United Japanese Society of Hawaii (布哇日系人連合協会）

08/27/2026

PLEASE SUPPORT UJSH (UNITED JAPANESE SOCIETY OF HAWAI’I) through Foodland’s Give Aloha Program Beginning September 1st!

At checkout when shopping at Foodland in the month of September, when you donate, Foodland will provide UJSH with a matching contribution! To donate, just enter your Maikaʻi number. Then tell the cashier you’d like to support UJSH – #77697

Please donate if you can and share our number with friends and family. Mahalo for your support! UJSH #77697

08/27/2026

PLEASE SUPPORT UJSH (UNITED JAPANESE SOCIETY OF HAWAI’I) through Foodland's Give Aloha Program Beginning September 1st!

At checkout when shopping at Foodland in the month of September, when you donate, Foodland will provide UJSH with a matching contribution! To donate, just enter your Maikaʻi number. Then tell the cashier you'd like to support UJSH – #77697

Please donate if you can and share our number with friends and family. Mahalo for your support! UJSH #77697

08/05/2026

A nationally traveling exhibition on the Nisei soldier experience entitled “I am an American” will be coming to the Capitol Modern, Hawai‘i State Art Museum on November 7, 2026 to March 13, 2027.

Please share the flyer with your friends and family.

Hope to see you at the exhibition!

07/28/2026

Thank you, Jonathan Masaki of Hawaii News Now, for including parts of UJSH’s Obon Hōyō service held at Makiki Cemetery on July 17, 2026.

Obon was officially introduced to Hawaii in the late 19th century by early Japanese immigrants working on the sugarcane and pineapple plantations.

07/22/2026

Today, UJSH leaders were honored to attend the Holy Family Home Welcome Ceremony, celebrating a remarkable partnership that has endured for more than seven decades.

Since 1949, the soldiers of the 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds” have faithfully supported the children of Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan. What began with the simple passing of a hat to collect donations has grown into a cherished tradition of compassion, generosity, and friendship. Through the years, the Wolfhounds have helped improve the lives of countless children by supporting the home’s mission and creating lifelong memories through special visits and holiday celebrations.

It was inspiring to hear from military and community leaders, including UJSH Past President Rika Hirata, president of Peace Bridge, as well as the children of Holy Family Home, whose heartfelt welcome reminded us of the lasting impact that kindness and service can have across generations and across the Pacific.

Mahalo to everyone who made today’s ceremony so meaningful, and to the men and women of the 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds” for continuing a legacy of service that extends far beyond the call of duty.

Nec Aspera Terrent — Hardships Do Not Deter Us.

07/18/2026

United Japanese Society of Hawaiʻi Honors Early Japanese Immigrants at Annual Obon Hōyō Memorial Service

As communities across Hawaiʻi continue to observe the Obon season, the United Japanese Society of Hawaiʻi (UJSH) held its annual Obon Hōyō memorial service on July 17, 2026 at Makiki Cemetery, bringing together religious leaders, community leaders, and the public to honor the legacy of Hawaiʻi’s earliest Japanese immigrants.

The annual ceremony paid tribute to the Gannenmono, the first group of Japanese immigrants who arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1868, as well as the Kanyaku Imin, the government-sponsored immigrants who began arriving in 1885. Their courage, perseverance, and hard work laid the foundation for generations of Japanese Americans and helped shape the social, cultural, and economic fabric of modern Hawaiʻi.

Conducted with the assistance of the Hawaiʻi Buddhist Council, the memorial service reflected the spirit of Obon—a time to remember and express gratitude to those who came before us. Attendees gathered in solemn remembrance to offer prayers and pay their respects to the pioneers whose sacrifices created opportunities for future generations.

The service was co-officiated by Bishop Takami Inoue of the Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi and Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi, with additional participation by members of the Hawaiʻi Buddhist Council.

“Each Obon season reminds us of our responsibility to honor those who came before us,” said Lynn Araki-Regan, President of the United Japanese Society of Hawaiʻi. “The Gannenmono and Kanyaku Imin demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination in building new lives in Hawaiʻi. Their legacy continues to inspire us to preserve our heritage, strengthen our communities, and pass these stories on to future generations.”

UJSH extends its sincere appreciation to the Hawaiʻi Buddhist Council, the officiating bishops and clergy, participating organizations, volunteers, and all who attended the memorial service in honoring the enduring contributions of Hawaiʻi’s early Japanese immigrants.

07/17/2026

Thank you to Maui Now for helping to publicize tomorrow’s event!

https://mauinow.com/2026/07/14/memorial-service-to-honor-first-japanese-immigrants-to-hawaiʻi/

07/16/2026

Hope you all enjoy reading UJSH’s July 2026 Newsletter!

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