Japan-America Society to Host Worldwide Television Premiere of Reimagined Annual Gala

Honolulu, HI Oct. 14, 2020) 一 On Sunday, November 14th, 2020, from 8:00-9:00 p.m. HST, local non-profit Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) will host a worldwide premiere of their Reimagined Annual Gala on KHNL and online at hawaiinewsnow.com. As a highlight of this gala, JASH is honored to award Sony Corporation with the Bridge Award for their exemplary leadership in fostering a relationship between Japan and the U.S. They are also honored to have Mr. Corbett Kalama, Executive Vice President of the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and President of Friends of Hawaii Charities (host of the Sony open), as this year's keynote speaker.

This virtual event, presented by Central Pacific Bank Foundation, will celebrate JASH’s past, present and future work in promoting the relations between the United States and Japan through the unique perspective of Hawai’i. JASH aims to promote their fundraising efforts, educational youth programs and other networking opportunities through this hour-long televised celebration. They have been an integral part of supporting Japanese youth here in Hawai’i, teaching them the concept of facing situations through a global perception, hosting diplomats and connecting members to special-interest programs that feature different aspects of Japan, America, and Hawaii-related topics in areas such as business, economics, politics, culture, and environmental issues.

The event will feature all of the fun and unique elements of their previous in-person galas, while providing everyone a chance to enjoy the program safely from home. Viewers will be entertained by local artists such as Keauhou, Hikariyama Torao, and Kenny Endo & Taiko Center of the Pacific. Through a partnership with the Ritz Carlton Waikiki, JASH’s sponsors will also enjoy specialty meals by Quiora restaurant, delivered in time for the Gala’s premiere. Individual meals will be able for purchase from Dean & Deluca.

“With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked ourselves how can we pivot our offerings to be relevant to our members and serve our mission?” said Reyna Kaneko, President of JASH.  “With the shutdown and inability to provide in-person gatherings, the JASH staff swiftly changed course and began offering virtual programming. With our JASH Weekly Updates and new programs live and recorded, JASH has been able to broaden the scope of offerings and widen the audience we reach. It has been a lesson in reimagining what we do and has been truly a rewarding time for us. We know our members are enjoying the variety of programs we have offered too!”

Preceding the gala, JASH will host an online silent auction from November 12th to November 16th, which will feature a unique selection of items including a two night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Residence Waikiki and golf packages at Nanea Golf Club and premium wines and spirits. Silent auction proceeds will support JASH programs, such as their Japan Wizards Competition which connects Hawaiʻi’s youth to Japan and Japanese culture. In a collaboration with Friends of Hawaii Charities, JASH will also donate a portion of the net proceeds from the silent auction to Sutter Health Kahi Mohala (SHKM) to support their work in improving the quality of life and restoring hope for individuals and families affected by mental illness. The partners we have invited to participate in the auction work in alignment with JASH’s mission to build a strong connection between Japan, the United States, and Hawai`i.

In addition to presenting the annual Bridge Award To Sony Corporation, JASH would like to thank their Title Sponsor, Central Pacific Bank Foundation, who has been a long time supporter of the organization.

"On behalf of the Central Pacific Bank Foundation, I would like to recognize the amazing contributions of JASH, and their steadfast commitment to strengthening the relationship between Hawaii and Japan despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Paul Yonamine, Executive Chairman, Central Pacific Bank. "I would also like to congratulate Sony Corporation for their Bridge Award. This honor is a testament not only of their numerous contributions in Hawaii, but also recognition as an outstanding member of our community."

JASH hopes that you are able to tune into the Reimagined Annual Gala in support of their cause. It will be a night to remember filled with tributes to their past, a recap of their current endeavors, and a celebration of their new future. For more information, please visit the JASH website.

• Who: Japan-America Society of Hawaii
• What: 44th Annual Japan-America Society of Hawaii Reimagined Gala
• When: Saturday, November 14th, 2020 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. HST on KHNL
  Re-Airing Dates/Times: K5: Thursday, November 19th from 8:00-9:00 p.m HST
• Where: Livestream on HawaiiNewsNow.com
• Tickets: Innovation Level - $5,000
  Visionary Level - $10,000
  Reimagined - Title Sponsor - $25,000 (SOLD OUT)
  Additional donations are also accepted at givesmart.com/events/h8o/

About JASH

The Japan-America Society of Hawaii was founded in 1976 to promote understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States through the special and unique perspective of Hawaii.For more information, please visit www.jashawaii.org, call (808) 524-4450, or email [email protected].