Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii

Mission Statement
To be a vibrant resource, strengthening our diverse community by educating present and future generations in the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai`i. We do this through relevant programming, meaningful community and innovative partnerships that enhance the understanding and celebration of our heritage, culture and love of the land. To guide us in this work we draw from the values found in our Japanese American traditions and the spirit of Aloha.

History
The seeds of thought and planning which had since developed into the solid concrete of Phase I and the working committees of the JCCH were sown over two generations ago. Minds and hearts of Issei and Nisei (first and second generations) forebearers set themselves to the tasks of survival, later to national heroism, and later still to the responsibility of restoring the concept of cultural pride in themselves and their community. Emotions generated by the Kanyaku Imin (100 Years of Japanese In Hawaii) celebration in February of 1985 spurred the devotion of major Japanese groups in the community to initially conceptualize the JCCH.

In 1986, The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) initiated the Japan-Hawaii Cultural Center project, 'The Dream', for the purpose of bringing together related organizations in Hawaii to work in a common effort to preserve the legacy and history of the pioneers who came to Hawaii from Japan, and whose sacrifices and contributions made it possible for the younger generations to become integral members of American society. It will be a legacy where future members of our community can look back and be fully conscious of their roots. The Center will also foster relations by promoting harmony and mutual understanding between Japan, Hawaii, and the United States.

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce was willing to accept the enormous responsibility of immortalizing and cultivating the legacy of the Japanese in Hawaii by making a commitment to plant and nourish the seedling. Many community organizations supported the creation of a Japanese cultural center, as indicated by a survey to assess the need and expectations for a center.

Courses of action plans were implemented to create Ad Hoc Committees composed of the various Japan related organizations, and to organize a fund-raising organization to raise funds from the community within the State of Hawaii as well as in Japan. Committees set in motion to carefully plan, develop, and research in establishing the JCCH. The inception of some committees were: Steering, Planning, Public Relations, Historical Research Program, Program, Membership and Property Management. A schedule of 'Milestone' tasks for these committees were implemented to prepare for the tremendous work that lay ahead in the formation of the JCCH.

On May, 28, 1987, the birth of a new direction and a new step toward the dreams of our forefathers emerged as the JCCH was incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii as a non-profit corporation to develop, own, maintain, and operate a Japanese cultural center in Hawaii. As an independent entity, the Japanese Cultural Center (JCCH) would play a most crucial role in perpetuating the cultural heritage we inherited from our Issei forefathers into the lifestyles and values of our children's children.