SAN JOSE — Island Sol brings a Hawaiian vibe to San Jose’s Japantown, offering a wide range of apparel and merchandise inspired by the islands. The store, which has been open since August, offers such Hawaiian-inspired merchandise as printed shirts, music, jewelry, and foodstuffs. The store’s line of unique apparel includes reggae dresses and roots shirts.

Kathy Sakamoto, executive director of the Japantown Business Association, said that Island Sol has been an ideal addition to the area.

“Island Sol is all about family. It has great Hawaiian Island products, T-shirts and more. You’ll see smiling faces, great energy and a beautifully modern, renovated interior at the old office of optometrist Dr. Kawakami,” she said.

The team at Island Sol previously operated the San Jose retail store, Sun Jose, for 20 years. The other business also sold a variety of Hawaiian merchandise.

Island Sol also is affiliated with Island Sol Productions, offering a variety of live performances. It is recognized as the only promotion group to continually bring Hawaiian entertainment and culture to the Bay Area.

Island Sol Productions was created in 2004 as a promotions group to bring Polynesian and Hawaiian talent to the Bay Area. Previous Island Sol events have included the Island Irie Summer Jam, Island Comedy Jam, the dance and musical presentation of Young Kanaka, as well as many other events featuring Hawaiian, Polynesian, Island Reggae musical acts and DJs from around the world and the Bay Area.

Island Sol is located at 225 Jackson Street in San Jose’s Japantown. Call (408) 217-9647 or e-mail islandsol@gmail.com.