Hakuoh University’s popular Handbell Choir returned to Honolulu in March to present two public concerts. The choir members, who ring seven octaves of handbells, performed at Palikü Theatre at Windward Community College and at Central Union Church. Hakuoh University’s music director, Professor Hirotaka Arai, established the handbell choir in 1988. He continues to arrange handbell numbers for the group and also directs the choir. The Hakuoh handbellers have developed a following in Hawai‘i — their audiences looking forward to their visits and music every year.

The handbell choir began visiting Hawai‘i in 1991 at the suggestion of Hawai‘i residents Richard and Irene Kaichi. Richard Kaichi had taught at Hakuoh University, a private university in Tochigi Prefecture owned and operated by the Kamioka family, for about a year. After returning to Hawai‘i, the Kaichis facilitated a partnership with the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, then-led by Chancellor Joyce Tsunoda. After retiring as UH senior vice president and chancellor emeritus in 2003, Hakuoh University invited Tsunoda, who was born in Japan and is bilingual, to teach at the college.

Hakuoh University president Joji Kamioka hosted a private luncheon concert for the UH Community Colleges ‘ohana and other invited guests on March 2 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. The event was organized by Debra Na-
kagawa, executive assistant to the vice chancellor for Community Colleges.

The guests were treated to a special concert by the Hakuoh choir. They performed a repertoire of tunes that had been arranged for handbells, including: “The Sea in Spring,” composed by Michio Miyagi; and “Let It Go,” Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson–Lopez’s composition from the popular Disney movie, “Frozen.” The choir also performed “Ue o Muite Aruko,” composed by Hachidai Nakamura; “Jounetsu Tairiku” by Taro Hakase; Mozart’s “Turkish March” and Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, 4th Movement.”

The students also performed “Hawai‘i Aloha,” a song the choir has come to know very well because they perform it every year when they come to Hawai‘i.

The Hakuoh Handbell Choir has performed on the U.S. mainland, in Canada, England, Australia and South Korea. They also performed for Japan’s imperial couple and for the king and queen of Belgium.

The Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai held its annual membership meeting and shinnen enkai on March 12 at Natsunoya Tea House. Also in attendance was a delegation from Hiroshima, including Hiroshima’s Goodwill Ambassadors.

Kenjinkai president Wayne Miyao convened a general membership meeting prior to the lunch and entertainment portion of the program, calling on the various committee chairs to report on their area of responsibility.

Ken Saiki reported on the kenjinkai’s participation in the clean-up of the Ehime Maru Memorial at Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park and the Hiroshima Torii in Mö‘ili‘ili. Saiki said the activity fosters international goodwill and team-building.

Picnic co-chairs Peter Kobayashi and Wayne Toma said the summertime activity attracts younger kenjinkai families and encourages them to get active and participate in the club. This year’s picnic will be held Sunday, Aug. 13, at Ala Moana Park, Area 9.

Kevin Nakata reported on the kenjinkai’s Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i ‘Ohana Festival okonomiyaki sales. He said volunteers sold 622 okonomiyaki, which raised $2,500 for the kenjinkai’s scholarship fund.

Student Exchange/Scholarship co-chair Donna Masuda-Kam encouraged members with college-age family members to apply for the $1,000 scholarship. The application deadline is Aug. 31.

Masuda-Kam also introduced the kenjinkai’s 2016 International Youth Exchange Program participants, Jordan Namba from Hawai‘i Baptist Academy and Amber Liu from Kapolei High School, who shared their experiences and impressions of their trip to Hiroshima. Namba said the experience was one she would “remember for the rest of my life.” She talked about the classes and workshops she attended, about visiting the Mazda auto manufacturing factory, and the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial. She and her fellow participants made origami crane streamers, which they hung at the Peace Park. “I was able to learn and gain a much deeper understanding and I now understand why peace is important,” she said.

Liu said that because of the past history of war between America and Japan, she felt “conflicted” at first about being in Hiroshima. However, through group discussions on the importance of abolishing nuclear weapons, she realized that America should also embrace Hiroshima’s commitment to peace and a nuclear-free world.

