Haleiwa Shingon Mission presented its 21st Thanksgiving and Gratitude Seminar on Oct. 23.

Emceed by Eleanor Nitta, the program opened with welcome remarks by James Sato, followed by a moment of silence for world peace and a prayer service led by Rev. Alan Taiko Akiyama.

Special guests included the Most Rev. Shinko Iwatsubo and Bishop Jitsuei Koyabu, both from the sacred Mt. Koya, Japan; Rev. Shinryu Abeshima and Bishop Clark H. Watanabe.

The main program, a seminar entitled “Mikkyo Meditation – Self Changing,” was presented by Dento Daiajari Daien Oshita from Senkoji Temple of Gifu, Japan. The Senkoji temple in Japan established the “Clinical Meditation Method Educational Research Institute,” which focuses on the effects of meditation on the spiritual care of those afflicted with illnesses. In recent years, medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, psychologists and caregivers have benefited from the Mikkyo meditation method. Oshita shared scientific research results, which showed differences in the brain waves of those undergoing meditation. He explained that he travels throughout Japan providing spiritual guidance through meditation and prayer to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. The highlight of the session was the audience participation in two different methods of meditation, 1) calming meditation and 2) amplifying meditation. Oshita guided the audience through brief stretching exercises, then proper posture, breathing methods, and recitation.

After the seminar, members of the Shingon Temple: Betty Dela Cuesta, Joyce Kishimoto, Alvin Harada and Ralph Saxton from Australia shared experiences of their pilgrimage trip to Hokkaidö’s 33 Kannon temples. The program concluded with lunch and fellowship.

Taishöji Sötö Mission celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding with a commemorative service and luncheon on Oct. 16. The theme of the celebration was “Ho-on,” or “Sweet Memories with Gratitude,” to express the fond memories that come to mind for the Taishöji congregation, its friends and neighbors.

Special guests from Japan, the U.S. mainland, the neighbor islands and Kona were present to help celebrate this milestone. In addition, Keirosha members (those who attained age 80 and older) were honored for their dedication and support.

In 1915, Archbishop Mokusen Hioki of Eiheiji Temple in Japan visited Hilo and saw the need for a Sötö Zen temple. Eight hundred Zen Buddhist families joined together to finance the temple. Rev. Hakudo Ezawa arrived in Hawai‘i in 1916 and oversaw the temple plans. The temple site at 275 Kino‘ole St. was purchased the following year, and on April 14, 1918, the Taishoji Temple was completed.

In the era of Hawai‘i’s sugar plantations, many parishioners could not make the trek to Hilo. Taishoji ministers rode on horseback to many distant camps and towns along the Hämäkua coast and in the Puna area to teach good living and Zen wisdom at evening services in the homes of the laborers after a hard day’s work. Oftentimes, the ministers did not return home until the next morning.

For 100 years, Hakuhozan Taishoji has been a beacon of light that has enlightened people with the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These principles for living have guided them in a universe that is always changing, so that they can enjoy peace, compassion and happiness in their present lives.

Over the years, the temple has also been the home base for many community groups and activities. Two of the most noteworthy ones are Taishoji Taiko and Boy Scouts of America Troop 95.

WHO/WHAT: James Roberson, a professor of anthropology in the Dept. of Intercultural Studies at Kanazawa Seiryo University in Japan, will introduce and discuss women who contributed as vocalists to the jazz and rock music scenes in Okinawa. Joining him is Nobue Suzuki, a professor of anthropology at Chiba University, who will introduce Filipinos who have played jazz in mainland Japan and Okinawa. The lecture is co-sponsored by the UH Center for Okinawan Studies and the UH Center for Philippine Studies.

WHEN/WHERE: Monday, Jan. 9, from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Tokioka Room (Moore 319) on the University of Hawai‘i Manoa campus.

COST: Admission is free. For more information, call the Center for Okinawan Studies at 956-5754.

WHO/WHAT: Afuso Ryu Koten Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai USA will perform traditional Okinawan music as part of “Ayanuji: Okinawa’s Traditional Culture – Past and Present.” This is an East-West Center Arts Program, presented in cooperation with the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts and the Hawaii United Okinawa Association.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Jan. 8, 2-3 p.m. in the East-West Center Gallery, John A. Burns Hall, 1601 East-West Rd. Afuso Ryu is led by president/director Grant “Sandaa” Murata.

