Preserving History, Cultivating Community, and Celebrating Diversity in the Heart of Multicultural Hawaii.
Today is Tuesday, August 18
PUBLIC HOURS
Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
(Closed Federal and State Holidays)
The Hawaii Japanese Center (HJC) is dedicated to preserving the rich history and traditions of Hawaii's Japanese immigrants. Through our diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, books, and documents, donated by the community, we aim to educate and inspire appreciation for Hawaii's ethnic diversity and aloha spirit. We engage the community through exhibits, speakers, films, workshops, and cultural programs, fostering partnerships with other community groups to host and promote cultural activities, ensuring the lessons of our multicultural society are passed on to future generations.
NEW EVENTS
August 28, 2026No Sked For B-U!
Join "Da Pidgin Guerrilla" himself, Lee A. Tonouchi, for a reading at the Hawaii Japanese Center on Friday, August 28 at 5 pm. Hawaii's Poet Laureate (2026–2029) has spent over three decades championing Pidgin as a legitimate language — work that earned him the 2023 AAAL Distinguished Public Service Award. His books include the award-winning Significant Moments in da Life of Oriental Faddah and Son and Okinawan Princess: Da Legend of Hajichi Tattoos, plus his newest release, Chiburu: Anthology of Hawai'i Okinawan Literature.
June 27, 2026 to August 22, 2026“I Love Sushi”, Japan Foundation’s traveling exhibition
Presented by the Japan Foundation and hosted at the Hawaii Japanese Center in Hilo, I Love Sushi is a free traveling exhibition exploring the rich history and global journey of sushi. Spanning over 1,000 years of culinary evolution, the exhibit traces sushi from its ancient origins in Japan to its status as a worldwide phenomenon through ukiyo-e paintings, woodblock prints, video installations, and a full replica of a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant.
Beyond food, the exhibition offers a window into broader Japanese history and culture, while also acknowledging Hawaii's own deep traditions around raw fish and rice.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Individual - $40/yr
Family (children 18 and under) - $50/yr
Researcher and patron - $100/yr
Business/Organization - $250/yr
Lifetime Supporter - $1,000 (one time)
Membership includes free admission to HJC exhibitions, discounts on workshop fees, and special deals in our gift shop.
Download the membership application
GROUP TOURS
Students, scholars and visitors in general are invited to contact the HJC to schedule group visits. Guided tours of the exhibit and center resources by the center’s executive director/curator can be arranged. Tours are given in English. Visiting groups usually provide their own Japanese translator, if needed, or translation services can be arranged by HJC with adequate notice.
Email info@hawaiijapanesecenter.com to schedule a group tour.
FEATURED GIFT SHOP MERCH
Come checkout the Cane Haul Road Hand Towels made by Grant Kagimoto. Starting from $10 each!
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHT
From the Seeds of Local exhibit"Palaka shirts became popular in the 1920s (and 30s). The fabric was made of cotton with a blue and white plaid design. Later, many of the hapai-ko (packing cane) men began using ahina fabric for their shirts. Ahina is a thick cotton fabric (denim) dyed blue."
— Hiroo Sato, Pahoa Yesterday, 200