2024 JASH Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction: A Celebration of Connection

Video by Cameron Holt

(L-R) Karen Knudsen, Roy & Denise Yamaguchi, Kenny & Chizuko Endo, Reyna Kaneko

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) hosted its 48th Annual Bridge Awards Dinner & Silent Auction at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach Grand Ballroom. With this year’s theme, "GO-EN (ご縁): Destined Connection," the event honored two prominent couples, Roy & Denise Yamaguchi and Kenny & Chizuko Endo, for their outstanding contributions to promoting friendship and understanding between Hawaii and Japan.

Hokkaido Snow Camp booth

Highlighted Silent Auction Items

VIP Reception

The evening kicked off with a captivating performance by Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific, energizing the audience and setting the tone for a night of cultural celebration. Guests, many dressed in traditional kimono, were treated to a private reception before the main program, where Mr. Daniel Dinell, Board Director, and Ms. Karen Knudsen, Board Chair, welcomed nearly 400 attendees, including key sponsors and special guests.

Taiko Center of the Pacific

Mr. Daniel Dinell, Board Director and emcee for the evening

Mr. Steve Sombrero, Board Director & Presenting Sponsor Aloha Beer Co. and Cushman & Wakefield│ChaneyBrooks

Ms. Karen Knudsen, Board Chair

A Kanpai toast led by The Honorable Yoshinori Kodama, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, and an invocation by Bishop Cosmo Hirai of Todaiji Hawaii Bekkaku Honzan, marked the official start of the dinner. During the meal, guests enjoyed live music by Kosuke, adding to the ambiance of this prestigious gathering.

Mr. Yoshinori Kodama, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu

Bishop Cosmo Hirai, Todaiji Hawaii Bekkaku Honzan

 Live music by Kosuke

This year’s silent auction featured exclusive items with proceeds benefiting JASH’s educational programs, such as the Hokkaido Snow Camp for Hawaii's youth. The evening also showcased a heartfelt video featuring participants of the camp, emphasizing the impact of JASH’s initiatives.

Participants of the inaugural Hokkaido Snow Camp (HSC)

Connor Straube speaking on behalf of the HSC participants

As the night progressed, the much-anticipated presentation of the Bridge Awards took center stage, with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke highlighting the significance of the honorees' work in bridging cultures. The honorees, celebrated for their achievements in culinary arts and taiko, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to further strengthen the Hawaii-Japan connection.

 Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke

In closing, JASH President Ms. Reyna Kaneko, expressed deep appreciation for the community's support, recognizing the tireless efforts of volunteers and sponsors that made the event a success.

Ms. Reyna Kaneko, President of JASH

Ms. Reyna Kaneko, President of JASH

[L-R] Honorees Roy & Denise Yamaguchi and Chizuko & Kenny Endo

Roy Yamaguchi, the acclaimed master chef and owner of Roy’s Restaurants, and his wife, Denise Hayashi Yamaguchi, the visionary founder of Hawaii's Food and Wine Festival and Hawaii Agricultural Foundation and Kenny Endo and Chizuko Endo, renowned Taiko Masters that pioneered the Art of Taiko in the U.S. for their exceptional contributions in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Hawaii and Japan, and for their longstanding dedication to our local community.

Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor

Aloha Beer and Cushman & Wakefield│ChaneyBrooks