2026 Member Survey Results

ByToshie

Survey Period: May 12 – May 31, 2026
Total Responses: 22 (Japanese form: 18, English form: 4)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback will help guide our future activities.

Q1. Why did you choose to renew or join as a new member this year? (Multiple answers allowed)

  • I was a member before: 13
  • I want to make friends: 6
  • I enjoy the regular events: 6
  • The membership fee is affordable: 3
  • I want to stay connected with Japanese people, both long-time and newer residents: 1
  • Staying connected to the Japanese community is important to me: 1
  • Membership is required for my role or activities (e.g. website management, taiko, dance): 2


Q2. Would you recommend joining the Japanese Group of Buffalo to non-members?
Yes: 17 / No: 4 / No response: 1

Those who answered “Yes” gave the following reasons:

  • It’s reassuring to have a Japanese community connection in Buffalo
  • It’s a place where you can speak your native language freely and comfortably
  • You can exchange useful information about daily life
  • You can build a network with people interested in Japanese culture and the Japanese community
  • The events shown on the website look fun and enjoyable
  • The group feels more active lately

Those who answered “No” shared comments such as: “I would recommend it if there were more events for young children” and “The group needs to work on creating a more welcoming atmosphere for new members.” We hope to take these voices into account as we plan future activities.


Q3. What kinds of activities would you like to see?

Tours & Outdoor Activities

  • Microbus brewery and winery tours (requested by multiple respondents)
  • Day bus trips, hiking, and ski tours
  • Overnight trips

Family & Children

  • Summer festivals, picnics, and BBQs the whole family can enjoy
  • Events like nagashi sōmen, mochi pounding, strawberry picking, Setsubun, and Hinamatsuri
  • Calligraphy and taiko drumming events open to children

Culture & Learning

  • Japanese cooking classes and cultural workshops
  • Lessons in ikebana, shodo, and traditional crafts
  • Member-led topic talks for sharing information and experiences (health, gardening, parenting, etc.)
  • Intercultural exchange events

Other

  • Concerts featuring Japanese artists
  • Child-friendly gatherings utilizing local libraries
  • Social events with Japanese language learners at UB

At the same time, many respondents noted that the current lineup of regular events — the Spring Gathering, Summer Picnic, Bon Odori, and Fall Culture Festival — is already satisfying and should be continued as-is.


Q4. Would you attend a weekend lunch social?
Yes: 12 / No: 9 / No response: 1

Those who answered “Yes” expressed hope that the event would be accessible to younger working members, and requested venues that are welcoming to families with children.
Suggested venues included Japanese restaurants, quieter settings, locations near places where children can play, and outdoor options such as picnics and BBQs.


Q5. Now that the Japanese language school has closed, how do you feel about passing on Japanese culture and language to the next generation?
We received many responses expressing regret over the closure of the school, along with a variety of ideas for what JGB might be able to do going forward.

  • Reviving Japanese language classes online or in a rented space, or a scaled-down version of the school
  • Volunteer-led Japanese language lessons
  • Learning support similar to Kumon
  • Taiko and dance groups could play a role in cultural preservation
  • Creating opportunities for cultural experiences such as ikebana, shodo, taiko, origami, and read-alouds
  • Greater promotion and use of the Tomato Bunko library
  • Creating a space where the next generation themselves can gather and discuss what cultural preservation means to them

Some respondents also expressed a desire to understand the circumstances that led to the school’s closure.


Q6. Additional Comments
We received many warm messages of appreciation for the staff and volunteers who help run the organization.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who works at the heart of this group — you do so much for us!”

“Making friends in an unfamiliar place has been an enormous source of emotional support.”

“Having a space to speak freely in my native language, and being connected with Japanese people and those who love Japan — this is such a gift!”

We also received a request to streamline the membership registration process for new members. We will continue working to make improvements.