Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH), 1600 Kapiolani Boulevard Suite 204, Honolulu, HI (2026)

08/21/2026

🕊️ Continuing the Legacy of Peace: 2026 Hawaii Peace Scholars in Hiroshima — Part 2

As their journey continued, 2026 Hiroshima Peace Scholars Ken Asakura and Chaysie Condaya explored how younger generations can learn about peace and carry its message forward.

On August 5, they participated in the Peace Forum at Hiroshima Jogakuin Junior & Senior High School. Centered on the theme “Peace Education,” the forum brought students together to exchange perspectives on war, peace, and the role of youth in building a more peaceful future.

On August 6, the delegation attended the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony at Peace Memorial Park, joining participants from around the world in remembrance.

Later that day, they met students from Akifuchu High School and participated in the Miwazuru Project, which combines messages of peace with sustainability. They also learned about Sadako Sasaki through an English kamishibai performance.

The scholars then connected with students from Chigasaki City, a sister city of Honolulu, and created lanterns with messages of peace before participating in the evening Lantern Floating Ceremony on the Motoyasu River.

On August 7, the delegation met with the Mayor of Hiroshima, who emphasized the importance of sharing the lessons of war with future generations. They also visited Miyajima and experienced Japanese culture through a tea ceremony, kimono, and omamori making.

Ken and Chaysie returned to Hawaii with a deeper understanding of history, cultural connection, and the importance of listening to different perspectives in building peace.

JASH extends a heartfelt mahalo to Hiroshima Jogakuin Junior & Senior High School, the City of Hiroshima, host families, Ms. Nao Fukuoka of 8th River Hiroshima, and everyone who made this meaningful experience possible.

📖 Read the full report:
jashawaii.org/news/2026hps-trip

Learn more:
jashawaii.org/education/hps

08/20/2026

🕊️ Continuing the Legacy of Peace: 2026 Hawaii Peace Scholars in Hiroshima — Part 1

From July 30 to August 8, 2026, Hiroshima Peace Scholars Ken Asakura (Punahou School) and Chaysie Condaya (Waipahu High School), accompanied by Chaperone Mr. Todd Oshima of Moanalua High School, traveled to Hiroshima, Japan, for a deeply meaningful 10-day program focused on peace, history, and cultural exchange.

Their journey began with orientation activities with Ms. Nao Fukuoka and Ms. Momoka Narasaki of 8th River Hiroshima, followed by a visit to the Pride of Hiroshima exhibit, where they explored Hiroshima’s postwar recovery and identity.

Throughout the following days, the scholars experienced history from many perspectives. They joined a Peace Park Tour led by Hiroshima Jogakuin High School students, visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and spent time with their host families, experiencing everyday life and building personal connections in Hiroshima.

One especially meaningful moment was meeting Ms. Keiko Ogura, a hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor), and hearing her testimony in person after having studied her story during their preparations in Hawaii.

The scholars also visited Noboricho Elementary School, Shukkeien Garden, and Hiroshima Castle, where they learned about A-bomb survivor trees that continue to stand as living symbols of resilience and peace.

During exchanges with local residents and students, Ken and Chaysie presented their family war interview projects and shared their own perspectives on war and peace. They also met Ms. Tomiko Kawano, a classmate of Sadako Sasaki, whose memories offered another deeply personal connection between history and the responsibility of carrying stories forward.

These experiences gave the scholars opportunities not only to learn about Hiroshima’s history, but also to listen, ask questions, exchange perspectives, and consider what peace means for their own generation.

➡️ Part 2: Peace education, August 6 commemorations, and carrying the message forward

📖 Read the full report:
jashawaii.org/news/2026hps-trip

08/19/2026

🌺 Welcome Home, Hawaii Junior Ambassadors! 🌏✨

Following their return from the 38th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka, Japan, the 2026 Hawaii Junior Ambassadors reunited with former participants, families, and members of Bridge Club Hawaii for a special Welcome Home Picnic.

The gathering gave the JAs a chance to reconnect, share memories from their ten-day APCC experience, and reflect on highlights including Marine House, their homestays with volunteer families, and the “We Are the BRIDGE” Festival.

Former Junior Ambassadors and Bridge Club Hawaii members warmly welcomed the 2026 delegation home, celebrating not only the completion of their journey, but also the beginning of their place within the growing APCC alumni community. 💛

Bringing together JAs, alumni, families, and friends, the picnic was a wonderful reminder that the friendships and connections created through APCC continue long after the trip ends.

