福井県人会
Welcome to
Hawaii Fukui Kenjinkai
Our History
More than 60 years ago, there was an unofficial but active Kenjinkai with over 60 members, mostly Nikkei, who supported various Fukui Product Fairs sponsored by the Fukui Chamber of Commerce at Shirokiya in Ala Moana Center. In addition to displays and sales of textiles, washi (rice paper), Kawada and Wakasa lacquerware, and world-famous Sabae eyeglass frames, the fairs featured samplings and sales of food products such as Echizen snow crab. The organization was led by Japanese doll-making teacher Mrs. Funamoto. However, the group gradually disbanded with the passing of Mrs. Funamoto and other senior members.
Spearheaded by three individuals from Fukui, the Honolulu Fukui Kenjinkai was re-established on July 1, 2023. At the initial meeting, eight members were in attendance. The new group consists mainly of Shin Issei who work in various fields of business in Hawaii, visit Hawaii from time to time, or have worked in Fukui. As of July 2024, our membership has increased to 13.
Soon after the initial meeting, the officers met with members of the Fukui Chamber of Commerce, who visited Hawaii to reinstate their 43-year-old ties with the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce, which had been interrupted by the pandemic. The officers also visited the Fukui Prefectural Office to encourage future collaboration between the Kenjinkai, the prefectural government, and businesses to promote Fukui Prefecture in Hawaii.
Mission
To build ties among Kenjinkai members, their families, and friends.
To foster mutual awareness and revitalization efforts between Fukui Prefecture and Hawaii.
To promote human, cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between Fukui Prefecture and Hawaii.
Events
Featured by the local newspaper in Fukui
On the occasion of the establishment of the Hawaii Fukui Kenjinkai, the local Fukui Shimbun newspaper published an article with interviews and photos of the members about our thoughts on the establishment of the Kenjinkai and our future goals.
Helps promote in Hawaii a new product launched by a company in Fukui Prefecture
Mizushima, a small uninhabited island in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, is called the “Hawaii of Hokuriku”. MapTravel Co., Ltd. a travel agency in Tsuruga City, started selling “MIZUSHIMA BLUE,” a craft beer inspired by Mizushima, in time for the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line throughout Fukui and Tsuruga on March 16, 2024. In preparation for the launch, the Hawaii Fukui Kenjinkai cooperated in a beer tasting and PR photo shoot in Honolulu.
ALOHA FESTIVAL FUKUI 2024
The largest Hawaiian festival in Fukui was held for the 7th on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Happiterrace. There are many hula performances, hula costume sales booths, garlic shrimp food trucks, local craft beer booths, and more allowed visitors to enjoy Hawaii. Among them, the Hawaii Fukui Kenjin Kai promoted Hawaii to everyone at the venue on the real-time live broadcast with Hawaii, planned by Map Travel, a one of the exhibitors.
Information
Organization
Hawaii Fukui Kenjinkai
ハワイ福井県人会
Address
N/A
Phone
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Website
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Established
2023 July
Founder
Shinobu Fukakusa, Ayumi Jampel, Takanori Kitagawa
Members
13
Presidents Message
Shinobu Fukakusa
Fukui boasts a 1,500-year history of manufacturing and traditional crafts, including washi paper and lacquerware. More recently, local companies specializing in unique technologies, such as eyeglasses and textiles, have excelled in both global and Japanese markets. In nationwide reviews, Fukui proudly ranks first in both children’s academic performance and physical fitness, as well as residents’ happiness. Our Kenjinkai’s mission is to introduce Fukui’s strengths to Hawaii and to share the essence of Hawaii with Fukui.
Gallery
Coming Soon