COST: Admission is free. Visitor parking is managed by UH-Mānoa; parking fees may apply.

WHO/WHAT: Hongwanji Mission School presents its annual Fun Fair. Enjoy this family fun day with games, food, a rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course and entertainment.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at its campus at 1728 Pali Hwy.

COST: Admission is free. Free parking available at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, Soto Mission of Hawaii, Cathedral School and Kawananakoa Middle School.  For more information, call 532-0522, email hmsroompc@gmail.com or visit www.Hongwanjimissionschool.com

Rod S. Tanonaka has been named Sergeant-at-Arms for the state House of Representatives. Tanonaka previously served as chief of staff for the late U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai and prior to that, held the same post for U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa during her first term in Congress.

Tanonaka succeeds Kevin Kuroda, who retired last year after 13 years in the post.

In a press release, Speaker of the House Joe M. Souki said the House members “believe Rod has the experience and skills needed to capably fulfill the requirements of the position.”

The duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms Office include providing security for the offices and chambers of the state House. The staff attends and maintains order during all House sessions and is responsible for executing the directions of the House leadership.

Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and Kokusai Sake Kai co-hosted a celebration of this year’s rare supermoon with a Tsukimi no En, or Moon Viewing Party, on Nov. 18 at the Consul General’s residence in Nu‘uanu. (A supermoon is the coincidence of a full moon or a new full moon with the closest approach of the moon, which results in the largest apparent size of the lunar moon as seen from earth.) The next supermoon is not expected until Nov. 25, 2034.

Chef Yuki Kawamura prepared foods that complemented the sake.

The social/educational event gave guests an opportunity to learn more about the three varieties of sake — Daiginjo, Ginjo and Junmai — and to sample sakes not available in the United States. The guests also got to see how pairing sake with certain foods enhances the flavor of both the food and the sake. Chef Yuki Kawamura prepared nine different dishes to complement the sakes.

Understanding sake, including acidity level and whether a sake is sweet or dry, can take years to truly understand and appreciate. However, the following is a brief description the three types:

Ginjo sakes are fruity and floral and light and refreshing. The rice grains have been milled down to 60 percent of their original size prior to steaming. This means that 40 percent of the outer layer of the rice grain has been polished off. Light dishes such as pumpkin salad, miso-marinated tofu, and cucumber and octopus with sweet vinegar dressing are recommended with Ginjo sakes.

Junmai sakes have a rice polishing ratio of 70 percent, meaning that 30 percent has been polished away. These sakes have a robust flavor and can be enjoyed either warm or cold. Junmai sakes are easy to drink and are reasonably priced. They are best served with down to earth comfort foods such as grilled mackerel sushi, vegetable tempura, and simmered pork and radish.

Daiginjo sakes are very expensive because the polishing ratio is taken down to 50 percent or lower. They are made in smaller and limited quantities and employ traditional methods. The flavor and aroma profiles tend to be richer and thus require an equally rich-tasting dish to complement it. Recommended dishes include deep-fried smelt marinated in sweet vinegar and served with vegetables, matsutake mushrooms and Chrysanthemum with soy sauce and yellowtail sashimi.

Karleen C. Chinen

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presented five individuals with its “Legacy Award” on Dec. 4 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Over 400 people attended the event, which featured a silent auction as well as special entertainment honoring the five honorees. HUOA president Tom Yamamoto described the honorees as “five remarkable individuals.”

Honored were: retired public school educator and World War II Military Intelligence Service veteran Dr. Yoshinobu Oshiro; entertainment entrepreneur Roy Tokujo; Hui Makaala founder and Democratic Party leader, the late Tokuichi “Dynamite” Shishido; fine artist Seikichi “Chick” Takara and Living National Treasure of Japan in Afuso Ryu sanshin, Terukina Choichi-Sensei from Okinawa. The 2016 program marked the first time a recipient from Okinawa was selected for the award.

Each Legacy Award recipient was honored with a special plaque, a video presentation on their life and a cultural/musical performance of their choice.

