OCTOBER 6, 2026

at Sheraton Waikiki Resort

A BENEFIT FOR

Register for the Dinner and Silent Auction

ONLINE SILENT AUCTION

opens 09/29/26 - closes 10/06/26

Preview opens 09/28/26 at NOON

All are welcome to participate in JASH’s online silent auction! The Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction supports JASH’s beloved community programs that serve people of all ages and backgrounds and aims to build bridges of friendship between the U.S. and Japan through the unique perspective of Hawaiʻi.

Each year, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) honors an individual, company, or organization with the Bridge Award for promoting understanding and friendship between Hawaiʻi and Japan. In the spirit of building bridges of friendship, we are pleased to announce this year’s Bridge Awards recipients.

2026 BRIDGE AWARD

RECIPIENTS

abc stores

Founded by Sidney and Minnie Kosasa, ABC Stores has its roots in their original chain of Thrifty Drugs stores on Oahu that first opened in 1949. Today, the family-owned local company is led by President and CEO Paul Kosasa, who oversees the operations of more than 75 ABC stores including Island Gourmet Markets (Shops at Wailea, Maui, and at Queens’ Marketplace, Kona, Big Island); Island Country Markets (Ritz-Carlton and Ko Olina on Oahu, and Coconut Marketplace on Kauai); Honolua Store (Kapalua, Maui); Sueoka Market (Koloa, Kauai); Dukes Lane Market & Eatery (Waikiki); and two restaurants, Basalt (Dukes Lane Market & Eatery) and Lineage (Shops at Wailea, Maui).

The family built an iconic retail company that transformed resort shopping while remaining deeply committed to giving back to the people and communities of Hawaii through generations of philanthropy.

kuakini health system

Kuakini Hospital was established in 1900 by the Japanese Benevolent Society (JBS) to care for contracted sugar workers, or Kanyaku Imin, who immigrated from Japan to Hawai’i in large numbers at the turn of the 20th century.

Today, Kuakini Health System serves our entire community. Renowned for excellence in geriatric, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and orthopedic care, Kuakini's Biobank—spanning more than 60 years of biospecimens—enabled the groundbreaking discovery of the FOXO3 longevity gene, reinforcing its commitment to improving not only how long we live, but how well we live.

Kuakini values the increased choice and wider access it can provide as Hawai‘i’s last independent hospital. It is committed to supporting and growing a network of independent physicians who partner with patients to manage their care effectively and efficiently.

Emcees

Tally Nakamura is a Veterinary Hospital Operations Manager at a locally owned veterinary general practice clinic, where she leads hospital operations, team development, and initiatives focused on building a positive and accountable workplace culture. With a background spanning veterinary medicine, education, and community service, she is passionate about bringing people together and creating opportunities for others to grow and contribute.

A longtime member of Hawaii's community organizations, Tally has been involved with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Honolulu, Hawaii FIRST Robotics, and the International Student Association at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she has served in leadership, mentorship, and volunteer roles.

Having grown up and built her career in Hawaii, Tally is passionate about contributing to the community she calls home and is honored to serve as co-emcee for this year's Bridge Award celebration.

David Ryo Jones is Senior Vice President of the Properties Division at Central Pacific Bank, overseeing facilities, construction, and corporate operations. Grounded in a strong commitment to community stewardship, he takes great pride in being a connector who brings people, organizations, and cultural initiatives together across Hawaii.

Deeply rooted in the local Japanese and Okinawan communities, David served as President of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association in 2022 and President of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii from 2024 to 2025. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of both the US Japan Council and the Japan America Society of Hawaii. David is honored to serve as co-emcee for this year’s Bridge Award celebration.

Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years of Friendship, Legacy, and the Future

The 2026 JASH Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction is more than a celebration — it is a tribute to 50 years of friendship, cultural understanding, and partnership between Japan and the United States through the unique perspective of Hawaiʻi.

On October 6, 2026, we invite you to join us for an inspiring evening honoring the people and organizations who continue to build bridges across cultures, generations, and communities.

This year’s theme, Fifty Years Honored, A Future Inspired reflects JASH’s ongoing commitment to strengthening connections and creating a more globally minded future.

For five decades, JASH has fostered meaningful dialogue and educational opportunities through programs focused on culture, business, leadership, and community engagement. From K–12 students to college and professional programs, JASH continues to inspire the next generation of global leaders through the value of “Different Perspectives.”

The 2026 JASH Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction will be held in person, bringing together our members, partners, and friends in celebration of this historic milestone. Your support directly benefits JASH’s educational and cultural programs that continue to connect Hawaiʻi, Japan, and the United States.

Together, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future — side by side.