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Orphan children from Japan arrive in Hawaii for once-in-a lifetime experience

Four orphan children from the Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan arrive in Honolulu for a two week stay in Hawaii hosted by the 27th Infantry Division Wolfhounds and Peace Bridge.

By Cindy Ellen Russell

July 20, 2023

Hawaii Photos

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People waited for the arrival of the children with lei in hand at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
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Pictured upon their arrival for their welcoming ceremony at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is Riku Nagamune,13, (front) and Riona Matano, 12. Also visible to the far right is Kolchak XVII the 27th Infantry Division Wolfhounds mascot.
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Hugh O’Reilly Jr., son of the late Master SGT Hugh O’Reilly, with the 27th Infantry Division Wolfhound mascot “Kolchak XVII”.
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Pictured is Riona Matano, 12, being presented with lei at the welcoming ceremony held at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Ahead of her is fellow guest Riku Nagamune, 13.
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Pictured is Himeno Eirai, 12, beaming as she was bedecked in lei upon her arrival. Pictured behind her is Peace Bridge President Elect Rika Hirata.
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Pictured is Himeno Eirai, 12, smiling as she peeked out from a stack of lei upon her arrival with three other orphans from Holy Family Home.
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The crowd claps for the guests at the ceremony held in their honor at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
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Deputy-Consul General Mikio Izawa (L) shakes the hand of Riku Nagamune,13, after a welcoming ceremony held at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The youth from Osaka, Japan are (front to back) Motohisa Takagi, 13, Riku Nagamune,13, Himeno Eirai, 12, and Riona Matano, 12.
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Hugh O’Reilly Jr., son of the late Master SGT Hugh O’Reilly, takes a picture with his cellphone as one of the children speaks to the crowd.
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Pictured are (L-R) Riona Matano, 12, Himeno Eirai, 12, Riku Nagamune,13, and Motohisa Takagi, 13, who were seated during a welcoming ceremony held at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
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Hirokazu Toiya, Director, Department of Emergency Management, representing Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office, addressed the young guests at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
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Displayed at the welcoming ceremony were pictures of Yuko O'Reilly and her husband Master SGT Hugh O’Reilly.
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Pictured in the front row are guests Riona Matano (L) and Himeno Eirai, both 12-years-old. Behind them is their host family Jennifer Stager, Jacinda Stager, 16, Jameson Weeks, 9, and SFC Evan Weeks.

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