Japanese Cultural Center Of Hawaii (JCCH) -COMING SPECIAL EVENTS/NEWS -

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Japanese Cultural Center Of Hawaii (JCCH) -COMING SPECIAL EVENTS/NEWS -
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About JCCH

What’s Happening at the JCCH
感謝 - With Gratitude
Setsubun 2026 at the JCCH

Mahalo to the 73rd Cherry Blossom Festival for partnering with us to film a video about Setsubun, a Japanese holiday that marks the beginning of spring. Queen Ariel and Princess Mika showed our viewers how to eat ehomaki (lucky direction rolls).

Watch Our Instagram Reel

By eating this special sushi roll in the year’s lucky direction, it is believed that you will have good fortune.

Learn About Setsubun

Welcome New JCCH Team Members!
Porter Itano, JCCH Intern
Porter Itano is a student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he is dual-majoring in Marketing and International Business and plans to graduate this spring. Born and raised in Parma, Idaho, he is a fourth-generation Japanese American who has been exposed to Japanese culture throughout his life through his grandparents and cousins. He is currently interning with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi through the Shidler College of Business Internship Program. Through this internship, Porter hopes to further his understanding of Japanese heritage and culture while gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of a nonprofit organization. In his free time, he enjoys golf, basketball, cooking, and video games.

Reva Mai, Tokioka Heritage Resource Center Intern
Reva Mai is a graduate student in the American Studies department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. With her research focused on Japanese American history, Reva is interning at the JCCH through the Museum Studies Graduate Certificate Program at UH, which offers an opportunity for students to gain professional experience and engage in meaningful work in Hawaiʻi’s museums. Reva is grateful to be interning at the JCCH and is eager to immerse herself in the community’s culture and collections. In her free time, she enjoys playing Daifugō and other card games.

Ryder Kawamura, Archives Coordinator
We are excited to welcome Ryder Kawamura as a new member of the JCCH staff. After joining us as an intern through the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, he now brings his dedication to preserving Japanese culture and heritage to the Tokioka Heritage Resource Center.

What’s Happening at the JCCH
Girls’ Day Doll Sale

Receive 50% off Girls’ Day dolls at the JCCH Gift Shop for a limited time only!

Gift Shop Hours*
Wednesday through Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

*2-hour parking validation with a JCCH Gift Shop purchase.

Hina-ningyō (ornamental dolls) are traditionally given to girls before their first Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) on March 3rd. In Hawaiʻi, different varieties of Japanese dolls, such as geisha, kimekomi, and maiko dolls, are gifted on Girls’ Day as cultural objects to express wishes for their health, happiness, and growth.

感謝 - With Gratitude

JCCH Craft & Collectibles Fair x ペットフェア (Pet Fair)

Mahalo to everyone who joined us on Valentine’s Day at our first pet-themed craft fair. Throughout the day, we welcomed dogs, cats, and birds. Puppies and kittens from the Oahu SPCA, a rescue shelter dedicated to finding animals a forever home, also joined us! This month’s event featured pet blessings with Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha – Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu, a mobile grooming service (Gentle Paws Hawaii), as well as new pet snacks and accessory vendors. Stay tuned for photos from our Pet Photo Station. We truly appreciate everyone who came out to support small businesses and community organizations.

Save the date for our next craft fair on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Consul General Hideaki Chotoku Welcome Reception

Japanese American community leaders recently gathered at the JCCH to welcome Consul General Hideaki Chotoku.

We are excited to see how he will foster Japan-Hawaiʻi relations as he begins his next chapter with the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu.

Teacher Institute Day

102 Hawaiʻi educators joined us virtually last week for the HTSA’s 2026 Teacher Institute Day. Education Program Manager Scott Kitano presented "Preserving the Past, Educating the Future." Since the presentation, teachers have reached out to reserve a Bento Bako (Discovery Box). Watch our quick step-by-step video to learn how to find our K-12 standards-based curricula.

Watch Instagram Reel

Community Announcements

Now in Theatres: KOKUHO

From acclaimed director Sang-il Lee (Pachinko), KOKUHO (national treasure) is a film of awe-inspiring scope and sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance. KOKUHO, set in Nagasaki, 1964, tells the story of 14-year-old Kikuo, taken under the wing of Shunsuke, a famous Kabuki actor. This film is in Japanese with English subtitles.

View Showings at Consolidated Theatres - Ward

20th Annual Taiko Festival

Pacific Buddhist Academy’s (PBA) 20th Annual Taiko Festival celebrates the theme Okagesamade, expressing humble gratitude. The event features the student taiko ensemble Hyaku Sen Ki Kai led by taiko sensei Jay Toyofuku. The performance will also include an all-school presentation of Soran Bushi, a traditional Japanese fisherman’s dance that symbolizes strength and unity, along with a special all-alumni piece performed in honor of the festival’s 20th year. Tickets are available online.

Learn More

Sunday, March 15, 2026
4:00 PM

IMAGE: Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Removed by Force Film Screening at the Smithsonian

The film will be screened at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Filmmaker/Co-executive producer Ryan Kawamoto, former DOJ Administrator of Redress Bob Bratt, and Co-executive producer William M. Kaneko will be on a panel discussion following the film.

Learn More

Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM

JCCH Discount Code Offered for Two Nails, One Love

Kumu Kahua Theatre offers JCCH members and friends a 40% discount on tickets to the play, Two Nails, One Love, by Lee A. Tonouchi. Use code JCCH when ordering. The dynamic play, based on the novel by Alden M. Hayashi, is a moving portrayal of a Japanese American family’s experiences during World War II.

Learn More

Now showing through Sunday, February 22, 2026

Early Registration Now Open

Tanoshii Hawaiʻi invites keiki ages 8-13 to learn about Japanese and local Hawaiʻi culture through hands-on experiences in music, art, food, language, and traditions. Over five engaging days at the JCCH, campers build creativity, confidence, and teamwork through interactive workshops, games, and cultural activities while learning from skilled instructors.

JCCH members now have access to early registration for our summer day camp program. A discount code for registration was recently emailed to our members. Please email giving@jcchawaii.org if you would like to receive the discount code. You may sign up or renew your membership at bit.ly/jcchmember to receive this offer.

Learn More

Camp Dates: July 20 - 24, 2026

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:

Carol Murakami, Sogetsu

感謝 - With Gratitude

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

Mahalo to the Waimea community for warmly welcoming us at this year’s Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival! We loved connecting with our members, past program participants, and new faces who stopped by our booth to try uchiwa (fan) and hachimaki (headband) stamping.

Community Announcements

Splendors of Ikebana

Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 will host its annual ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) exhibition at Mānoa Public Library. This year, they will feature "fan"tasy arrangements. Admission is free.

Learn More

February 27 - 28, 2026
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Films of Remembrance

The 15th annual Films of Remembrance presented by the Nichi Bei Foundation consists of a curated selection of 10 films commemorating the forced incarceration of more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent. From February 21 to March 29, 2026, in-person screenings will be held in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Gardena. Tickets are available for purchase online.

February 19th marks the annual Day of Remembrance, commemorating the date when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 in 1942. The films featured in this showcase will shed light on a little-known chapter of American history.

Learn More

Support the JCCH

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About JCCH

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

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

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Japanese Cultural Center Of Hawaii (JCCH) -COMING SPECIAL EVENTS/NEWS -

Kaimuki Hawaii
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