History
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
Read moreBegining of Koryo Gikai
01/20/1901
The official begining of Koryo Gikai was celebrated by 14 founders
Read moreFrom Koryo Gikai to Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai
10/01/1904
The club name was change from Koryo Gikai to Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai
Read moreJapan declared war against Russia
02/08/1907
Japan declared war against Russia. The members contributed generously to the War Relief Fund
Read moreHelping 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
Read moreGei Bi Jin
02/11/1908
The first monthly magazine called Gei Bi Jin was published
Read moreAYPE | Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition
06/01/1909
The club participated in the Alaska-Yukon-Exposition -AYPE
Read moreNorthwest Japanese Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai
01/05/1910
The club’s name changed to Northwest Japanese Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai
Read moreTrip 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
Read moreThe 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
Read morePicnic with 300 Attendees
06/27/1915
A picnic was held near the AYPE site and over 300 people attended.
Read moreRevisions 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
Read moreHiroshima 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.
Read moreUniting 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
Read moreHiroshima 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.
Read moreRe-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…
Read moreFirst 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.
Read moreGovernor 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.
Read moreHiroshima Reconstruction Fund
08/12/1951
The Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai raised $400 through the sales of Peace Seals for the Hiroshima Reconstruction Fund.
Read moreFundraising 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.
Read more16-Day Tour
10/01/1955
Seiso Bitow Organized a 16 day tour of Washington State
Read moreGovernor Ohara from Hiroshima Prefecture
07/10/1956
A welcome dinner was held for Mr. Ohara, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture
Read moreAnnual 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 – Mayor of the city of Hiroshima
Read moreBusinessmen 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
Read moreJapanese 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 of the program.
Read moreOshoro 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
Read moreDonation For Kure City Hall
07/26/1961
The club sent a donation of $416 for the rebuilding of the Kure City Hall
Read moreMayor Tetsu Sasaki Visits
09/23/1961
A welcome dinner was hosted for the acting Mayor of Hiroshima, Tetsu Sasaki
Read moreMayor Yoshito Okuda from Kure
07/05/1962
The club held a welcome dinner for Yoshito Okuda the mayor of Kure
Read moreHiroshima 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.
Read moreFirst 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.
Read moreGifts to Vietnam Soldiers
12/20/1966
Christmas gifts were sent to sons of club members serving in Vietnam and other overseas locales
Read moreAnnual 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
Read moreGovernor Iwao Nagano
05/31/1967
A welcome dinner was held in honor of Iwao Nagano, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture
Read moreAnnual 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.
Read more25th 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.
Read moreHiroshima 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.
Read moreMt. Rainier Day Trip
07/20/1972
Over 70 members went to Mt. Rainier for a day trip
Read moreHiroshima 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
Read moreWorld Exposition
06/03/1974
Together with Hyaku Do Kai , the Hiroshima Club went on a trip to Spokane for the World Exposition
Read more30th 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.
Read more75th 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.
Read moreGov. 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.
Read more80th Year Anniversary Celebration
01/18/1981
Hiroshima Club celebrates the 80th year anniversary at Settle Buddhist Church Auditorium.
Read moreHarrison Hot Springs – Canada
06/19/1982
An outing to Harrison Hot Springs Canada was held for members.
Read moreJapan Tour
06/19/1983
A 14 day tour of Japan was organized by Yoshiaki Sako, Ted and Paul Tomita.
Read more1st 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.
Read more85th Anniversary Celebration
01/14/1986
The 85th anniversary of the club was celebrated. The Mayor of Hiroshima , Takeshi Araki visited Seattle.
Read moreHiroshima 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 and sent along with its furnishings.
Read morePuget 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
Read moreSeattle 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.
Read moreGovernor 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.
Read moreTaisho 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
Read more“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.
Read moreYouth 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.
Read moreWomen 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.
Read moreChairman 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.
Read moreKagura 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
Read moreInternational 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
Read more1,000 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.
Read moreMukilteo 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.
Read more100th Year Anniversary
01/14/2001
The club’s 100th Anniversary was celebrated at the Doubletree Suites by over 160 members in attendance
Read moreOverseas Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai
06/01/2002
For the first time our Club is represnted at the Overseas Hiroshima Ken Jin Kai in Hiroshima
Read moreSupervisor 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 learn and hear the programs being conducted to promote youht developments in the USA. The Youth Affairs Office is searching from new methods in which can be incorporated into their programs to promote involvement from families, schools and local communities and to invigorate youth developments activities in their local communities.
Read moreHiroshima Youth Exchange Program
09/19/2004
Two students from the Club attended the Hiroshima Youth Exchange Program in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan.
Read more