The Japanese Women’s Society Foundation welcomed 2017 — “the Year of the Rooster” — with its annual shinnenkai (New Year’s party) at Natsunoya Tea House on Jan. 29. A bake sale, “Lucky Me” bidding and fukubukuro (surprise grab bag) sales preceded lunch and a short business meeting.

Board member Deborah Huebler emceed the event, introducing special guests, Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and his wife, Yoko.

During the business meeting, which was conducted by president-elect Cathy Iwai, new member Kaoru Nakamura was introduced. Iwai also introduced JWSF’s scholarship grant awardee, Erika Noel. A check for $10,000 was presented to Kuakini Foundation president Gary Kajiwara. It represented monies raised through JWSF fundraising efforts and are to be used for the residents and upkeep of Kuakini Home.

Janelle Sasaki, executive director of Diversity & Inclusion Services for Ernst & Young Advisory Co., Ltd., Japan, was the keynote speaker. Sasaki, who was born and raised in California, is based in Tökyö, where she has worked since 2011. She spoke about innovative diversity and inclusion practices in the workplace for Japan and the Asia Pacific region.

Sasaki said living and actually working in Japan is very different from merely visiting the country. Japanese Americans, foreigners and women who work in Japan are often challenged with trying to understand and adapt to “old-school” management styles. Sasaki said consensus building does not end at the office, but rather extends to social drinking after work and at lunches. Although the process of doing things takes longer in Japan, Sasaki said, “Once the planning is over, the execution is flawless.”

The East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai will celebrate the new year at its annual luncheon meeting to be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall. People with ancestral roots in Hiroshima or who have an interest in Japan are encouraged to attend the luncheon and join the organization.

President Tommy Goya will conduct a short business meeting at 10:30 a.m. The club’s Beiju honorees — members turning the auspicious age of 88 this year — will be recognized before the New Year’s luncheon. Fifteen men and women will be honored this year. They are: Hatsuno Fujimoto, Mae Hirano, Shinae Hirano, Kinue Ito, Shigeru Kataoka, Emiko Matsuoka, Ruth Matsuura, Helen Mishima, Russell Oda, Sally Seikaku, Masuko Shimizu, Doris Sumida, Satsuyo Taira, Amy Tanaka and Rosie Tatsuta.

The family of Kenneth Kitahata, the 2016 East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai scholarship recipient, will present a report on behalf of Kenneth, who is a freshman attending Oberlin College & Conservatory in Ohio. Reports will also be given by Jairus Iwasaki, Eve Nagareda and Caitlyn Tsuchiya, who were the East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai’s 2016 delegates to the Hiroshima International Youth Exchange Program. The international exchange program is sponsored by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government. It included a visit with Hiroshima governor Hidehiko Yuzaki; Japanese cultural activities; interaction with students from Hiroshima and delegates from Hawai‘i, the U.S. mainland and South America; and a homestay experience.

Hawaii Japanese Center and former Hawai‘i Herald editor Arnold Hiura will deliver the keynote presentation, “Our Roots — From Hiroshima to Hilo.”

Tickets to the New Year’s luncheon are $15 per person. For tickets or membership information, call Tommy Goya at (808) 989-5953 or Jon Arizumi at (808) 896-8172.

WHO/WHAT: AARP sponsors this conference to provide caregivers with knowledge and to relieve some of the stress that comes with providing the vital service of caring for others.

This year’s conference will focus on how to pay for caregiving. Speakers will share information on how to plan for caregiving, long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, Medicaid and other government programs. Information on accessory dwelling units and home improvements that may be needed as people age. University of Hawai‘i Professor Michael Cheang from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences will close the conference with tips for improving the quality of life at home. There will also be an exhibition area with information and handouts.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, March 25, from 8 a.m.-noon at the Manoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.

COST: Admission is free. Parking is available in the parking structure for $6. Overflow parking is available in the lot behind the former Varsity Theater for $5. You can register for the conference online at https://aarp.cvent.com/care3-25 or call 1-877-926-8300.

WHO/WHAT: “Rikka, Uchinaa-nkai!” is the first Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan language) textbook written in English. Lead author Masashi Sakihara will talk about his experience writing it and the difficulties his team faced editing it. The textbook introduces only one example of all the Uchinaaguchi varieties. He will explain diverseness of Uchinaaguchi, and how we should at least try to preserve all of the dialects in promoting a revitalization movement. This event is sponsored by Hybolics and Hawaii Okinawa Creative Arts.

