WHO/WHAT: A presentation on the fundamentals of dance choreography by Kikunobu Dance Company, in partnership with the State Foundation on the Culture and the Arts Folk & Traditional Arts Program.
WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, July 23, at 1 p.m. at the University of Hawai‘i Orvis Auditorium.
Deigo Club’s 2017 officers and advisors (from left): Masako Nakama, assistant treasurer; Sunny Tominaga, treasurer; Elaine Sato, English secretary; Naoko Wada, Japanese secretary; Yasuko Arakawa, immediate past president/advisor; Grant “Sandaa” Murata and Masakazu Teruya, advisors; and Tadashi Kinjo, president.
Deigo Club members enjoyed each other’s company at their annual shinnen enkai on April 2 at the Natsunoya Tea House. The program featured Okinawan and Japanese karaoke singing and dancing by member, live Okinawan music by Ryukyu Koten Afusoryu Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai USA, along with lots of door prizes.
Tadashi Kinjo, who succeeded koto sensei Yasuko Arakawa as the club president, grew up in Okinawa. He thanked the members for attending the party and wished them all a happy and prosperous 2017.
The Deigo Club was established in 1949 by Kibei-Nisei of Okinawan ancestry who had spent some of their early childhood and/or adolescent years in Okinawa. The founders — a few of whom attended the party, including Robert Nakamoto, Masa Nakama and Kenyu Tokuda (who died recently) — decided to name their club after the official flower of Okinawa, the deigo blossom. The early members held their meetings and social gatherings at the old Waialae Shogakko.
Most of the current members immigrated to Hawai‘i after World War II, but retain close ties to their motherland and fellow native Uchinanchu in the Islands. Membership, however, is open to anyone interested the Okinawan community and culture.
Toshiko Nakamoto dances to music performed by Afusoryu sanshin sensei Kenton Odo and Grant “Sandaa” Murata, koto by Yasuko Arakawa-Sensei and taiko by Tom Yamamoto.
WHO/WHAT: “Island Breeze,” an all-star trio blending
Hawaiian and Japanese instruments in a creatively inspiring and exciting style, will perform in concert for one night only.
The trio consists of Jeff Peterson (Hawaiian slack key guitar), Riley Lee (shakuhachi) and Kenny Endo (taiko), each a highly regarded master of his own instrument. In 2012, the three artists collaborated for a concert at the University of Hawai‘i. This collaboration eventually resulted in a CD recording in 2014 and a Na Hoku Hanohano nomination in 2015 for Best Instrumental Album of the Year and Best Instrumental Song of the Year.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. at Shingon Shu Hawaii Temple, 915 Sheridan St. Limited parking in the temple grounds — street parking also available.
COST: Tickets range from $13-$23 and can be ordered online at http://islandbreeze2017.brownpapertickets.com. Any remaining tickets can be purchased on the day of the concert at 6 p.m. For more information, call Taiko Center of the Pacific at 737-7236.
WHO/WHAT: The Three-Petals Peace Partnership of the Quaker Friends, Newman Center (Catholic) and Buddhist Study Center will join Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii for the eighth annual candlelight peace walk to the Honolulu Civic Center to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. The walk is also being held to express gratitude for the past 72 years of life on Earth that has been free of nuclear bombings.
WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, Aug. 9. “GATE: The Atomic Flame” will be screened at 3 p.m. at the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (1727 Pali Hwy.) The walk, with a lantern lighting service, begins at 5 p.m. The bell ringing at the Nagasaki Peace Bell Memorial at the Honolulu Civic Center will be held at 7 p.m.
OTHER INFORMATION: Chartered bus service will be available for those unable to walk the distance. “Peaceful attire” and comfortable shoes are suggested. For more information, call the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin at 536-7044 or the Buddhist Study Center at 973-6555.
WHO/WHAT: The Hiroshima Commemoration and Peace Committee will hold its annual Hiroshima Peace Service Ceremony commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.
The commemoration will includes a blessing and purification ceremony, messages by various community and religious leaders and presentations by youth from the YMCA of Honolulu. The public is invited to join this remembrance service dedicated to peace.
WHEN/WHERE: Monday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m.-noon, at Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii, 215 N. Kukui St.
Urasenke Foundation of Hawaii president Dr. Genshitsu Sen hosted a dinner reception for friends and members of the Chado Urasenke Tanko Kai Hawaii Association and participants in the University of Hawai‘i’s 45th tea seminar on July 20 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
The dinner was an opportunity for the Urasenke communities from Hawai‘i and Japan to enjoy each other’s company and the Hawaiian entertainment. Dr. Sen thanked the guests for attending the dinner and seminar. At age 94, he remains a vibrant and inspiring figure in the Urasenke movement, which promotes peace through a bowl of tea.
Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce president Wayne Toshimi Ishihara was conferred an imperial decoration from the Government of Japan. With Ishihara’s wife Joy and their two adult children, Trevor and Jaci, and other family and friends looking on, Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa pinned The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, on Ishihara suit.
Ishihara was recognized for his work in enhancing economic ties between the United States, Hawai‘i and Japan and for his many contributions to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the U.S. and Japan.
