Historical Gallery
From taking that first hesitant step off a boat’s wooden plank onto a foreign land to having your country patriotism questioned after the bombing of Pearl Harbor—experience the multi-generational history of the Japanese in Hawai‘i.
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH) presents the exhibition, Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you that tells a cultural story that resonates with all ethnicities across the United States. The exhibit reveals the indelible legacies and values passed on from generation to generation—starting with the first wave of Japanese immigrants in 1868—that are now weaved into the Hawai‘i landscape and still carried on today.
Some of the exhibitions are often paired with special guest speakers, such as world-famous artist Don Ed Hardy, who spoke on the history of Japanese tattoos and how the art form traveled to the United States; as well as Professor John Stevens, an Aikishihan (Master of Aikido), who talked about samurai beliefs & values.
All of the exhibitions are made possible thanks to the sponsorship of generous companies and special individuals.