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, March 5, from 4:30-6 p.m. at Jikoen Hongwanji Hall, 1731 N. School St.

COST: Free and open to the public. For more information, email Lee Tonouchi at pidginjedi@gmail.com

WHO/WHAT: The UH Center for Japanese Studies, the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu and a cultural affairs agency for the Government of Japan present a performance by veteran rakugo performer Yanagiya Sankyo. It will be performed in Japanese, with English subtitles.

Rakugo is a 400-year-old tradition of storytelling in Japan.  A minimalistic performance art, rakugo features a lone storyteller dressed in kimono, kneeling on a cushion, who, using only a fan and a hand towel for props, entertains the audience with a comic prelude followed by a traditional story.

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Orvis Auditorium, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa campus, 2411 Dole St. (corner of University Avenue and Dole Street). Doors open at 7 p.m.

COST: Admission is free. Seating is on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Parking is available in the parking structure for $6. For more information, contact the Consulate General of Japan at (808) 543-3111.

‘Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro paid a musical tribute to the families of those who died aboard the Ehime Maru. Behind him is Earl Okawa, who co-chaired the commemoration events.

Sixteen years ago, the USS Greeneville, a nuclear-powered submarine practicing a high-speed surfacing maneuver off O‘ahu’s south shore, struck the Ehime Maru, an Uwajima Fisheries High School training ship from Ehime, Japan, puncturing a hole in its hull. Within minutes, the ship began to sink. The Feb. 9, 2001, tragedy took the lives of nine people, including four students. Killed instantly were students Takeshi Mizuguchi, Katsuya Nomoto, Toshiya Sakashima and Yusuke Terata; teachers Hiroshi Makizawa and Jun Nakata; and crewmembers Toshimichi Furuya, Hiroshi Nishida and Hirotaka Segawa. Mizuguchi’s body was never recovered.

The accident could have jeopardized, or at the very least, set back the good relations that had developed and flourished between Japan and the United States in the aftermath of World War II on a number of levels: diplomatic, economic and cultural, among others.

As the governments of Japan and the United States worked on a diplomatic level to help ease the unbearable grief of the family members, especially, Hawai‘i’s Japanese American community organized and swiftly established the Ehime Maru Fund to accept donations of sympathy and support. In November of 2001, the Ehime Prefectural Government requested that the nonprofit Ehime Maru Memorial Association — EMMA — be established by the state of Hawai‘i to coordinate the construction of a memorial. Then-Hawai‘i Gov. Ben Cayetano offered a site for the memorial at the state-owned Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park. The site overlooked O‘ahu’s south shore, where the ship had gone down.

Within a year of the accident, the monument had been completed and the family members of those who were killed in the tragedy came to Hawai‘i for the traditional Buddhist memorial observance.

EMMA was subsequently transferred to the nonprofit Japan-America Society of Hawaii, which is administers the project and manages the upkeep of the memorial with the assistance of a number of Japanese community organizations who take turns cleaning it. The ties between Hawai‘i and Ehime continued to grow. In 2003, then-Gov. Linda Lingle formalized a sister-state relationship between Ehime and Hawai‘i.

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Hui O Laulima recently awarded $9,400 in cultural grants to 14 individuals and organizations. The nonprofit women’s organization is an active member of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. Hui O Laulima annually offers grants to individuals and organizations that promote and perpetuate the culture of Okinawa in Hawai‘i. In awarding the grants, HOL noted that each awardee demonstrated the potential to promote and expand the influence of Okinawan culture. The 2017 awardees are:

Holly Araki

Kei Kobayashi

Kevin Kurosu

• Allison Yanagi (Azama Honryu Hawaii Buyo Kenkyujo): Airfare assistance to bring Azama Akemi-Sensei to Hawai‘i to teach local students and introduce the Azama style of dance to Hawai‘i;

• Allison Yanagi (Nomura Ryu Dento Ongaku Kyokai Hawaii Shibu): Airfare assistance to accompany her student, Yukiko Pierce, to Okinawa to take the Shinjinsho proficiency test in kücho;

• Yukiko Pierce: Airfare assistance to Okinawa to take her Shinjinsho test in kücho;

• Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko: Airfare assistance to participate in the HUOA’s 35th Okinawan Festival;

• Jimpu Kai Maui: Airfare assistance for Cheryl Nakasone-Sensei’s monthly classes on Maui;

