Events
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.
October 4, 2025
19th ‘Musical Nostalgia’ Concert
The Hawaii Japanese Center presents its 19th annual Musical Nostalgia karaoke concert on Saturday, October 4, from 1:30–4:30 p.m. at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale in Hilo. This year’s program features performances by two dynamic all-female groups: the acapella quartet No Divas and the five-member ensemble Gonin Musume, made up of respected community leaders. Proceeds benefit the Hawaii Japanese Center, dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of Hawaii’s immigrant forebears. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, available at select Hilo locations.
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August 2, 2025 to August 30, 2025
‘Yokai Parade’: World Traveling Exhibition Sure to Raise Spirits in Hilo
“Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan” is a world-traveling exhibition produced by the prestigious Tokyo-based Japan Foundation. The exhibit presents Japan’s fascinating yokai culture through Japanese scrolls, woodblock prints, toys and films curated by Koichi Yumoto, regarded as one of Japan’s foremost experts on the subject. “Yokai Parade” traces the transformation of these supernatural beings from fearsome monsters to less scary – even charming – figures through contemporary media arts.
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July 12, 2025 to July 13, 2025
Mukashi Mukashi Sale
Please join us on July 12 & 13 at the Hawaii Japanese Center for our popular sale of treasured vintage gems - ceramic, glass, and lacquer ware, vases, Japanese dolls, books, kimono, obi, fabric, trinkets and more.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Saturday, July 12 & 13 at 9 AM - 1 PM
SPECIAL MEMBER EXCLUSIVE HOUR
Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 8 AM - 9 AM
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May 3, 2025 to May 31, 2025
Mokuhanga - 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.
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February 15, 2025
Wabunka at HJC
Introduction to Japanese Culture Calligraphy: New Yamamoto Moji Make candle shade and chopstick wrappers. Enjoy your tea with a Japanese snack!
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November 14, 2024 to November 23, 2024
2024 Christmas Sale!
One-of-a-kind, ready-to-go gifts from local crafters and donations from local businesses, thoughtfully curated by our wonderful volunteers. The gift shop will also be stocked with plants and floral bouquets. Every purchase helps support the Hawaii Japanese Center and its mission to preserve and share Japanese culture and heritage. Shop local, support a great cause, and find the perfect holiday gifts!
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October 5, 2024
18th Musical Nostalgia
The Hawaii Japanese Center presents 18th Musical Nostalgia featuring the Big Island's most talented singers!
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September 7, 2024 to September 8, 2024
Mukashi Mukashi Sale
Please join us at the Hawaii Japanese Center for our popular sale of treasured vintage gems - ceramic, glass, and lacquer ware, vases, Japanese dolls, books, kimono, obi, fabric, trinkets and more.
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February 24, 2024
Book Talk and Signing with Pieper Toyama
Written in an informal "talk story" style, Toyama's book contains stories and photos of his upbringing on a sugar plantation on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, including treasured memories of school life, sports, blazing cane fires, annual fishing derbies, and more.
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February 10, 2024
Book Talk and Signing with Gail Okawa
In her book and her upcoming talk, US Imprisonment of Hawaii's Japanese in World War II "From KMC to Santa Fe, New Mexico: The Long Journey of Hawaii Island's GAIL Y. OKAWA WWII Internees," she features her grandfather, Rev. Watanabe, who was minister at Olaa Japanese Congregational Church when Pearl Harbor was attacked, along with other (many Big Islanders) stories. Dr. Okawa grew up in Honolulu and is a retired English professor.
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December 9, 2023
‘Craft for Kids’ Celebrates ‘Heroes - The Nisei Soldiers of World War II’
Author and educator Carolyn Morinishi will present two craft workshops for kids relating to her latest book, Heroes - The Nisei Soldiers of World War II.
First craft session: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Second craft session: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
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