Soldiers Welcome Orphaned Children from Japan to Hawaii

On August 18, 2025, the soldiers of the 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds” warmly welcomed four orphaned children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan, to Honolulu, Hawaii. The children, all aged 11, are set to enjoy a two-week stay hosted by the regiment in collaboration with Peace Bridge. The welcoming ceremony took place at Daniel K. Inouye Airport, creating a joyful atmosphere as the children arrived.

Among those present were Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Borawski and his wife, Molly Borawski, who played significant roles in the event. The children—Kanami Tomioka, Umi Ihara, Ryota Takashiba, and Ryuki Taura—received a heartfelt greeting from the soldiers, who showered them with snacks and smiles.

As the children made their way through the airport, the excitement was palpable. Governor Josh Green personally assisted Kanami Tomioka with her lei, a traditional Hawaiian welcome. The event featured a festive atmosphere, complete with handmade signs celebrating the children’s arrival and a ceremonial cake-cutting by CSM Eugene Mirador and CSM Jason Chase using a saber, further enriching the memorable occasion.

The children were not alone in their welcome; a six-year-old Borzoi Wolfhound named Kolchak XVII was also in attendance, adding a unique touch to the gathering. As the children were greeted by military personnel and local officials, they were met with waves and “shakas,” a gesture symbolizing friendship and aloha spirit.

Every child was encouraged to introduce themselves, and the energy in the room only intensified as they shared their names and smiles with their hosts. Ryota Takashiba and Ryuki Taura were particularly enthusiastic, eager to connect with the soldiers and learn more about their new surroundings.

This initiative aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and provide the children with enriching experiences during their stay in Hawaii. The collaboration between the 27th Infantry Regiment and Peace Bridge underscores a commitment to supporting youth from diverse backgrounds, promoting friendship and goodwill between nations.

As the children settled into their new environment, the soldiers expressed their hopes for lasting memories and friendships to develop over the course of their visit. The 27th Infantry “Wolfhounds” look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for these young guests, highlighting the importance of community and connection in a global context.