Through APCC and Bridge Club Hawaii, JASH is proud to continue fostering lifelong international friendships and encouraging young people to grow as global citizens rooted in understanding, respect, and aloha. 🌺🌏

📖 Read the full report:
jashawaii.org/news/2026apcc-post-trip

Learn more about APCC and future opportunities:
jashawaii.org/apcc

08/18/2026

🌏✨ Hawaii Junior Ambassadors Build Global Friendships at the 38th APCC in Fukuoka! 🌺

From July 10–20, 2026, four Junior Ambassadors from Hawaii — Andrew, Nicolas, Aubrey, and Amelia — represented Hawaii and the United States at the 38th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka, Japan.

Accompanied by chaperone Sean Takehara and Peace Ambassador Ella Boswell, the JAs spent ten unforgettable days connecting with children from across the Asia-Pacific through cultural exchange, friendship, and shared experiences.

Their journey included:
🏕️ International activities at Marine House
🏫 A visit to Atago Elementary School
🏠 Homestays with families in Fukuoka
🌏 Friendships with children from around the world
🎉 Participation in the “We Are the BRIDGE” Festival 2026

At the festival’s new Play Zone, the Hawaii delegation introduced visitors to pogs, a favorite childhood game from Hawaii. On stage, they proudly shared Hawaii’s culture through “ʻOli Mahalo” and a hula performance to “Mele ʻOhana.” 🌺

More than a trip, APCC gave the students opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, experience another culture firsthand, and discover how friendships can grow beyond differences in language and background.

We are so proud of our Junior Ambassadors and grateful to the families, sponsors, chaperones, volunteers, and APCC community who continue to make this meaningful experience possible.

📖 Read the full trip report:
jashawaii.org/news/2026apcc-trip

🌏 Learn more about APCC and future opportunities:
jashawaii.org/apcc

08/07/2026

🎓 JASH High School Educational Programs | SY 2026–2027

A new school year is here, and JASH is excited to offer another year of meaningful opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s high school students to learn, connect, and grow!

We are pleased to announce our High School Educational Programs for School Year 2026–2027:

🔴 Japan Day – Fall & Spring
🕊️ Sadako Peace Projects
🧙 Japan Wizards Competition
🌸 Hiroshima Peace Scholarship

Through these programs, students can deepen their understanding of Japan, build leadership and collaboration skills, and create meaningful cross-cultural connections. Some opportunities even include travel to Japan! ✈️🇯🇵

We invite students, teachers, advisors, and school clubs across Hawaiʻi to explore our programs and get involved this school year.

📚 Learn more & view the High School Programs Flyer Packet:
https://bit.ly/4wdn3cE

We look forward to an exciting school year and hope to see you in one of our programs! 🌺

08/05/2026

🎉 Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years of JASH! 🎉

The Japan-America Society of Hawai‘i invites you to support the 2026 Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction, celebrating five decades of friendship, cultural understanding, and partnership between Hawai‘i and Japan.

✨ 2026 Theme
Fifty Years Honored, A Future Inspired

This year, we are proud to recognize ABC Stores and Kuakini Health System for their meaningful contributions to our community.

📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026

🔔 Important Deadlines

🎁 Silent Auction Donation Deadline
September 3, 2026

We welcome donations of products, gift certificates, experiences, and other items for our Silent Auction.

🤝 Sponsorship Deadline
September 15, 2026

Become a sponsor and join us in celebrating this historic milestone while supporting JASH’s educational, cultural, and community programs.

For sponsorship opportunities, Silent Auction information, and online forms, please visit:

jashawaii.org/bridge-awards-dinner-2026

Your participation and support help JASH continue connecting Hawai‘i, Japan, and the United States.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

08/01/2026

🌺 Building Connections Across the Pacific 🇯🇵🤝🌺

JASH was honored to welcome 15 high school teachers from across Japan during their visit to Hawaiʻi to explore future exchange opportunities with local high schools.

The group gathered at the Kupu Center, where they learned about Kupu’s inspiring work in environmental stewardship and community engagement. They also enjoyed a hands-on poi pounding experience, creating a wonderful opportunity to connect, share ideas, and experience Hawaiian culture together.

These meaningful conversations and cultural exchanges help strengthen the relationship between Hawaiʻi and Japan while creating new opportunities for students on both sides of the Pacific.

A heartfelt mahalo to Kupu for hosting this special visit and to all the educators who joined us. We look forward to seeing these connections grow into future student exchange opportunities!

🌏 Together, we’re building bridges through education and cultural exchange.

