2023 Japan-US Military Program (JUMP) in Honolulu

On October 4, 2023, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) had the honor of hosting the Japan-U.S. Military Program (JUMP) at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Honolulu. Newly appointed Consul General Yoshinori Kodama arrived in Hawaii just days before the event on October 2, 2023, and graciously opened his Official Residence to over 200 JUMP guests which included military service members, civilian government contractors who served in Japan and service members from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship the JS Kashima. Having this exclusive event at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Honolulu exemplifies and reinforces the special relationship we have both locally and nationally between Japan and the U.S. Hawaii was the final port for the JS Kashima after being at sea for 5 months and visiting 11 ports before returning to Japan.

We were honored to welcome our distinguished speakers: Consul General Yoshinori Kodama, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, Rear Admiral Yasushige Konno, Commanding Officer, Japan Training Squadron, Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Director, Japan-U.S. Military Program, Chairman and President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, Admiral John Aquilino, Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command, Rear Admiral Takaaki Hayamizu, Defense and Naval Attache, Embassy of Japan in the United States of America, and Mr. Andrew Wylegala, President of the National Association of Japan-America Societies. The speakers spoke to the importance of the friendship between the U.S. and Japan, and how programs like JUMP continue to strengthen the bonds between our countries. How people-to-people relationships are critical and the importance, now more than ever of keeping peace and stability within the regions with all that is happening internationally. JASH President, Ms. Reyna Kaneko served as the evening’s emcee.

Consul General Yoshinori Kodama

Rear Admiral Yasushige Konno

Dr. Satohiro Akimoto

Admiral John Aquilino

Rear Admiral Takaaki Hayamizu

Mr. Andrew Wylegala

Ms. Reyna Kaneko

Other highlights of the evening were the opening performance of the JMSDF Training Squadron Band and Taiko performance by the Japan Training Squadron. Guests enjoyed fresh sushi prepared to order by the JS Kashima members! This was a very special treat for everyone. Japanese dishes were provided by Rinka Restaurant and American dishes by Tailor Made Custom Catering.

JMSDF Training Squadron Band

JMSDF Training Squadron Taiko Group

Consul General Yoshinori Kodama and Admiral John Aquilino

JASH President Reyna Kaneko and JUMP Guests

JS Kashima Officers and JUMP Guests

The JUMP program provides an opportunity to bring the Japanese and American military, civilian and business community together. JUMP is a very special and unique program. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, the National Association of Japan-America Societies, the Embassy of Japan and Consul General Yoshinori Kodama and staff for this special opportunity to bring this community together. MAHALO NUI LOA!