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What’s Happening at the JCCH
Welcome New JCCH Intern
Chloe Jade Navarro

Chloe Jade Navarro is entering her second year as a Business major at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and aspires to pursue a career in marketing. Born in Japan and raised in Hawaiʻi, she graduated from Moanalua High School in May 2025. She is especially interested in gaining experience with digital media and applying that knowledge in a professional setting. Chloe enjoys graphic design, drawing, playing pickleball, and going to the beach. She is serving as a summer intern with us and hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the business world, expand her knowledge of Japanese heritage and culture, and develop new skills while contributing to the organization.
 
JCCH Gift Shop Special Promotions







JCCH Gift Shop Special Promotions

Get ready for bon dance season! The
JCCH Gift Shop is the perfect place to find pieces for your next festival outfit. Purchases made at the Gift Shop help to support our nonprofit’s programs and educational resources.

NEW HAPPI COATS: Looking for something easy to wear at a bon dance? The Gift Shop now carries a new line of happi (法被) made in Japan. Crafted from breathable 100% cotton and available in various designs, they’re lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for matsuri and celebrations. This traditional tube-sleeved Japanese coat can be worn over your regular clothes. Quantities are limited. Please note that this item is not part of the Kimono Sale.

KIMONO SALE ENDING SOON: Our sale ends this Saturday! Receive 50% off kimono, yukata, and accessories at the JCCH Gift Shop through Saturday, May 30, 2026. Don’t miss out on this great deal!

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

*2-hour parking validation with a JCCH Gift Shop purchase. Discount cannot be combined with other offers. All sales final. See store for full details and limitations.
 




“Tanko Bushi” Dance Tutorial

"Tanko Bushi," a Japanese folk song about coal mining, is a local
obon favorite, perhaps because it is reminiscent of the plantation era. The dance reflects this history through movements such as digging, shoveling, and wiping your brow. Learn the dance step-by-step with guidance from instructor Nishikawa Minokimi.

Watch Instagram Reel

We’ve compiled a list of local
bon odori 盆踊り(bon dance) events from now through October. Plan a fun evening out with your friends and family!

View Hawaiʻi’s 2026 Bon Dance Schedule

*All dates and times are subject to change. Please confirm details with individual temples before attending. Mahalo to Derrick Iwata and Bon Dance Hawaii & Japanese & Okinawan Culture (Facebook) for compiling the list.
 
Let’s Make Oyako Donburi!

Muriel’s Mainichi Cooking presented by Hawaiʻi Gas is a JCCH video series inspired by Muriel Miura’s mainichi まいにち (everyday) recipes. Widely recognized as the face of The Gas Company (now known as Hawaiʻi Gas), Muriel gained popularity through classes, demonstrations, conferences, cooking shows, pamphlets, and cookbooks.

Watch Episode 11

Episodes will be released on Instagram every fourth Friday of the month.

View Recipe




 




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:

Gale Kobayashi, Ikenobo
 
感謝 - With Gratitude




Mahalo for visiting!

On Friday, we welcomed
Hiroshima Vice Governor Takeshi Yamane to the JCCH for a tour of the Okage Sama De Historical Gallery. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Yamane and his team for coming to the Center to learn about the history of Japanese Americans in Hawaiʻi.




Maui Matsuri

The JCCH was honored to participate in this year’s
Maui Matsuri, where we hosted a fun and interactive keiki activity celebrating Japanese culture and creativity. Children and families enjoyed stamping their own uchiwa (fans) and hachimaki (headbands) with colorful designs, creating personalized souvenirs to take home.
 
Community Announcements




IMAGE: Taikoza
Hawaiʻi Debut: Taikoza

New York’s premier Japanese taiko ensemble,
Taikoza, will perform in Hawaiʻi for the first time in its history this June. Voice of the Earth is a breathtaking concert celebrating the change of seasons and the power of nature through the ancient art of taiko drumming. The ensemble brings its acclaimed concert to Hilo and Oʻahu. Tickets are available online.

