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What’s Happening at the JCCH

What’s Happening at the JCCH
Holiday Hours Notice

The JCCH Gift Shop, Gallery, Resource Center, and Administrative Office will be closed for the Thanksgiving weekend from
Thursday, November 27, 2025, through Saturday, November 29, 2025. Please look out for our special emails in the coming weeks.

Our modified hours for the rest of the year are posted here. We apologize for any inconvenience.
 
Mochitsuki Workshop

Learn the traditional method of making mochi in the JCCH courtyard with
Konko Mission of Wahiawa. Mochi (rice cake made from glutinous mochi rice) is one of the most important traditional foods for the Japanese New Year, representing strength, longevity, and purity.

Register Here

Saturday, December 13, 2025
10:00 and 11:00 AM

*JCCH members received an email with a coupon code for $10 off the registration fee. You may sign up or renew your membership at
bit.ly/jcchmember to receive the discount.




Registered participants will receive a hands-on lesson where they will learn to pound and shape their own mochi, which can be taken home. Mochi varieties include komochi (plain) and mochi with fillings, including azuki (red bean paste). Advance registration is required for hands-on participation.

Viewing of the demonstration will be open to the public during our monthly
JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair. Enjoy the festivities from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM!
 




JCCH Gift Shop & Sip

Stop by the
JCCH Gift Shop for a festive holiday pop-up and enjoy complimentary drinks as you discover local goodies.

NEW ADDITIONS: Meet vintage Japanese unisex clothing brand PITACUS, and shop gift sets by the rice factory. A full list of vendors and products is available online.

RSVP + be entered into our giveaway!*

RSVP Here

Friday, December 5, 2025
4:00 - 6:00 PM
*Free event admission. 2-hour parking validation with a purchase at the JCCH Gift Shop. Must be present to win the giveaway. Winner will be announced in person during the event.
 




Now Online: New JCCH T-Shirts

Visit our online shop to purchase the new
JCCH 2026 Year of the Horse t-shirts designed by Sumofish. Inspired by hanafuda (flower cards), elements from Japanese and local culture surround our horse, a symbol of freedom, strength, and success. Multiple sizes and styles are available. Quantities are limited.

Please note that shipping orders will start mailing out on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and pickup and in-store purchases will be available beginning on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Shop Online
 




Save the Date!


On
Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, we’re joining a global movement of generosity!

The JCCH is requesting your support through
Give Big Hawaiʻi, a 24-hour online giving campaign that showcases local nonprofits across the state. This year, we’re raising much-needed funds to help sustain Japanese culture and values and encourage deeper self-awareness and respect within our communities.

Learn More
 
Seeking Pet Vendors

The JCCH is seeking pet-focused businesses for an upcoming pet-themed fair in 2026. If you offer pet products, services, treats, accessories, or resources for furry friends, we’d like to hear from you!

New Vendor Interest Form
 
JCCH Featured Ikebana

Each week, our
ikebana volunteers generously donate an arrangement to display in our administrative office lobby. We hope you enjoy this special design by:

Soo Boo Tan, Sogetsu
Style: Freestyle

This arrangement uses a fan, dry kiwi vines, eucalyptus branches, and fresh white dendrobiums.




 
感謝 - With Gratitude




JCCH Talk Story Live Stream Recording

Last Saturday, we welcomed 27 guests to
From Silence to Remembrance, a special panel discussion featuring Joanne Watanabe Erceg, Kelli Nakamura, and Sheila Chun. The live stream recording is now available on the JCCH YouTube channel.
 
Community Announcements




Okinawan Genealogy Program

Join the
Okinawan Genealogical Society of Hawaii (OGSH) at the Pearl City Public Library to learn about the organization’s mission and history, and how they support learning about immigrant family genealogy, along with Okinawan history and culture.

Learn More

Sunday, November 23, 2025
1:00 PM




ANA ʻAha Mele Concert with Nobuyuki Tsujii and Friends


Experience a gala-style concert under the Hawaiian blue sky at the outdoor amphitheater
Waikiki Shell (Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell), Hawaii. Enjoy a performance by pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, joined by violinist Fumiaki Miura, jazz trumpeter Shutaro Matsui, and jazz pianist Kento Tsubosaka from Japan, along with local artist Raiatea Helm. Use code ANA7KZOO60 for 60% off tickets.

