Past Events

Overview

Stephen Miwa shares the rediscovered diary of his father, an A-Bomb Survivor and his quest for peace.

Stephen Miwa will share The Rediscovered Diary of his father, an Atomic Bomb Survivor and His Quest for Peace When the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945, Japanese schoolboy Larry Fumio Miwa faithfully recorded each day’s events in his diary, despite the massive devastation he experienced firsthand. His eyewitness account of the improbable survival of his family and his solitary treks through the abandoned city bears haunting testimony to this unprecedented tragedy. More than 60 years later, Larry—by then a successful banker in Honolulu, Hawai‘i—rediscovered his childhood diary, which has now been reproduced in collaboration with his son, Stephen Miwa, in Gambare Hiroshima—Don’t Give Up! Newly released by Legacy Isle Publishing, the book includes the complete diary in both Japanese and English, as well as historic photos and vivid illustrations by atom bomb survivors—capturing both the vibrancy of Hiroshima before the bombing and the horrific reality that unfolded afterward. Books available for purchase and signing at the event.

Barefoot Gen is a powerful animated film that follows six‑year‑old Gen Nakaoka and his family in Hiroshima during the final months of World War II.

Barefoot Gen (83 minutes) is a powerful animated film that follows 6‑year‑old Gen Nakaoka and his family in Hiroshima during the final months of World War II. Through Gen’s eyes, the story reveals the everyday struggles of wartime Japan — food shortages, air‑raid sirens, and a family doing everything they can to hold onto hope.

When the atomic bomb is dropped on Aug. 6, 1945, Gen survives, but his world is shattered. The film traces his and his mother’s fight to endure the devastation that follows: fire, radiation, hunger, and profound loss. Despite the unimaginable circumstances, Gen’s courage and instinct to care for others shine through, offering a deeply human perspective on one of history’s darkest moments.

Please note: The film contains graphic depictions of war, destruction, and injury, which may be difficult for some viewers.

Browse a selection of Japanese and Japanese-inspired items while supporting small business owners. The JCCH Gift Shop and Historical Gallery will be open until 3:00 PM.

The 13th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest returns back home to 1100 University Ave. at the Waiānuenue ma Kapa’akea Parking Lot
(the Old Varsity Building Parking Lot & Coyne St.)
in the heart of Mōʻiliʻili

Join us for Curated Closet Cleanout, a collaborative pop-up event with PITACUS Chop Art and a curated selection of local sellers offering high-quality, pre-loved fashion.

Sunday, June 28 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
PITACUS Chop Art
2535 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826

Browse designer and brand-name clothing, vintage finds, accessories, and unique pieces—all gently worn or in like-new condition.

Cash is recommended, as some vendors may be cash-only.

With Nomura Ryu Dento Ongaku Kyokai Hawaii Shibu

Each June, we gather at the Hawaii Okinawa Center to honor and pay tribute to our ancestors, and the entire Okinawan community who endured the tragic Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Through heartfelt recollections, music, prayers, and the unity of family, we come together to pray for peace and to commemorate those we have lost.

This year, our event carries the theme “With heavy hearts we remember The Battle of Okinawa”. We invite you to join us from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. as we honor the memory of our fallen ancestors and share the inspiring stories of those who overcame the war’s challenges, especially those who thrived in their new lives in Hawaii.

This pot-luck style event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring a dish to share if you are able.

WRITTEN BY Diane Aoki

Joni knows that Alzheimer’s Disease runs in her family and she fears it will take hold of her mother, and herself. To counteract this, she collects “memory beads” — her family’s immigration story from Okinawa, anecdotes her mother shares about growing up in Hilo, histories unearthed in a family genealogy, and narratives of her own journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. Collectively, we see that the relationships between mothers and daughters through five generations are the cords that tie these “memory beads” together.