Buy Tickets
Hawaiʻi Performances

Friday, June 20, 2026 | Performing Arts Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Saturday, June 21, 2026 | Waipahu Soto Zen Temple-Taiyoji
 
Watch Third Act Online

Directed by
Tad Nakamura, son of Robert A. Nakamura, Third Act is the story of how a "filmmaker honors his father’s legacy of art, activism, and resilience across generations." Stream this documentary for free through PBS from now until Saturday, August 22, 2026.

From WWII incarceration to cultural awakening and a Parkinson’s diagnosis,
Third Act is a tender portrait of legacy, inherited trauma, and the final chapter of a shared creative life.

Watch the Film




 


Poetry Writing Workshop

Hosted by
Hawai‘i Poet Laureate Lee A. Tonouchi, the Ma-ke Die Dead Poetry Writing Workshop: Writing Poetry About Loved Ones Who Stay Gone, welcomes attendees ages 15 years old and older to join us in creating a safe space for writing, reflection, and sharing. Using his technique of "talk story poetry" Lee going encourage workshop attendees for write poems honoring da memory of da loved ones dey wen lose. Registration is required to attend. Limited seating is available.

Register Here

Saturday, May 30, 2026
10:00 - 11:30 AM



Kimono Sale

Get ready for bon dance season! Receive
50% off kimono, yukata, and accessories 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.




Register Here

Saturday, June 13, 2026
Two Sessions Available




 




We’re a Lifesaver Club!

The
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi has joined Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi (BBH) as a member of the Lifesaver Club, and we’re encouraging all who are able to make a blood donation appointment this month. When you arrive for your appointment, please give the BBH staff our sponsor code: 3544

Make an Appointment

Blood supplies are especially critical during the summer, when donations can drop by as much as 15%. Your donation will make a real difference.
When you donate blood at ANY BBH location during the month of May, BBH will make a financial contribution to the
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund. Appointments may be made online or by calling (808) 848-4770.
 
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:

Arlene Horiuchi, Ohara




 
感謝 - With Gratitude




JCCH 2026 Intern Reflection - Porter Itano

Mahalo to
Porter Itano, a recent graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Shidler College of Business, for completing a marketing and international business internship with the JCCH. As a fourth-generation Japanese American (Yonsei) originally from Idaho, Porter brought a professional philosophy rooted in farm-raised self-reliance and a commitment to mission-driven work. Read about his internship experience here.

We wish Porter success as he enters the workforce!
 
‘Ireichō’ Book Tour Stops In Honolulu

Mahalo to
Sachi Morton of Midweek for capturing the experience of the Idemoto family during their visit to the JCCH for the Ireichō Book of Names Tour. Family members across multiple generations, including those who were incarcerated as children, each stamped next to a name in the Ireichō and touched the ceramic tile in the book that contained soil from 75 Japanese American incarceration sites across the U.S. Read the full article online in Honolulu Voice.
 




U.S.-Japan Council Hawaiʻi Region Event

On May 19, 2026, the JCCH hosted an evening of learning, reflection, and connection with members of the
U.S.-Japan Council Hawaiʻi Region. The evening began with a presentation by Nate Gyotoku (JCCH President & Executive Director) and a gallery experience, highlighting key historical milestones, cultural values, and generational shifts within the Japanese American community. After, the group engaged in small group discussions focused on leadership, cultural identity, and how traditional values continue to shape decision‑making in Hawaiʻi today. Mahalo to the USJC Hawaiʻi Region for partnering with us!
 
Community Announcements




Hawaii Matsuri Taiko Festival

Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Somei Taiko present the Hawaii Matsuri Taiko Festival, the group’s long-awaited grand taiko concert with special guest groups Wako Daiko from Japan, Ryukyu Koten Afuso-Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai USA, and taiko artist Michael Gonhata, hosted at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Buy Tickets

Saturday, June 13, 2026
 

Support the JCCH



















Copyright (C) 2026 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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