On your Hawaiian trip, you would be wondering, why are there so many Japanese in Hawaii? Japanese consider Hawaii to be the friendliest tourist destinations for them in USA. There are various reasons to it.
Japanese Language sign boards
As a foreigner, you will notice that every second attraction and monument in Hawaii has Japanese language sign boards. There will be Japanese description along with the default English version even at small restaurants you visit. It is true that Japanese tourists are the top 3 nations visiting Hawaii. According to statistics Japanese are also among the top traveller community in terms of money spending.
Strong government relations between Hawaii and Japan
Some believe that, one of the Hawaiian Governor, George Ariyoshi, played a bigger part to Japanese tourism in Hawaii. His Japanese roots definitely contributed to bring close relationships between Hawaii and Japan. During Ariyoshi term the tourism had a greater shift to attract Japanese investors as well as tourist to come to Hawaii.
Nowadays it is believed that Japanese have one of the largest real estate investments in Hawaii. Off course, some factors included high real estate prices in Japanese metropolitan cities. Even after COVID-19 cases dropped in Hawaii, there were plans to give more leniency to Japanese tourists compared to other nationalities.
Some think that visiting Hawaii gives an impression to Japanese tourist that they are in US but still walking around people who are from their country.
Big Japanese community in Hawaii
There is a big Japanese community in Hawaii. You will know on your trip that Hawaii has many 1st,2nd, and 3rd generation immigrants. Around the start of 20th century, Hawaii saw a rapid growth in the production of pineapple and sugar related industry.
On the other hand, Japan had political transitions and other factors resulting in economic instability. At that time, many Japanese moved to Hawaii to work in the pineapple and sugar industry. These Japanese settled in Hawaii and now are part of Hawaiian community.
Ideal Geopolitical situation
Compared to other tropical destinations(Thailand, French Polynesia, Mexico, Guatemala) with similar outlook, Hawaii is a developed country. Not only that, being part of US, it has stable political systems, less crime rate, better infrastructure, rule of law. On the other hand, other countries, may be a bit less expensive, have other mentioned issues which bring Hawaii to be the top choice for visiting.
Waikiki is called Tokyo East
In every Hawaii touristic islands, you will find locals with immigrants Japanese as well as Japanese visitors. However, one part of Hawaii where you can spot hordes of Japanese is Waikiki in the island of Oahu.
It attracts so many tourists that it has got popular with the name of Tokyo East.
Just visit Ala Moana shopping mall and you will see.
At Ala Moana shopping mall, Japanese tourists feel at home, as many sales representatives are fluent Japanese speakers and welcome Japanese tourists in Japanese language.
Its not only the home friendly environment, but the prices of shopping items which are quite less compared to what Japanese would find in their home country.
Japanese love shopping in Waikiki
Another reason for Japanese tourist to visit Hawaii is the love for shopping. Compared to Japan, the prices, brands and variety of all the shopping items are better in Hawaii. That said, you must know that Hawaii is generally expansive than other US states. However, the sales go up to 60% in many brand stores. But this is not the only reason. If you go to Ala Moana Shopping Center, you will be surprized to see Japanese language taking precedence over the English, and many store keepers speaking language.
Japanese love Hawaii Tiki culture
Japanese consider Hawaii to be one of the exotic destinations. Despite many countries with tropical climate are closer to Japan, but Hawaii tops the list of tropical destinations specially because of its Tiki Culture. The Hawaiian religious and spiritual connection with tikis can be related to the Japanese Yayoi culture of preserving their heritage and traditions. i.e. Despite so many technological advancements, the people from both countries have preserved their ancients traditions.
Lots of Japanese restaurants
There are Japanese restaurants all around Hawaiian islands. Only in Oahu, there are over 20 Japanese restaurants closer to Waikiki, where you can find authentic Japanese food. In the island of Kauai, Japanese restaurants are spread all around the island. Japanese food can be found on eastern, southern and northern shores.
Island of Maui has bigger density of Japanese food in northern and western part of island. Compared to the size, Big island of Hawaii has quite few restaurants for visitors willing to try Japanese food in Hawaii. These have a good density on the western part of the big island.
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