More than 70 alumni and friends from across Japan traveled to Tokyo to meet University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel and reconnect with UH ʻohana at the UH Foundation Office of Alumni Relations’ first Tokyo Alumni Pau Hana of 2025.
“I was delighted to welcome the new president, Hensel, and the UH Foundation CEO, Mr. Tim Dolan, to Tokyo, together with my fellow alumni. President Hensel is such a powerful yet thoughtful leader. We learned that UH is currently facing many challenges, but I believe the university will weather this difficult time and continue to grow under her leadership,” said Taeko Yasutake, UH Alumni Association Japan chapter president.
The evening celebrated the growing strength of the UH Alumni Association Japan chapter and the meaningful ties that continue to connect alumni back to Hawaiʻi. At the Tokyo American Club, guests enjoyed pupu, drinks and a short program featuring remarks from Hensel, UH Foundation CEO Tim Dolan and Associate Vice President of Alumni & Community Engagement Maile Au.
“Connecting with our alumni community in Japan was especially meaningful given the deep and historic ties between Japan and UH,” said Hensel. “It was exciting to meet so many alumni and learn about the growth of this chapter in recent years. I’m inspired by their continued enthusiasm and support for the university.”
As part of the alumni office’s commitment to spotlighting entrepreneurial alumni, the event featured Hawaiian reggae music by DJ Midori, an alumna of Kapiʻolani Community College and UH Mānoa.
See more photos from the UH Alumni Tokyo Alumni Pau Hana.