07/26/2026

🕊️ 2026 HIROSHIMA PEACE SCHOLARSHIP
Preparing for Hiroshima – Part 2

As their departure for Hiroshima approaches, our 2026 Hiroshima Peace Scholarship scholars have continued developing the knowledge, communication skills, and personal connections they will carry with them to Japan.

In June, the delegates visited the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi for the Okage Sama De Gallery Tour, where they learned about Japanese immigration to Hawaiʻi and the experiences of the local Japanese American community during World War II.

They also received media training from Ms. Jocelyn Collado of Becker Communications. Through mock interviews and hands-on coaching, the scholars practiced communicating confidently as representatives of the Hiroshima Peace Scholarship.

On July 18, the delegates completed their senbazuru—a garland of 1,000 folded paper cranes symbolizing peace and hope. They will present it at the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima.

The scholars also:

🎤 Practiced their joint self-introduction
📖 Refined interviews about their families’ and friends’ wartime experiences
🎭 Rehearsed their cultural performance
🏠 Met their Hiroshima host families for the first time through Zoom

On July 20, they participated in an online exchange with students from Akifuchu High School in Hiroshima. The students shared their peace activities, including kamishibai paper-theater performances about Sadako Sasaki.

The delegation looks forward to meeting the Akifuchu students in person following the Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6.

Ken, Chaysie, and Mr. Oshima will travel to Hiroshima carrying stories of resilience, symbols of hope, and a commitment to listening and learning across cultures.

We wish them a meaningful and inspiring journey and look forward to sharing more about their experiences in Hiroshima.

Read the full report:
jashawaii.org/news/2026hps-workshops

Learn more:jashawaii.org/education/hps

07/25/2026

🕊️ 2026 HIROSHIMA PEACE SCHOLARSHIP
Preparing for Hiroshima – Part 1

Our 2026 Hiroshima Peace Scholarship scholars, Ken Asakura of Punahou School and Chaysie Alexa Condaya of Waipahu High School, together with chaperone Mr. Todd Oshima of Moanalua High School, have been preparing for their upcoming 10-day journey to Hiroshima.

Since March, the delegates have participated in monthly workshops and community programs designed to deepen their understanding of peacebuilding, World War II history, oral history, and the longstanding ties between Hawaiʻi and Japan.

Their experiences have included:

🕊️ An orientation workshop with peace advocate Ms. Yumi Saito
🤝 An exchange with students from Hiroshima Jogakuin High School
🦢 Sadako Peace Projects at Pearl Harbor
🎤 Oral history training with Mr. Micah Mizukami
🌏 A virtual conversation with Mr. Yuji Sasaki, nephew of Sadako Sasaki
🚶 Participation in the Oahu Visitor Industry Charity Walk as part of Team JASH
🌺 The Sadako Peace Ceremony at Pearl Harbor

At the ceremony, the scholars had the special opportunity to meet Mr. Masahiro Sasaki, Sadako Sasaki’s older brother, and share their thoughts about how younger generations can continue building peace.

Through listening, reflection, storytelling, and meaningful exchanges, Ken and Chaysie have been exploring how history can guide us toward greater empathy, understanding, and reconciliation.

Their journey is not only about learning from the past, but also about building new friendships and carrying the message of peace into the future.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as the delegation completes its final preparations for Hiroshima.

Read the full report:
jashawaii.org/news/2026hps-workshops

Learn more about the Hiroshima Peace Scholarship:
jashawaii.org/education/hps

07/24/2026

💙 THANK YOU FROM KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL 💙

We were deeply touched to receive these thoughtful messages from the Kapolei High School Level A team following their participation in the Japan Wizards Competition and their journey to Japan.

Through the competition and travel experience, the students shared that they gained a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture, discovered the importance of language and relationships, formed new connections, and broadened their understanding of the world.

Their words also included heartfelt congratulations to JASH as we celebrate our 50th anniversary:

✨ “JASH truly inspires me and has deeply made an impact in my life.”

✨ “Going abroad and being in a different culture has really opened my mind.”

✨ “I hope this organization can continue its work for many more years, so other high school students can experience what I was able to.”

Messages like these remind us why JASH’s educational programs are so meaningful. For 50 years, JASH has worked to strengthen the friendship between Hawaiʻi and Japan while creating opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s youth to learn, connect, and grow.

Mahalo to the Kapolei High School students and their teacher, Ms. Darlene Chang, for sharing this beautiful presentation with us. We are grateful to have been part of your journey and look forward to seeing how you carry these experiences into the future.

Learn about Japan Wizards Competition :
jashawaii.org/education/jwc

Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH)

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