HONOLULU, HI – The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) has appointed Jason Ito of Kyo-ya Management Co., Ltd., as chair of the board for FY 2020-2021. Ito’s responsibilities will include providing leadership to the Board of Directors, helping to guide and execute HJCC’s goals, fostering relationships within the business community and increasing membership.  

With more than 30 years of experience in the hotel and tourism industry, Ito began his career with ITT Sheraton at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and worked his way up in various managerial roles. Ito is currently the vice president of administration, labor and community relations for Kyo-ya Management Co., Ltd., a position he’s held for the past 11 years. As a HJCC member for 12 years, Ito was recognized as the HJCC Outstanding Member of the Year in 2018 and accomplished record sales in revenue as the chair of the Chopsticks & Wine fundraising event in 2019. In addition to his role at HJCC, Ito serves on boards and executive committees for the Waikīkī Improvement Association, the State of Hawaii’s Workforce Development Council, Aloha United Way, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, K.A.M.P. Hawai‘i, and Palama Settlement, among others.

“I’m very impressed with Jason’s contributions in his professional career and here at HJCC,” said Wayne Ishihara, President & CEO of The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to have him as Chair of the Board and look forward to his success as he continues to grow our organization.”

HJCC is an organization that promotes economic growth in Hawai‘i by connecting businesses and giving them opportunities to seek solutions to Hawai‘i’s community and industry problems together. Founded in 1900, the organization is entering its 120^th year with a focus on fostering friendships, valuing diversity among its membership, connecting business-to-business (B2B), and mālama ka ‘āina (‘caring for the land’).