The United Japanese Society of Hawaii (UJSH) hosted its 67th Annual Installation and Recognition luncheon on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. The event celebrated the installation of incoming president Brian Taniguchi and his board of directors, as well as the contributions of outgoing president David Jones and his board. The installation ceremony was officiated by the Honorable Karen Nakasone, Chief Judge of the Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals.
The luncheon opened with a cultural program featuring Japanese minyo and sanshin music performed by Anju Madoka, Michael Gonhata, and Sho’on Shibata. Traditional Japanese dance was presented by Hanayagi Mitsusumi (Sheree Tamura), followed by an auspicious Okinawan dance by Frances Nakachi Kuba and Eric Kobayashi.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2025 Kenjin Kai Outstanding Member of the Year Awards. This year’s honorees included:
- Barbara Kawakami (posthumous) – Central Oahu Kumamoto Kenjin Kai
- Masako McMahon – Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai
- 2025 Officers and Directors – Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai
- Rev. Tad Iwata – Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjin Kai
- Edna Matsuoka – Hawaii Ehime Kenjin Kai
- Clarisse Kobashigawa – Hawaii United Okinawa Association
- Iwao Sato – Honolulu Niigata Kenjin Kai
- Janelle Perreira – Wahiawa-Waialua Hiroshima Kenjin Kai
Additional honorees included:
The luncheon served as a warm and meaningful tribute to the individuals and organizations whose dedication and leadership continue to enrich Hawaiʻi’s Japanese and Okinawan communities. Outgoing UJSH President David Ryo Jones encouraged all to “continue to invest in our future by nurturing and empowering our next generation of young leaders.”
Incoming UJSH President and former Hawaiʻi Senator Brian Taniguchi expressed his gratitude for Jones’ guidance and looks forward to everyone’s “commitment to building a stronger and more active UJSH that makes more meaningful connections between Hawaiʻi and Japan.” He ended his acceptance speech with “Let’s also work together for peace and a better Hawaiʻi.”
