Hawaii Japanese Center

After two years of covid-19 restrictions, the Hawaii Japanese Center (Center) cautiously began the long road back to "normal" programs and activities. Aided by a core group of volunteers, the Center reopened its exhibition hall and gift shop to the public while adhering to the limitations and recommendations set forth by state and county health officials. These volunteers also setup a world-class exhibition on Japanese dolls, while taking care of repairs and maintenance of the Center and its grounds. Collections - the Center continued to receive, catalogue and archive donations of culturally significant books, records, photographs and artifacts from the community. Traveling exhibition - coordinated by the consul general of japan in Hawaii, the Center hosted a world-traveling exhibition of Japanese dolls curated by the japan foundation. Tours (by appointment) - as covid-19 restrictions were slowly relaxed, the Center began a program where groups of 10 or less would be admitted by appointment. This proved highly successful as visitors could see both the Center's main permanent exhibit and the special traveling dolls exhibit. The doll exhibit remained on public view for seven weeks, with attendance exceeding 1,200 people.