The Hawaii Japanese Center in Hilo will be opening its doors for regular visiting hours for the first time in more than two years and will be presenting its first permanent exhibit.
The new exhibit — titled “Seeds of Local: Japanese Americans in Multicultural Hawaii” — will open Sunday at the center.
While HJC remained closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers worked behind closed doors to design and build the new exhibit in the center’s main hall.
With funding support from a state grant-in-aid, “Seeds of Local” takes visitors back in time by showcasing artifacts, stories and photographs gleaned from the center’s collections to tell the story of Japanese in Hawaii, from immigration during the plantation era to the present.
“There are many people who have donated artifacts, tools, clothing and things from their family, and we wanted a way to present these artifacts to tell a story,” said Arnold Hiura, executive director of the center. “The pandemic created a window for us where were able to focus on design and construction for the new exhibit.”
The exhibit takes viewers on a chronological journey.
“We’re trying to tell a story about an immigrant group from a foreign country and how they became part of the multicultural society in Hawaii,” Hiura said. “The story unfolds through family photographs and heirlooms that have changed as Hawaii has.”
Donated artifacts, photographs and artwork will help illustrate how Japanese lived in Hawaii through the years, as well as how they were impacted by major events such as the plantation era and World War II.
“All these artifacts tell the story of Japanese Americans becoming who they are … ,” Hiura said. “We’re hoping the exhibit tells an even broader story about immigration in general — getting along, forming communities and dealing with differences.”
There will be free admission on opening day from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21.
General admission will be $10, $5 for seniors and students, and HJC members and children under 5 are free starting Wednesday, Aug. 24.
The exhibition and the HJC gift shop will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday.
Guided tours can be arranged by appointment during regular hours. To schedule a visit or for more information, email ehiura@icloud.com or call (808) 934-9611.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com