About UJSH
The United Japanese Society of Hawaii has carried out its mission to keep our tradition alive since 1958
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Mission Statement
“Advance the welfare of the Japanese and their descendants in Hawaii and maintain their friendly relationship with other ethnic groups through religious, charitable, educational, and cultural activities. Develop better understanding and friendship between Japan and Hawaii.”
Our Story
The United Japanese Society of Hawaii or UJSH is also called Hawai’i Nikkeijin Rengo Kyokai or Renkyo. UJSH is a non-profit organization which supports the advancement and welfare of the Japanese and their descendents in Hawaii by cultivating friendships and understanding through the spirit of WA (和) which stand for Unity, Harmony, Togetherness and Peace.
Membership to UJSH is broad-based and reflects a cross-section of the Japanese community including the Kenjin Kai, churches, temples, non-profit organizations, and individuals. UJSH preserves and perpetuates the Japanese culture and traditions by holding annual projects which includes Nenchosha, Hanashikata, Tsukimi no Kai, Yosebaka, King David Kalakaua Birthday Celebration and participates in many community service projects throughout the year.
1932
Joining of two
The Honolulu Japanese Society, organized on August 29, 1932, was the name of the organization resulting from joining together of two organizations; the Hawaii Nihonjin Kyokai, an association of Japanese-owned Honolulu business, and the Hawaii Nihonjin Kai, an association of Japanese non-business entities from the community.
1941
Pacific War
It was the only Japanese community organization in Honolulu until the start of the Pacific War on December 7, 1941. With the advent of the war, many among the leadership of the Honolulu Japanese Society and representatives of other Japanese-affiliated organizations became considered “enemy aliens” and were subsequently sent to local internment camps. As a result, all Japanese community organizations were effectively closed down.
1945
Remained Absent
Following the cessation of hostilities between the U.S. and Japan in 1945, relations between the two countries were once again restored, but the Honolulu Japanese Society remained absent. The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce took it upon itself to handle many of the community projects formerly taken care of by the Honolulu Japanese Society.
1953
Japanese Chamber
Through its efforts, the Japanese Chamber completed many important tasks, including the welcoming of Crown Prince Akihito during his stopover in Honolulu in 1953 on his way to Great Britain for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
1958
New organization
The Japanese Chamber announced that it was going to alter its policy regarding community projects and instead focus more on its original purpose of promoting business activities among its members.
On June 13 of the year, the Japanese Chamber called special representatives from various community organizations to discuss its proposed change of focus and what should be done with regard to handling the welcoming of Prince and Princess Mikasa, who were planning a visit to Hawaii. Filled with a sense of urgency, attendees at this particular meeting decided that an organization needed to be formed to bring together volunteers focused on community-oriented projects. The special gathering, thus, turned into a planning meeting for these so-called new organizations. After much deliberation Motohiro Tanimura was voted in as the chairman pro-tmep. A resolution to form this new organization was also adopted.
1958 June 18
Rengo Kyokai
Sawajiro Ozaki was selected as the new organization’s planning committee chair along with 26 committee members. The first meeting was held at the Soto Mission on Nuuanu Avenue on June 18, 1958. The committee adopted the name Hawaii Nikkeijin Rengo Kyokai, or United Japanese Society of Hawaii (UJSH), for the new organization and agreed that officers would be selected by a general membership vote and organizational By-laws drafted.
1958 September 8
Birth of UJSH
The first general membership meeting of the newly formed UJSH was held at the YBA Building in Nuuanu. One hundred thirty representatives from 68 organizations gathered for this meeting. Motohiro Tanimura volunteered to preside and Teruo Kobayashi volunteered to serve as the secretary. An organizational constitution was approved and officers, directors, and various committee chairmen were formally selected. Thus after gaining wide support in the Hawaii Community, the United Japanese Society of Hawaii was born (commonly referred to by its abbreviated Japanese name, “Renkyo”).
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The first officers
The first officers of the UJSH (1958-59) were as follows: President Motohiro Tanimura; Vice Presidents Tokuyoshi Awamura, Kaoru Ota, and Ginki Ikehara; Secretaires Tokuji Adachi (Japanese) and Hiroshi Okahata (English); Treasurer Bunkichi Suda; Assistant Treasurers Yoshimasa Yonemoto, Yoshihisa Fujino, and Shozo Kondo.
Throughout the years, UJSH has played key roles in community-wide celebrations of statehood and immigration anniversaries, during visits by U.S. Presidents, from Dwight Eisenhower in 1960 to Bill Clinton in 1990’s, and greeting incoming Japanese prime ministers and imperial family members.
What we do
ANNUAL INSTALLATION & RECOGNITION BANQUET– (JUNE)
The newly elected officers and Board of Directors are sworn in at this event. At this time, UJSH honors and presents Outstanding Achievement Service Awards to Kenjin Kai nominated members for their special community service contributions.
YOSEBAKA OBON HOYO– (JULY)
A public memorial service is held at the Makiki Cemetery in July during the obon season for the early immigrants who had no known relatives and are buried in muenbotoke (untended graves). Priests from temples of various sects are invited and jointly conduct the services.
NENCHOSHA IAN ENGEI TAIKAI – (SEPTEMBER)
TSUKIMI NO KAI – (OCTOBER)
KING KALAKAUA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION –(NOVEMBER)
GOODWILL VISITATION TO HALE PULAMA MAU –(NOVEMBER)
WOLFHOUNDS' CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE – (DECEMBER)
HONOLULU MARATHON – (DECEMBER)
SHINNEN ENKAI – (JANUARY)
HANASHIKATA – (APRIL)
JAPANESE SHIP VISITS (Varies)
Our NPO Status
UNITED JAPANESE SOCIETY OF HAWAII
was incorporated under the laws of Hawaii on 01/03/1963 ; that it is an existing nonprofit corporation; and that, as far as the records of this Department reveal, has complied with all of the provisions of the Hawaii Nonprofit Corporations Act, regulating domestic nonprofit corporations.
David Jones・デイビッド ジョーンズ
Presidents Message
Aloha and warm greetings on behalf of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii!
Thank you for being so interested in our organization. This year marks our 66th anniversary, a testament to the enduring spirit of our community. Our theme, “Jiseidai no tame ni” (For the sake of the next generation), reflects our commitment to preserving our unique Japanese American heritage for both present and future generations.
As a “shin issei” (new first generation) born in Okinawa and now living in Hawaii, I’ve experienced firsthand the strength and warmth of our local Japanese community. I’ve also come to understand the immense efforts of our predecessors in building this vibrant legacy.
It is vital that we focus on engaging our younger generation, inspiring them to explore their cultural roots and embrace their Japanese American identity. By fostering their interest and participation, we ensure the continuity of our traditions and values for years to come.
Let’s work together and continue to honor our heritage by supporting our cherished Japanese-American culture here and nurturing our cultural identity. Together, we can ensure that our traditions thrive and enrich the lives of generations to come.
Mahalo for your continued support!