• Jimpu Kai USA Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho Hawaii Shibu: Airfare assistance for guest artists from Okinawa and California to travel to Hilo in conjunction with Jimpu Kai’s 40th anniversary celebration;

• Kauai Sanshin Club: Airfare assistance for sanshin sensei from O‘ahu to teach monthly classes;

• Kohala Okinawa Kenjin Kai: Airfare assistance for Ukwanshin Kabudan and Young Okinawans to travel to Kohala to provide music/drumming for the Hawi Jodo Mission obon;

• Kona Okinawa Kenjin Kai: Airfare assistance for three board members to attend the Loochoo Identity Conference in Honolulu in March;

• Maui Okinawa Sanshin: Airfare assistance for Keith Nakaganeku-Sensei’s monthly lessons on Maui;

• Maui Ryukyu Culture Group: Airfare assistance for two instructors to travel from O‘ahu for lessons in Okinawan music, dance and other cultural aspects;

• Ryukyu Matsuri Taiko Kohala/Waimea: Airfare assistance to bring O‘ahu instructors to the Big Island or to send their instructors to O‘ahu to learn new songs;

• Sally Sakaitani: Airfare assistance for monthly round-trips between O‘ahu and Kona for Keith Nakaganeku-Sensei to teach classes in uta-sanshin and shimakutuba;

• Ukwanshin Kabudan: Funding to continue offering Loochoo Studies, a series of workshops on Okinawan culture in Hilo, while continuing to build a self-sufficient community of cultural practitioners.

First Insurance Company of Hawaii recently announced four staff promotions: Holly Araki to assistant vice president of IT, Kei Kobayashi to assistant vice president of strategic planning, Kevin Kurosu to assistant vice president of commercial underwriting and Linda O’Reilly to assistant vice president of claims.

Holly Araki joined FICOH in 2014 as manager of customer applications after a 20-year career with Bank of Hawaii. Araki currently oversees the IT Development teams for FICOH’s new and legacy systems. She has also been an integral member of the team tasked with updating the company’s claims, billing and policy management platforms.

Kei Kobayashi has led FICOH’s strategic planning efforts since joining the company in 2015. He previously worked for FICOH’s parent company, Tokio Marine, where he was a manager in the International Business Development department in Tökyö.

Kevin Kurosu joined FICOH in 2004 as an associate underwriter in Commercial Underwriting. He previously worked at National Interstate and American Express Financial Advisors.

Linda O’Reilly joined FICOH in 1982. Her role in the Workers’ Compensation claims department has grown steadily. She has been the lead manager in charge of FICOH’s Workers’ Comp unit since 2013.

Teachers and students of Hooge Ryu Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy held their annual New Year’s party and a mini maizome dance performance at the ‘Aiea Elementary School cafeteria on Jan. 15. The program began with the students sitting on their knees, facing founder, director and grand master Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone-Sensei and the musicians on-stage, and bowing deeply in respect and gratitude. She, in turn, thanked the students by bowing deeply to them. Hooge Ryu Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy will celebrate its 65th anniversary later this year with a grand recital of Okinawan music and dances.

WHO/WHAT: The Pacific Buddhist Academy’s 11th annual Taiko Festival, showcasing students, faculty and guest talent. This year’s theme is “Taiji: The Yin Yang of Taiko.”
“The movement of taiko generates yang. You have the rapid movement of drums and performers, and the excitement that fills a stage and auditorium,” explained PBA head of school Josh Hernandez Morse in a letter to supporters. “The performances are based on communication, respect and harmony, and this teamwork generates tranquility, the yin.” Taiko is an integral part of the course offerings at PBA, which is the only high school in the United States with a peace curriculum based on Buddhist teachings.
WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, April 9, at 4 p.m. at the Pearl City Cultural Center, 2100 Hookiekie St.
COST: Tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for seniors, students and PBA alumni. Call 532-2649 or email www.pacificbuddhistacademy.org. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at PBA’s office adjacent to the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin (1710 Pali Hwy.).

WHO/WHAT: The Hanayagi Dancing Academy Hawaii Foundation will present its “Osarai Kai,” (recital) at which its new principal, Shihan Hanayagi Mitsujyuro, and vice principal, Hanayagi Mitsuakemi, will be introduced.
The Hanayagi-ryu school of classical Japanese dance was established in 1845 by Hanayagi Jusuke I (founding iemoto, or headmaster). It has approximately 24,000 natori (teachers) throughout the world and is considered the largest and most popular school of classical dance in Japan.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, April 8, at 1 p.m. at Mission Memorial Auditorium (next to Honolulu Hale).
COST: Free admission. For more information, call 839-6092 or email lkadot.3ai@hawaiiantel.net.

