Chair’s Message

Members of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, distinguished guests, family and friends,

I’m grateful for the support from our members, past chairs, community partners, and fellow board members. This organization is built on relationships — and that’s what makes it so meaningful to serve.

This year marks our 125th anniversary. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. The Chamber began with a simple idea: people do better when they support one another. That belief has carried us through generations of change. And it still guides us today.

We’ve grown from a small group of Japanese business merchants into a diverse network of business leaders, small business owners and business professionals. What keeps us strong isn’t just tradition — it’s our willingness to adapt, share knowledge, and support each other.

That spirit lives in a phrase we say often and mean fully: “Members Supporting Members.” It’s not a slogan. It’s how we operate. Our members refer clients, share advice, and advocate for one another because they understand that when one business grows, the whole community benefits.