Hawaii Japanese Center

08/20/2026

No Sked For B-U!
A reading with Hawaii’s Poet Laureate Lee A. Tonouchi

Popularly known as “Da Pidgin Guerrilla,” Lee Tonouchi will present a reading of his works at the Hawaii Japanese Center on Friday, August 28, at 5 pm. For over three decades, Tonouchi has campaigned for Pidgin (aka Hawai‘i Creole) to be accepted as a legitimate language. He was awarded the 2023 American Association for Applied Linguistics Distinguished Public Service Award for his work in raising public awareness of important language-related issues and promoting linguistic social justice. His Pidgin poetry collection Significant Moments in da Life of Oriental Faddah and Son won the Association for Asian American Studies Book Award. His Pidgin children’s picture book, Okinawan Princess: Da Legend of Hajichi Tattoos, won a Skipping Stones Honor Award. His latest book is Chiburu: Anthology of Hawai‘i Okinawan Literature.

Tonouchi is Hawaii’s Poet Laureate from 2026–2029. Titled “No Sked For B-U,” Tonouchi’s talk will include a blend of of Pidgin poetry and prose. “Das my vision, he says. “I see my role as being able for empower people – for give 'em da tools dey need for be writers demselves so dey can represent their own communities and life experiences. Da goal is for have one greater diversity of voices as part of Hawai‘i’s local literature. No sked for B-U.”
Tonouchi’s reading is supported in part by the Hawaii Council for the Humanities, Hawaii State Public Library System, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the Hawaii Japanese Center. The program is free and open to the public. The Hawaii Japanese Center gift shop will have several of Tonouchi’s books on sale. He will sign books after his reading.

The Hawaii Japanese Center is located at 751 Kanoelehua Avenue. Reservations are recommended either by email: [email protected], or by calling: (808) 934-9611.

07/29/2026

Looking back at all the sushi photos weve captured so far — every shot has its own little moment.
Mahalo to everyone who’s visited and made this exhibit feel alive.

Come see the I Love Sushi exhibit Wednesday–Saturday, 11AM-3PM. Exhibit ends August 22, 2026.

06/06/2026

🍣 “I Love Sushi” Traveling Exhibition 🇯🇵
Experience the art, history, and culture behind Japan’s most beloved dish!
From ukiyo‑e prints to realistic sushi models, this exhibit celebrates sushi’s journey from Edo‑period origins to global fame.
📍 Hawai‘i Japanese Center,
751 Kanoelehua Ave. Hilo
🗓️ June 27 – August 22, 2026
⏰ Wed–Sat, 11 AM – 3 PM | Free admission

Presented by the Japan Foundation ✨

05/09/2026

Donation Spotlight ✨ This framed collection of vintage tickets comes from the Tanimoto Theatres, part of a family‑run network that once brought movies and community gatherings to plantation towns across Hawai‘i Island. Each ticket is a colorful reminder of our island’s entertainment history. Mahalo to our generous donor for preserving this special piece of the past.

05/07/2026

04/29/2026

New keiki shirts just arrived in our Gift Shop! 🎉
In honor of Children’s Day, all Children’s Shirts — including these new designs — will be $12 from April 29 to May 2, 2026 (11AM–3PM).

04/15/2026

Gift Shop Spotlight ✨ Our librarian Hiromi has crafted a lovely selection of sashiko table mats and coasters for the gift shop.
Sashiko, meaning “little stabs,” is a traditional form of Japanese hand‑stitching used for both reinforcement and decoration.
She also made two pairs of pants using bon dance towels — each one a unique, creative piece.

04/08/2026

Sharing a few gift shop favorites. Stop by Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–3pm.