Taste of JASH
The Taste of JASH food series was developed by our JASH NexGen back in 2019.
The initial series featured our Sister States Hiroshima, Okinawa, Fukuoka, Ehime and Hokkaido and highlighted regional cuisine and famous sightseeing locations. The program has evolved to include Sister Cities as well such as Uwajima and Chigasaki.
Hiroshima
January 15, 2019
Guests enjoyed Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, fried oysters, sushi, and more! JTB USA, Inc. did a short presentation on travel hot spots in Hiroshima as well as other travel destinations in Japan.
Almost 70 guests both veterans and new to JASH enjoyed a fun ice-breaker game to start the evening off and entered for a chance to win door prizes.
Thank you to our partners The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, Odori-ko Restaurant, JTB, USA, Inc. and OtaJoy by Otafuku for their donation of Okonomi sauce for every guest.
Okinawa
March 18, 2019
Over 60 guests enjoyed Okinawan soba,champuru, delicious andagi, etc. and joined in on a friendly Okinawan trivia competition.
Guests won prizes for participating in the trivia competition and door prize drawing.
Randy Kuba of Lotus Spirits educated the crowd on the “spirit” of the famous Okinawan beverage, Awamori and the many ways to enjoy the popular drink.
Fukuoka
May 21, 2019
Tonkotsu Ramen, Mentaiko Omuretsu and Gyoza were some of the dishes served at the third Taste of JASH featuring Fukuoka cuisine at Minori Craft Japanese Tavern on May 21, 2019. NEXT STOP….. Ehime at ZIGU Restaurant in Waikiki—August 6th! SAVE THE DATE and stay tuned for more details.
The evening began with a friendly game of Jan Ken Po Acchi Muite Hoi led by John Rankin, JASH NexGen Advisory Committee Member. The NexGen Advisory Committee consists of 13 professionals who meet monthly to discuss, plan and implement programs and events for JASH. Guests met old friends and made new ones.
Ehime
August 6, 2019
Jakoten (fishcake), Imodaki (hotpot), Wasabi Shrimp and Poke Roll were some of the dishes served at the fourth Taste of JASH featuring Ehime cuisine at Zigu Restaurant in Waikiki on August 6, 2019.
Hokkaido
November 19, 2019
On November 19th, JASH members filled Tonkatsu Tamafuji Restaurant for a special dinner EXCLUSIVE to our members and their guests. Delicious variations of tonkatsu, deep fried dishes, and unlimited servings of special Hokkaido rice and condiments were served at the final Taste of JASH for 2019 featuring Hokkaido cuisine. Mr. Taiji Nakanishi, President of Dokyu USA Inc. which is the parent company of Tonkatsu Tamafuji was here from Hokkaido and attended the event. JASH members and their guests enjoyed Mr. Nakanishi’s and staff’s warm hospitality and customer service.
Chigasaki
May 15, 2024
On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, JASH revived the beloved Taste of JASH food series, sponsored by ANA, at Kaimuki Shokudo in Honolulu.
Seventy guests enjoyed the superb Fried Aji, famous in Chigasaki, Kanagawa, making the event an enjoyable way to sample delicious regional dishes, learn about Japan, and make new friends.
Thanks to the awesome support of our JASH community, the event was SOLD OUT!
The evening began with a warm welcome from JASH President Ms. Reyna Kaneko, followed by remarks from Ms. Ka`ili Trask O`Connell of MOCA and Mr. Krishna Jayaram of the City and County of Honolulu, emphasizing the importance of sister-city and sister-state relationships with Japan.
We were honored by the attendance of Mr. Keita Hirashima and Mr. Kenichi Akabane from ANA, with Mr. Hirashima speaking about ANA's role in the special relationship between Japan and Hawaii.
Uwajima
September 19, 2024
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, JASH hosted its signature Taste of JASH food series, which was sponsored by Hawaii H.I.S. Corporation, at ZIGU in Honolulu, showcasing a diverse array of culinary offerings. Guests were treated to an exquisite tasting experience featuring regional delicacies from Uwajima, Ehime.
Attendees savored dishes such as Fukumen (kale noodle with pickled radish), Tai Meshi (sea bream rice), and a delightful Hawaiian citrus jelly with mandarin mochi—a dessert famous in Uwajima. It was a wonderful evening of cultural exchange, delicious food, and the opportunity to make new friends while learning about Japan.
Representatives from Hawaii H.I.S. Corporation, Mr. Shin Ishiyama and Mr. Moriyuki Arasaki, were in attendance, and Ms. Suemura led a fun quiz about Hawaii H.I.S. Corporation, Uwajima, and JASH. Congratulations to all the quiz winners who took home special Uwajima-themed gifts!
The event also provided an excellent opportunity for networking and introducing attendees to JASH’s Language Exchange (LangX) program, which encourages participants to mix and engage with new groups.