Wally Ichishita, Thomas Matsumoto and Yukito Takamoto (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

Kona Kumamoto Kenjin Kai honored members Wally Ichishita, Thomas Matsumoto and Yukito Takamoto, who are or will turn 100 years old in 2014.

The general membership meeting and luncheon was April 19 at Kona Hongwanji Hall.

The purpose of the Kumamoto Kenjin Kai club is to bring members together for mutual aid and friendship and to foster goodwill between Japan and the United States.

The organization was comprised of two Kumamoto Kenjin Kai clubs before WWII in North and South Kona. After the war, the two organizations joined together to include the whole district.

Today, there are more than 200 members.

Keirokai Awards for members 80 and 88 years old were also honored. They are or will be 80 or 88 in 2014.

They include: Edna Kitagawachi, George and Shirley Matsuoka, Gene Mitsunami, Bernice Tashima, Chikae Tsukahara, Nozumu Uemura, Toyoko Urada, Nobuko Aoki, Helen Hirata, Aiko Ichishita, Mary Iwanaga, Kay Matsumoto, Emiko Matsumura, Tadao Sakamoto and Norman Sakata.

Service Awards were given to “Cop” Matsumoto and Miyuki Inouye.

2014 officers are: Morris Nagata, President; Linda Nagai, first vice president; Wayne Tanaka, second vice president; Susan Takiue, third vice president; Janet Yanagi, Secretary; Maurice Kaku, treasurer; Auditors, Felecia Yamaguchi and Brenda Matsuyama; Janet Kunitake, Karen Hall, Esther Jenkins, Susan Shirota, and Sharon Bangay, Directors.