4th Annual Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
Event Details
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025
Location: Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Featured Performers
Seven talented steel guitarists and groups from Japan will perform, including:
- Shinichi Kakiuchi
- Yukio Katagiri
- Kiyoshi “Lion” Kobayashi
- Masami “Matt” Kobayashi
- Paul Okubo
- Masami Sato and Makana
- Moto Suzuki
Each artist will showcase their unique style, highlighting the rich traditions of steel guitar music.
Festival Background
HIMELE and Japanese steel guitar planners organized this festival to bring top Japanese steel guitarists to Honolulu. The Royal Hawaiian Center supports the event by providing the Royal Grove Stage.
This festival results from years of planning by Hawai‘i and Japanese organizers. The late Tadashi Arakawa, a beloved Japanese steel guitarist who passed away in 2022, inspired the event. The first festival honored his legacy.
Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
The festival is part of 2025 Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week (July 6–12, 2025). The week features multiple steel guitar performances and events. Fans worldwide can also enjoy the festival via livestream.
Join the Celebration!
Don’t miss this beautiful blend of cultures and music at the Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival!