KAHULUI, Hawaiʻi - The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is pleased to announce five outstanding scholarship recipients this year. The following scholars were selected for their record of involvement in promoting and perpetuating Japanese culture and language.
Micah Yoshida
Micah will receive the Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship worth $1500 for his outstanding academic record, community service and excellence in Japanese language. He graduated from King Kekaulike High School and plans to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to pursue Nursing.
Micah is of Japanese, Okinawan, and Hawaiian ancestry and exemplifies the values of service, compassion, and cultural pride. A 4.0 student, he is an active leader in the NALU Studies program, mentoring peers in environmental sustainability and Hawaiian cultural preservation. In the aftermath of the 2023 Maui wildfires, Micah was on the front lines delivering supplies, supporting affected families, and helping build tiny homes for survivors—all while leading activities at his local church. Deeply connected to his heritage, he studies Japanese and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, and continues to expand his cultural knowledge through travel. Growing up, he also practiced taiko drumming, which he regards as one of the biggest significant ways he has connected to his roots, heritage, and culture. Micah aspires to a career in environmental science or emergency services, guided by humility, humanity, and a commitment to improving his community.
Joshua Mori
Joshua will receive a $1000 JCSM Scholarship. He graduated from Maui High School and plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to pursue electrical engineering.
Joshua is a dedicated leader and cultural bridge-builder with a passion for fostering Japan–U.S. relations. Fluent in Japanese, he has translated for Hiroshima atomic bomb survivors, presented 1,000 paper cranes at Hiroshima Memorial Park, and organized cross-cultural exchanges between Maui and Japanese high school students. As president of his school’s Key Club, Joshua has led over 200 hours of community service, from volunteering at the Maui Matsuri and Okinawan Festival to rebuilding Native Hawaiian fish ponds and organizing beach cleanups. A state champion in judo and mentor to younger students, he embodies discipline, compassion, and servant leadership. Committed to environmental science and sustainability, Joshua draws from his heritage and life experiences to connect generations and strengthen his community.
Chaysen Tanaka
Chaysen will receive a $1000 JCSM Scholarship. He graduated from Kamehameha Schools Maui and plans to attend California Polytechnic University to pursue computer science.
Chaysen Tanaka, a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui, has dedicated over 13 years of volunteer service to the historic Paia Mantokuji, honoring his grandfather and preserving community heritage. For his Eagle Scout project, he led the restoration of weathered headstones, clearing lichen and making kanji engravings legible so families could reconnect with their ancestors. A three-time Maui Interscholastic League All-Star in air riflery and recipient of the Excellence in Engineering and Information Technology Academy Award, Chaysen also actively participates in the Japanese Club, learning and sharing traditional crafts and folklore. Deeply proud of his Japanese heritage, he continues family traditions such as burning senko, making chichi dango, and folding cranes for loved ones. Guided by Scouting’s values of “Cheerful Service,” Chaysen leads with humility, cultural pride, and a commitment to strengthening his community.
Taylor Jade Deocares
Taylor will receive a $1000 JCSM Scholarship. She graduated from H.P. Baldwin High School and plans to attend Oregon State University to pursue civil engineering.
Taylor is a well-rounded scholar, athlete, and musician who excelled as a three-sport student-athlete while maintaining strong academic standing. Her passion for Japanese culture began through anime and music, inspiring her to study the language daily, achieve a 100-day Duolingo streak, and complete four years of Japanese—culminating in AP Japanese her senior year. An active member of the Japanese Club, Taylor participated in cultural activities that deepened her understanding of Japan’s traditions and values. Skilled in ukulele, guitar, and piano, she hopes to share her love for Japanese culture in college by joining and expanding cultural clubs, hosting events, and creating spaces for cultural exchange. With her dedication, creativity, and leadership, Taylor aims to promote diversity and foster cross-cultural connections in every community she joins.
Paige Asato
Paige will receive a $1000 JCSM Scholarship. She graduated from H.P. Baldwin High School and plans to attend George Fox University to pursue elementary education.
Paige is a dedicated scholar-athlete and cultural leader with a passion for preserving Japanese traditions. Introduced to taiko and shamisen by her grandmother, she deepened her connection to her heritage through four years of Japanese language study, culminating in AP Japanese, and leadership as president of the school’s Japanese Club. In this role, Paige organized cultural activities such as mochi making, origami, and somen events, while mentoring younger students as a teacher’s assistant. A captain and state qualifier in both cross country and track, she exemplifies discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Committed to passing on cultural knowledge, Paige plans to continue promoting Japanese heritage through cooking, community events, and student organizations in college.
The 2025 Scholars with the JCSM Board Members
The JCSM Scholarship Program is made possible by generous donations from Asa Ellison’s friends and family, and through JCSM fundraising and direct donations. To make a donation to this program to support future scholars, go to jcsmaui.org/scholarship.
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui’s mission is to promote and encourage the preservation and perpetuation of Japanese culture for future generations. Contact jcsmhawaii@gmail.com to get involved.
# # #