Students learn how remembrance and cultural understanding can build a more peaceful future.
BYU–Hawaii students and faculty participated in an annual memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony on September 6 to honor those lost during World War II and strengthen ties between Japan and the United States. The non-political event brought participants together to pay respects to fallen soldiers and reflect on peace, forgiveness, and mutual understanding.
Professor Jeff Christensen invited sophomore Hiroki Sakata to attend alongside three other Japanese students from BYU–Hawaii’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Program. Together, they joined Japanese representatives and visitors, honoring the past while looking toward a more peaceful future.
Remembering the Cost of War
The annual ceremony was made possible by Yasuhide Nakayama, a Japanese advocate for strengthening relationships between Japan and the United States. By bringing Japanese politicians together with the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu, Nakayama created a space for people from both countries to honor those who lost their lives, despite the painful history they share.
Christensen said he found it meaningful to see Japanese visitors travel to Hawaii to pay their respects to American soldiers, reflecting a shared commitment to remembrance and reconciliation.
“He really believes that mutual understanding and forgiveness through paying respects for those who gave their lives is an important avenue for peace,” Christensen explained.
Learning Through Cultural Exchange
BYU–Hawaii’s connection with Nakayama began last year when Christensen and HTM students traveled to Japan to study the logistics behind the World Expo. Through public relations missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Osaka, the group met Nakayama, who connected them with the event’s organizing committee and eventually led to an invitation to participate in the memorial ceremony.
After experiencing the ceremony the previous year, the BYU–Hawaii group returned in 2026, giving students another opportunity to learn through hands-on involvement.
“Event management, especially on this big scale, is huge for our students,” Christensen said.
Beyond event planning, Christensen said the experience allows students to develop the professionalism and cultural awareness needed to work with people from different backgrounds. He also believes hospitality and tourism can serve a greater purpose by creating opportunities for people to understand one another.
For Sakata, contributing to Nakayama’s experience and that of the other Japanese visitors was meaningful because it allowed him to share his understanding and respect for Hawaiian culture. He said the experience strengthened visitors’ appreciation for the islands and their history.
Creating a Future Through Understanding
Sakata was impressed when participants gathered to pray at the memorial. Although they came from differing backgrounds, they were united in remembering the lives affected by war.
“Seeing people from different religions come together and reflect on the tragic events of the past was very moving,” Sakata shared.
For Christensen, experiences like this demonstrate how the HTM program can help students recognize their ability to contribute to a better future. By understanding the sacrifices of previous generations and developing relationships across cultures, students can learn to approach differences with greater respect and compassion.
Christensen said BYU–Hawaii and the HTM program hope to help students understand the price paid during World War II while recognizing the opportunity they have to create a brighter future. He explained that seeing the olive branch extended between Japan and the United States allows students to recognize how both nations can move forward from their shared history and continue working toward peace.
“Hospitality and tourism can be an important and powerful vehicle for peace,” Christensen said. “When you have intercultural exchanges, and you understand people better, you can understand their history and get a window into their soul.”
“Remembering the people who rest helps us reflect on the human cost of all wars, not only the wars involving Japan,” Sakata explained. “I hope their stories will never be forgotten.”
For BYU–Hawaii students, participating in that effort reminds us that creating peace begins with understanding others and choosing to carry that understanding into the future.
