Washington Place

On January 28, 2026, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) proudly hosted our annual New Year’s Reception, bringing together esteemed guests, members, and partners to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Ryugen Taiko, under the direction of Nolan Miyahara, delivered a powerful and captivating opening performance to welcome the New Year. Their dynamic drumming filled the space with energy and excitement, setting a vibrant tone for the celebration and creating an unforgettable experience that honored tradition while inspiring the audience for the year ahead.

The evening commenced with opening remarks by JASH President Reyna Kaneko, followed by welcome remarks from JASH Board Chair Karen Knudsen, Governor Josh Green, and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green. Special remarks were delivered by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the invocation by Bishop Kosen Ishikawa of Jodo Mission of Hawaii. We were honored to have Mayor Rick Blangiardi attend the event and participate in the festivities along with our other dignitaries.

To officially ring in the New Year, the Kagami Biraki Ceremony, sponsored by the Cherry Co., Ltd., was performed, followed by a Kanpai Toast led by Consul General CHOTOKU Hideaki.

The evening featured an array of culinary delights by ZETTON, Inc. as the food stations opened, offering a selection of delicious dishes for guests to enjoy. SpeakEasy Productions served an assortment of wine, beer and sake donated by The Cherry Company.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, partner booths from JTB Hawaii, Sister State & Sister City Summit, and JASH were set up, providing guests with a chance to explore and connect with key organizations in the community.

The event concluded with closing remarks from JASH President Reyna Kaneko, expressing heartfelt appreciation to all members, partners, and guests who contributed to the success of the celebration.