[EVENT] “ALOHA OSAKA”
The 65th Anniversary of
Bringing Orphans to Hawaii
The tradition began in 1957 when 3 orphans from the Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan were hosted to a Trip-of-a-Lifetime by the soldiers of the 27th infantry battalion at Schofield Barracks – the Wolfhounds.
Despite wars, deployments and changes of command, the Summer Visits continued uninterrupted – until the advent of covid 19. Due to restrictions on travel we were not able to host children in 2020 and 2021. 2022 was looking much the same with ongoing constraints by the Japanese government on travel.
Since 2022 marked the 65th Anniversary we were determined to celebrate this special occasion, and the decision was made to bring Hawaii to ALL the children of the home. Peace Bridge coordinated with the Wolfhounds, the Wolfhound Historical Society, and our community partners for an event on September 3, 2022!
Celebrity chef Mark Noguchi created a special luau menu and sent three of his chefs to prepare the feast (Mariah Gergen, Rayce Kam, and Ace Cabangon). Ukulele master Ian Shiroma serenaded the audience, and a hula halau led by kumu Michael Canopin performed.
Every child was greeted with a fresh orchid lei, and each was given a personalized Wolfhound T Shirt of their own! There were games & activities, performances, prizes and gifts for all.
Dignitaries from the US consulate and Osaka City hall attended, and we were honored to have Mr. Masao Aoyama in attendance, who’s family has supported this cause since 1992. A special guest of honor was Mr Inaoka. He was one of the very first orphans to come to Hawaii in 1957!
A great time was had by all, and memories were made that will last a lifetime! We are hoping to return to the traditional summer visits of orphans in 2023…
Special thanks must be given to the following donors who helped make Aloha Osaka happen:
Masao Aoyama, Hiyayoshi Agari, Alan and Tammie Okami, Fritz Johnson, John Aeto, Lynn Kataoka, Mark Noguchi, Kaho Otake, Craig Alexander, Hugh O’Reilly, Nan Inc, ABC stores, Japan Airlines, Wayne Takahashi, Mark James, Walmart Mililani, Ms. Takatsuji, Big Island Candies, Honolulu Chip Factory, Rika Hirata, KoAloha Ukulele, 1001 Stories, Mark & Janine Davis, Norma Spierings, Harry Davis, Jean Nakanishi