HJJCC Toys for Tots: Making Spirits Bright

Our annual Toys for Tots event! We started the holiday season with our mixer, Making Spirits Bright , where we hung out with fellow HJJCC members, played some games, and enjoyed some holiday spirits and drinks! Also in the spirit of giving, we continued our tradition of supporting Toys for Tots and collected toys and monetary donations for the children and families around the island. Donations came with a drink ticket and pupus.

YBR: Communicate with Impact: Leveraging Effective Engagement

Our Young Business Roundtable Committee put on an event “Communicate with Impact: Leveraging Effective Engagement” where we delved into the art of effective communication and how to truly engage your audience.

 In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to captivate your audience is more crucial than ever. We explored strategies to enhance our communication skills and foster deeper connections, whether in business meetings or personal interactions.

 Led by Walter Peters, a seasoned mentor and communication coach with over 30 years of experience in nurturing self-growth and enhancing communication skills. His collaborations with renowned performance coaches have enriched his approach, enabling him to share gentle yet powerful communication techniques that encourage deeper connections with others. This interactive session provided valuable insights and practical techniques that we can implement immediately.

HJJCC Stride & Social: Run, Jog, Walk Event

Members and guests joined us for a fun and active pau hana on September 19, 2024! Whether you were a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or prefer a leisurely walk, this event had something for everyone. We offered three different routes, each group-led, to accommodate all fitness levels and preferences. After completed their route, we came together for a group stretch session to cool down before concluding with a pizza social to refuel and network with fellow participants.

HJJCC Installation Banquet

On Saturday, July 20, 2024 we had our annual HJJCC Installation Banquet at the Generations Ballroom at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. We installed our newly elected 2024-2025 Board of Directors, listed below, as well as celebrated our outgoing board members. We also be announced and recognized our HJJCC Director of the Year, HJJCC Member of the Year, and 72nd CBF Steering Committee Member of the Year award winners at the banquet.

2024-2025 Board of Directors:
Chairman of the Board – Aaron Muraki
President – Heather Furutani
Executive Vice President – Garrett Matsumoto
VP of Community Development – Alyssa Kano
VP of International Relations – Jennifer Ezaki
VP of Management Development – Eric Imada
VP of Membership Development – David Torigoe
Secretary – Jaren Iwasa
Treasurer – Lori Kim
Director – Kristin Alm 
Director – Garrett Lau 
Director – Kirstie Maeshiro-Takiguchi
Director – Sheri Morishige
Director – Scott Motobu
Director – Claire Tsuha
Director – Wolfgang Sakamaki
73rd Cherry Blossom Festival General Chair- Hailey Takayesu 
72nd Queen’s Advisor – Ruth Shontell
Young Business Roundtable Chair – Tobie Egami
Historian – Kristyn Sugibayashi
Sports Director – Crystine Ito

YBR - The Art of Connection: Elevate your Communication Skills

On June 11, 2024, we had our Young Business Roundtable event, The Art of Connection: Elevate your Communication Skills.

We had an interactive workshop with Cynthia Yamasaki, Leadership & Life Coach and Founder of EEpath, where we decoded the secrets of effective professional and personal communication. From asking for a raise with finesse to navigating conflict for positive outcomes, we'll have you covered.

Members and guests learned how to communicate with confidence and build connections in various work-related situations.

Experience the Way of Tea

On May 4, 2024, we had our first-ever joint event with the Sakura Hawaii Alumnae (SHA) and the Urasenke Hawaii Association.

For those that are not familiar, Urasenke is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony that emphasizes the bond between the host and the guest. The Way of Tea is more than serving and drinking tea, it brings together many aspects of Japanese culture and it shows us how we can live each day with Harmony (和), Respect (敬), Purity (清), and Tranquility(寂)— basic elements to understand and appreciate each other and our community.

Members and their guests joined us in learning the Way of Tea! We had two (2) sessions, lasting 45 minutes, where we learned how the way of tea can be translated to our everyday life and business while learning to whisk and drink tea!

Always A.line Shopping + Pau Hana at The Social

We had a night of great night of shopping on Wednesday, September 27, 2023!

Always A.line, Cherry Blossom Festival Donor, is offered HJJCC members and their guests an exclusive discount of 25% off their entire purchase and a surprise gift when you spend $200 or more. In addition, Always A.line invited Phases Hawaii to do a jewelry pop-up during this special shopping event.

We also had a pau hana at The Social Honolulu! Members could join us for a pau hana or after they finished shopping to meet and hangout with other HJJCC members!

Young Business Roundtable: Networking

On September 21, 2023, we held a YBR networking event. Will Yeh and Marissa Machida, Co-Founders of MANIFEST, shared their expertise as Cherry Blossom Festival Instructors in Communications and Visual Presentation Training, respectively, to guide you toward a more relaxed state during social interactions.

They helped us become more comfortable when speaking with people you don't know! Even if you are already a pro, we learned how creating a solid social game plan can help you make the most meaningful connections and how your first impression makes a difference.