Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi — Attraction in Honolulu

With the mission to be a vibrant resource, strengthening a diverse community by educating present and future generations in the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii does an incredible job at accomplishing its goals.

Japanese in Hawaii are the 2nd largest ethnic group.

In 1920, they constituted 43% of Hawaii's population. Now about 16.7% of the islands' population - 2000 US Census, which separately categorizes mixed-race individuals, so the proportion of people with some Japanese ancestry is likely much larger

The greatest challenge for the Japanese in Hawaii came in 1941 with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. All Japanese -aliens as well as citizens- were suspect.

Community leaders were detained and sent to internment camps.

However, many continued to demonstrate their loyalty to the United States by joining the military or by supporting the war effort at home.

To demonstrate loyalty, many Japanese removed the Emperor’s photo which most used to display in their homes, removing family photos and artifacts that reminded them of home.

They were caught between a rock and a hard place because they too were attacked by the Japanese, as they lived in Hawaii and had made it home

We are rather interested in all things Japan so we chose to visit the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. The Tokioka Heritage Resource Center honors Japanese heritage, embracing their diversity.

The collection is impressive, about 5,500 books in English and Japanese, including archival collections, oral history, transcripts and historical photos.

Manager and volunteers are available to help visitors, offering commercial translation, genealogical research and Japanese name consultant services.

We learned much about the story of the Japanese in Hawaii, from the first group who arrived in 1868 to work the sugar cane fields. Like most emigrants, Japanese left familiar environments for an unknown land across the ocean that was advertised to them as paradise yet encountering harsh conditions, long and arduous hours of work, plantation life that provided homes in camps, segregated by race.

The Japanese women not only labored in the fields but also cooked, washed and cared for their children. . Visit, it is worth every penny of the small...

Came to the JCCH to attend a seminar, and they provided a bento for us from their new caterer, Bamboo Catering (no longer under Marian's catering). All I have to say is WOW, everything in it was delicious! High-end tasting fish, chicken, steak, garlic noodles and tsukemono! The JCCH Director, Nate Gyotoku, gave us a detailed tour of the facilities after the event; it was wonderful to see the pristine dojo, tea garden, beautiful tea house, historic exhibits, gift shop, the Heritage Center, etc.! Love seeing the preservation of cultural arts and history here! Excellent place to see a part of the Japanese American history in Hawaii via the Okage sama de exhibit and Honouliuli Center. You really can see and feel the joy and commitment the staff has to keeping the cultural spirit alive here. For any small or large events, I'd highly recommend JCCH's Ballroom or meeting room! Highly...

It was obvious from the beginning they did not want a non Japanese person visiting. You have to ring the bell to get in. Which I did and then stood outside for a few minutes after they looked my way and another person came up from behind and let me in. They said they would help me in a few minutes. Other people walked in, the employees helped them and showed them to the gallery. I then asked to pay for the gallery. The employee who let me jn told me they validate parking. So when I was done, I asked for validation and was told I would have to purchase something at the gift shop. Since the content of the exhibit is about racism. I really feel I got the point. The exhibit itself was informative, and I learned a lot. I would not suggest this...