Katsu Goto Memorial in Honoka'a - photo by Amy Miwa

Senator Dwight Takamine and Representative Mark Nakashima, on behalf of the Katsu Goto Memorial Service Committee, invite you to attend a commemorative 125^th Anniversary of Japanese immigration and Katsu Goto Memorial Service on Saturday, October 23 at 11 a.m. at the Honoka‘a Hongwanji Mission. Attending the Memorial Service will be descendents of the late Katsu Goto from Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, Mr. Kiichi Kaya and Mrs. Toyoko Saeki and their spouses. A luncheon in the hall will immediately follow the service.

Katsu Goto arrived in Hawai‘i on February 8, 1885 aboard the “City of Tokio,” the first of 26 shiploads between 1885 and 1894 of “Kanyaku Imin”or Japanese laborers imported through formal arrangements between the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and Japan. Goto was assigned to work on ʻOʻokala Plantation along the Hamakua Coast and after his 3-year contract was fulfilled, he opened up a successful general store in Honokaʻa town.

Because of his leadership skills, knowledge of English and character, Goto became a liaison between the Japanese laborers and plantation management, facilitating mediation, serving as an interpreter and advocating for improved working conditions. Goto’s Hawaiʻi immigrant experience is one of hardship, success, injustice, and ultimate tragedy, and is a cultural legacy for all of us.

RSVP to either of the following offices with the number in your party by Wednesday, October 20: Representative Nakashima: 974-4000 ext 66680 or Senator Takamine 974-4000 ext 67335.