Located off the coast of Iwakuni, Suo-Oshima is known as “Hawaii of Setouchi” thanks to its beautiful landscape, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, along with Hawaiian-style attire, customs, and look of its residents.

On the island, there are many attractions including shops and restaurants keeping the Hawaiian-style vibe. From late June through the end of August, the island carries out a unique “Aloha Biz” campaign that allows staffers of town hall, banks, post offices and hotels to wear Hawaiian shirts as official attire. On Saturdays, you can catch hula dancing performances at various spots around the island as part of their “Saturday Hula” promotion.

But, why does the island of a short 60-minute drive from MCAS Iwakuni have an Aloha State vibe?

Visit the Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii for some insight into this interesting history.

Housed in a native wooden building, the museum was founded in 1999 to tell the story of Suo Oshima locals who migrated to Hawaii around 130 years ago. The exhibits in the museum explore the migrants’ stories and documents the evolution of Suo-Oshima after their children and grandchildren returned.

“With a lot of children, the islander’s life in the 19th century was very harsh. So, they applied for the Japanese government’s recruitment for emigration to overseas countries (1885 – 1894) and emigrated to Hawaii looking for a better life,” said museum curator Eiko Kawano.

According to Kawano, most of the Japanese immigrants worked in sugar cane and pineapple plantations. They kept sending money to their families back home, which then contributed to the building of schools and shrines throughout the years.

Descendants of these original Japanese residents have since returned and with them brought Hawaiian culture and customs. Suo-Oshima even signed a sister contract with Kauai Island in 1963 marking the strong connection and friendship they keep to this day.

In recent years, a lot of Japanese Hawaiians have visited the museum in quest of their origin, according to Kawano. With a database and the documents furnished in the museum, you can look into records of 130,000 Japanese who emigrated to Hawaii from 1885 to 1908.

The unique museum is a short 60-minute drive from MCAS Iwakuni via 3,346-foot-long Oshima Ohashi Bridge. The island and its history make for a great day trip to get a taste of Hawaiian culture without leaving Japan.

Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii

Open: Tues. – Mon., 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: 2144 Nishiyashiro, Suo-Oshima Town, Oshima-gun, Yamaguchi Pref.

URL

Admission: 400 yen; elementary/middle schoolers 200 yen

Tel: 0820-74-4082

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

related stories

• VIDEO: Exploring Japan: Suo-Oshima near MCAS Iwakuni offers beaches, mountains