New Store, New Year for a Hawai‘i Tradition

Akira Nakajima, new owner of Fujiya Hawai‘i, a 67-year-old company, makes strawberry mochi from mochiko, sugar, water, red beans and fresh whole strawberries. It’s his bestselling item.

Akira Nakajima, new owner of Fujiya Hawai‘i, a 67-year-old company, makes strawberry mochi from mochiko, sugar, water, red beans and fresh whole strawberries. It’s his bestselling item, with peanut butter mochi a close second. 

Nakajima says the latter is packed with crunchy peanut butter, so “it’s not a traditional Japanese sweet, but a real fusion of Japan and Hawai‘i flavors.” 

Nakajima moved here five years ago from Japan, where he was a marketing consultant. He loved the Islands and wanted a second act expanding Fujiya’s mochi and snack business. In September, he opened the new store in McCully. 

“So many customers were waiting for our reopening” after the store in Kalihi closed, he says. And sales are still strong. “I’m so happy to hear about our good reputation on Yelp.” 

Time: Wednesday, 1:16 PM
Location: Fujiya Hawaiʻi
Photographer: Aaron Yoshino