Learn More

Saturday, November 22, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
 

Support the JCCH




















Copyright (C) 2025 Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. All rights reserved.


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The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH), a non-profit organization, strives to share the history, heritage and culture of the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i. Located at 2454 South Beretania Street in Mō‘ili‘ili, the Cultural Center features a Community and Historical Gallery, Resource Center, Kenshikan martial arts dōjō, Seikōan Japanese teahouse and Gift Shop. The Cultural Center presents various programs, festivals and exhibitions throughout the year.

Motto

Honoring our heritage. Embracing our diversity. Sharing our future.

Vision

We aspire to co-create a society where a deeper knowledge of one's heritage and a profound understanding of oneself will enable enlightened connections among all people.

Mission Statement

To be a vibrant resource, strengthening our diverse community by educating present and future generations in the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i. We do this through relevant programming, meaningful community service and innovative partnerships that enhance the understanding and celebration of our heritage, culture and love of the land. To guide us in this work we draw from the values found in our Japanese American traditions and the spirit of Aloha.

History

The seeds of thought and planning which had since developed into the solid concrete of Phase I and the working committees of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i were sown over two generations ago. Minds and hearts of Issei and Nisei (first and second generations) forebearers set themselves to the tasks of survival, later to national heroism, and later still to the responsibility of restoring the concept of cultural pride in themselves and their community. Emotions generated by the Kanyaku Imin (125 Years of Japanese In Hawai‘i) celebration in February of 1985 spurred the devotion of major Japanese groups in the community to initially conceptualize the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.

In 1986, The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) initiated the Japan-Hawaii Cultural Center project, "The Dream," for the purpose of bringing together related organizations in Hawai‘i to work in a common effort to preserve the legacy and history of the pioneers who came to Hawaii from Japan, and whose sacrifices and contributions made it possible for the younger generations to become integral members of American society. It was planned to be a legacy where future members of our community could look back and be fully conscious of their roots. The Center would also foster relations by promoting harmony and mutual understanding between Japan, Hawai‘i, and the United States.

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce was willing to accept the enormous responsibility of immortalizing and cultivating the legacy of the Japanese in Hawai‘i by making a commitment to plant and nourish the seedling. Many community organizations supported the creation of a Japanese cultural center, as indicated by a survey to assess the need and expectations for a center.

Courses of action plans were implemented to create Ad Hoc Committees composed of the various Japan related organizations, and to organize a fund-raising organization to raise funds from the community within the State of Hawai‘i as well as in Japan. Committees set in motion to carefully plan, develop, and research in establishing the Cultural Center. The inception of some committees were: Steering, Planning, Public Relations, Historical Research Program, Program, Membership and Property Management. A schedule of "Milestone" tasks for these committees were implemented to prepare for the tremendous work that lay ahead in the formation of the Cultural Center.

On May, 28, 1987, the birth of a new direction and a new step toward the dreams of our forefathers emerged as the Cultural Center was incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawai‘i as a non-profit corporation to develop, own, maintain, and operate a Japanese cultural center in Hawai‘i. As an independent entity, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i would play a most crucial role in perpetuating the cultural heritage we inherited from our Issei forefathers into the lifestyles and values of our children's children.

Revamped, Revved and Ready... the Cultural Center Boards and staff moves forward with great aspirations

The Board of Directors consists of 15 community leaders from O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i counties who lead the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i by establishing policies and strategic direction. Each Director either chairs and /or is a member of the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Membership Development Committee, Fundraising Committee, Facilities & Operations Committee, and Budget & Finance Committee. The Board members are elected by the membership as a whole.

The Board of Governors currently has forty (40) members who advise and make recommendations to the Board of Directors, and oversee the implementation of programs and activities of the Cultural Center. The Board of Governors also assist and maintain the fiscal well-being of the Center by supporting its fundraising activities. The Board of Governors are appointed by the Board of Directors.

The staff of nine full-time and two part-time employees is led by the President & Executive Director who administers the day-to-day operations of the Cultural Center.

The Board of Directors, Board of Governors and the staff, and volunteers work in unison to carry out the many exciting plans at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. When put together these individuals, though all unique in their background, create a dynamic, capable and passionate group who are dedicated to the Cultural Center's mission of sharing the history, heritage and culture of the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i.

HOURS

Historical Gallery & Gift Shop: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Resource Center: By Appointment Only

Administrative Office: By Appointment Only


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