PERFORMANCE DATES

Thursdays / Fridays / Saturdays at 7 p.m. HST
May 28, 29, 30, June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27

Sundays at 2 p.m. HST
May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28

Taikoza, the masterful Taiko Drummers, are back for two amazing evenings of mind-blowing drumming. Come experience the concert “Voice of the Earth” as we celebrate the Summer Solsitce with this high-energy performance of traditional and original Japanese tunes, featuring  the soulful sound of the bamboo flutes and an amazing array of ancestral Taiko drums. A wonderful program for all ages and the perfect family concert.

When: Sunday, June 21, 2026  at 3:00 PM -4:20 PM

Tickets: Adults:$25.00, (Senior/Children $15)

Discover the exhilarating rhythms of the ancient Taiko drums and the enchanting melodies of bamboo flutes. Taikoza harnesses the potent energy of the Taiko drums to create a captivating atmosphere that transports audiences to new realms of excitement. Drawing from Japan’s vibrant musical and performance traditions, Taikoza has innovatively blended various traditional instruments to produce a fresh, dynamic sound. The group has given performances across Europe, Asia, and extensively toured North America. They have made appearances on ESPN, at the Sumo tournament at Madison Square Garden, and have contributed to the soundtracks of the Nintendo Wii games Red Steel 1 and 2.

Artists:

Musical Director: Marco Lienhard ( Taiko, Shakuhachi, Shinobue and  Noh Flute)

Taiko: Yuki Takaishi-Payne, MacConnell Evans, 

Dance and Taiko: Maddie Hopfield.

Popular Taikoza standards such as Hachijo, Voice of the Earth,  Yatai Bayashi, Miyake, Eisa, Tabi, Itsuki Lullaby and more will be performed

Quotes from the Media: 

“Something strange and wonderful is coming your way. There was thunder and there was lighting and there was the sea crashing against a cliff, and volcanoes. For a few utterly transporting minutes, there was expressed in the metaphors of merciless rhythms and fluttering melodies, anything a listener had experienced, would experience and could imagine experiencing.”

ERIC HUBLER, WASHINGTON POST

This performance is made possible in part by funds from East Winds, Inc. and First Bank of Hawaii

 www.taikoza.com

The mission of East Winds, Inc.DBA Taikoza is to advance public interest and understanding of Japanese and Asian music and performing Arts; expose the public to music from Asian countries through workshops, performances, and production of new works

incorporating elements of Asian music; provide musicians with a forum to expose their work to the public; and conduct any lawful activities that may help accomplish the preceding activities. One key point of the organization is to present programs of the highest quality. Our mission is to bring high-quality programs to schools, communities of different backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

East Winds, Inc. presents more than 220 concerts (live and a few virtual) a year. Performances range from school educational performances  (in public and private schools nationwide) to concerts in colleges and theaters and free community programs. Concerts are held annually in New York City at Symphony Space and other venues around the city. During the summer, East Winds presents free concerts in the parks in New York City, reaching out to audiences of all ages and backgrounds in low-income areas of the city.

Experience “Voice of the Earth”, a unique Taiko drumming concert featuring Marco Lienhard with Taikoza from New York City, accompanied by local taiko groups Puna Taiko and Taishoji Taiko.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice as these performers highlight the ancestral Taiko drum and the vibrant energy it brings. Marco Lienhard, a master of Taiko and Japanese flutes, will enrich the evening with soulful bamboo flute melodies.

Taikoza intertwines the deep resonance of Taiko drums with the expressive Shakuhachi and Shinobue. Savor a dynamic, unforgettable performance celebrating Japan’s musical tradition.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the youth programs of the participating Taiko groups. Thank you to our generous sponsor, First Hawaiian Bank for making this concert possible.

Open to all members and guests of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and affiliated Okinawan clubs, this annual golf tournament brings the community together for friendly competition across multiple flight divisions, including championship, senior, and women’s categories. Participants will compete over multiple rounds, with awards presented at a closing banquet.

Entry Fee:
$160.00 includes green fees, cart fees, City and County of Honolulu user fees, and the awards banquet. Additional banquet tickets are available at $25.00 each.
Super Seniors (75+): $80.00, green fees & cart fees, Sunday user fees & awards banquet.

Entry Deadline: First 120 players or by May 8, 2026, whichever comes first.