Several kenjinkai members were honored for milestones being achieved this year, including four members who are celebrating their 80th birthday this year — Stanley Gono, Ken Kimura, Kathleen Kiyuna and Roy Shimamoto. Also recognized during the program were Isamu Shibata, who is celebrating his 98th birthday this year; Tatsukichi Kobayashi, who is 92 years old this year, and his family business, Kobayashi Travel, which was founded 125 years ago this year, in 1892.

Kenjinkai president Wayne Miyao said the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai is creating new directions and strategies and investigating new means of expanding Hawai‘i’s sister relationship with Hiroshima. Among the new possibilities are a sister-parks agreement between Pearl Harbor’s Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the Hiroshima Peace Park.

Miyao reminded the members that Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki would be leading a delegation to Hawai‘i in May. A Hawai‘i delegation will make a reciprocal visit to Hiroshima in early October.

Miyao, who was re-elected president for 2017-18, will be supported by immediate past president Robert Nagao; vice presidents Peter Kobayashi, Gregg Mueller and Darek Sato; secretaries Chiemi Okamura, Donna Masuda-Kam and Nancy Shimamoto; treasurers Kevin Nakata, Thomas Sakamoto and Sandra Ishihara-Shibata; auditors Dan Kinoshita, Richard Park III and Walter Saito; and historian Brandon Saigusa.

Miyao recognized Thomas Sakamoto as the kenjinkai’s “Member of the Year.”

Also in attendance at the shinnen enkai were five guests from Hiroshima — Kazuyuki Masukawa, executive director of the Hiroshima Convention and Visitors Bureau; Masuko Takamori from the Hiroshima Prefectural Government’s Tourism Promotion Department; and this year’s Hiroshima Goodwill Ambassadors Kano Ishibashi, Rina Meichi and Momoko Fukuyama, who sang the prefecture’s signature song, “Hiroshima Kibun.”

Kampai were offered by Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and state Sen. Brian Taniguchi.

The gathering closed with a tejime led by member Wayne Toma.

The 85th anniversary of Kin Ryosho Sensei’s teaching of the art of Kumiwudui, also known as Kumi Odori, in Hawai‘i — and the 41st anniversary of his teaching dance and Kumiwudui at the University of Hawai‘i will be commemorated with the presentation of a lecture demonstration by two of Kin-Sensei’s former students. The program is themed “Transmission of a Legacy — In the Footsteps of Ryosho Kin.”

Performing artists Hanashiro Seikichi (aka James S. Hanashiro), Nakandakari Tetsuya and Yamada Kazuko from Okinawa will present a Kumiwudui Okinawa classical dance drama lecture-demonstration on Thursday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. The presentation will be held in Orvis Auditorium at the UH-Mänoa Music Department. Admission is free.

Hanashiro, who was born, raised and educated in Hawai‘i, will discuss the origins, history and development of Kumiwudui. Hanashiro moved to Okinawa after graduating from UH. He will also talk about how the art was taught by Kin-Sensei in the classical tradition and explain how audiences in the past viewed Kumiwudui as compared to audiences today.

The second half of the program will focus on the recitation of the lines and listening to the music from the classical masterpiece, “Chuukoo Fujin,” (“The Loyal Wife”) which was written during the latter years of the Ryükyü Kingdom. It is also known as “Uukawa Tichiuchi,” or “The Uukawa Vendetta.”

Hanashiro, Nakandakari and Yamada are performing arts veterans in Okinawa. Hanashiro Seikichi earned his bachelor’s degree in Japanese and Asian history from the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa in 1970. He studied Okinawan dance and Kumiwudui, earning his teaching certificate in 1976. Hanashiro continued to study dance under the late Kin-Sensei until his passing in 1993. From 1972 to 1995, he participated in Kumi Odori — Jinpu Kai Kin Ryosho Kyokyu Geino Kenkyu Kai. Hanashiro also studied the various musical instruments heard in Okinawan performances, including the kücho (Okinawan fiddle), hwanso (Okinawan flute) and kutu (koto). He also teaches Omote Senke tea ceremony in Okinawa, where he has lived for more than 45 years.

