In a time when cultural heritage and community care matter more than ever, the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation (JWSF) installed its 2025–2026 board—continuing its long-standing mission of education, philanthropy, and service. The event was held on Saturday, July 20, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s Generations Ballroom. Although keynote speaker U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda was unable to attend in person, Emily Natori–Community Relations Manager for Congresswoman Tokuda–delivered her heartfelt words of inspiration, encouraging members to continue preserving culture and history amid today’s political and social challenges.
Prior to the general membership meeting and luncheon, guests enjoyed a lively silent auction and shopped for handmade crafts and ono baked goods—including energy bars, candied pecans, cookies, and tsukemono—all lovingly prepared by JWSF members.
Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm conducted the formal installation of the 2025–2026 officers and directors:
- President: Sarah Kamida-Nakagawa
- President-Elect: Staci Yoshihara
- Vice President: Wayne Yagi
- Secretaries: Jewel Mahoe and Ashley Nabeshima-Marumoto
- Historian: Ruth Matsunaga
- Treasurer: Keith Regan
- Past President: Carole Hayashino
- Communication: Lynn Araki-Regan
- Community Service: Irene Nakamoto and Corday Feagins
- Development: Ann Isobe and Dyan Mitsuyama
- Membership Relations: Heather Furutani and Amy Young
- Nominations: Lori Fujikawa-Casey and Kathy Inkinen
- Program: Suzette Lau Hee and Libby Lum
- Scholarship and Grants: Naomi Kanna and Lauren Sugai
- By-Laws and Policy: Melanie Takahashi
Emcee Lauren Sugai guided guests through the event program, which included the presentation of a donation to Kuakini Health Systems, accepted by President and CEO Gregg Oishi. Since its founding in 1954, JWSF has donated over $1 million to community organizations, with Kuakini Home for the Elderly as its primary beneficiary.
This year’s scholarship recipient, Chirstyn Okuno, was recognized for her dedication to healthcare. A graduate of Creighton University with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Okuno will continue her studies at the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, focusing on gerontology.
The event concluded with a drawing for a $200 Hawaiian Airlines travel voucher, generously and anonymously donated—sending one lucky guest off with a smile.
Founded in 1954, JWSF is an educational and service organization with a mission to promote culture, provide education, and support the community by addressing the evolving needs of society.
To learn more about JWSF and its upcoming events, visit www.jwsf.org.
