located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Step inside and you’ll immediately see Can Can Wonderland is serious about supporting the arts. Artist-inspired and designed mini golf. Incredible murals, live music, entertainment and a locally stocked arts retail shop. Everything they do proudly celebrates independent artists within our own Twin Cities community.


Unlimited free-play access to over 125 vintage arcade games and pinball machines, as well as a round of 18-hole mini golf. Can Can Wonderland is 21+ after 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.


Winner must pick up tickets at the gala. Tickets will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item: 120

Kendra Scott - Gold Abbie Pendant Necklace
$45

Starting bid

One (1) beautiful gold Abbie Pendant Necklace with a jade-inspired pendant from Kendra Scott.


19" Chain , 0.72"L X 0.41"W Pendant/Lobster Clasp W/ Single Adjustable Slider Bead


This is a donated item from Kendra Scott and therefore cannot be returned or exchanged for another item.


Winner must pick up item at the gala. Non-gala guests must arrange pick-up with the JASM office team.


Item: 125

Kendra Scott - Silver Emilie Five-Stone Strand Necklace
$55

Starting bid

One (1) dainty, sakura-inspired silver Emilie Five-Stone Strand necklace adorned with five rose quartz stones from Kendra Scott.


19" Chain


This is a donated item from Kendra Scott and therefore cannot be returned or exchanged for another item.


Winner must pick up item at the gala. Non-gala guests must arrange pick-up with the JASM office team.


Item: 126

Daikin Applied - UVC LED Room Air Purifier
$40

Starting bid

Daikin MCB50YSAU Room Air Purifier. Features a 3-stage filtration system and a UVC light to increase air cleanliness.


Daikin Applied is one of JASM's corporate benefactor members and gala sponsors.


Winner must pick up item at the gala. Non-gala guests must arrange pick-up with the JASM office team.


Item: 127

Billy Sushi - Gift Card
$125

Starting bid

One (1) $250 gift card to Billy Sushi Minneapolis.


Billy Sushi is a high-energy, modern Japanese restaurant located in the North Loop neighborhood neighborhood of Minneapolis. The spot is designed around a vibrant "Celebration of Fish" theme featuring a sushi bar, sake bar, dining room, and an adjoining underground speakeasy called Billy After Dark (BAD).


The restaurant serves creative specialty rolls, daily-flown sashimi, weekly West Coast Bluefin tuna, Wagyu beef, and chef's choice sushi boats.


Winner must pick up gift card at the gala. Gift card will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item:129

United Noodles - Gift Basket
$75

Starting bid

A gift basket of assorted items from the gift shop at United Noodles - your Asian market since 1972. Shop fresh produce, noodles, rice, sauces, frozen favorites, snacks and ingredients from across Asia at their Minneapolis store. Pick up familiar staples, find something new to try, or explore the gift shop while you’re there.


Examples of items included: folding hand fan, matcha-flavored snacks, tea ceremony utensils (chasen, chawan, kusenaoshi, chashaku), and a Daruma egg.


Winner must pick up item at the gala. Non-gala guests must arrange pick-up with the JASM office team.


Item: 131

Kyatchi Sushi - Gift Card
$30

Starting bid

One (1) $60 gift card to Kyatchi Sushi in Minneapolis.


Kyatchi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant located in the Kingfield neighborhood of Minneapolis. It is known for serving sustainable sushi, Japanese small plates, and specialty hot dogs in a casual, baseball-themed setting.


Winner must pick up gift card at the gala. Gift card will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item: 133

Hell's Kitchen - Gift Bag
$35

Starting bid

Two (2) $25 gift cards to Hell's Kitchen and one (1) jar of house-made peanut butter + some small bonus items.


Hell's Kitchen is an employee-owned American restaurant located in an underground space in downtown Minneapolis. It is best known for its scratch-made comfort food, lively weekend brunches, and frequent live music.


Winner must pick up gift bag at the gala. Non-gala guests must arrange pick-up with the JASM office team.


Item: 143

St. James Hotel - Bed & Breakfast Package
$120

Starting bid

One (1) voucher for a one-night bed & breakfast package for two (2) people in a premium/riverside room at the St. James Hotel.


The St. James Hotel is a 3-star Victorian hotel in downtown Red Wing. Built in 1875 in the Italianate style, it overlooks the Mississippi River an features period-inspired rooms, on-site dining, a spa, and boutique shopping.


Blackout Dates apply.

Blackout Dates: 10/9-11/26, 12/31/26, 2/12-14/27, 2/19-21/27, 5/29-31/27, 8/6-7/27, 10/8-9/27, 12/31/27


Certificate must be presented at check-in. Upgrade fees apply for Whirlpool and Suite rooms. Guest responsible for all taxes, Historic Preservation Fees, and incidentals. Certificate expires November 30th, 2027.


Winner must pick up certificate at the gala. Certificate will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item: 166

Radisson Blu MOA - Superior Guest Room Stay
$120

Starting bid

One (1) gift certificate for a one-night stay in a superior guest room at the Radisson Blu Mall of America.


Radisson Blu Mall of America is an upscale 4-star hotel directly connected to the Mall of America in Bloomington. In September 2026, the property completed a comprehensive redesign of all 500 guestrooms and suites across 13 floors, featuring decor inspired by Minnesota's waterways.


The smoke-free, pet-friendly property features a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, free Wi-Fi, and paid on-site parking. Note that the indoor pool is closed for the remainder of late 2026. Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM.


Blackout dates apply.

Blackout Dates: Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, New Year's Eve, Peak Seasons, Vikings Home Game Day, when the hotel exceeds 80% occupancy.


Certificate must be present at check-in. Guest responsible or prevailing taxes at check-in. Certificate expires October 1st, 2027.


Winner must pick up certificate at the gala. Certificate will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item: 185

Intercontinental MSP Airport - Deluxe Room Stay
$160

Starting bid

One (1) gift certificate for a one-night stay in a deluxe guest room and up to seven nights of complimentary self-parking at InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.


InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport is a 3-star luxury hotel connected directly to Terminal 1 at MSP via skyway. It features 291 soundproofed rooms and suites, on-site dining, and an exclusive TSA security checkpoint for carry-on travelers.


Certificate must be present at check-in. Blackout dates may apply. Certificate expires October 31st, 2027.


Winner must pick up certificate at the gala. Certificate will be mailed to non-gala guests.


Item: 198

Kado no Mise - Omakase Matsu Menu Reservation for 4
$450

Starting bid

One (1) reservation for four (4) for Omakase Matsu menu at Kado no Mise in Minneapolis. Covers selected menu + tax/service charge.


Kado no Mise is an acclaimed Japanese restaurant and sushi bar located on the second floor of a historic building in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. Led by 2026 James Beard Award finalist Chef Shigeyuki Furukawa, it specializes in traditional Tokyo-style Edomae sushi and seasonal tasting menus.


Reservation does not include drinks + tax/service charge for drinks.


JASM office team will contact the winner with details on arranging a reservation.


Item: 205A

Kado no Mise - Omakase Matsu Menu Reservation for 4
$450

Starting bid

One (1) reservation for four (4) for Omakase Matsu menu at Kado no Mise in Minneapolis. Covers selected menu + tax/service charge.


Kado no Mise is an acclaimed Japanese restaurant and sushi bar located on the second floor of a historic building in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. Led by 2026 James Beard Award finalist Chef Shigeyuki Furukawa, it specializes in traditional Tokyo-style Edomae sushi and seasonal tasting menus.


Reservation does not include drinks + tax/service charge for drinks.


JASM office team will contact the winner with details on arranging a reservation.


Item: 205B

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