Nakandakari Tetsuya teaches koto and uta sanshin (singing while performing sanshin) in Okinawa. He holds uta sanshin certificates for both traditional Kumiwudui and traditional Okinawan dance. Nakandakari also teaches Okinawan music at Kadena High School and is a member of the Kawasaki Okinawa organization, whose mission is to perpetuate and research Kumiwudui.

Yamada Kazuko began studying koto before venturing into Okinawan dance. In 1968, she began training in Kumiwudui with Kin-Sensei. Yamada holds teaching certificates in both koto and Okinawan dance. From 1973 to 2001, she participated in “An Evening of Kumi Odori” programs. The works in those programs were based on Kin-Sensei’s research.

Refer to our May 19 issue, or online at thehawaiiherald.com for detailed information.

BIG ISLAND

June 17 (Sat.): Papaikou Hongwanji, 7 p.m.

June 24 (Sat.): Honomu Hongwanji, 7 p.m.

June 30-July 1 (Fri./Sat.) Puna Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m.

July 1 (Sat.): Kohala Hongwanji, 7 p.m.

KAUA‘I

June 16-17 (Fri./Sat.): Waimea Shingon Mission, 7:30 p.m.

June 23-24 (Fri./Sat.): Kapaa Jodo Mission, 7:30 p.m.

MAUI/LANA‘I/MOLOKA‘I

June 16 (Fri.): Wailuku Jodo Mission, 7:30 p.m.

June 17 (Sat.): Wailuku Shingon Mission Komyoji, 8 p.m.

July 1 (Sat.): Lahaina Jodo Mission, 8 p.m.

O‘AHU

June 17 (Sat.): Ewa Hongwanji, 7 p.m.,

June 23-24 (Fri./Sat.): Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 6-10:30 p.m.

June 23-24 (Fri./Sat.): Wahiawa Hongwanji, following 6:30 p.m. service

June 30-July 1 (Fri./Sat.): Moiliili Hongwanji, 5-10 p.m. at the Varsity Theatre parking lot

July 1 (Sat.): Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, 6:30 p.m.

WHO/WHAT: The highly anticipated UH Manoa “KIDS FIRST! Film Festival” enters its 11th summer, with 40 live-action and animated films from 13 countries for children and youth from 4 to 15+ years of age.

WHEN/WHERE: Sundays, July 9, 23 and 30. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.; program starts at 3 p.m., with door prizes followed by the films. Free parking is available on campus. Follow the balloons to the Art Building Auditorium. For complete information, call Outreach College at 956-9883 or visit www.summer.hawaii.edu/kidsfirst.

July 9: “Nurture Nature” for ages 4-12, 81 minutes.

The Machine • Love Song of the Drone • The Hole • My Haggan Dream • Water Path for a Fish • Ami • Barnyard Aces • Hey Deer! • Plastic is Forever • Papa Underwater • Our Wonderful Nature – The Common Chameleon.

July 23: “Be True to You!” for ages 5-12, 90 minutes.

Only One You • The Trumpeteer • Lost in Spring • Welcome to the Neighborhood • Dear Henri • The Something • Kuu Kuu Harajuku: Music, Baby! • Kojo: A Short Documentary • Monster Doctor •
I am Dyslexic

July 30: 15^th anniversary of “Whale Rider” for ages 10 and older, 105 minutes.

“Whale Rider,” directed by Nikki Caro, is considered one of the best coming-of-age films of all times. A 12-year-old Maori girl dares to dream of becoming the chief of her people, a role traditionally reserved for males.

“Kagirinaki Yume (Boundless Dreams)” was the theme of the 37th fashion show presented by the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation on May 6 at the Prince Waikiki. The event was a fundraiser for the organization’s scholarship program and other gerontology-related projects, including Kuakini Home.

The program was emceed by Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i board chair Christine Kubota. Special guests included first lady of Hawai‘i Dawn Amano-Ige; Yoko Misawa, honorary JWSF president and wife of Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa; and Gary Kajiwara, president and CEO of Kuakini Health Systems.

