Japan-Hawai‘i Socio-Economic Innovation Initiative

A Global Citizenship Experience

The Japan-Hawai‘i Socio-Economic Innovation Initiative launched in 2021 to integrate Nikkei, Hawaiian and U.S. cultural perspectives into a dynamic learning platform based on academic/research discovery and international collaboration. The initiative spotlights four hallmark programs designed to benefit Japan and the world by promoting a stronger understanding of global socio-economic issues while embracing a model of corporate social responsibility.

University students and business participants are invited to join a robust exchange of ideas that delve into socio-economic dialogue, scholarly exchange, sustainable tourism enhancement, disaster-risk response and environmental global stewardship.

Key Initiatives

Socio-Economic Dialogue

Students, faculty and business people interact with researchers and scholars on socio-economic challenges and their solutions, particularly in the areas of clean-energy transition, climate-change adaptation, captive insurance and tourism impacts – all critical to the future of Japan. Features an annual economics workshop on a theme of common interest to Japan and the U.S.

Student Exchange

University students attend virtual and/or in-person classes at UH Mānoa to promote people-to-people relations and intercultural understanding, and participate in bilateral collaborations with leading Japan universities. Features dual certificates and degree programs, with opportunities for scholarships, student and faculty exchanges, study abroad and staffing support to facilitate learning and training.

Sustainable Tourism Enhancement

Multifaceted sustainable tourism-based training for Japan employees, mid-level managers or top leadership offered via 24/7 online education or on the UH Mānoa campus. Topics range from development of human resources, to assessing and managing beach overcrowding. Features a biennial global symposium on tourism enhancement, in conjunction with a sustainable tourism summer program where students will have a chance to learn from the top experts in the field.

Risk, Resilience and Sustainability

Participants explore the necessity of advance planning to confront natural and man-made hazards threatening life, property and a sense of well-being; and raising sustainability and climate standards in a resource-fragile world. Features a biennial global symposium for stakeholders in Japan and Hawai‘i on risk, resilience and sustainability, in conjunction with a summer program where students will have the opportunity to interact with renowned experts.

Stakeholder Engagement

The College of Social Sciences (CSS) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) has a strong foundation of long-term collaborative relationships with many partner universities in Japan, including Tohoku, Keio, Waseda, Hitotsubashi, Kobe and Kagoshima.

One of UH Mānoa’s largest colleges, CSS has the reputation of being globally focused, with its own dedicated office of international programs, considered a rarity among academic units on campus.

Our 3,000-plus alumni from Japan have earned degrees and received customized training at UH Mānoa. On completion and graduation, many have returned to their home country empowered with valuable knowledge and expertise, and with memories that last a lifetime.

UH Mānoa is a fully accredited Research 1 University in the fast-paced capital city of Honolulu on the main island of O‘ahu. It is the oldest, largest and most prestigious university in the 10-campus UH System. Consistently ranked in the top 1 percent among national and international universities,* it is home to renowned programs of study and research that include economics, oceanography, astronomy and business.

* Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2021.

Our departments are among the most popular on campus:

Anthropology
Communication and Information
Economics
Ethnic Studies
Geography and Environment
Political Science
Psychology
Public Administration
Sociology
Urban and Regional Planning
Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

To Make a Gift

Japanese Corporations and Citizens

The Japan-Hawai‘i Socio-Economic Innovation Initiative is recognized as an “International Contribution Project” by the Council for Better Corporate Citizenship (CBCC), an affiliated organization of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation). Corporations and individuals in Japan may make tax-deductible financial contributions via CBCC. For questions or to submit donation forms, please contact: