Become a Member

Become a Member

Individual Members are central to what we do and why we do it. This is why you’ll always be front and center for exhibitions, series, festivals, performances and more as a member.

Members at Japan Society enjoy exclusive benefits, invitations to special events and discounts on hundreds of performances, films, lectures and classes annually. Learn more about membership levels and related perks below, or contact our Membership Office at [email protected] or (212) 715-1270 for more information

Upcoming Members-Exclusive Events

Individual Membership Program

Friends ($100*) – 1 member + 1 guest

  • Free admission for two on every Gallery visit
  • 20% or more off on Japan Society talks, performances, films and other ticketed programs, including JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film
  • Up to 15% off on Language Center courses and workshops for the member
  • $8 member tickets to Kinema Essentials films
  • Invitations to exclusive Gallery exhibition previews
  • Access to Private Gatherings for Artists and Members after select Performing Arts programs
  • Invitations to member-exclusive programs and events
  • Access to member-only presales for select programs, including JAPAN CUTS film festival and the Performing Arts Season
  • Waived online ticketing fee

* $20 Discount for Young Adult, Seniors, or Persons with Disabilities

Join     Renew

(100% tax-deductible)

Family ($150) – 2 members & youth ages 16 & under (up to 4 children tickets)

  • Enjoy all the same benefits as Friends, for two members plus youth ages 16 & under
  • Up to 15% off on Language Center courses and workshops for two members
  • 20% or more off on Family Programs, including our annual Oshogatsu and Children’s Day celebrations

Join     Renew

(100% tax-deductible)

Sustaining ($250) – 2 members + 1 guest
Friends & Family member benefits, plus:

  • Unlimited $5 Gallery Admission for additional guests each visit
  • Two complimentary film tickets for select film series, including JAPAN CUTS film festival
  • Invitations to select Gallery Cocktail & Tour or Tea & Tour events

** option to add youth family members

Join     Renew

($55 non-deductible)

Sponsor ($500) – 2 members + 1 guest
Sustaining level member benefits, plus:

  • Exclusive invitations to Ichi-go Ichi-e Encounters, an intimate artist performances followed by a reception
  • Complimentary Friends level ($100) gift membership
  • One complimentary exhibition catalog from select archival titles, upon request
  • Recognition in the Performing Arts Playbill

** option to add youth family members

Join     Renew

($235 non-deductible)

Giving Circles

Inspired by the Japanese concept of kizuna (絆) – forging deep connections to bind people together – Giving Circles provide unrestricted support that enable Japan Society to deliver programs and events that connect its audiences around the world through Japanese arts, culture, business and society.

As a Circle member, you can designate your membership support of $1,000 or more to a program department and be a part of our Affinity Groups for Gallery, Performing Arts, Film, and Family & Education programs. By joining these groups, you are directly providing unrestricted support to our programs and providing them with resources that can be used flexibly to execute events and productions.

Patron Circle ($1,000) – 2 members + 2 guests

Sponsor level member benefits, plus:

  • Invitations to the annual New Year’s Party and the President’s Tour & Reception
  • Donor listing recognition in Annual Report
  • Recognition as part of an Affinity Group when you designate your membership gift
  • Ticket concierge service

** option to add youth family members

Join     Renew

($280 non-deductible)

Benefactor Circle ($2,500) – 2 members + 2 guests

Patron Circle member benefits, plus:

  • Insider conversations with artistic directors and leadership
  • Opportunities to engage with guest artists and speakers in our programs

** option to add youth family members

Join     Renew

($280 non-deductible)

Leadership Circle ($5,000) – 2 members + 4 guests

Benefactor Circle member benefits, plus:

  • Private Gallery tour – or – Meet and greet opportunities with artists, performers, or speakers for up to 6 guests, upon request
  • Recognition in publicity materials for designated program support

** option to add youth family members

Join     Renew

($390 non-deductible)

Director’s Circle ($10,000) – 2 members + 6 guests

Leadership Circle member benefits, plus:

  • Invitation to private events with artistic directors and special guests

** option to add 4 youth family members

Join     Renew

($400 non-deductible)

Categories, benefits, and prices are subject to change. Memberships are not refundable, transferable, and cannot be exchanged or sold. Member benefits are for personal, noncommercial use only. Admissions tickets and membership benefits may not be used for group visits other than as specified.

Affinity Groups

Giving Circle Members may choose to directly support Japan Society programs by joining one of four Affinity Groups with a minimum gift designation of $1,000. Affinity Group members are recognized as a supporter of their designated program area and invited to curated events. Please email [email protected] if you would like to join an Affinity Group.

Gallery Circle

Provide critical financial support that sustains Japan Society’s dynamic exhibitions and related lectures and workshops. Established in 1971, the Gallery is one of the few North American public venues that exclusively showcases a full spectrum of Japanese art and its influence on the global artistic scene.

ADDITIONAL PERKS: Gallery and collection visits, private exhibition viewings, studio trips with artists, and first access to art fair VIP passes.

Performing Arts Circle

Is a community of passionate theater-goers, music enthusiasts and dance lovers dedicated to Japanese performing arts. Since 1953, Japan Society has presented over 700 performances of the finest in traditional and contemporary dance, music, theater and puppetry arts. From traditional noh plays to commissioned new works from cutting-edge artists, Japan Society is committed to bringing innovative artists of the highest caliber to New York and the U.S.

ADDITIONAL PERKS: Advanced notice of performing arts outings, intimate chats and post-show toasts with artists.

Film Circle

Are avid film-lovers who celebrate the country’s rich cinematic culture. Since its first screening in 1922, the Film Program has become the leading pioneer introducing Japan’s rich and diverse films to American audiences. From retrospectives of classics by seminal film-makers, to JAPAN CUTS featuring international, U.S. and New York premieres of the most current releases, Film at Japan Society has something to enchant everyone.

ADDITIONAL PERKS: Private invitations to intimate receptions with prominent film actors, directors, and industry professionals, special screenings, among other film-related events.

Family & Education Circle

Have a strong desire to make a difference in international education. Sparking interest in Japan through a suite of family, school and educators programs, our Education department connects classrooms around the world.

ADDITIONAL PERKS: Special invitations to the Junior Fellows Student Exchange program annual receptions, among other education-related receptions and events.