Teenaged brothers Tanner and Devin Teruya opened the program with their vocal rendition of “The Prayer.” Rev. Takamasa Yamamura, head priest of the Honolulu Myohoji Temple, followed with an invocation.

The fashion show featured jewelry designs by Kensei Takeda and men’s and women’s fashions by Amos Kotomori and Kini Zamora.

Entertainment included the vocal talents of Japan opera singer Aika and Rev. Yamamura. Boutique sales, a lucky draw and silent auction preceded the fashion show.

The Wahiawa Lions Club will hold the third annual Wahiawa War Memorial Ceremony on Sunday, July 16, at 4 p.m. at the Wahiawä District Park – Wahiawä War Memorial Swimming Pool at 1129 Kilani Ave.

The families of 21 World War II soldiers from Wahiawä are being sought. To date, only five of the 21 families have attended previous ceremonies. Still being sought are the families of: Masaharu Endo, Chester Fukunaga, Robert Han, Harry Hayakawa, Himeo Hiratani, Kikuichiro Ikehara, William Irwin,
Kumao Iwahiro, Robert Johnson, Kiichi Koda, Mitsuharu Kuboyama, Daniel Lim, Robert McEldowney, Weldon Simpson, Richard N. Suwa, Wesley B. Swain, Robert Sweet, Yoshio Tagami, Mitsuo Tanji, Kazuo Yamashita and Jerry Yamauchi.

The ceremony will include a musical tribute by the Royal Hawaiian Band and offering of lei by the families and representatives of veteran and community organization. The public is welcome to attend and pay their respects.

The rich history of the soldiers and their love for the Wahiawä community will be recalled, explaining how they worked to build the first City and County of Honolulu swimming pool in 1949.

Organizations wishing to participate in the program can call Lion Rene Mansho at (808) 291-6151 or email renemansho@hawaii.rr.com.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i would receive $155,812 in grants to fund preservation and education projects at the Honouliuli National Monument.

“This federal funding will help preserve Honouliuli and help tell the stories of the hundreds of Japanese Americans who faced discrimination during this dark chapter in our history,” said Schatz.

The Honouliuli Internment Camp was constructed on O‘ahu in 1943 to intern approximately 320 citizens and resident aliens, and 4,000 prisoners of war. Honouliuli was the largest and longest-used World War II internment camp in Hawai‘i, closing in 1946.

WHO/WHAT: The Hawaii Japanese Center will celebrate its second annual Tanabata (Star Festival) on Saturday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features children’s make-and-take craft activities and games. There will be storytelling, matsuri dancing and karaoke.

Everyone is welcome to enter the kusudama ball contest by creating the colorful fukinagashi (streamers) with materials provided at the event.

The traditional Japanese observation of Tanabata is inspired by the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi (the stars Vega and Altair, respectively) — two deities who were separated from each other by the Milky Way and could only be united once a year.

The custom of celebrating Tanabata by writing one’s wishes on pieces of paper called tanzaku and hanging them up on bamboo will also be observed.

Kimono dressing for both boys and girls with picture-taking services will also be available. Cost is $3 per individual, $5 for two people and $10 per family (3 or more).

Food for sale includes hot dogs and chili. There will also be a somen nagashi activity, where participants must capture the somen noodles with their chopsticks as they float by on water running through a bamboo trough.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, July 8, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hawaii Japanese Center (751 Kanoelehua Ave.)

COST: Free admission. Nominal fees for food items and specific activities. Donations are accepted. For more information, call (808) 934-9611 (Wed.-Sat, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) or email contact@hawaiijapanesecenter.com

WHO/WHAT: Magical storyteller Yasu Ishida will be the featured artist for the Hawaii State Library System’s 2017 Summer Reading Program at selected libraries statewide.

