Hawaii welcomes 4 Japan orphans, continuing a longstanding tradition

News admin July 22, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaii welcomes 4 Japan orphans, continuing a longstanding tradition

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Four young children from an orphanage in Japan are now in Hawaii, ready for an invaluable cultural exchange.

They arrived from Osaka’s Holy Family Orphanage Tuesday. Members of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment — the “Wolfhounds” — greeted them with lei.

Lt. Col. Dana Gingrich, the battalion commander, told the children they’ve long been a source of purpose for soldiers assigned overseas.

“Wherever the Wolfhound soldier goes, there is one constant, and it’s you. The children of Holy Family home,” he said. “You are what our soldiers and our Wolfhounds think back to. You are what brings compassion and peace.”

Ariru, Yume, Yukitaka and Maato were selected through an application process that included an interview and an essay. Organizers said they hope the children return home with something deeper than English practice or a new cultural experience.

“They feel love of the family because they stay in a host family,” said Rika Hirata, president of Peace Bridge. “So back in Osaka, they’re in a facility, and there’s a lack of a real family feeling.”

Holy Family is home to about 80 children across a range of ages.

The Wolfhounds’ connection to the orphanage dates back to the U.S. occupation after WWII, when Master Sgt. Hugh O’Reilly saw a need during a Christmas visit and began raising money to help. The fundraising tradition continued through the Korean War and their support continues to this day.

The unit began hosting children from the orphanage in 1957. Over the next week and a half, the children will be immersed in Hawaiian culture.

“Aloha. My name is Yukitaka,” one child said as each shared a short message about being in Hawaii. “I’m excited to swim in the beautiful ocean in Hawaii,” he added. “I want to make lots of happy memories here in Hawaii.”

While staying with military host families, the children will visit the Waikiki Aquarium, KoAloha Ukulele, Kualoa Ranch and the Outrigger Canoe Club. They’ll also spend a day at the Sheraton Waikiki and watch the Rock-A-Hula show before returning to Japan on Aug. 1.

“May your time here be filled with joy, new friendships, and incredibly wonderful memories. Know that you have many friends here and that you will always have an extended family in Ohana here in Hawaii,” Hawaii’s acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan said.

Learn more about the program here.