JASH New Year's Reception

On January 24, 2018, Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) partnered with U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) to bring together members of both organizations to celebrate the Year of the Dog. The annual was held at historic Washington Place, home of Governor David Y. Ige and First Lady Dawn Amano Ige.

The 150 guests in attendance were welcomed with a thrilling taiko performance by Dragon Beat, led by Tsutomu Nakai Sensei.

Mr. Sal Miwa, Chair of the JASH Board of Directors, Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, USJC President, Mr. Roy Amemiya, Managing Director of the City & County of Honolulu, and Governor David Ige,offered opening remarks. Following, they participated with Mr. Dennis Teranishi, USJC Immediate Past Chair, Consul General Koichi Ito and Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, in the Ceremony, traditional breaking of the sake barrel. The program concluded with a toast by Consul General Ito.

Guests enjoyed premier food provided by three local chefs: Chef Keiji Nakazawa of Sushi Sho, Chef Jason Ichiki of Roy’s Waikiki, and Chef Chris Kajioka of Senia. They also delighted in sake sampling by Kokusai Sake Kai.

Additionally, guests were able to color in an eye on a daruma, handmade by local business, Shop Toast, which symbolizes perseverance and good luck for the upcoming year.

JASH and USJC extends their sincere appreciation to the event sponsors, Stanford Carr Development LLC and Mr. Howard Hamamoto. Arigatou gozaimasu to Dragon Beat, Kokusai Sake Kai, Minamoto Kitchoan, Nisshodo, Paradise Beverages and The Cherry Company for their generous support.