Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i Commemorates its 25th Anniversary

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Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i Commemorates its 25th Anniversary
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Media Contact: Denise Tagomori Park/Office: (808) 945-7633 Ext. 27

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i Commemorates its 25th Anniversary

The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH) will proudly kick off the year-long festivities commemorating the 25th anniversary of the center's incorporation with the unveiling of the newly renovated Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you permanent exhibition. The event was held at the Cultural Center on Sunday, June 3 in the Community Gallery.

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Okage Sama De first opened its doors on January 7, 1995 to a crowd of supporters and well wishers. From the 1800s to today's multicultural Hawai‘i, the permanent exhibition chronicles the history and legacy of the Japanese Americans from the first immigrants to present day. A few years ago, the Cultural Center began a fundraising campaign to expand the story of the exhibition to include current generations of Hawai‘i's Japanese American population. Some of the exhibit's new features include new artifacts, refurbished wall murals and displays, as well as a new video feature capturing oral testimonies about various topics of the Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i. The renovation is headed up by a team that includes the exhibit's original designers Jane Komeiji, Tom Klobe, and Momi Cazimero with the help of Grace Murakami, Clinton Uyehara, and Wayne Kawamoto.

The new unveiling of the Okage Sama De gallery also marks the start of a year-long celebration for the center's 25th anniversary. On May 28, 1987, the birth of a new direction and a giant step toward the dreams of our founders emerged as the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i was incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawai‘i as a non-profit corporation. Twenty-five years later, the dream to create a permanent home to preserve our history and perpetuate the Japanese American culture has become a reality.

Through the support of its members, volunteers and friends, the Cultural Center has grown to become a cornerstone in the community and stewards of Japanese American history providing a number of iconic events, programs and historic preservation projects.

"Has it been 25 years already? It seems like only yesterday the members at the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce were huddled around a table to develop the concept of what the Japanese Cultural Center should be," said Ron Ushijima, vice chair of the JCCH Board of Directors. "All turned out well. We've come a long way. I know the programs and ideals that the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i represents will continue to benefit our future generations."

"We are very fortunate to have had so many individuals who volunteered, raised money and supported the dream of creating a world-class facility in M ‘ili‘ili for future generations to enjoy," said Curt Otaguro, chairman of the JCCH Board of Directors. "Over the past 25 years, the center has had its ups and downs. Many have sacrificed their time and given financial support to ensure that our future remains bright. I am extremely grateful to our supporters and volunteers for keeping JCCH at the forefront of our community."

"The Cultural Center has accomplished much over the years," said Carole Hayashino, JCCH president/executive director. "We've digitized some of our historical archives, making them accessible and available to the public. We've expanded our historical and cultural educational outreach to public and private schools. We have maintained the multi-generational permanent exhibit, Okage Sama De, I Am What I Am, Because of You."

"But, there is much more to do," Hayashino said. "We need to capture and document the history of Japanese in Hawai‘i before it is lost. We need to share our stories with the public by building upon our partnerships in the community and expanding our programs to the neighbor islands. We need to continue to remain relevant to the changing demographics of our community. I am confident that with the continuing support of our staff, volunteers, members, and the community we will succeed."

The Cultural Center has an ambitious agenda of projects and programs for 2012-2013. In the coming year, the center will commemorate its 25th anniversary with a number of special events.

ABOUT JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER OF HAWAII

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
Community & Historical Gallery and Gift Shop: Tuesday -- Saturday, 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m.
Resource Center: Wednesday -- Friday, 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Office: Monday -- Saturday, 8 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

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