Consulate Activities
2025/8/29
Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu Launches "Japanese American Intangible Cultural Treasures in Hawai‘i" Program
Inaugural Honorees: Hole Hole Bushi and Okinawan Eisa Drumming
HONOLULU — The Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu is proud to announce the official launch of a new cultural recognition initiative, the “Japanese American Intangible Cultural Treasures in Hawai‘i” program, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
This program honors and preserves the legacy of intangible cultural traditions—such as performing arts, customs, and practices—that trace their origins to the history and culture of Japanese immigrants in Hawai‘i. Through formal recognition by the Consulate General, the program aims to show deep respect for the contributions of Japanese Americans and ensure the continuation of these cultural expressions for future generations through documentation and celebration.
Program Overview
The Consulate General is pleased to announce the first two honorees of the program (see attached):
1. Hole Hole Bushi
Originating with the Gannenmono—the first group of Japanese immigrants to Hawai‘i—Hole Hole Bushi is a folk song born out of the sugar plantation era. Workers expressed their hardships, hopes, and connection to their homeland through these melodies, sung while plucking dead leaves (hole hole) from sugarcane. The song remains a poignant symbol of the Japanese immigrant experience in Hawai‘i and is thus recognized as a vital cultural treasure.
2. Okinawan Eisa Drumming
Okinawan immigrants have long maintained cultural ties to their roots, particularly through folk music and dance. Eisa drumming, with its vibrant performances and rhythmic energy, continues to thrive in Hawai‘i thanks to the dedication of numerous Okinawan cultural groups. As 2025 marks the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawai‘i, the recognition of Eisa drumming highlights its enduring role in preserving Okinawan identity and heritage in the islands.
*Selection Advisory Committee Members
1 Dr. Robert Huey (Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii, the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures)
2 Dr. Charles Morrison (Former President of the East West Center)
3 Ms. Suzanne Vares-Lum (Director, Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies)
4 Ms. Reyna Kaneko (President, Japan-America Society of Hawaii)
5 Ms. Sherry Menor (President, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii)
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu [pica@hl.mofa.go.jp]
HONOLULU — The Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu is proud to announce the official launch of a new cultural recognition initiative, the “Japanese American Intangible Cultural Treasures in Hawai‘i” program, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
This program honors and preserves the legacy of intangible cultural traditions—such as performing arts, customs, and practices—that trace their origins to the history and culture of Japanese immigrants in Hawai‘i. Through formal recognition by the Consulate General, the program aims to show deep respect for the contributions of Japanese Americans and ensure the continuation of these cultural expressions for future generations through documentation and celebration.
Program Overview
- Each year, the Consulate General will select and designate approximately two exemplary and preservation-worthy cultural practices as Japanese American Intangible Cultural Treasures in Hawai‘i.
- A Selection Advisory Committee*—comprising respected experts and individuals with deep cultural insight—will guide the evaluation and ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
The Consulate General is pleased to announce the first two honorees of the program (see attached):
1. Hole Hole Bushi
Originating with the Gannenmono—the first group of Japanese immigrants to Hawai‘i—Hole Hole Bushi is a folk song born out of the sugar plantation era. Workers expressed their hardships, hopes, and connection to their homeland through these melodies, sung while plucking dead leaves (hole hole) from sugarcane. The song remains a poignant symbol of the Japanese immigrant experience in Hawai‘i and is thus recognized as a vital cultural treasure.
2. Okinawan Eisa Drumming
Okinawan immigrants have long maintained cultural ties to their roots, particularly through folk music and dance. Eisa drumming, with its vibrant performances and rhythmic energy, continues to thrive in Hawai‘i thanks to the dedication of numerous Okinawan cultural groups. As 2025 marks the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawai‘i, the recognition of Eisa drumming highlights its enduring role in preserving Okinawan identity and heritage in the islands.
*Selection Advisory Committee Members
1 Dr. Robert Huey (Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii, the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures)
2 Dr. Charles Morrison (Former President of the East West Center)
3 Ms. Suzanne Vares-Lum (Director, Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies)
4 Ms. Reyna Kaneko (President, Japan-America Society of Hawaii)
5 Ms. Sherry Menor (President, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii)
Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu [pica@hl.mofa.go.jp]