WHO/WHAT: Jikoen Hongwanji Mission kicks off its capital campaign, “Ukaji Deebiru,” (“Because of You”) with a fundraising concert, “Yuimaaru,” featuring members of the Okinawan folk music group, Urizun Minyo Group, and other performers.
WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, March 26, 2:30 p.m. (doors open at 2 p.m.) at the Okinawa Memorial Hall at Jikoen Hongwanji (1731 N. School St.). Presale tickets: $25, $30 at the door. Call Jikoen at (808) 845-3422, email: jikoen1938@gmail.com

WHO/WHAT: Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin’s “Taste of Hongwanji Bazaar.” The bazaar will feature food and drinks, entertainment, games, a collection of handcrafted items and many other treasures. The Hongwanji’s popular “Favorite Island Cookery” cookbooks will be available for purchase. There will also be a plant sale, baked goods, fresh produce, a rummage sale, and specialty items from the Kailua and Moiliili Hongwanji temples.
WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, March 26, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Hwy. For more information, call 536-7044.

Applications are being accepted for Hui O Laulima’s 2018 Cultural Grant program. All prospective grant projects/activities should take place during the 2018 January-December calendar year. Applications, including the complete list of criteria, are due by July 31.

Hui O Laulima has been awarding grants and scholarships since 1984. To date, the organization has awarded more $162,000 for projects aimed at preserving, perpetuating and promoting Okinawan culture. In the spirit of laulima, which is Hawaiian for “giving a helping hand,” Hui O Laulima awards grants to individuals and groups with a same desire.

The criteria for selection include:

• Interest in the study, perpetuation and promotion, including goodwill projects, of Okinawan culture (music, dance, art or other forms of artistic expressions), language and history;

• Leadership ability;

• Community service;

• Financial need;

• Overall potential for success;

• Clarity of goal(s); and

• Two letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives.

Inquiries and/or requests for application forms can be directed to Karen Fuse, committee chair, at kcfuse@hawaii.rr.com or call (808) 735-4523.

Author and plantation era historian Barbara F. Kawakami will present a talk on her new book, “Picture Bride Stories,” on Saturday, April 1, at 2 p.m. at the Hawaii Japanese Center in Hilo. The book, which was published last summer by University of Hawai‘i Press, was awarded the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association’s 2016-2017 Award for Adult Non-fiction.

Between 1885 and 1924, more than 20,000 Japanese and Okinawan women immigrated to Hawai‘i to become the “picture brides” of plantation laborers who began immigrating to Hawai‘i at the turn of the 20^th century to work the islands’ sugar plantations. As the years quickly passed, it became increasingly clear that most of the men would not be able return to their homes in Japan and that Hawai‘i would be their permanent homes. So, they began asking their families in Japan to find them eligible young women from their village or nearby villages to become their wife in Hawai‘i. They did this through the exchange of photographs of each other with the aid of a nakodo, or go-between, and some correspondence between their families.

“Picture Bride Stories” is based on Kawakami’s detailed and revealing oral history interviews with 16 Issei picture brides. The book is a poignant collection that recounts the diverse circumstances that led them to marry men they knew only through their photos, their journey to Hawai’i, the trials they encountered upon arriving in a strange new land and the lives they forged in Hawai‘i. Although all of the women passed on many, many years ago, their legacy lives on in their children, grandchildren and succeeding generations.

The program will include the performance of a holehole bushi dance number by Hawai‘i island’s Tsukikage Odorikai group and a screening of excerpts of Kawakami’s interviews with some of the women for PBS Hawai‘i’s “Rice & Roses” television series years ago. These interviews being shown are courtesy of the Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR) at the University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu.

After the program, Kawakami will remain behind to sign copies of her book. The hardcover book is $40 — Hawaii Japanese Center members will receive a 10 percent discount.

The “Picture Bride Stories” program featuring Barbara Kawakami is sponsored by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, with funding from the Hiroaki, Elaine and Lawrence Kono Foundation in partnership with the Hawaii Japanese Center.

The Hawaii Japanese Center is located at 751 Kanoelehua Ave. in Hilo. For more information, call (808) 934-9611 or email contact@hawaiijapanesecenter.com.

