Preserving History, Cultivating Community, and Celebrating Diversity in the Heart of Multicultural Hawaii.
Today is Monday, March 24
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.
UPCOMING EVENT
May 3, 2025Mokuhanga - Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printmaking
Held on Saturdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 @ 11 am to 2pm - Yamanoha is a talented painter and printmaker based in Volcano, Hawai‘i. With years of experience as an art educator, he brings a deep understanding of traditional and contemporary techniques to his work. He honed his skills in Mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock printing) while studying in Kyoto, Japan, on a prestigious Monbusho government grant.
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. Only $8 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