HOUSTON, January 21, 2014 — His Excellency Kenichiro Sasae, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States, will appear at two special events for Asia Society Texas Center in February.

First is the annual Tiger Ball, which takes place February 27 at the Center. His Excellency Kenichiro Sasae serves as honorary chair for the event, which has grown to become one of Houston’s premier social events. The ball is the Center’s largest fundraiser, and the 2013 Tiger Ball raised $625,000.

The following day, February 28, the Honorable Ambassador Sasae will address a business luncheon at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa (111 North Post Oak Lane in Houston). That event, which takes place at noon, will involve top business leaders from throughout the city.

Ambassador Sasae is perhaps best known for participating in the international “six-party talks” held during 2005-2007. He also served important and challenging positions such as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Director-General for Asian and Oceania Affairs Bureau, and Director-General for Economic Affairs Bureau.

Before being appointed Ambassador of Japan to the United States in 2012, Sasae held the top civil service job in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The title “Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America” signifies Sasae’s “full powers” to represent that nation to the U.S.

Tiger Ball is Asia Society Texas Center’s largest fundraiser. Serving as the ball’s 2014 chairs are Donna Cole, CEO of Cole Chemical, and Glen Gondo, CEO of Sushic and Gondo Company, Inc., and founder of Houston’s annual Japan Festival.

The February 28 event at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa promises to be just as illustrious as Sasae addresses Houston’s most prominent business leaders.

About Asia Society Texas Center

Asia Society Texas Center is part of a leading global educational organization that promotes mutual understanding and strengthens partnerships among peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the United States. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, Asia Society Texas Center provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to connect Americans and Asians for a shared future. Asia Society Texas Center officially opened its headquarters, which was designed by famed Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, in April 2012. Part of the international Asia Society, which has offices in 11 of the world’s leading cities, the Texas Center works to promote mutual understanding and strengthen partnerships among people, leaders and institutions both here and in Asia. More information may be found at AsiaSociety.org/Texas.

About Tiger Ball

With a history spanning over two decades, Asia Society’s Tiger Ball provides crucial financial support to programs and operations at the Texas Center. For information on tickets and table sponsorships, please visit AsiaSociety.org/Texas/TigerBall2014.