History

1900

Start of Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

10/01/1900

Seattle Hiroshima Club started in October 1900, when eleven men met to form a mutual society that would look after the many people coming from Japan to the “New World”. Founding Fathers of “Koryo Gikai” : Fujii, Chojiro Fujikawa, Tsunesaburo Iwami, Miyojiro Iwamura, Jiro Kirahra, Iwakichi Kusumi, Ryusaburo Masuda, Yasutaro Nakata, Iwakichi Nakata, Naoichi Sakuma, Yoshio Shiwamura, Sensuke Takenawa, Ichiroji Wada, Naoichi Watanabe, Tamejiro

1901

Begining of Koryo Gikai

01/20/1901

The official begining of Koryo Gikai was celebrated by 14 founders

1904

From Koryo Gikai to Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

10/01/1904

The club name was change from Koryo Gikai to Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

1907

Japan declared war against Russia

02/08/1907

Japan declared war against Russia. The members contributed generously to the War Relief Fund

1907

Helping the War Effort

08/28/1907

The club raised $658.50 to help establish the Imperial Japanese Voluntary Fleet and $434 was collected and sent to Hiroshima for flood releif

1908

Gei Bi Jin

02/11/1908

The first monthly magazine called Gei Bi Jin was published

1909

AYPE | Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition

06/01/1909

The club participated in the Alaska-Yukon-Exposition -AYPE

1910

Northwest Japanese Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

01/05/1910

The club’s name changed to Northwest Japanese Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

1913

Trip to the Japan on SS Sado Maru

11/14/1913

The first tour group consisting of 150 tourists organized by the Ken Jin Kai made a trip to Japan aboard the SS Sado Maru

1915

The Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai was incorporated in the State of WA

04/28/1915

The Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai was incorporated in the State of Washington

1915

Picnic with 300 Attendees

06/27/1915

A picnic was held near the AYPE site and over 300 people attended.

1920

Revisions on The Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

01/20/1920

Revisions and additions were made to the original constitution of the Northwest Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

1920

Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai Publishes a Book

10/01/1920

To commemorate the 20 years history of The Pacific Northwest, Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai published a book. For the period of 1921 to 1945 written information and photographs are almost non-existent because records were either lost of destroyed during the World War II. From 1941 to 1945 club activities were suspended because members were incarcerated in various internment camps.

1933

Uniting Two Communities

02/20/1933

More than 700 people attend the celebration party uniting Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai and the branch of Hiroshima Kai Gai Kyo Kai held at Washington Hall

1941

Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai Board Arrested

12/07/1941

When World War II between Japan and America was declared all of Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai Board members were arrested and detained in the United States Immigration Station. At the same time all club activities ceased.

1947

Re-established as Gei Bi Club

04/13/1947

Some of the former leaders gathered at NP Hotel and made a plan to revive the organization under the name of Gei BI Club, following the same purpose and rules they had before. After enduring a very diffivult period during and after WWII, former Ken Jin Kai members re-established the organization which they named the “Gei Bi Club”. with the same mission, purpose and rules as they had before. In 1984, the name was changed back to “Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai” as some had felt that the name “Gei Bi Club” gave a feudalisitic impression and the possibility for being misunderstood by future generations.

1948

First Post-War Annual Meeting

01/18/1948

The first post-war meeting was held at Maneki Restaurant attended by 34 members, and the club was renamed the Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai. As the Club’s members re-establishe their lives in the greater Seattle area after WWII. Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai’s activities expanded to support others, by sending care packages and financial aid to wartorn Hiroshima.

1950

Governor and Mayor of Hiroshima visits

04/10/1950

The Governor of Hiroshima Tsunei Kusunose as well as the Mayor of Hiroshima Shinzo Hamai made a seattle visit.

1951

Hiroshima Reconstruction Fund

08/12/1951

The Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai raised $400 through the sales of Peace Seals for the Hiroshima Reconstruction Fund.

1954

Fundraising for Children’s Library

07/26/1954

As a response to a request from mayor of Hiroshima, Shinzo Hamai a fund-raising effort was held for the constructions of a children’s library.

1955

16-Day Tour

10/01/1955

Seiso Bitow Organized a 16 day tour of Washington State

1956

Governor Ohara from Hiroshima Prefecture

07/10/1956

A welcome dinner was held for Mr. Ohara, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture

1957

Annual New Years Party

01/14/1957

At the annual New Years party at the Club presented small gifts to members who were 65 years and older. During 1957 the club hosted the following dignitaries: Shinichi Mansumoto – advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister Kishi Tadao Ito – Chair of the City Council of Hiroshima Tadao Watanabe –…

1960

Businessmen from Chugoku Visits

02/02/1960

The club held a welcome dinner for 10 businessman from the Chugoku district, who were here to observe and learn American business practices

