2026 Hiroshima Peace Scholars Selected to Represent Hawaii in Hiroshima

(L-R) Ken Asakura, Chaysie Condaya, and Chaperone Todd Oshima

The Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) is pleased to announce the selection of two outstanding students as our 2026 Hiroshima Peace Scholarship (HPS) scholars. This summer, they will travel to Hiroshima to represent JASH and Hawaii.

During their educational journey, the scholars will explore the history and impact of World War II, participate in collaborative activities with students in Hiroshima, and share their messages of peace with audiences in both Hiroshima and Hawaii.

Leading up to their trip, the scholars will participate in a JASH-designed training program to prepare for their experience in Japan.

 The 2026 Hiroshima Peace Scholarship Delegation includes:

• Ken Asakura, Punahou School

• Chaysie Condaya, Waipahu High School

We are also pleased to welcome back Mr. Todd Oshima, an educator in the Music Department at Moanalua High School and the 2025 HPS Chaperone, who will accompany the delegation again this year. Mr. Oshima brings an insightful and supportive presence to the program and looks forward to guiding the scholars throughout this year’s experience. We are grateful for his continued commitment to supporting our students and the HPS program.

The Hiroshima Peace Scholarship (HPS) was founded in 2009 by Hiromi Peterson and Naomi Hirano-Omizo, retired Japanese language faculty of Punahou School, to encourage young peacebuilders and strengthen relationships between Hawaii and Hiroshima. The program is supported by proceeds from their textbook series, Adventures in Japanese. JASH has been honored to serve as an administrator of the HPS program since 2021. 

To learn more about the Hiroshima Peace Scholarship, please visit www.jashawaii.org/education/hps.