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TOUCH A HEART NEWSLETTER | JUNE 2, 2026
Building Bridges
Earlier this year, we welcomed a group of justice researchers and practitioners from Japan to Touch A Heart headquarters at Kalihi Union Church to learn about our work supporting justice-involved individuals.
The visit was coordinated by Takuya Furuhashi, a doctoral student in social work at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and former correctional officer and policy leader within Japan's Ministry of Justice. Joining him were Dr. Junko Suzuki of Shirayuri University, Dr. Kaori Kishi of Iwate Prefectural University, and Dr. Keiko Ito of the University of Tokyo, whose work spans offender rehabilitation, mental health, social reintegration, and community-based support systems.
The group was especially interested in our ʻohana-based approach, Growth Mindset curriculum, vocational training program, and work with students at Olomana School at the Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility. Discussions centered on rehabilitation, restoration, and how communities can better support individuals rebuilding their lives after justice involvement. Executive Director Robin also shared about our social enterprise model, where nearly half of our organizational support comes through programs designed to create meaningful job training and employment opportunities.
Following the visit, Dr. Suzuki shared that our "approach to community-based support and commitment to young people made a strong impression" on the group. Conversations also explored how concepts such as redemption, second chances, and reintegration may be understood differently across cultures.
This summer, Takuya will also travel throughout Japan to speak with universities, researchers, and practitioners about youth justice and rehabilitation efforts in Hawaiʻi. As part of those presentations, he'll share information about Touch A Heart, helping introduce our work to new audiences abroad.
Mahalo to Takuya, Dr. Suzuki, Dr. Kishi, and Dr. Ito for spending time with our ʻohana. We're grateful for the opportunity to exchange ideas and look forward to continued learning and collaboration between Hawaiʻi and Japan.