Big Island residents will have a chance to wish new Japanese Emperor Naruhito well.
Mayor Harry Kim on Monday signed a congratulatory book that will be given to the consul general of Japan and sent to Tokyo.
Arthur Taniguchi, honorary consul general of Japan in Hilo, said the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu has a book similar to the one signed by Kim available to the public so people “can come and sign congratulatory messages in the book.” Because Taniguchi is on the Big Island, he was sent a book as well.
Taniguchi said he wanted Kim to be the first one to sign from the island, followed by numerous leaders of Hilo’s Japanese community.
The book will be available for the public to sign from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. today through Thursday at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 398 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo.
Naruhito took the throne May 1 following the April 30 abdication of Emperor Akihito.