This paper describes the historical development of the Japanese language program in Hawaiian elementary and secondary schools, and the curriculum materials development that accompanied it. The growth of Hawaiians' interest in and awareness of their Japanese background and cultural heritage is cited as one reason for the increase in Japanese and Hawaiian language programs and the decline of other FL programs. In view of the trends in education locally and nationally, the following are suggested as areas of concentration for curriculum material development in Japanese: Career Language Programs that are work-oriented; presentation of the cultural values of the Japanese and other ethnic groups; exploratory courses in two or three languages for intermediate or upper elementary students with a focus on cultural awareness; workbooks to complement the Learn Japanese series and workshops for new subscribers of the curriculum materials; and rewriting of materials based on feedback from teachers. A chart is attached which lists the Learn Japanese curriculum materials, which include textbooks, test books, teacher's manuals and audiovisual aids. (AM)