Oct 4, 2023

2023 JASH Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) held its annual Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction, Honoring Traditions at the Alohilani Resort Grand Ballroom. Each year, JASH honors individuals, companies, or organizations with the Bridge Award for promoting understanding and friendship between the people of Hawaii and Japan. JASH was honored to present this year’s Bridge Awards to Dr. Genshitsu Sen, Urasenke Grand Master, Urasenke Foundation and former ozeki sumo wrestler, Konishiki Yasokichi for their achievements and positive impacts on our community.

Mr. Akemi Kurokawa, Urasenke Hawaiʻi Foundation Trustee accepted the Bridge Award on behalf of Dr. Genshitsu Sen

(L-R) Mr. Alex Jampel, Mr. Akemi Kurokawa and Ms. Reyna Kaneko

Dr. Genshitsu Sen, Bridge Award Honoree and Presenting Sponsor

(L-R) Mr. Alex Jampel, Ms. Chie Iijima, Mr. Konishiki Yasokichi and Ms. Reyna Kaneko

An exclusive Tea Service by the Urasenke Hawaiʻi Association took place prior to the dinner to thank our many partners and sponsors who make it possible for JASH to continue our important work fostering Hawaii-Japan relationships. Our sincere gratitude to the Urasenke Hawaiʻi Association and its volunteers who made this wonderful experience possible.

Urasenke Hawaiʻi Association Tea Service

(L-R) Ms. Atsuko Igarashi and Mr. Steve Dyer accept tea service

Almost 400 guests, some dressed in Japanese inspired outfits and traditional kimono captured the spirit and energy of our themed event – Honoring Traditions. The evening was filled with entertainment starting with an invigorating performance by Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Ms. Anju Madoka of Madoka no Kai’s performance was stunning as she sang and played the shamisen and got the crowd involved as she and Kenny Endo performed a duet together.

Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific

Ms. Anju Madoka encourages the audience to participate

Special thanks to our fantastic emcee duo: Ms. Gina Maeda, JASH NexGen Member and Mr. John Rankin, JASH Board Director and NexGen Member.

Ms. Gina Maeda and Mr. John Rankin

The evening ended with a very special performance by Konishiki and his wife Chie.

Ms. Chie Iijima and Konishiki

The dinner would not be possible without the help from our wonderful volunteers. Thank you to the Urasenke Hawaiʻi Association, the Junior Ambassadors of the Asian-Pacific Children’s Conference and the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation past scholars.

Urasenke Hawaiʻi Association Volunteers

2023 Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention Junior Ambassadors & Chaperone (L-R) Ms. Sandy Takeda, Sano Blailes, Vaiva Peroff, Rylen Isobe and Kyrie Chen