Ishida’s storytelling programs, “Story Circus” and “Origami in Motion,” incorporate magic and origami paper folding to amaze, dazzle and delight participants. Children will also learn a simple magic trick that they can perform at home. Ideal for preschoolers through grade 5. Programs are 45 minutes long. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

WHEN/WHERE:

“Story Circus” dates:

Saturday, July 8, 10:30 a.m. at Waikiki-Kapahulu Library; Tuesday, July 11, 9:30 a.m. at Kalihi-Palama; Wednesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. at ‘Aiea; Thursday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. at Laupahoehoe (Hawai‘i island); Thursday, July 13, 5:30 p.m. at Honoka‘a (Hawai‘i island); Friday, July 14, 11:30 a.m. at Kailua-Kona (Hawai‘i island); Saturday, July 15, 1:30 p.m. at Wahiawa.

“Origami in Motion” dates:

Monday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. at Kailua; Friday, July 14, 3:30 p.m. at Na‘alehu (Hawai‘i island)

WHO/WHAT: Author Stan Yogi will discuss and sign copies of “Fred Korematsu Speaks Up,” which he co-authored with Laura Atkins. Fred Korematsu refused to comply with the World War II internment order and was sent to prison. His decision formed the foundation of the person he would become: a fighter for civil liberties. “Fred Korematsu Speaks Up” encourages readers of all ages to speak up for justice, as Korematsu did.

Stan Yogi also co-authored “Wherever There’s a Fight: How Runaway Slaves, Suffragists, Immigrants, Strikers, Poets Shaped Civil Liberties in California” and managed the development programs at the ACLU of Northern California for 14 years.

WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, July 13, at 11:30 a.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i Gallery.

COST: Free. For more information, call (808) 945-7633, Email: info@jcch.com or visit www.jcch.com

WHO/WHAT: Urasenke Foundation of Hawaii/Tankokai Hawaii Association will present a workshop on chado, or the “way of tea.” Participants will learn the history and the basics of a tea ceremony.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i Seikoan Teahouse.

COST: $15 for JCCH members and $25 for non-members. For more information or to sign up, call (808) 945-7633, email info@jcch.com or visit www.jcch.com to download an application form.

JCAH president Ivan Nakano (far left) and Nikkei Kigyo event chair Roland Higashi (far right) with Nikkei Kigyo honorees (from left) Larry Dodo, Mitchell Dodo and Beverly Dodo of Dodo Mortuary, Inc. (Photos courtesy JCAH)

The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii recently recognized two 100-plus-year Hawai‘i island businesses as its 2017 Nikkei Kigyo Award honorees — Dodo Mortuary Inc., established in 1898; and The Seaside Restaurant, established in 1915. The sold-out recognition banquet was held May 17 at Nani Mau Gardens. Translated into English, “Nikkei Kigyo” means “enterprise of Japanese ancestry.”

“We are indeed privileged to recognize both companies,” said JCAH president Ivan Nakano, noting that Dodo Mortuary is now led by Mitchell Dodo, representing the fourth generation in the Dodo family. The Seaside Restaurant is led by Colin Nakagawa, representing the third generation in the Nakagawa family.

Dodo Mortuary is one of the oldest and most respected mortuaries on Hawai‘i island and in Hawai‘i. It was established in 1898 by Mitsugoro Dodo, an immigrant from Hiroshima.

He was succeeded in the business by his son Richard, and then Richard’s eldest son, Clifford. Clifford started Dodo Mortuary Life Plan, Inc., and was instrumental in constructing the new chapel facility, enlarging the parking area and adding an on-site crematory in 1997. His brother Larry assumed the role of president after Clifford’s passing and held the position until he retired in 2007.

Clifford’s yonsei son, Mitchell, then assumed the position of vice president and operations manager. Mitchell’s mother, Beverly Dodo, serves as secretary/treasurer of the corporation.

Dodo Mortuary, Inc. & Crematory also opened an office in the Kona area in the 1980s. In January 2012, Dodo Mortuary acquired Cremation Services of West Hawai‘i.