1960

Japanese Community Queen

05/01/1960

It started on May 1950, May (Tsutsumoto) Mori, was chosen by Seattle JACL to represent our city in the National JACL Convention and to participate in the National Queen Pagent in Chicago. She was the daugther of Club members Mr. and Mrs. Tsutsumoto. Ten years later in 1960 Japanese Community Queen program began with a vision of Minoru Tsubota, who proposed a Nisei Queen Pageant be organized. Many daughters of Seattle Hiroshima Club members have been selected as the Seattle Japanese Community Queen since the inception…

1960

Oshoro Maru Crew Welcome Dinner

08/01/1960

The club held a welcome dinner for the seven Hiroshima crew members from the Oshoro Maru training ship. This marked the beginning of hosting crew members from variety of training ships

1961

Donation For Kure City Hall

07/26/1961

The club sent a donation of $416 for the rebuilding of the Kure City Hall

1961

Mayor Tetsu Sasaki Visits

09/23/1961

A welcome dinner was hosted for the acting Mayor of Hiroshima, Tetsu Sasaki

1962

Mayor Yoshito Okuda from Kure

07/05/1962

The club held a welcome dinner for Yoshito Okuda the mayor of Kure

1964

Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai to Hiroshima Club

01/19/1964

The name of Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai was changed to Hiroshima Club. The constitution of the club was revisedand at the same time the new Miyajima Club was organized and started by the younger members.

1964

First Hiroshima Club Scholarships

07/01/1964

In an effort to aid members in fullfiling the hope and dreams of higher education for their childres, Hiroshima Club established a college scholarship program. The scholarships recognized outstanding highschool seniors. The first awards were given to four Hiroshima descendants, Hiroshi Hoida, Marcias Kadoguchi, Susan Kihara and Carole Kouara. Since that time more than 130 students have been the recipients of the Hiroshima Club scholarships.

1966

Gifts to Vietnam Soldiers

12/20/1966

Christmas gifts were sent to sons of club members serving in Vietnam and other overseas locales

1967

Annual New Year Party

01/14/1967

At the Annual New Year party special gifts were given to those who turned 85 years old in 1967. At the same time $575 was collected and donated to the Atomic Peace Dome Maintenance Fund in Hiroshima

1967

Governor Iwao Nagano

05/31/1967

A welcome dinner was held in honor of Iwao Nagano, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture

1970

Annual Picnic

06/12/1970

At the annual picnic 125 members of the club took three busses to Ocean Shores for a day trip. In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Masato Uyeda led a group to Hiroshima Japan.

1970

25th Atomic Bomb Anniversary Service

08/08/1970

Mr. Masato Uyeda led a group of members to attend Hiroshima’s 25th Atomic Bomb Anniversary in Hiroshima City, Japan to present flowers from the Seattle Hiroshima Club.

1971

Hiroshima Club to Seattle Hiroshima Club

07/11/1971

The name of the club was changed to Seattle Hiroshima Club, when it became registered as a non-profit organization. This is the name which the club is known today.

1972

Mt. Rainier Day Trip

07/20/1972

Over 70 members went to Mt. Rainier for a day trip

1972

Hiroshima Club gives back

09/19/1972

The Hiroshima CLub presented 100,000 yen for the Hiroshima Flood Relief Fund and 10, 000 yen towards the publication of Gaji Hiroshima

1974

World Exposition

06/03/1974

Together with Hyaku Do Kai , the Hiroshima Club went on a trip to Spokane for the World Exposition

1975

30th Anniversary of Atomic Bomb Memorial Service

08/10/1975

In the midst of the camaraderie and good times enjoyed by the group, Hiroshima Club members also remembered the past losses and suffering of their families. The 30th Anniversary of Atomic Bomb Memorial Service was held at the Seattle Buddhist Church attended by 250 people. This was the beginning of the combined Seattle Hiroshima Club and Seattle Buddhist Church annual atomic bomb memorial services.

1976

75th Year Anniversary Celebration

01/19/1976

The Club’s 75th anniverssary celebration was held in Seattle Buddhist Church auditorium. The Club reach a milestone and celebrated its 75th Anniversary with over 350 people attending. 19 members 85 years and older were sent congratulatory letters and gifts from Hiroshima Governor Hiroshi Miyazawa and special achievement awards were presented to seven members. Total membership has reached 507 at this point.

1977

Gov. Miyazawa and Kenshin Treatments

04/04/1977

Gov. Miyazawa of Hiroshima Prefecture visited and a doctor from Hiroshima visited Seattle for kenshin. Kenshin is a physical examination of atomic bomb survivors from WWII. This visit signals the bi-annual visits by a doctor from Hiroshima to the present time.

1981

80th Year Anniversary Celebration

01/18/1981

Hiroshima Club celebrates the 80th year anniversary at Settle Buddhist Church Auditorium.

1982

Harrison Hot Springs – Canada

06/19/1982

An outing to Harrison Hot Springs Canada was held for members.

1983

Japan Tour

06/19/1983

A 14 day tour of Japan was organized by Yoshiaki Sako, Ted and Paul Tomita.

1984

1st Seattle Hiroshima Club Golf Tournament

05/23/1984

A new type of Activity was initiated when the first Seattle Hiroshima Club Golf Tournament was introduced on 1984. It was played at the Jefferson Park Golf COurse and was won by Smith Morimoto.