United Japanese Society of Hawaii president Dean Asahina (standing, far left) and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell with Imperial Decoration recipients (seated, from left) Dr. Dennis Ogawa, Joichi Saito and Garrett Serikawa.

United Japanese Society of Hawaii members and supporters welcomed the “Year of the Rooster” with a lively New Year’s celebration at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s Manoa Grand Ballroom on Jan. 14.

After opening koto music by Darin Miyashiro, the program commenced with the observance of a moment of silence for deceased UJSH members. The celebratory dance “Sambaso” was then performed by Onoe Kikunobukazu (Howard Asao), Onoe Kikunobutomi (Brandon Goda) and Jordan Ragasa of the Onoe Kikunobu Kai.

UJSH president Dean Asahina welcomed everyone to the shinnen enkai. He spoke of the many activities of 2016, in particular the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in late December to join President Barack Obama in honoring the memory of the Americans who were killed in Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Asahina thanked the members for participating in and supporting the UJSH’s many activities. “We can do anything if we stick together in the Issei spirit,” he said.

One of the highlights of the program was the recognition of the 2016 Hawai‘i recipients of imperial decorations from the Government of Japan — spring awardees Dr. Dennis Ogawa, who received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon; Joichi Saito, recipient of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette; and fall recipient Garrett Serikawa, who received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. Ogawa is a longtime University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa American Studies professor and chairman of Nippon Golden Network. Saito is chairman emeritus of Central Pacific Bank and former president of the Hawaii Bankers Association. Serikawa, a retired accountant, is a past president of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and former board chair for the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.

Also recognized during the program were the 2016 Kenjin Kai Young Achiever Awardees — Rachelle Fong, representing the Central Oahu Kumamoto Kenjin Kai; Shari Teruya from the Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai; Lisa Tamashiro, representing the Hawaii United Okinawa Association; Zane Jansson from the Hawaii Yamanashi Kyoyu Kai, Jamielynn Tateyama from the Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai; Shawn Hamamoto, representing the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai and LesliAnn Kikuchi of the Honolulu Kumamoto Kenjin Kai.

The young leaders were applauded for their service to their respective kenjin kai. Lisa Tamashiro, co-founder of Shinka, the HUOA’s newest club for young adults, and the instructor of her eisä group, Chinagu Eisa, spoke on behalf of her fellow recipients. She said pride in her culture and community were instilled in her from a young age. She encouraged the younger generation to learn as much as they can about their cultural heritage from their elders while they are still alive and able to share information and experiences with them.

Special guests included Gov. David Ige, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa. Gov. Ige said he was never prouder to be Japanese American than to have been able to welcome Prime Minister Abe to Hawai‘i. “It was truly an opportunity for Hawai‘i to shine,” he said. Ige also thanked the UJSH for being part of the community welcome for Prime Minister Abe and for the “spectacular showing of the strong relations between Hawai‘i and Japan.” He said he had an opportunity to speak with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy during Abe’s visit. “As your governor, I was truly proud. We believe we are true partners in peace and prosperity.”

Mayor Caldwell noted that the Pearl Harbor attack changed Hawai‘i in so many ways. Consul General Misawa recommitted himself to strengthening the ties between Hawai‘i, the U.S. and Japan.

A banzai to the honorees, UJSH and its guests was offered by Cmdr. Taijiro Omata, liaison officer for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces, headquartered with the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet.

The rest of the program was devoted to performances by the various kenjin kai, including UJSH board members singing “Naniwa Bushi Dayo Jinsei Wa;” Okinawan dances by Dazzman Toguchi and students of Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo; a moving rendition of the song “The Prayer” by brothers Tanner and Devin Teruya; and the comical “PPAP” song and dance by Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai members James Sato, Clarence Sato and Wally Watanabe. Hawaii Chinagu Eisa closed out the entertainment program with several lively eisä numbers.

UJSH immediate past president Cyrus Tamashiro concluded the shinnen enkai with a lively tejime.

The shinnen enkai was chaired by UJSH president-elect Sheree Tamura.

The public is invited to celebrate Buddha’s birthday at the Hawai‘i Buddhist Council’s annual Hanamatsuri (Buddha Day) service. University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa emeritus professor of religion Dr. George Tanabe will be the guest speaker at the service, which will be held Sunday, April 2, at Jodo Mission of Hawaii (1429 Makiki St.).

