Community Focus

Fukushima Earthquake Survivor Says, “Thank You Hawai‘i” Jodie Chiemi Ching “On March 14, (2011) Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz convened a meeting of local Japanese American groups, businesses, media outlets and financial institutions to launch an ‘Aloha for Japan’ fund drive to provide disaster assistance to those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.” It was one....

On March 31, Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Alexis Okihara drew the winners of the 33rd “Name the Cherry Blossom Festival Queen” contest, sponsored by The Hawai‘i Herald and Hawaii Hochi. Elaine Higaki of Mänoa was...

The Hawaii Island AJA Veterans Association is offering up to two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to enroll as a full-time student at an accredited college or university for the 2018-19 academic year. The applicant must be a senior at any Hawai‘i Island public or private high school.

“Mifune: The Last Samurai,” a documentary on legendary actor Toshiro Mifune by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Okazaki, will begin its Hawai‘i theatrical run on Friday, Dec. 9, at Consolidated’s Kahala Theaters. Mifune’s grandson, Rikiya...

The City and County of Honolulu has partnered with local restaurants, businesses and nonprofit organizations to carry out the “Show Aloha Challenge” initiative. It is a collaboration to deliver thousands of meals to küpuna for free. During Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s “stay-at-home” order, many homebound seniors will need more support with home meal deliveries. If they....

Hawaii Hochi, Ltd.’s 36th annual “Guess the Cherry Blossom Festival Queen” Contest concluded this year with the presentation of the prizes to their respective winners. This year’s sponsors were:

Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa honored members of the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation on Nov. 18 for the organization’s efforts in promoting relations between Japan and Hawai‘i. The JWSF was formed in 1954 as...

Members of the Kuakini Medical Center Auxiliary and the Kuakini Health System administration gathered at Honolulu Memorial Park in Nu‘uanu on May 29 to honor the memory of the Gannenmono, who arrived in Hawai‘i in 1868, and the 141 Issei who once resided at what was originally the Japanese Home of Hawaii. They offered prayers....

Members and supporters of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii welcomed the “Year of the Boar” at the organization’s 60th annual shinnen enkai on Jan. 12 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. After observing a moment of silence in memory of deceased UJSH members, Onoe Kikunobukazu (Howard Asao) and Onoe Kikunobutomi (Brandon Goda) performed....

On March 6, the Ikenobo Ikebana Society Honolulu Hawaii Chapter celebrated its 40th anniversary with an opening ceremony for its two-day exhibit at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. The exhibit was supposed to be held at the Hawai‘i Convention Center as part of the Honolulu Festival. However, on March 3, a press release from the....