2025 August 18 WDA - Honolulu Star-Advertiser photo by George F. Lee / [email protected] The soldiers of the 27th Infantry “Wolfhounds” welcomed to Hawaii four 11-year-old orphaned children from Holy Family Home in Osaka for a Honolulu for a 2-week stay, hosted by the 27th Infantry Regiment “The Wolfhounds” and Peace Bridge on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 at Daniel K. Inouye Airport. Kanami Tomioka and Umi Ihara were welcome by the 27th Infantry’s Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Borawski and Molly Borawski.
On August 18, 2025, four orphaned children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan, arrived in Honolulu for a two-week visit, warmly welcomed by the 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds” and the organization Peace Bridge. The children, all 11 years old, were greeted at Daniel K. Inouye Airport with smiles, leis, and snacks, marking the beginning of an exciting journey in Hawaii.
Kanami Tomioka, Umi Ihara, Ryota Takashiba, and Ryuki Taura were met by Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Borawski and his wife Molly, who expressed their enthusiasm for hosting the children. The event aimed to create joyful memories while fostering international goodwill.
Upon their arrival, the children were showered with affection and hospitality. Each child was adorned with traditional Hawaiian leis, a symbol of welcome and friendship. Governor Josh Green assisted Kanami Tomioka as she received her lei, further emphasizing the community’s embrace of their guests.
The atmosphere was festive, with handmade signs welcoming the children and a sense of excitement in the air. One highlight included the presence of Kolchak XVII, a six-year-old Borzoi Wolfhound, who added a playful touch to the event.
As the children introduced themselves, they were encouraged to participate in various activities planned for their stay. The soldiers, along with the Peace Bridge organization, have designed a program full of educational and recreational opportunities, aiming to provide a rich and memorable experience.
A ceremonial cake-cutting marked the occasion, with CSM Eugene Mirador and CSM Jason Chase using a saber to cut the cake, delighting the children and attendees alike. The children responded with laughter and cheers, enjoying their first taste of Hawaiian culture.
Throughout their two-week stay, the children will explore local attractions, engage in cultural exchanges, and participate in community events. The visit seeks not only to entertain but also to build lasting connections between the young visitors and their hosts.
This initiative exemplifies the commitment of the 27th Infantry Regiment and Peace Bridge to foster friendship and understanding across cultures. By welcoming these children, they aim to provide a sense of hope and joy, reminding everyone of the importance of community and compassion in an increasingly interconnected world.
The children’s journey is more than just a vacation; it is an opportunity for growth and enrichment, serving as a reminder that gestures of kindness can create ripples of change that extend far beyond borders.
