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's a cultural center and history museum that teaches about the experiences of Japanese-Americans in Hawaii. A big part of its focus is on the history of internment during World War II.
Contents
Discovering Japanese-American History
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) helps people learn about Japanese culture and history in Hawaii. It is also known as Hawai Nihon Bunka Sentā in Japanese. The center is a non-profit organization.
How the Center Started
Plans for the JCCH began in 1982. The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce wanted a place for groups to meet. They also wanted a place to practice Japanese traditions. The JCCH officially opened on May 28, 1987. It is located in Moiliili, a neighborhood in Honolulu with many Japanese residents.
By 1989, a fundraising group collected $7.5 million. This money came from the Keidanren and other Japanese groups. It helped buy land and build the center. The first part of the building, the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Building, finished in 1991. The second part was completed in 1994.
Saving the Center
In 2002, the JCCH faced a big problem. It had millions of dollars in debt from building the second phase. The center announced it might have to sell its building and land.
But JCCH members quickly formed a committee called "Save the Center." Colbert Matsumoto led this group. They worked hard and raised $6 million in just 47 days! The lenders also forgave $1.5 million in interest. This amazing effort saved the center. After paying off the debt, the JCCH could focus more on its programs. They also improved their outreach to the community.
Finding Honouliuli Internment Camp
In 1998, a TV station asked about the Honouliuli internment camp. Volunteers at the JCCH Resource Center began to search. In 2002, they successfully rediscovered the camp site.
After doing archaeological studies with the University of Hawaii West Oahu, the JCCH pushed for the site to become a National Monument. This would make it part of the National Parks system. In 2014, the JCCH started making short films about internment. One film was called "The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese-Americans in Hawaii."
Honouliuli officially became a National Monument in February 2015. The JCCH also received grants to study and protect the site. These grants also help them teach the public about internment in Hawaii.
Special Exhibitions
Okage Sama De: I Am What I Am Because of You
The main exhibit at the JCCH is called "Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you." This exhibit opened in 1995. It tells the story of Japanese immigration to Hawaii from 1868 to 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 features stories of picture brides. A big part of the exhibit covers World War II. It highlights the brave actions of the 442nd and 100th Battalions.
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 traveling exhibits. One was "Courage and Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American WWII Experience." This exhibit was from the Go For Broke National Education Center.
After the Ellison Onizuka Space Center closed, some of Onizuka's items came to the JCCH. These items include a Moon rock. They are now on display in the JCCH exhibit.
Honouliuli Education Center
The Honouliuli Education Center opened on October 26, 2016. It is an addition to the "Okage Sama De" exhibit. This center focuses on the experiences of Japanese-American internees. These were people held at the Honouliuli internment camp during World War II.
The center includes many items. You can see photographs, videos, and artifacts. These artifacts were used or made by the internees. There is also a virtual tour of the camp site.
Exciting Events
New Years Ohana Festival
The JCCH has held its New Years Ohana Festival every year since 1993. This festival is a fun way to celebrate the new year. It includes mochi pounding, live performances, and games. There is also a craft fair where you can find unique items. Many vendors serve delicious Japanese food. You can also watch demonstrations of cultural arts. These include tea ceremony, bonsai, and sumo.
Sharing the Spirit of Aloha Gala
The Gala is the JCCH's biggest fundraiser of the year. During this event, the center honors people who have helped the Japanese American community. They also recognize those who have promoted Japanese culture.
See also
- Hawaii United Okinawa Association
- Japanese American National Museum
- Japanese in Hawaii
- Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
