July 27, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BISHOP MUSEUM OFFERS GUIDED TOURS OF
NEW EXHIBIT “JOURNEY WITH A KING”
HONOLULU – Visitors interested in learning about the special ties between Hawai‘i and Japan are in for a treat as Bishop Museum has launched guided tours of its exhibit, “Journey With A King.” The tours offered in both Japanese and English, explore the fascinating story of how Hawai‘i’s monarchy and Japan’s imperial reign have embraced each other through an extraordinary history of journeys and relationships. Visitors can now explore these bonds with guided Japanese tours at 1:30 p.m. and English tours at 2:30 p.m. daily.
The story of “Journey With A King” begins with a shipwrecked Japanese sailor’s first contact with the shores of Hawai‘i in 1838. It continues through the visit of King David Kalākaua to Japan in 1881 and interaction with Meiji Emperor Mutsuhito. Guests will see how these two island kingdoms have created a bond that will continue to influence Japanese Americans in Hawai‘i today.
Among the various artifacts highlighted are the daguerreotype of samurai Gohachiro Namura, one of the first photographs of the Japanese people; illustrations from the Bandan, recounting the first impressions of shipwrecked sailors of Hawai‘i; selections from King Kalākaua’s personal journal describing his 1881 visit to Japan; historical documents and treaties; and an official letter from Prince Yamashina declining a marriage proposal to Princess Ka‘iulani.
The exhibit is funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services by an Act of Congress, in accordance with the FY 2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill.
A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org