Gov. David Ige, whose paternal roots are in Nishihara-Gaza, said the honorees are “Uchinanchu legends.” “Your contributions have affected so many,” he said.

Last October, Ige joined a contingent of over 1,800 from Hawai‘i who participated in the Sixth Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival in Okinawa. The governor said he was impressed by the gathering in Okinawa of some 7,000 Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu-at-heart from all over the globe to celebrate the Okinawan heritage. “What a small world it is,” he said as he recalled visiting the Heiwa Dori marketplace along Kokusai Dori in Naha and seeing Uchinanchu faces, yet hearing Portuguese, Spanish and a variety of languages.

The 2016 Legacy Awards banquet was co-chaired by Mark Higa and Valerie Kato.

WHO/WHAT: The Wahiawa Nikkei Civic Association presents two events to celebrate the cherry blossom season. Friends and family can enjoy refreshments and local talent in Japanese entertainment on Jan. 28, and a 90-minute trolley ride to view Wahiawa’s cherry blossoms on Feb. 4.

WHEN/WHERE/COST:

• “29th Annual Sakura Matsuri ”— Saturday, Jan. 28, from 7-9 p.m. at Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave. The evening will feature local talent performing Japanese songs and dance. Refreshments provided by Nakayoshi Kai, the friendship club of Leilehua High School. Door prizes and sakura (cherry blossom) plant giveaways. Donation of $5 requested.

• “Sakura Safari – Hana Mi” — Saturday, Feb. 4. Meet at Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave. Trolley leaves at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Take a special 90-minute trolley ride through Wahiawa Town and view the abundance of cherry blossoms in this quaint residential community. This event celebrates the first sakura tree planting using seedlings from Okinawa and the continued propagation of the trees by Wahiawa residents. The cool climate of Wahiawa is ideal for maintaining the sakura trees’ health. Reservations required by Feb. 1. Seating is limited. Trolley ride is $20 per person. Seating is guaranteed with receipt of payment. Optional bento may be reserved in advance for $5 each.

For more information or reservations, contact Rene Mansho at renemansho@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 291-6151. Payments can be mailed to Wahiawa Nikkei Civic Assoc., 94-428 Kahulialii St., Mililani, HI 96789.

WHO/WHAT: ProjectFocus Hawaii, in partnership with the Wahiawa Community Based Development Organization, presents “Crossing Bridges” for public viewing. “Crossing Bridges,” which was featured in the Jan. 6 Hawai‘i Herald, is a photographic exhibit of portraits and stories about Wahiawa and its residents. It highlights the former pineapple plantation town’s rich history, its kupuna (elders) and students. The exhibition is sponsored by Fujifilm Hawaii.

WHEN/WHERE: Davies Pacific Center Mezzanine, from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Craig Gima has joined AARP Hawaii as communications director. Gima is an award-winning multimedia journalist with more than 30 years of print, television and online experience, most recently with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

He also previously worked for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and in the news departments of KHON-TV in Honolulu and television stations in San Francisco and Sacramento. Gima covered politics, higher education and other stories as a reporter, editor and in online roles. Most recently, he was assistant webmaster for staradvertiser.com, where he helped manage the home page, worked on social media strategy, produced videos and wrote breaking news stories.

In his new role, Gima will help publicize AARP’s outreach and volunteer opportunities and programs such as the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

“Craig’s experience will help AARP Hawaii communicate our mission to deliver real possibilities to enhance the quality of life for all as we age and the value we deliver to our more than 150,000 members in Hawai‘i through advocacy, service and information,” stated AARP Hawaii state director Barbara Kim Stanton in a press release. AARP Hawaii is a visible force every year at the state Legislature, advocating on behalf of retirees, the elderly, caregivers and workers.

“AARP is not just for retired people,” Gima stated. “AARP is trying to disrupt the stereotypes of aging and I am pleased to join an organization with such a strong social commitment to improving people’s lives.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a national membership of nearly 38 million. It fights for issues that matter most to families, such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse.

The 65th Cherry Blossom Festival was officially launched on Jan. 8, with the 15 queen contestants introduced at the New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.

