Upcoming Event:

148 gannenmono arrived in Hawai’i on June 19, 1868. They were hired by various employers and were dispersed throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Some moved to the mainland, some returned to Japan, and some remained in the islands, choosing to start a new life.

Free lecture on the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii: Stories of the Gannenmono

KAHULUI, Hawaii – The public is invited to Stories of the Gannenmono, a free lecture by University of Hawaii professor Dr. Dennis Ogawa on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Nissei Veterans Memorial Center about the lives, impact and legacy of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The event is part of the continued calendar of state-wide festivities celebrating 150 years since the first immigrants arrived in Hawaii.

The lecture is hosted by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, in partnership with the Nissei Veterans Memorial Center. The event is free and open to the public. Because seating is limited, those interested may RSVP to jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.

Since 1969, Ogawa has been a professor of intercultural communication at the UH Mānoa American studies department where he pioneered the first courses on Japanese Americans. He has received numerous honors and awards for his academic work, which includes the “Order of the Rising Sun” recognition by the Emperor of Japan in 2016.

Ogawa has authored many books, including “Who You? Hawaii Issei,” which talks about stories of the Gannenmono from notable individuals of Hawaii. Ogawa will be able to sign books, which are available for sale at the event for the benefit of JCSM and NVMC.

The mission of the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is to perpetuate the Japanese culture in the community.  For questions about the event, call Deron at (808) 298-3352 or email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.