JASH Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction

(Originally published October 11, 2022)

On Monday, October 10, 2022, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) held its annual Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction, An Evening in Japan at the Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii Ballroom. Each year, JASH honors individuals, companies, or organizations with the Bridge Award for promoting understanding and friendship between the people of Hawaii and Japan. JASH was honored to present this year’s Bridge Awards to the Halekulani Corporation and Mr. Jake Shimabukuro for their achievements and positive impacts on our community.

(L-R) Mr. Peter Shaindlin, Mr. Yoshinori Maeda, Ms. Patricia Tam, Mr. Shigeto Aoki, Mr. Nobuyuki Inada & Mr. Hiroyasu Nakamura

Mr. Alex Jampel, Mr. Jake Shimabukuro, Ms. Reyna Kaneko, & Mr. Keith Amemiya

An exclusive Mahalo Reception took place prior to the dinner to thank our many partners and sponsors who make it possible for JASH to continue our important work fostering Hawaii-Japan relationships.

Over 400 guests captured the spirit and energy of our themed event – An Evening in Japan. With the announcement of the re-opening of Japan, the timing was perfect for guests to celebrate, enjoy each others company and partake in Japanese inspired dishes specially curated for the dinner and revive our connection to Japan. The evening was filled with entertainment starting with an invigorating performance by Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Ms. Anju Madoka of Madoka no Kai’s performance was stunning as she sang and played the shamisen.

Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific

Special thanks to our fantastic emcee duo: Ms. Barbara Tanabe, JASH Board Director and Ms. Jenna Nakagawa, JASH NexGen Member who kept the evening program on schedule.

Ms. Jenna Nakagawa and Ms. Barbara Tanabe

The evening ended with a very special performance by Jake Shimabukuro and Governor David Ige playing Wipeout on the ukulele together. This was a surprise performance for everyone!