Kokoro, the Japanese word for heart, mind and spirit, is the theme for this year’s festival. “Kokoro embodies the spirit of the Cherry Blossom Festival because it represents the heartfelt gratitude for all those who help to perpetuate the Japanese culture and heritage,” said 65th Cherry Blossom Festival general co-chair Kristin Alm.

This year’s queen contestants are Jennifer Keiko Ezaki, Carly Aiko Ishihara, Marcie Emi Kamei, Lori Satoki Kim, Jolyne Chiemi Kurihara, Nicole Keiko Nakamoto, Kaelyn Sachiko Okuhata, Heather Kiyomi Omori, Michelle Sachi Ota, Roxanne Näpualani Takaesu, Ruth Mariko Taketa, Kelly Ann Keiko Takiguchi, Kirstie Hiroi Maeshiro-Takiguchi, Lauren Sachiko Umamoto and Kelli-Ann Keiko Wong.

The contestants have already begun attending a series of cultural and personal development classes for instruction in taiko, tea ceremony, Japanese business etiquette and public speaking.

Upcoming public appearances will be on Saturdays, Jan. 21, at noon at Windward Mall; Jan. 28, at noon at Pearlridge Mall Uptown; and Feb. 4, at 3 p.m. at Ala Moana Center.

A contestant reception will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 5-8 p.m. at Rumours Nightclub in the Ala Moana Hotel, and a golf tournament will be held on Friday, Feb. 24, at Pearl Country Club.

The festival culminates with the Festival Ball, set for Saturday, March 18, at 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The contestants will share personal speeches while dressed in an evening gown. They will also answer an impromptu question while dressed in a furisode kimono. At the end of the night, the queen and her court will be announced and crowned.

The general public is invited to attend the festival events. More information and tickets to the events can be found at cbfhawaii.com. The festival is sponsored annually by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce.

WHO/WHAT: The long-awaited release of “An Internment Odyssey: Haisho Tenten,” written by Suikei Furuya and translated by Tatsumi Hayashi, will be released by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. The book chronicles Furuya’s World War II imprisonment though seven states and across 11,000 miles. Woven throughout the book are poems about Furuya’s exile, depicting efforts by the internees to bring dignity and joy to their lives while imprisoned. The program will include a panel discussion with Tatsumi Hayashi, Sheila Chun, Brian Niiya and a member of the Furuya family.   

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. in the Honouliuli National Monument JCCH Education Center, adjacent to the gift shop. Admission is free. For more information or to RSVP, call (808) 945-7633 or email programs@jcch.com. Seating is limited, so RSVP is requested.

WHO/WHAT: The Leeward Theatre will present three newly commissioned plays as part of its children’s theatre season. “Plantation Plays” will feature works by local playwrights Kiki, Courtney Takabayashi and Kirstyn Trombetta. Ashley DeMoville, a Leeward Community College faculty member and award-winning local director, will direct the productions.

“Lost Boy” by Kiki — When Boy wanders off alone while playing the newest mobile game, he finds himself transported to an early 1900s Hawai‘i plantation.  Boy ends up on a wild adventure with 8-year-old Ito, who teaches him that the best games are played with real friends.

“Jan Shoda and the Case of the Missing Chicken” by Courtney Takabayashi is the story of Jan Shoda, a precocious 10-year-old Japanese girl living on the plantation with her family. One day, her beloved pet chicken, Koke-san goes missing. Jan spends the day looking for clues, interrogating her neighbors and learning about different cultures in order to find her missing chicken.

“Saudade” by Kirstyn Trombetta is set in the Portuguese camp. Lizzie and her little brother Reese find a dusty and seemingly worthless old box. News of the discovery travels throughout the camp, leading people to believe it contains some extra fortune and they become very interested in the object. The siblings realize they have a responsibility to return the box to its rightful owner and learn that some things are irreplaceable.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 11-26, showtimes at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days, at Hawaii’s Plantation Village, 94-695 Waipahu St.

COST: Tickets are $5 and available from Hawaii’s Plantation Village. Call (808) 677-0110 or email hpv.waipahu@hawaiiantel.net. Admission price does not include the Hawaii’s Plantation Village guided tour, which can be booked separately.

Three new paper cranes will soon be added to the Sadako Crane Exhibit in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The exhibit recently welcomed the cranes, which were folded by Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, his wife Akie and a former navy man named Tajiri, who was a member of the squadron that attacked Pearl Harbor.

