Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii facts for kids
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, viewed from South Beretania Street
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| Formation | May 28, 1987 |
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| Type | cultural center, history museum, nonprofit |
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Executive Director
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Nate Gyotoku |
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) is a special place in Moiliili, Hawaii. It is like a museum and a community center. The JCCH teaches people about the history and culture of Japanese Americans in Hawaii. It especially focuses on a difficult time called internment during World War II.
Contents
History of the JCCH
Plans to build the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii began in 1982. The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce wanted a place for groups to meet. They wanted to practice and share Japanese culture. The JCCH officially opened on May 28, 1987. It is located in Moiliili, a neighborhood in Honolulu. Many Japanese families lived there.
By 1989, a group working to raise money collected $7.5 million. This money came from the Keidanren and other Japanese groups. It helped buy land and build a new home for the JCCH. The first part of the building was finished in 1991. It was named the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Building. The second part was completed in 1994.
Saving the Center
In 2002, the JCCH announced a big problem. They had millions of dollars in debt from building the second phase. They thought they might have to sell their building and land. But JCCH members quickly started a committee. They called it "Save the Center." Colbert Matsumoto led this group.
They worked very hard and raised $6 million in just 47 days. The lenders, who gave the JCCH the loan, also forgave $1.5 million in interest. This meant the JCCH did not have to pay that extra money. After this, the organization made some changes. They had fewer board members and new leaders. They also updated their main goal. Once the debt was paid, they could use their money for programs. They could also focus on reaching out to the community.
Finding Honouliuli Internment Camp
In 1998, a TV station asked about the Honouliuli internment camp. Volunteers at the JCCH Resource Center started looking for it. In 2002, they found the site of the camp. They worked with the University of Hawaii West Oahu. They did archaeological surveys to study the area.
The JCCH then worked to make the camp site part of the National Park Service. They wanted it to be a National Monument. In 2014, the JCCH started making short films. These films were about internment. One was called "The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese-Americans in Hawaii." Honouliuli became a National Monument in February 2015. The JCCH also received money to study and protect the site. They also use it to teach people about internment in Hawaii.
JCCH Exhibits
Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you
The main exhibit at the JCCH is called "Okage Sama De." This Japanese phrase means "I am what I am because of you." It opened in 1995. This exhibit shows the history of Japanese immigration to Hawaii. It covers the time from 1868 until today.
The exhibit starts by showing the values that the first Japanese immigrants, called issei, brought with them. Then, it shows what plantation life was like. It also shows the story of picture brides. There are sections about World War II and the brave soldiers of the 100th Battalion and 442nd. In the middle of the exhibit, there is a theater. It shows short films made by the Center. The exhibit ends with a section about life in Hawaii after the war.
The JCCH has also hosted other exhibits. One was "Courage and Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American WWII Experience." This exhibit came from the Go For Broke National Education Center.
After a space center in Kona closed, some items from astronaut Ellison Onizuka were moved. These items, including a Moon rock, are now on display at the JCCH.
Honouliuli Education Center
The Honouliuli Education Center opened on October 26, 2016. It is an extra part of the "Okage Sama De" exhibit. This center focuses on the experiences of Japanese-American internees. These were people held at the Honouliuli internment camp. It has photographs, videos, and items used by the internees. You can also take a virtual tour of the camp site.
JCCH Events
New Years Ohana Festival
The JCCH has held the New Years Ohana Festival every year since 1993. "Ohana" means family in Hawaiian. This festival includes mochi pounding, which is making rice cakes. There are also performances, games, and a craft fair. Many vendors sell delicious Japanese food. You can also see demonstrations of cultural arts. These include tea ceremony, bonsai (miniature trees), and sumo wrestling.
Sharing the Spirit of Aloha Gala
The Gala is the JCCH's biggest event for raising money. During this special evening, the Center honors people. They recognize those who have helped the Japanese American community. They also honor those who have promoted Japanese culture.
See also
- Hawaii United Okinawa Association
- Japanese American National Museum
- Japanese in Hawaii
- Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
