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
Individual / Dual / Family Memberships
Individual ($60) * / Dual ($100) ** / Family ($125) ***
- Free Gallery admission
- $8 tickets to any Monthly Classics and Monthly Anime film screenings
- 20% or more off on Japan Society talks, performances, films and other ticketed programs (including Japan Cuts film festival)
- Up to 20% off on language courses and workshops
- Invitations to exclusive Gallery exhibition previews and access to member hours and tours
- Access to member-exclusive programs, events and members-only presales
- Waived online ticketing fees
- Discounted tickets to Family & Kids events and programs including Oshogatsu, Childrens Day, Shichi-go-san and youth language courses (age 15 plus)
* $20 Discount for Students, Seniors, or persons with disabilities
** $20 Discount for Seniors or persons with disabilities; benefits for 2
*** Benefits for 2 adults and up to 4 children
(100% tax-deductible)
Sustaining Memberships
Sponsor Memberships
Sponsor ($500)
All Sustaining benefits, plus:
- Recognition in the Performing Arts Playbill
- Exclusive Invitation to Ichi-go Ichi-e Encounters, intimate artist performances followed by a reception
- One complimentary Individual-level ($60) gift membership
- A complimentary exhibition catalogue from select archival titles, upon request
($81 non-deductible)
Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends Members receive all the perks of membership, plus access to the Society’s team of experts on Japan. Giving at these levels provides philanthropic support that enables Japan Society to fulfill its mission and share its love of Japan globally!
Patron Circle ($1,000)
All Sponsor benefits, plus:
- Membership concierge service
- Exclusive outings to cultural organizations and other locations in New York City and beyond
- Invitation to annual New Year’s Party
- Invitations to the President’s Tour & Reception
- Eligible to purchase tickets to the Annual Circle Tea
- Recognition as part of an Affinity Group when you designate your membership gift to Gallery, Performing Arts, Film or Education *
- Donor listing recognition in annual report
* Designate direct membership support of $1,000 or more to a program department to join an Affinity Group and assist our teams by providing resources that can be used flexibly to execute events and programs. Please choose from: Friend of the Gallery, Friend of Performing Arts, Friend of Film, Friend of Education & Family Programs, or Friend of Japan Society to provide unrestricted support.
($81 non-deductible)
Benefactor Circle ($2,000)
All Patron Circle benefits, plus:
- Insider conversations with program leadership
- Opportunities to engage with guest artists and program speakers
- Eligible for two complimentary tickets to the Annual Circle Tea
* Designate direct membership support of $1,000 or more to a program department to join an Affinity Group and assist our teams by providing resources that can be used flexibly to execute events and programs. Please choose from: Friend of the Gallery, Friend of Performing Arts, Friend of Film, Friend of Education & Family Programs, or Friend of Japan Society to provide unrestricted support.
($81 non-deductible)
Leadership Circle ($5,000)
All Benefactor Circle benefits, plus:
- Opportunity to earmark support for a specific event or production
- Private Gallery tour – or – Meet’n’Greet with artists, performers or speakers for up to 6 guests, upon request
* Designate direct membership support of $1,000 or more to a program department to join an Affinity Group and assist our teams by providing resources that can be used flexibly to execute events and programs. Please choose from: Friend of the Gallery, Friend of Performing Arts, Friend of Film, Friend of Education & Family Programs, or Friend of Japan Society to provide unrestricted support.
($81 non-deductible)
Director’s Circle ($10,000)
All Leadership Circle benefits, plus:
- Complimentary Gallery admission for up to 6 guests per visit
- Sponsor recognition for specific event or production support, upon request
* Designate direct membership support of $1,000 or more to a program department to join an Affinity Group and assist our teams by providing resources that can be used flexibly to execute events and programs. Please choose from: Friend of the Gallery, Friend of Performing Arts, Friend of Film, Friend of Education & Family Programs, or Friend of Japan Society to provide unrestricted support.
$81 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
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 “Friend of…” their designated program area and invited to curated events. Please email [email protected] if you would like to join an Affinity Group.
Friends of the Gallery
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.
Friends of Performing Arts
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, special invitations to private rehearsals, intimate chats and post-show toasts with artists.
Friends of Film
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.
Friends of Education & Family Programs
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 semi-annual receptions, among other education-related receptions and events.