The visitor center features the story of Sadako Sasaki and a crane she folded before she died. Information about America’s postwar efforts in Japan is included in the exhibit panels.

Sadako’s nephew, Yuji Sasaki, presented 1,000 paper cranes, plus the three additional cranes, to National Park Service Superintendent Jacqueline Ashwell in an informal ceremony on Jan. 7. The ceremony was presided over Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and was attended by first lady of Hawai‘i Dawn Amano-Ige.

Sadako Sasaki was 12 years old when she died of leukemia, which she developed following the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945. The bombing ended World War II in the Pacific, but at a costly human price. Sadako’s story and her memory have come to symbolize peace and a plea to end nuclear aggression.

Yuji Sasaki said he was moved by then-President Barack Obama’s gesture of folding four paper cranes during his visit to Hiroshima in May 2016 and wanted to return the gesture. He made a public appeal to individuals and organizations in Japan, asking them to fold paper cranes. Among those who responded was Akie Abe, wife of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who asked that her crane be included. The prime minister folded a crane, as well. The couple also signed their cranes.

According to Sasaki, Prime Minister Abe was moved that President Obama had folded a crane during his visit to Hiroshima and wanted to do likewise.

Superintendent Ashwell said the cranes will be displayed once an exhibit space is built. In an email to the Associated Press, Ashwell said, “The National Park Service is deeply honored to receive these cranes. They are a lasting tribute to Sadako Sasaki’s message of peace and her enduring legacy, and we are honored to share them with the world.”

The special star of the show — Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa — as the Kojyo.

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce celebrated the arrival of the “Year of the Rooster” at its 72nd annual shinnen enkai (New Year’s banquet). The Jan. 6 event at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i attracted a sold-out audience of 410 people, including HJCC members, their families and friends. The shinnen enkai is traditionally a time for fun and fellowship as the newest “class” of “Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” kabuki stars are introduced.

HJCC board chair Dave Erdman welcomed the guests with a boisterous “Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!” “New Year’s is one of the most significant holidays in the Japanese culture,” said Erdman, adding that the shinnen enkai is an opportunity for everyone in the business community to greet each other in a positive way.

The event was chaired by HJCC member and Finance Factors president and chief operating officer Steven Teruya, and emceed by former Cherry Blossom Queen Kimberly Takata and HJCC member and Carlsmith Ball attorney Kenji Price.

Bishop Daiya Amano of the Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii performed a traditional Shinto blessing and then offered the invocation before dinner. Kampai were offered by PICHTR president Dennis Teranishi and Nippon Club president and JTB Hawaii president and CEO Tsukasa Harufuku.

For the first time this year, attendees were treated to an Uta Matsuri, or song festival, patterned after Japan’s popular New Year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen. The contest pits the all-women’s red team against the all-men’s white team. The HJCC’s version featured songs sung by members of the Quad-Chamber — HJCC and the Chinese, Filipino and Korean chambers of commerce. The Quad-Chamber was organized last year. The very talented men’s team swept the contest.

And then it was time for the “Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” performance. The kabuki play is about five dorobo, or thieves, and is set in Ösaka during the Edo Period. The HJCC version of the play has the performers bragging about their career and personal successes.

The five dorobo in this year’s play were:

• Scott Barlow, president of Aloha Gateway Marketing, as Nippon Daimon;

• Sandra Tory, secretary-treasurer of Tory’s Roofing & Waterproofing, as Benten Kozo Kikunosuke;

• Sydette Higuchi, office manager for Allan Y. Segawa, DDS, as Tadanobu Rihei;

• Denis Kaneshiro, vice president at Central Pacific Bank, as Akaboshi Jyuzaburo; and

• Steve Koyama, owner and principal broker of Koyama Realty, portraying Nango Rikimaru.

Keven Matsuura, brokerage manager for Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii, Ltd., played the role of Meakashi Kingoro. But the show’s biggest star this year was Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa, who portrayed the Kojyo. The Kojyo “bragged” about having held 19 different diplomatic positions — including Germany, Austria, Indonesia and Canada — that have taken him to the four corners of the earth — all by age 54. He also bragged about having known his wife Yoko since they were youngsters growing up in Kyöto, and about studying ‘ukulele with Roy Sakuma and Okinawan sanshin with Grant “Sandaa” Murata.

