On December 14, 2018, around 40 guests gathered at Burns Hall in the East-West Center for a presentation by Ms. Paige Cottingham-Streater, Secretary-General of the U.S. CULCON Panel and Executive Director of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC). In her talk, Ms. Cottingham-Streater discussed the roles taken by CULCON and JUSFC in fostering Japan-U.S. relations. She also introduced an online platform called Nichibei Connect, intended to be a one-stop resource geared towards young professionals seeking job opportunities and internships pertaining to the U.S.-Japan relationship. Other event sponsors included JUSFC, the East-West Center, and the U.S. Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme A

On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, JASH members and guests joined together for the annual Tomodachi Holiday Tea at “Bakery and Table” restaurant. It was a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season and relax with friends while enjoying delicious refreshments. The festive gathering started off with a fun game called “Name the Singer” led by Tomodachi Committee Chair Mrs. Kazuko Love and her husband Chad, where attendees were asked to guess the singers for various holiday tunes. The winners took home prizes of wine and other goodies. After they enjoyed tasty sandwiches, scones, mini pastries and cakes accompanied by tea/coffee, they were treated to a special performance by

Over 450 members and supporters were in attendance for the Japan-America Society of Hawaii's Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, held October 23rd at Sheraton Waikiki Hawaii Ballroom with "Honoring the Gannenmono" as this year's theme. This event culminated the yearlong celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the first group of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. Each year, JASH honors an individual, company or organization with the Bridge Award for promoting understanding and friendship between Hawaii and Japan. This year, JASH honored Ms. Carole Hayashino and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i; and Dr. Dennis Ogawa for being instrumental in coordinating the celebration of the

On December 7, 2018, students from the Japanese language program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa hosted a group of high school and college students from Nagaoka, Japan. The Nagaoka students experienced campus life at UH and gave a short presentation about Nagaoka while engaging in meaningful discussions about peace. Students shared popular Hawaiian and Japanese songs before concluding the visit with a short campus tour. Special thanks to Dr. Ken Ito and Ms. Miki Ogasawara, who assisted with the coordination of the visit.

A Japan-U.S. Joint Memorial Ceremony was held on Thursday December 6, 2018 on Ford Island to honor and remember all those who lost their lives 77 years ago on December 7, 1941. During the ceremony there was a Moment of Silence followed by remarks from both Mr. Koichi Ito, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu and Rear Admiral Brian P. Fort, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. Power of Reconciliation December 8, 2016 - 1st Japan-U.S. Joint Memorial Ceremony December 27, 2016 - Prime Minister Abe and President Obama visited the Arizona Memorial December 8, 2017 - 2nd Japan-U.S. Joint Memorial Ceremony December 6, 2018 - 3rd Japan-U.S. Joint Memorial Ceremony “

My name is Minji and my dream is to be a global leader who can understand various cultures around the world. I thought it would be very special volunteering at JASH. As expected, I learned a lot of things about introducing one culture to another cultural area while I worked at JASH for four months. Everyone has their own way of looking at things. Right and wrong is subjective, we just have "Different Perspectives". I also learned a lot of things from JASH’s concept of teaching and it was a great experience for me to help JASH.

Bōnenkai (忘年会, literally "forget the year gathering") On Wednesday, December 5th, JASH along with the generous sponsorship by American Electric hosted Bonenkai 2018 at Odori-ko Restaurant. JASH was honored to have Consul General and Mrs. Ito attend and spend time chatting with the group of almost 60 JASH members and friends. Guests enjoyed wafu steak, chicken karaage, sushi, fish tempura and more while they renewed or formed new friendships! This was a new event for JASH in addition to the over 30 programs in 2018. Lucky Door Prize Winners!! Matthew Rose—Sanikleen Corp. Shizue Goldblatt—Sachi Hawaii Kazuko Love—JASH Director Jamie Lee—JCCH David Kaneko—Hawaiian Electric Jean McIntosh MAHALO

On November 29, 2018, JASH held its Fall Japan Day program, sponsored by the McInerny Foundation and the Freeman Foundation. Over 180 students from Farrington High School, Hilo High School, Kealakehe High School, Lahainaluna High School, Le Jardin Academy, Maui Hui Malama, Molokai High School, Niu Valley Middle School, Roosevelt High School, St. Joseph School and Washington Middle School gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s Manoa Grand Ballroom to enjoy the day’s activities. Held twice a year, Japan Day is the JASH’s longest running educational program which is offered free to Hawaii’s middle and high schools. Since its inception in 1993, over 6,500 students from 65 different