The Seaside Restaurant & Aqua Farm was started by Issei (Harry) Seiichi Nakagawa and his wife Matsuno in the 1920s. The restaurant closed temporarily after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It reopened for business in August 1942. Damage from the tsunami forced the Nakagawas to relocate to the restaurant’s present location in Keaukaha, where they reopened in July 1947. They became famous for raising the fish served in their restaurant, mainly mullet and äholehole. Over the years, they also cultivated catfish, golden tilapia and rainbow trout. A system of gates allows small fish to enter the ponds from the sea while preventing larger fish from escaping.

The Seaside Restaurant has always been a family operation, with family members working as cooks, kitchen helpers, wait help, and more.

Seiichi’s and Matsuno’s son, Susumu, never planned on running the business, despite having done a variety of tasks related the operation of the aqua farm. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team veteran worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an entomologist, retiring in 1982. He then took over the business with help from his 442nd buddies.

After attending college and working for a time in the Seattle area, Susumu’s son, Colin, returned home to take over the business with a new direction that has earned it multiple culinary awards.

A portion of the proceeds from the Nikkei Kigyo awards banquet are earmarked for JCAH scholarships for East Hawai‘i students whose major or minor is Japanese studies; and to continue the organization’s mission of perpetuating Japanese culture. The 2017 scholarships were presented to Robert Tanoue Jr. of Honoka‘a High School; Mayuko Yoshida, currently attending Keio University in Tökyö; and Caitlyn Tsuchiya of Waiäkea High School.

The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is a nonprofit organization. It was formed in the early 1970s is to promote and preserve the Japanese culture.

The Kuakini Auxiliary honored the memory of 141 former Issei residents of Kuakini Home on May 30 at the Kuakini Columbarium at Honolulu Memorial Park Cemetery in Nu‘uanu. The memorial service was conducted by Bishop Ryokan Ara of Tendai Mission of Hawaii, with assistance from the Rev. Ryodo Ishida. In attendance were members of Kuakini Auxiliary, Kuakini Health System administration and Kuakini employees.

The service is held annually to remember the 141 former Kuakini Home residents who labored on the sugar plantations of Hawai‘i in the late 1800s. Most of them did not have family members in Hawai‘i to care for them after they retired, so they lived out their lives in Kuakini Home, then known as the Japanese Home of Hawaii. Kuakini Home, which was originally located behind the hospital, opened in 1932 to provide shelter for the retired Japanese immigrants. It became the foundation for Kuakini Home, which is today a multiethnic residential care home located on the campus of Kuakini Health System.

The Kuakini Auxiliary oversees the columbarium and coordinates the annual remembrance ceremony with Tendai Mission. The columbarium plot was donated to Kuakini in 1960 by Monte Richards Sr. of Honolulu Memorial Park to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Kanyaku Imin (contract immigrants) in 1885. Sam Sasano of Stonecraft Memorial subsequently donated the columbarium. Prior to their donations, the residents’ urns were kept in the Kuakini Home chapel. The last resident was inurned in the columbarium on May 4, 1990.

The Kuakini Auxiliary supports Kuakini Health System through fundraising events and various supplementary duties that help patients, their families and the hospital staff.

Hokkaidö Prefecture, Japan’s second-largest island, and the state of Hawai‘i are now sister-states. The signing of the sister-state relationship by Hawai‘i Gov. David Ige and Hokkaidö Gov. Harumi Takahashi was held May 8 at the Hawai‘i State Art
Museum.

According to the agreement, the two states will engage in business, cultural and educational exchanges that are mutually beneficial. Hokkaidö marks Hawai‘i’s fifth sister-state relationship with a Japanese prefecture. Preceding Hokkaidö were Fukuoka, Okinawa, Hiroshima and Ehime. Hawai‘i also has sister-state relationships in China, Indonesia, South Korea, Morocco, the Philippines and Portugal.

Earlier in the day, a “Hokkaido Promotion in Hawai‘i” event was held at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. It was an opportunity for the Hokkaidö government and businesses to network and promote Hokkaidö food products and tourism among local companies.

Reiko Tokushige Rogers, radio personality and president of Studio Rim Hawaii, shared her recommendations of where to visit and what to experience in Hokkaidö.