The audience encouraged the Gonin Otoko performers with laughter and cheers. The performance concluded with the cast and the audience joining together in singing “Hotaru No Hikari,” the Japanese version of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Robert Nagao served as producer and director of the performance. He was assisted by retired HJCC president Ronald Ushijima and HJCC member Greg Mueller, who were responsible for the script and casting. HJCC member Rika Hirata assisted with the Japanese script, and former Gonin Otoko producer Walter Saito served as advisor. Musical accompaniment was provided by Kineya Sakio on shamisen and Kineya Samei on drums and percussion. Hanayagi Dancing Academy Foundation members assisted with the costuming and makeup.

HJCC president-elect Brian Nishida closed the evening with a rousing tejime. The “Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” performance was videotaped by ‘Ölelo Community Media and will be shown at a later date.

WHO/WHAT: Nisei Veterans Legacy will hold its inaugural fundraising event, themed “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future.” Former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi will be the keynote speaker. A silent auction will also planned.

WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the Pomaika‘i Ballrooms, Dole Cannery Iwilei.

COST: $75 person; Nisei veterans are admitted free of charge. Registration deadline is Feb. 20. Send the names of your party members and check, payable to “Nisei Veterans Legacy,” to: Nisei Veterans Legacy, P.O. Box 2476, Honolulu, HI 96804. For more information, contact Jennifer Okubo at jokubo@nvlchawaii.org or (808) 497-3288. For more information about Nisei Veterans Legacy, visit www.nvlchawaii.org.

WHO/WHAT: The Hawaii Chapter of World Wings International Inc., the philanthropic organization of former Pan Am flight attendants, presents its annual fundraiser. Proceeds benefit St. Francis Hospice.

Hot ticket items include Pan Am and airline memorabilia. The International Boutique features treasures that the flight attendants collected during their worldwide travels. Other goods for sale include household and kitchen items, collectibles and toys, jewelry, books, CDs and DVDs, clothing and accessories.

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at McKinley High School cafeteria, 1039 S. King St. Use Pensacola Street entrance. Only CASH will be accepted. For more information, call (808) 227-6868.

WHO/WHAT: The three-month-long Battle of Okinawa has been called the largest sea, land and air battle in history. It was the last battle of the Pacific War and the only land invasion of Japan by U.S. forces. More than 100,000 Okinawan civilians died in the battle, along with over 72,000 Americans and 100,000 Japanese.

Promoting peace is the mission of the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, which is presenting an exhibition on the Battle of Okinawa with messages of peace by children. There will also be displays of haiku poetry on the subject of peace by ‘Iolani School students and peace drawings by Hawai‘i students.

WHEN/WHERE: 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse (520 Kamoku St.) The exhibit runs through Feb. 28. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Special event on Sunday, Feb. 19, 1-3 p.m.: Battle of Okinawa lecture and screening of NHK documentary, “Compassion in a War Zone,” about 100th Infantry Battalion veteran (and Hawai‘i Okinawan) Thomas Taro Higa. Free parking available at Ala Wai Elementary School.

COST: Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jayne Hirata at
jayne.hirata@gmail.com or (808) 366-3148.

The Chado Urasenke Tankokai Hawaii celebrated the “Year of the Rooster” with a traditional Hatsudate Shiki, or first tea of the year, in the Seikokan Tea House at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i on Jan. 15.

Guests at the first ceremony included Tankokai president and former Hawai‘i governor George Ariyoshi and his wife Jean; Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and his wife Yoko; first lady of Hawai‘i Dawn Amano-Ige; past Tankokai president Akemi Kurokawa and his wife Misako; Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i president and executive director Carole Hayashino; Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce president Sydette Higuchi; and Dr. Mary McDonald, Dr. Satoru Izutsu and Dr. Robert Huey from the University of Hawai‘i.

The ceremony was conducted by teishu (tea ceremony host) Takemi Nakasone and hanto (assistant and narrator) Wayne Muromoto. Guests later enjoyed an osechi ryöri lunch of traditional Japanese New Year’s foods.