1985 CENTENNIAL OF JAPANESE IMMIGRATION TO HAWAII IN SILVER

One hundred years ago the Kanyaku Imin, Japanese contract immigrants, set forth on a journey armed with only faith and a desire for a better life. They were the first Japanese ever allowed to immigrate to anywhere, as Japan was a closed country, where even visitors were forbidden to visit. In 1881, King Kalakaua opened the door for Japanese to immigrate to Hawaii when he visited Emperor Meiji in Japan on his round the world tour – the first by any reigning monarch – while his Iolani Palace was under construction in Honolulu. On February 8, 1885, the S.S. City of Tokio (1885 translation) arrived at the Port of Honolulu with 944 immigrants. King Kalakaua welcomed the men, women and children, on a day that changed Hawaii forever. The contract laborers worked hard in the sugarcane fields for 35 cents a day. Remaining true to their customs, traditions and values, they confirmed that with a sense of duty, discipline and hard work, all things are possible to achieve. The strong-willed Japanese persevered and succeeded. George R. Ariyoshi, the first Governor of Hawaii of Japanese descent, and the Coordinating Committee authorized The Hawaiian Mint to issue the Official Coin to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Kanyaku Imin – the Japanese immigration to Hawaii. The Hawaiian Mint designated 1985 as "The Year of the Imin," in celebration of the contribution made by the Kanyaku Imin, Japanese contract workers, by issuing The Official Coin in Gold, Silver and Bronze. The official Coin for 1985 commemorates the Japanese spirit of success. The story of the Japanese in Hawaii is an American story. For we are all Imin. The unique designs were the work of Milici/Valenti Advertising and BVNH. The obverse features the immigrants and the S.S. City of Tokio ship. The reverse features a sugarcane, mill and The Rising Sun with the obverse legend in Japanese. All coins were proof minted to the highest standards, numbered, and certified at the Mint. The Gold coins were packaged in a handsome cherrywood case and the silver was packaged in a velvet bag with a certificate of authenticity of the numbered edition. The OIP for the silver proof was $39. A generous portion of all coin sales was pledged to the Governor's Coordinating Council for the Centennial Celebration. As President Harry Truman commended the Nisei delegation, "You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice and you have won." RE: 1985 MINTLINE VOL 2, NO 1