Hanamatsuri celebrates the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, who was born in India on the eighth day of the fourth month and given the name Siddhartha. Legend has it that at the time of his birth in the Lumina Garden, sweet rain came down from the heavens to wash the baby Buddha and that all of the flowers in the yard bloomed fully. That is why Buddha’s birthday is also referred to as Hanamatsuri, or the “Flower Festival.”

Buddha’s birth is celebrated at Buddhist temples worldwide on April 8. Small shrines decorated with flowers are set in front of the sanctuary with a tanjobustu (baby Buddha figurine) placed inside. During the service, worshippers use a ladle to “bathe” the figurine with ama-cha, a beverage made by soaking tea leaves or flowers in hot water.

The flower shrine represents the Lumina Garden where the Buddha was born and the sweet tea symbolizes the sweet rain that fell during his birth.

A food drive will be held in conjunction with the Hawaii Buddhist Council Buddha Day service. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items such as canned goods, rice, spaghetti ingredients, pasta and other cooking ingredients, which will be donated to people in need.

Light refreshments will be served after the service. For more information, call 949-3995.

WHO/WHAT: The Japanese Women’s Society Foundation presents a fashion show, “Kagirinaki Yume — Boundless Dreams,” featuring local designers Amos Kotomori (men’s shirts), Kensei Takeda (jewelry) and Kini Zamora (women’s fashions).
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. at the Hawaii Prince Hotel. Boutique sales and silent auction begin at 9, lunch at noon, followed by the fashion show.
COST: Tickets are $100 each, or $1,000 for tables of 10. Runway seats: $125 each, runway tables: $1,250 for 10. Reservation deadline is April 22. Makes checks payable to “JWSF Fashion Show” and send to: P.O. Box 3233, Hon., HI 96801. For more information, contact Suzette Lau Hee at (808) 388-8078 or email bobandsuzette@hawaii.rr.com

WHO/WHAT: The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents its Mainstage Season finale, “Power and Folly: Japanese Satire for the 21st Century,” performed in the 600-year-old comedic form of kyogen. The show is directed by Professor Julie A. Iezzi, in collaboration with three visiting master kyogen artists from Japan.
The performances will be comprised of two traditional kyogen pieces and one world premiere featuring contemporary themes. The first piece, “Two Great Lords” is the story of two feudal lords who are outwitted by a passerby. The second is the English-language premiere of “Two Mountain Priests,” written by guest kyogen artist Doji Shigeyama. Rival mountain priests try to out-do one another in a whimsical contest of prayer. The world premiere of “Derailed,” written by UHM Ph.D. candidate Matthew Kelty, is set on O‘ahu and shines a satirical light on the folly of the Honolulu rail project and its impact on the island and its people.
WHEN/WHERE: Friday and Saturday, April 14, 15, 21 and 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m. at Bakken Auditorium, Mid-Pacific Institute (because Kennedy Theatre is being renovated).
COST: $25/regular; $22/seniors, military, UH faculty and staff; $20/UHAA members; $15/students and $8/UH Manoa students with valid ID. Tickets are available online at etickethawaii.com, by phone at (808) 944-2697 and at participating outlets and the Kennedy Theatre box office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., during show weeks with extended hours on performance dates).

WHO/WHAT: A free showing of documentary filmmaker John Junkerman’s 2015 film, “Okinawa: The Afterburn.” The film provides a comprehensive view of the World War II Battle of Okinawa, its aftermath and the ongoing struggles of the Okinawan people. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Junkerman, a Tokyo-based documentary filmmaker and a contributing editor to Asia-Pacific Journal. His films include “Japan’s Peace Constitution” and “Hellfires: A Journey from Hiroshima,” among others.
WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, April 9, 1-4 p.m. in the UH-Manoa Shidler College of Business, Room A-101. Co-sponsored by UH-Manoa Center for Okinawan Studies, UH-Manoa Ethnic Studies Department and the Pacific-Asian Legal Studies Program of the William S. Richardson School of Law.
ADMISSION: Free and open to the public. For more information, call 956-5754, or email cos@hawaii.edu.

WHO/WHAT: The Wahiawa Pineapple Festival, sponsored by the Wahiawa Historical Society, features cultural and educational booths, food booths, the 2017 festival T-shirt, a country store, vendors, handcrafters, entertainment and keiki activities.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wahiawa District Park on California Avenue. A parade kicks off the festivities at 9 a.m. Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.wahiawahistoricalsoc.com or contact Don Robbins at (808) 225-7206 or email donrobbins7@gmail.com.