Fifty Years Honored, A Future Inspired: JASH Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary Bridge Awards Dinner
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) celebrated a remarkable milestone at its 50th Anniversary Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction, presented by Ito-En and 50th Anniversary Sponsor ABC Stores, held at the beautiful Sheraton Waikiki Resort. Under the theme "Fifty Years Honored, A Future Inspired," the evening brought together friends, community leaders, business partners, and supporters to celebrate five decades of friendship, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections between Hawaiʻi, Japan, and the United States. The program opened up with a dynamic performance from past awardees Kenny & Chizuko Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific.
For 50 years, JASH has remained committed to building bridges of understanding through education, cultural exchange, and community engagement. This milestone celebration was not only an opportunity to reflect on the organization's history and the individuals who helped shape its legacy, but also a chance to look toward the next generation of leaders, students, and global citizens who will carry its mission forward.
Honoring Our 2026 Bridge Award Recipients
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Bridge Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and contributions have strengthened the bonds of friendship and understanding between Hawaiʻi and Japan.
This year, JASH proudly honored ABC Stores and Kuakini Health System, two extraordinary examples of organizations whose legacies reflect the enduring values of community, generosity, and cultural connection.
Founded by Sidney and Minnie Kosasa, ABC Stores has grown from its humble beginnings as Thrifty Drugs in 1949 into one of Hawaiʻi's most recognizable and beloved family-owned businesses. Under the leadership of President and CEO Paul Kosasa, the company continues to thrive while honoring the family's longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community service. The Kosasa family's legacy reminds us that true success is measured not only through business achievements but also through the positive impact we leave on the communities we serve.
Equally inspiring is Kuakini Health System, whose roots trace back to 1900, when the Japanese Benevolent Society established a hospital to care for Japanese immigrant plantation workers. More than a century later, Kuakini continues to serve Hawaiʻi's diverse communities through compassionate healthcare, medical innovation, and a deep commitment to improving lives. Its transformation from an institution serving Japanese immigrants into a healthcare organization serving the broader community represents the lasting power of compassion, perseverance, and service across generations.
Adding to the significance of the evening, the City and County of Honolulu presented special proclamations honoring both award recipients, officially declaring October 6 as "ABC Stores Day" and "Kuakini Health System Day" in recognition of their remarkable contributions to Hawaiʻi's community. These proclamations served as a fitting tribute to the lasting impact of both organizations and their enduring legacies of leadership, service, and generosity.
Both honorees exemplify the spirit of the Bridge Awards and the meaningful contributions that have helped strengthen Hawaiʻi's unique relationship with Japan. Their recognition during JASH's historic 50th anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of how the dedication of individuals and organizations can create lasting connections and inspire generations to come.
Adding a special touch to the evening were the beautifully produced videos by Liliakala Inc., which brought JASH's mission, accomplishments, and community impact to life through captivating visuals and heartfelt storytelling. The videos paid tribute to the remarkable legacies of our 2026 Bridge Award recipients, while also highlighting the success of our 2026 Sister Summit and the meaningful impact of our Education and NexGen Programs. Together, these videos offered guests a glimpse into JASH's past, present, and future, celebrating the individuals and organizations that have shaped our journey while inspiring the next generation of leaders and global citizens. A heartfelt mahalo to Liliakala Inc. for beautifully capturing these stories and creating memorable tributes that truly embodied the spirit of our 50th anniversary celebration.
You can view the videos here:
Celebrating the Next 50 Years
While the evening paid tribute to the achievements of the past, it also celebrated the promise of the future.
Through educational and cultural programs serving students from kindergarten through college and beyond, JASH continues to create opportunities for young people to discover new perspectives, develop cultural understanding, and build friendships that transcend borders.
As JASH enters its next chapter, its commitment to fostering international friendship remains as important as ever. The support generated through the Bridge Awards Dinner and Silent Auction helps sustain these programs, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from meaningful connections between Hawaiʻi and Japan.
A Heartfelt Mahalo to Our Sponsors and Supporters
An anniversary celebration of this significance would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors, partners, donors and community supporters.
JASH extends its deepest appreciation to our 50th Anniversary, Presenting, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Sponsors, whose commitment to our mission has helped make this special evening possible. Their generosity represents much more than financial support; it is an investment in the future of Hawaii–Japan friendship, cultural understanding, and educational opportunities for our community.
We also extend a special mahalo to our Student Table Sponsors, whose contributions help create opportunities for young people to experience the spirit of international friendship firsthand. By investing in the next generation, these sponsors help ensure that JASH's mission continues for decades to come.
To our generous individual and corporate donors, thank you for believing in our work and standing alongside us as we celebrate this historic milestone.
Thank You to Our Silent Auction Donors
Our 50th Anniversary Silent Auction was made possible through the wonderful generosity of businesses, organizations, and individuals from Hawaiʻi, Japan, and beyond.
From unforgettable hotel stays and dining experiences to cultural activities, unique gifts, and specialty products, the auction brought together an exciting collection of offerings that reflected the diversity and generosity of our community.
To each of our silent auction donors, we extend our heartfelt mahalo. Your thoughtful contributions, together with the enthusiastic participation of our bidders, helped support JASH's educational, cultural, and community programs. Every donated item and every bid represented an investment in building bridges of friendship and understanding.
We are deeply grateful to the many hotels, restaurants, retailers, cultural organizations, local businesses, and individual supporters who contributed to this year's auction. Your generosity is a testament to the strength of the community that has supported JASH throughout its first 50 years.
With Gratitude, Looking Ahead
Finally, JASH extends its sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors, event committee, staff, volunteers, emcees Tally Nakamura and David Jones, and everyone who contributed their time and talents to the celebration.
To our members, guests, longtime friends, and new supporters, thank you for celebrating this extraordinary milestone with us. Your friendship and generosity have shaped our first five decades and will continue to guide the years ahead.
As we honor 50 years of history, we are reminded that the strongest bridges are built not simply between places, but between people.
Together, we celebrate the friendships of yesterday, the connections of today, and the possibilities of tomorrow.
Together, we are JASH.
