Yamanashi Kyoyukai Friendship Club

The Hawaii Yamanashi Kyoyukai Friendship club was formed 80 years ago for the purpose of bringing together immigrants to Hawaii from the Yamanashi Prefecture. Yamanashi is located in the Chubu Region of Japan, 120 kilometers (72 miles) west, or inland, of Tokyo. It is situated just about at the center of Japan on the main island of Honshu. It was unusual to have immigrants from this area as most of the early Japanese immigrants came to Hawaii under a contract with the Kingdom of Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations, and most contract Japanese immigrants came from further south. Because there were significantly fewer Yamanashi immigrants, the club is not as large as other Japanese cultural or friendship clubs, such as those from Hiroshima, Fukushima, Fukuoka, etc. The Yamanashi Kyoyukai Friendship Club brings together those who have familial, ancestral, cultural or historic ties with Yamanashi, Japan. We want our members to appreciate the unique and special area from where our ancestors came to settle in America. Today, we have members whose grandparents had come to Hawaii over eight decades ago, as well as those who have formed an affinity with the traditons and culture of Yamanashi. We also have members who are newly arrived Japanese who have come to reside in Hawaii. Formed in part as a social support organization for those new to Hawaii, the club also helps to assimmilate immigrants into Hawaii and American culture. The club's Board of Directors is featured on the Contact Us page. A list of all members is also available. Please explore the rest of our site, which includes membership information, an events calendar, our club newsletters and special logo items.