Following the seminar, guests sampled various food products from Hokkaidö, including salmon roe, herring roe and cod roe, squid somen, kelp, poultry, rice, Tokachi Wagyu beef, nagaimo (Chinese yam), scallops and various sake.

The May 8 signing was the first in a weeklong series of events. On May 9, a Japan-Hawai‘i Economic Summit was held on Hawai‘i island. It brought together business leaders, educators and elected officials from the two regions to discuss prospects for partnerships in energy, tourism and trade.

Members of the Sumie Society of Hawaii celebrated the conclusion of their 15th annual exhibition at Honolulu Hale with a luncheon at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room at the Ala Moana Macy’s on May 19. The members’ India ink and Japanese art drawings were on display in the courtyard of Honolulu Hale from May 8 to 19.

Sachie Saigusa-Sensei, who will celebrate her 91st birthday this year, presented certificates of achievement to beginner students Michiko Fukumoto and Takako Yajima-Stults. However, her words of encouragement were for all of her students, encouraging them to paint with heart and determination whether they are beginner or advanced students.

Sensei, who immigrated to Hawai‘i from Hiroshima, said she was 18 years old when America dropped the atomic bomb on her home prefecture of Hiroshima 72 years ago. Determined to live, she has survived eight surgeries for cancer and still teaches classes at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, Moiliili Community Center, Makua Alii Senior Center, in Wahiawa and in Hilo by mail. Sensei doesn’t drive, so she catches the bus to all of her classes.

She recalled that Sumie Society members began displaying their works at Honolulu Hale in 2003, during the administration of Mayor Jeremy Harris. The three succeeding mayors — Mufi Hannemann, Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell — continued to extend the invitation to the group. She said she appreciated the city’s generosity and thanked her students for making the exhibit possible by sharing their artistic efforts.

Colleen Yasuhara has been promoted to chief operating officer of Hawaii Information Service, a Honolulu-based real estate tech company that serves as the multiple listing service for Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island and a leading statewide public records provider. Hawaii Information Service also designed and manages the Herald’s website, www.thehawaiiherald.com.

Yasuhara was previously the company’s vice president of sales and general manager. She has been with Hawaii Information Service since 2007. Yasuhara recently spearheaded a comprehensive upgrade to the company’s IT infrastructure while continuing to lead sales and marketing, major projects, product development and HIS’ many community service initiatives. Her promotion by CEO Faith Geronimo was approved by the Hawaii Information Service board of directors at its April meeting.

WHO/WHAT: Come and learn about “What’s in a Japanese name!” JCCH Tokioka Heritage Resource Center volunteer Marian Okada and Yoko Waki will provide an extensive general overview of Japanese personal names, including a discussion of their cultural significance, historical context, and trends in naming over time.

The focus will be on first and middle names, as the history of personal names is long and constantly changing, whereas the history of Japanese last names is relatively recent. However, an overview of last names in general will also be covered in the workshop.

Each workshop participant is invited to submit two Japanese first or middle names in advance, and the workshop leaders will discuss what each name means and will provide cards with the two names handwritten in kanji.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Aug. 12, from 1-3 p.m. in the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i conference room. Limited to 10 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Next workshop is Oct. 7. To be placed on the waiting list, call Marcia Kemble, Tokioka Heritage Resource Center manager, at (808) 945-7633, ext. 34 or email kemble@jcch.com.

COST: $15 per JCCH member, $20 for nonmembers.

WHO/WHAT: Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha – Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmagu will provide a blessing for educators and students of all ages so that they may enjoy learning and take delight in new discoveries and persevere in their studies.

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church, 1239 Olomea St. For more information, call 841-4755 or email kotohira@hawaiiantel.net.

WHO/WHAT: Hui Makaala presents its 48^th Annual Scholarship Fund Luncheon & Fashion Show, featuring designers Allison Izu, Janice Tsujimura and Jeanie Chun.

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, July 30, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Boutique sales and silent auction open at 9 a.m. Luncheon at noon and fashion show at 1:30 p.m.

COST: $80. Limited seats are available. Proceeds benefit the Hui Makaala Scholarship Fund. For more information, call Karen Shishido at 551-7868.