山口県人会

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Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai

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Our History

On June 16, 1957, Mr. Taichi Sato and other descendents of Yamaguchi-ken held the Inauguration Ceremony of the Hawaii Yamaguchi Kenjinkai. The Prime Minister of Japan Nobusuke Kishi, who was from Yamaguchi-ken and in Hawai'i on a state visit, attended the inaugural ceremony and delivered a congratulatory speech. Soon, the name changed to Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai (HYK) as there were other Yamaguchi Kenjinkai on Hawai’i Island, Maui, and Kaua’i.
From the first Prime Minister of Japan, who was from Yamaguchi Prefecture, to the first Yamaguchi immigrants to Hawaii, HYK stands proud in our heritage and our forebears’ contributions to Hawaii’s history. The values of hard work, pride, and perseverance that the Yamaguchi Issei brought to Hawaii are an important part of our legacy. The world famous Kintai-kyo bridge in Iwakuni City clearly represents the link between our Issei pioneers and present-day Yamaguchi descendants. We cherish and honor the enduring bond with our contemporary Yamaguchi brethren through HYK.

Mission

From its inception, Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai was established to promote fellowship amongst its members and other ethnic groups. Additionally, the club has pursued its goal to coordinate and seek cooperation of various organizations in furthering and fostering a rich relationship between the people of Japan and the citizens of the United States of America. Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai seeks to promote and share the culture and traditions of the people of Yamaguchi Prefecture and to perpetuate the same, particularly with descendants of Yamaguchi Prefecture living on the island of O’ahu.

We are also very excited to be in the beginning stages of establishing a formal sister state relationship with Yamaguchi-ken. This has been a dream for some time, and we look forward to establishing an official relationship to even further strengthen our mission to connect with our Yamaguchi roots.

Events

'Ohana Festival at Moi'ili'ili Field

Members of HYK eagerly look forward to participating in our food booth at the annual ‘Ohana Festival. Together, our many hands joyfully prepare, cook, bake, and sell our delicious fare. Each hard-working member plays a vital role in the huge success of the day’s events.

Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai Shinnen Enkai

Our yearly Shinnen Enkai brings our membership together for our formal annual membership meeting. The meeting is always followed by a sumptuous brunch buffet and lively games and entertainment. Everyone goes home happy with a full stomach and loads of great prizes!

Kaiyu Maru Aloha PIcnic at Ala Moana Beach Park

Every year, the fishing vessel Kaiyu Maru makes its trans-Pacific journey from Japan to Hawaii with a full crew, students, and instructors. When they finally arrive in Honolulu, HYK welcomes everyone aboard the Kaiyu Maru with open arms and hosts a cheerful picnic at Ala Moana Beach Park for a day of ono local food, games, and warm friendship.

Information

Organization

Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai
ホノルル 山口県人会

Address

N/A

Phone

N/A

Email

HonYamaguchiKenjinkai@gmail.com

Website

N/A

Established

1957 June

Founder

Mr. Taichi Sato

Members

100+

Presidents Message

Gail Masami Wakatake

Yamaguchi is one of the most picturesque and distinguished prefectures in Japan. With its iconic Kintai-kyo and history of national leaders, we are most certainly proud of our rich heritage. And what an honor and privilege it is to continue the mission of Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai in the footsteps of my father, Masao Wakatake, one of our club’s past presidents. He was completely committed to nurturing close friendships with Yamaguchi descendants in Japan and in Hawai’i, and it is with great energy and passion that I dedicate myself to join TOGETHER with the special members of Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai to strengthen and deepen our ties.

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Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjinkai

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