On Thursday January 12, 2012, the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce along with the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Association of Realtors hosted two distinguished speakers to discuss the future of State and University policy and its impact on the local business environment. Governor Neil Abercrombie and University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood spoke on their respective visions for Hawaii's economy, and the University of Hawaii's role in developing Hawaii's research industry. 

Members and their guests helped ring in the New Year on January 6, 2012, at the annual Shinnen Enkai (New Year's Banquet).  

The highlight of the banquet was the Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko kabuki play, the Chamber's adaptation of the 1960s movie Shiranami Gonin Otoko: Tenka No ô-Dorobô.  The play, which is narrated by the kojyo, tells the story of notorious thieves who brag about their accomplishments before being captured by a policeman.  Starring in this year's production were Dave Erdman, Jon Tsukamoto, Staci Yoshihara, Emi Espinda, Andrew Stewart, James Dixon and Kenneth Yamato.  Producers Walter Saito, Minoru Ueda, and Ron Ushijima once again provided direction for this year's play with the support of understudies Bob Nagao, Gregg Mueller and Shigeo Hone.

Click here to read the Hawaii Herald article.

In October 2011, members traveled to Japan to visit our sister Chamber Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce & Industry and affiliated Chamber Fukui Chamber of Commerce & Industry.  2011 marked the 30^th Anniversary for both chamber relationships. 

Click here to read all about the trip.    

Our milestone 10^th anniversary celebration of Chopsticks & Wine attracted a sold-out crowd on October 5. 2011. More than 1,300 guests enjoyed the "Mardi Gras...Let the Good Times Roll"- themed event at a new location this year, the Hawaii Convention Center.

Hundreds of art enthusiasts flocked to the Academy Art Center at Linekona, to view the exquisite art showcased at the 33^rd Annual HJCC "Commitment to Excellence" Art Exhibition, held on August 23 - September 1, 2011.  The exhibition received much acclaim from the local art community with its special tribute to 2011 Featured Artist Reiko Mochinaga Brandon for her lifetime achievement of artistic excellence and community involvement.    

Chamber members and guests offered congratulations to Chair of the Board Christine Kubota and the newly elected Officers and Directors at the 2011 banquet held on July 9, 2011 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.  The event also honored the 7^th annual Generational Award recipient, Y. Hata & Company and the Hata family as well as the 2011 Outstanding Member of the Year, Mark Ibara, President of Edward Enterprises for his invaluable contributions to the HJCC.