1986

85th Anniversary Celebration

01/14/1986

The 85th anniversary of the club was celebrated. The Mayor of Hiroshima , Takeshi Araki visited Seattle.

1987

Hiroshima Museum Rep. Pays a visit

05/30/1987

A representative of the Hiroshima Museum visited Seattle to interview members and collect materials for the museum. As it had done in the past, the Club responded whole-heartedly to request from Japan, members collected and shipped three containers of materials including a farm worker’s shack, horse driven farm equipments, oyster harvesting equipment, office machines and books about Japanese immigrants in the Northwest. The Frank M. Kobuki House a quintessential shelter for farm workers in the early part of this century was dismantled…

1987

Puget Sound Cruise

08/08/1987

More than 100 members and friends enjoyed lunch and entertainment on a four-hour cruise of Puget Sound on the Silver Swan

1987

Seattle Keiro Nursing Home visit

12/19/1987

The Club continued with social welfare work and visited 24 members in Seattle Kiro Nursing Home and 13 shut-ins in their home. Starting 1992 the Club began visiting Keiro residents twice a year with gifts of poinsettias during their December visits.

1989

Governor Takeshita of the Hiroshima Prefecture visited Seattle

05/30/1989

Governor Takeshita of the Hiroshima Prefecture visited Seattle. A ten-day tour of Japan was organized by Tsu Horike. A group of musicians from Hiroshima performed Taiso Koto at the Seattle Buddhist Church Auditorium.

1989

Taisho Koto Performers of Seattle

07/09/1989

A group of Taiso Koto players from Hiroshima performed at Seattle Buddhist Church. Taisho Koto is a unique Japanese four string musical instrument modified from the traditional Japanse Koto. Ayako Horike started a Taisho Koto group in Seattle

1993

“From Hiroshima to Hope” Lantern Floating Ceremony

08/07/1993

The Club Started yearly donations to “From Hiroshima to Hope” lantern floating ceremony program in remembrance of the atomic bomb victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

1997

Youth Exchange Program

07/14/1997

Two descendants of Hiroshima Club mebers, Julie Nakayama and Damon Ono attended a Youth Exchange Program in Hiroshima, Japan. The main purposes of this project were first to promote international understanding and encourage communication and personal exchanges between foreign youht ans the youth of Hiroshima and second to promote new networks for the next genera tion.

1997

Women in Golf Tournaments

09/07/1997

The men’s Golf Tournament became so popular that they invited the female members of Hiroshima Club were invited to participate. Nori Yamaguchi was the first winner in the Women’s Division.

1998

Chairman Toshihiro Hiyama visits Seatle

10/05/1998

Approximately 100 members including those from Oregon Hiroshima Club attended dinner to celebrate the reception for Chairman Toshihiro Hiyama and nine delegates of the Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly. Mr. Hiyama presented and award to 19 members attending the dinner out of 82 current members who are 80 years and older. And a special appreciation award to Tsu Horike, Masao Yamaguchi, and Paul Hosoda for their many years of service to the Club.

1999

Kagura Performance at Seattle

04/16/1999

The Kagura performers, a 20 member troupe from Hiroshima Japan performed Yamato Oroshi- a play about the eight headed giant serpent- at the 24th Annual Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at the Seattle Center

1999

International Sport Festival

10/12/1999

At the invitation of Governor Yuzan Fujita, Our Members Masao Yamaguchi, Sumiko Yamaguchi and Mary Fujita attended the International Sport Festival at Hiroshima Stadium

2000

1,000 Mizuhiki Cranes named “Tree of Peace”

02/19/2000

Haruko Shimizu, a talented teacher of the ancient craft of mizuhiki, crafted and presented the “Tree of Peace” to the Hiroshima Peace Park. This work of art consisted of 1,000 mizuhiki cranes in various colors as a sumbol of peace. Mrs. Shimizu was assisted by Hiroshima Club, Seattle Betsuin women, and Dharma class students in this project.

2000

Mukilteo Historic marker

03/20/2000

The club gave $250 for Mukilteo Historic marker, recognizing good will between Caucasian and Japanese workers in the lumber industry in early 1900’s.

2001

100th Year Anniversary

01/14/2001

The club’s 100th Anniversary was celebrated at the Doubletree Suites by over 160 members in attendance

2002

Overseas Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai

06/01/2002

For the first time our Club is represnted at the Overseas Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai in Hiroshima

2003

Supervisor of Youth Affairs from Hiroshima

12/15/2003

A dinner reception was held in honor of Mr. Yoshiki Nakagami who is the supervisor of the Youth Affairs Office, Environmental & Citizens Affair Department of the Hiroshima Prefectural Government. The Club assisted Mr. Nakagami during his three day visit to Seattle to contact educators at International Innovations and Seattle University to…

2004

Hiroshima Youth Exchange Program

09/19/2004

Two students from the Club attended the Hiroshima Youth Exchange Program in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan.