Japanese Community Association Announces 2026 Scholarship Receipients

The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii recently announced that Lauren Kozohara and Dylan Matsui were each awarded a $1500 scholarship for the coming school year.

Lauren Kozohara is the daughter of Grant and Leanne Kozohara. She is a recent graduate of Hilo High School and plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo in the fall. While at Hilo High School, Lauren was a member of the National Honor Society, on the Concert and Prep Band, Hilo High Golf Team Captain, and Japan Club member. She was also the Historian for the Student Credit Union. Outside of School, Lauren is a sensei at Hawaii Wado Karate and a member of the Big Island Junior Golf Association. Lauren plans to study Kinesiology at the University of Hawaii and hopes to one day study abroad in Japan. When asked what this scholarship means to her, “The Japanese Commerce Association of Hawaii

Scholarship has made a meaningful impact on my educational journey. As a Kinesiology major at University of Hawaii at Hilo, this support helps me work toward my degree and future career goals while reducing financial stress.”

Dylan Matsui is the son of Destry and Dawn Matsui. He recently completed his freshman year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dylan is an Eagle Scout, Junior Young Buddhist Association at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin member and former Vice President and a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary. While at UH Manoa, Dylan continues his plans to obtain a degree in Psychology and Volunteer in the community. This scholarship means Dylan shared: “The JCAH Scholarship has been an immense help in funding my college endeavors. The mental health epidemic has been a large problem as of late. Scholarships like these help me in my journey toward becoming a psychiatrist to hopefully

reduce this problem and assist my community with their mental wellbeing.”

Our congratulations to both scholarship recipients!

The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii promotes and preserves Japanese culture in Hawaii County and fosters harmonious relations with Japan. The organization works with the County of Hawaii and its Sister-City of Shibukawa, Japan, where the Ikaho Hawaiian Festival is held annually in honor of King David Kalakaua, “The Merrie Monarch.” Today, the association is best known for sponsoring an active calendar of cultural events, such as the biennial Bunka No Hi (Japanese Culture Day in Hawaii) and Kodomo No Matsuri (Children's Day Festival). The annual Nikkei Kigyo (enterprise of Japanese ancestry)

Banquet, recognizes long-standing, multi-generational Japanese American businesses, in East Hawaii. For more information, please call the association at (808)969-6437 or email jcahawaii@yahoo.com.