History

The Chamber was established in 1900, originally called the Shonin Doshikai (or Merchants Association), to aid victims of a disastrous fire in downtown Honolulu. The organization later expanded its focus, drawing attention to encouraging trade between Hawaii and Japan, and in 1912 was renamed to the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. In 1939, the Chamber merged with the Japanese Merchants Association.

Leadership, courage, and a clear sense of purpose were shown nearly a half century later, when the Chamber led a reconstruction effort of another kind.  The dark clouds of World War II threatened to enshroud and forever restrain the Japanese community in Hawaii from finding its rightful place in society.  The Chamber and newly formed Junior Chamber provided the major impetus in developing new leaders, restoring the dignity of those of Japanese ancestry, and established a positive path for future generations to follow.  In 1968, in efforts to further its commitment to improving the economic and social climate for Hawaii businesses, the Chamber became an associate member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.

Today, the Chamber is still growing and evolving under the leadership of its imaginative and enthusiastic members. Through specialized committees, the Chamber strives to integrate the dynamic areas of business and economic development, government affairs and international relations, and at the same time, to preserve the spirit that made its history unique, with members committed to the betterment of Hawaii.