As a three-term governor of the State of Hawaii and a farsighted architect of Pacific-Asian affairs, George R. Ariyoshi has devoted his career to expansive ideas. Through his leadership, Hawaii has been guided to the threshold of the 21st century prepared to fulfill its pivotal role in the business and commerce of the Pacific Rim.

As Hawaii’s chief executive for more than thirteen years, Governor Ariyoshi set in motion a series of wide-ranging policies which have optimized the development of Hawaii’s resources and strategic location. Responsible fiscal policies, progressive trade relations and business opportunities, steady tourism growth, development of Hawaii’s ocean resources and continued economic strength are the hallmarks of his administrative legacy. The contacts and understanding developed through this successful era of Hawaii and the Pacific provide both a framework and forecast of his future activities.

His stature and reputation amongst government and business leaders within the United States and throughout Asia allow him to continue in his role of promoting and nurturing international economic and business ties within the increasingly important Pacific region. Governor Ariyoshi’s multilingual and multi-cultural skills and knowledge add to his effectiveness in representing a variety of clients interested in promoting and identifying economic opportunities.

In addition to serving as the nation's first Asian American governor, he was also the state's lieutenant governor, a territorial and state Senator, and a member of the territorial House. He held elected office from 1954 through 1986.

Governor Ariyoshi is an Advisor to Watanabe Ing & Komeiji LLP; U.S. Adviser, Japan-U.S. Science, Technology, and Space; Member of President's Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiation; Chairman, Board of Governor, East-West Center; President of Prince Resorts Hawaii; board of directors, Pacific Technology Application Corp, and he is holding board and executive positions of over 10 other private and public organizations.

He was President of the Bar Association of Hawaii, Chairman of Western Governor's Conference, President & Founder of Pacific Basin Development Council, President and Founding member of Center for International Commercial Dispute Resolution and other accomplishments and awards.

Governor Ariyoshi received three honorary doctorates in law, and three honorary doctorates in humanities. He received the Grand Cordon of the Sacred Treasure, and the Emperor's Silver Cup from the Japanese Government.

Credits: Edited from bios on the Accela and Watanabe Ing & Komeiji LLP websites.

Video on discovernikkei.org by Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum. (December 15, 2003)