山形県人会

Welcome to

Hawaii Yamagata Kenjin Kai

Contact Us
Address: c/o 35 Wood Street Honolulu, HI 96817

Our History

In 1967, visiting Yamagata Governor Toukichi Akibo and his group met with some Hawaii residents from Yamagata. At a welcome party, it was unanimously decided to form Hawaii Yamagata Kenjin Kai. Together they planned to preserve the precious history, culture, traditions, and promote the foods of Yamagata, such as Imoni Kai (traditional potato and beef stew which is served during the celebration of the autumn harvest), Tsuyahime rice, Hanagasa Ondo (a folk dance expressing the hearts of Yamagata as well as the Japanese people), and Tendou (shoji chess played by real people).
They also made efforts to deepen ties by having exchange meetings with Kamo HS students of CHOKAIMARU, a ocean navigation training vessel. The first official kenjin kai meeting was held on April 1968. In 1969, Hawaii Yamagata Kenjin Kai became a member of United Japanese Society of Hawaii. In 2018 we celebrated our 50th Anniversary and continue to have a strong support from the governor of Yamagata's office.

Mission

Our mission is to deepen our relationship and friendship between Yamagata, Japan and America. By promoting and making our kenjin kai accessible to everyone, we can continue to pass down our traditions and heritage to future generations.

Events

Shinnen Kai

Shinnen Kai is our annual New Year luncheon. As we gather together, we reflect on the highlights of the past year and share ideas for the new year.

Pan Pacific Festival

Participating in their events and the popular parade through Waikiki, dancing on the Hanagasa Ondo.

Imoni Kai

Definitely our popular event, we gather together, preparing the Yamagata-style Imoni (araimo potato and beef stew) and have lunch. After our hearty meal, we ready to dance the Hanagasa Ondo.

Information

Organization

Hawaii Yamagata Kenjin Kai
ハワイ山形県人会

Address

c/o 35 Wood Street Honolulu, HI 96817

Phone

808-371-6850

Email

iris.tani10@gmail.com

Website

N/A

Established

1968 April

Founder

N/A

Members

31

Presidents Message

Iris Taniguchi

Yamagata and Hawaii may be far apart geographically, I would like to unite the richness of Yamagata and the aloha spirit. As president, I am sincerely excited to see what next year will bring. Come and let us discover Yamagata together.

Gallery

Hawaii Yamagata Kenjin Kai

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