Japan US Military Program (JUMP): JUMP Honolulu
On May 29, 2026, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii hosted a Japan US Military Program (JUMP) event at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Honolulu in partnership with the Embassy of Japan, Sasakawa USA and the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu. LTG Joel B. Vowell (USA), deputy commanding general for U.S. Army Pacific, and RADM Toshiyuki Hirata (JMSDF), director general of the Maritime Staff Office’s Operations and Plans Department, shared keynote remarks at the event highlighting the enduring strength and importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance in the Indo-Pacific. Additional remarks were made by Consul General Hideaki Chotoku, RADM Ryoko Azuma, commanding officer of the Japan Training Squadron; Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, chairman and president of Sasakawa USA; Ms. Reyna Kaneko, president of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii; and Ms. Karen Knudsen, chair of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii.
(L-R): Ms. Shanti Shoji, Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Ms. Karen Knudsen, Ms. Reyna Kaneko, Hon. Hideaki Chotoku. LTG Joel B. Vowell (USA), RADM Toshiyuki Hirata (JMSDF). Photo by Tony Grillo
JUMP Honolulu was held to mark a port visit at Pearl Harbor by the Japan Training Squadron, an annual training mission for newly commissioned officers of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force that develops their experience at sea and allows them to work alongside partners from countries around the world. Over 200 people attended JUMP Honolulu, primarily U.S. and Japanese servicemembers as well as invited guests from the local community. Musical performances were given by the Japan Training Squadron's band and taiko drum group, deepening cultural ties by playing music from both Japan and the U.S.
