What is Thursday Luncheon association
A history and journey since its founding in 1918
Anyone who is willing to learn can participate, regardless of religion, age, gender, or race. "High ideals, low posture, always with a sun in your heart, lifelong youth, lifelong study. Polish yourself as you are now, and start a new you."
Mission and Philosophy
Established in 1918, the Thursday Luncheon Club offers a valuable opportunity to learn and deepen knowledge while navigating the tides of history. Our traditions and values have been revitalized through World War I, World War II, the Great Depression, and recent pandemics. Our mission is to share the joy of learning across generations and contribute to the community through rich, locally rooted exchanges. Looking towards the future, we continuously pursue innovation and aim to provide an ideal learning environment for our participants. We hope this forum will serve as a source of wisdom for future leaders as we weave a wonderful history together.
2024 Chairman
Nara Kagami"
Number of speakers
Registered members
Founding
Forever young, forever learning.
History and Progress
Thursday Social Club was founded on September 19, 1918 (Taisho 7).
9th generation, Consul General Rokuro Moroi
This event was conceived by the 9th Consul General of Japan in Honolulu at the time, Rokuro Moroi. In the same year, Consul General Moroi was invited to the inauguration ceremony of the newly completed wooden Nuuanu YMCA at the corner of Fort and Vineyard Streets. He proposed using this facility, and the first meeting of the Thursday Luncheon Club was held on September 19, 1918. According to the Japanese newspaper "Nippu Jiji" published at the time, it was recorded: "The first Thursday Luncheon Club was held today at noon at the Nuuanu YMCA with a large attendance," and Consul General Moroi was present at the meeting.
Consul General Moroi graduated from the Faculty of Law at Tokyo Imperial University in 1896 and entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1913, while serving as Councillor at the Japanese Embassy in Belgium, he lost his wife, and lived a solitary life in Honolulu. Regarding his personality, Mr. Keihō Aiga's "Memoirs" contain an entry describing him as "a calm man with a Zen-like demeanor, a reader, and a man of many eccentric anecdotes befitting a hermit."
Studying during the Great War between Japan and the United States
The Thursday Luncheon Club has continued to this day, albeit in a small way, without ever extinguishing the flame of its motto, "Learn for a lifetime, be youthful for a lifetime," even during the Sino-Japanese War. We are simply filled with gratitude for the efforts of our predecessors. This year (2024) marks its 106th anniversary. We have been able to reach this day thanks to the Consul General Moroi, who conceived the Thursday Luncheon Club, the capable seniors who launched it with his words, the lecturers who took on unpaid speaking engagements to carry it on, and the members who loved the Thursday Luncheon Club and participated with unity.
A fresh start, ideals and goals for the future
Starting anew in April 2014, the venue changed from Nuuanu YMCA to Makiki St. Ann's Catholic Church, modeled after Kochi Castle. Thanks to our members, the club has become even more fulfilling. Although we borrow the church as our venue, our Thursday lunch gathering has no religious affiliation, so anyone eager to learn is welcome to join, regardless of their religion, age, gender, or race. "Aim high, stay humble, always carry sunshine in your heart, and embrace lifelong youth and lifelong learning. Polish the present version of yourself and begin a new you." I believe it is important to use our minds through learning, enrich our hearts by interacting with our instructors, become more cheerful by chatting with friends, stay healthy by exercising on our way to and from the venue, and lead happy daily lives. There is no need to hesitate. Pursue your potential. We are all splendid "diamonds." After all, "A diamond will not shine without being polished." And, "Only after a person learns can their true virtue appear." Let's not worry about our age and move forward by setting a goal.
2014-2024 President: Akira Shiina [Author]
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Anyone who is willing to learn can participate, regardless of religion, age, gender, or race. "High ideals, low posture, always with a sun in your heart, lifelong youth, lifelong study. Polish yourself as you are now, and start a new you."
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