Pics: The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii Gala
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) held its annual “Sharing the Spirit of Aloha” gala at the Hilton Hawaiian Village last night, with 1,000 people attending to congratulate the honored guests, who exemplify Japanese-American values of Hawaii and the spirit of aloha.
Through their years of public service, creative achievements, educational support and volunteerism, the JCCH named this year’s honorees:
- Jennifer Goto Sabas of the Daniel K. Inouye Legacy Fund
- Kurt Osaki of Osaki Creative Group
- Alvin Okami and the Okami Family of KoAloha Ukulele
- Pacific Guardian Life
- John Okutani, recipient of the Spirit of JCCH award
The event featured a large silent auction, an appearance by the Cherry Blossom Queen and court, taiko, and entertainment by Walt Keale. Videos of the honorees were made by film director Ryan Kawamoto, who has done numerous local films, including “The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawaii” (currently showing at Pearlridge Consolidated West 16.)
