Japanese Community Association of Hawaii

ABOUT US

2020-2021 Officers and Directors

BRIEF HISTORY

The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii UCAH) traces its origins to 1971, when a committee was formed by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce  & Industry of Hawaii with the purpose of perpetuating the Japanese culture and maintaining good relationships with Japan through the Consul-General's office in Honolulu. The organization received its official charter in 1974 as the Hawaii Island Japanese Community Association.

In 1999, the corporation formally changed its name to Japanese Community Association of Hawaii.

The association's bylaws, states that that the purpose of this organization is "to encourage, promote and implement programs and activities for the welfare and betterment of the community; to promote and preserve Japanese culture and to foster harmony and fellowship within its membership in the County of Hawaii."

Today, it is best known for sponsoring a number of cultural events, such as the biennial Bunka No Hi Uapanese Culture Day in Hawaii) and Kodomo No Matsuri (Children's Day Festival). Other projects presented by the association include: Hakubi Kimono Shows, Sake Sushi & Shakuhachi, and concerts by Taiko Project and San Jose Taiko. Washi Chigiri-e classes have been offered since 2007 through co-sponsorship with the Hakubi Chigiri-e School of

Japan and is taught by Lily Nakao of Oahu. Other classes include Nuno Zouri,  

Newspaper Corsage, and other workshops during the biennial Bunka No Hi. The organization coordinates the annual Friendship Golf Tournament with the various kenjinkais.

In January of 2014, a Nikkei Kigyo (enterprise of Japanese ancestry) Banquet, recognizing long-standing, multi-generational Japanese American businesses, in East Hawaii was held, honoring two century old companies, I. Kitagawa & Co., Ltd. and Suisan Co., Ltd., formed in 2005 and 2007 respectively. The event will be continued as one of our special projects. Proceeds will be used to award scholarships to students whose major or minor will be Japanese studies with priority given to JCAH member families.

The association also coordinates the annual lreito Memorial Ceremony at Alae Cemetery in August. The ceremony is held at the impressive monument which was dedicated in 1939 through the efforts of the late Senator Sanji Abe to honor deceased Japanese immigrants. The marble monument was cast in Japan and weighs around 1 5 tons. Participants include local churches, kenjinkais, the Consul General of Japan and the Mayor of Hawaii County and other dignitaries.