2022 Japan-US Military Program in Honolulu
(Originally published November 14, 2022)
On November 14, 2022, JASH had the honor of hosting the Japan-U.S. Military Program (JUMP) as an in-person event after 2 years of being virtual! We are grateful to Consul General Yutaka Aoki, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu for opening his residence to almost 140 guests which included military service members, civilian government contractors who served in Japan and service members from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship the JS Tōryū.
We were honored to welcome our distinguished speakers: Admiral John Aquilino, Commander, United States Indo-Pacific Command; Mr. Motosada Matano, Political Minister, Embassy of Japan, Washington, D.C.; Consul General Yutaka Aoki, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu; Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Director, Japan-U.S. Military Program & Chairman and President, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA; and Peter Kelley, President, National Association of Japan-America Societies. The speakers spoke to the importance of the friendship between the U.S. and Japan and how programs like JUMP continue to strengthen the bonds between our countries. They emphasized the critical value of people-to-people relationships and the importance, now more than ever, of keeping peace and stability within the Asia-Pacific region with all that is happening internationally.
JASH Board Chair Alexander Jampel did the traditional Kanpai Toast with the audience.
Other highlights of the evening were the opening taiko performance by local high school students from Pacific Buddhist Academy. The magical drumming prepared our guests for the program that followed. During dinner, guests were graced by the beautiful voice and shamisen played by Ms. Anju Madoka of Madoka no Kai. Guests also enjoyed Japanese dishes by Rinka and American dishes by Giovanni Pastrami.
Pacific Buddhist Academy Taiko Group
Ms. Anju Madoka
The most memorable moments were watching the guests mingle, converse, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. Once again, we were able to witness both old friends catch-up with each other and people making new connections. Watching the newly commissioned Japanese officers “work the crowd” and practice their English speaking skills with groups of Americans was very heartwarming.
The feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive. JASH is looking forward to planning next year’s JUMP event in Honolulu.
(L-R) Mr. Peter Kelley, Dr. Satohiro Akimoto, Ms. Reyna Kaneko, Mr. Alex Jampel, CG Yutaka Aoki
Mr. Motosada Matano, Mrs. Laura Aquilino, ADM John Aquilino, MG Jered Helwig and Mrs. Diana Helwig
The JUMP program provides an opportunity to bring the Japanese and American military, civilian and business community together. Whether it be in-person or virtual, it is a very special and unique program. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, the National Association of Japan-America Societies, the Embassy of Japan and Consul General Yutaka Aoki and staff for this special opportunity to bring this community together. MAHALO NUI LOA!