Ishihara has been involved in Hawai‘i’s Japanese American community for many years. He is currently president of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. He has also been active with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i and the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai, among other organizations.
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i recognized six individuals, organizations and volunteers at its annual “Sharing the Spirit of Aloha” gala on June 17 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom.
The honorees were recognized for their dedication to culture and the arts, commitment to the promotion of Japanese culture, contributions to the community, leadership in promoting local food and culture in Hawai‘i and their contributions to the foundation of JCCH.
Recognized were: Kenny and Chizuko Endo, founders of the Taiko Center of the Pacific; JTB Hawaii, Inc., represented by its president and CEO Tsukasa Harufuku; Kaua‘i Kookie founders Norman and Mabel Hashisaka; Nalo Farms founder Dean Okimoto; and JCCH’s Gift Shop “Visionaries,” represented by longtime volunteers Ethel Hasegawa, Ethel Yamane and Barry Masuo. Each honoree was recognized with a highlight video and had an opportunity to share remarks with the audience.
In her opening remarks, JCCH board chair Christine Kubota said the cultural center “uses culture and education to achieve peace.”
Gov. David Ige said it was “amazing” to see how the cultural center has grown over the years. Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa spoke highly the resources available in the Tokioka Heritage Resource Center and said he often frequents the JCCH Gift Shop.
Proceeds from the gala benefit JCCH’s educational and cultural activities, which include festivals, school tours through JCCH’s historic gallery and historic preservation projects. This year marked the 30th anniversary of JCCH’s incorporation as a nonprofit organization in 1987.
Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone-Sensei, director and grand master of Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai, seated with her husband Clarence Tomokazu Nakasone. They are pictured with Hooge Ryu’s four shihan (standing from left) — Lisa Nakasone Nakandakari, Julia Okamura, Linda Asato and Keith Oshiro; “Hooge Mankai” concert musical director Grant “Sandaa” Murata; program emcee Keiko Ura and event chair Norman Nakasone. Nakandakari and Okumura are the daughters of Clarence and Yoshiko Nakasone.
Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy will celebrate its 61st anniversary with a grand dance program this fall.
The Okinawan dance school was started by Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone shortly after she immigrated to Hawai‘i as the young bride of Clarence Tomokazu Nakasone. Over the decades Nakasone-Sensei has passed on the art to hundreds of students as well as generations of families. In 2012, she was presented a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C., becoming only the second performing artist of Okinawan ancestry to be recognized by the NEA. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye attended her award presentation.
The concert, themed “Hooge Mankai,” will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. in the Blaisdell Concert Hall. According to Keith Oshiro, who is one of the school’s four shihan (certified teacher), “Hooge” in the title is a reference to the school’s name, Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai, while “Mankai,” a Japanese word, means “fully blossomed.” In planning the dance concert, Oshiro said the dance concert represents Hooge Ryu at “its very best.” The title also symbolizes a “bridge to the future” as the shihan take on greater responsibility in leading the school.
Nakasone-Sensei thanked their guests for joining them for the kick-off event. Former HUOA president Norman Nakasone, who will chair the event, congratulated Sensei for 61 years of perpetuating Okinawan dance and culture in Hawai‘i.
Student Peter Lenhart offered a karii toast to Nakasone-Sensei and Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai for their dedication to keeping Okinawan culture alive through dance. “To keep one generation is hard,” Lenhart said, noting that Nakasone-Sensei has, in some families, taught four generations. “To everything good,” he toasted.
Tickets for the concert are $30, plus $1 for the Blaisdell Center service fee. Doors will open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. concert. Tickets can be obtained by calling (808) 227-4925, or 1-800-745-3000 to charge by phone, ticketmaster.com or by emailing hoogekai@yahoo.com
“Let’s surprise Sensei with a sell-out recital,” said longtime student and ticket chair Jessie Oshiro.
WHO/WHAT: Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii, the East-West Center Arts Program and Taiko Arts Center present a free performance of Edo Sato Kagura (Festival and Shinto shrine music and dance), featuring Kyosuke Suzuki.
Suzuki is recognized as one of Japan’s leading musicians and dancers and is a noted performer with the renowned Wakayama Shachu Performance Troupe of Tokyo. He graduated from the Japanese National Music University and began studying Edo Sato Kagura with Wakayama Taneo IV of the Wakayama Shachu Troupe while in college. Japan’s Ministry of Culture has recognized the troupe as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Fine Arts.
The performance is supported in part by the Japan Foundation and Taiko Arts Center.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Sept. 2, 6 p.m. at Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii, 215 N. Kukui St. Will-call ticket table opens at 5 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Limited on-site parking and street parking.
COST: Free, although reservations are required. Tickets can be obtained at edolion.brownpapertickets.com. Limited tickets may be available at the door. For more information, call Taiko Arts Center at (808) 737-7236 or email taikoarts@gmail.com
WHO/WHAT: An overview of Okinawan genealogy by Professor Masayuki Dana, director of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum. Professor Dana will explain the characteristics of Okinawan genealogy using, as a sample, the kafu, or family lineage documents, of the Uchima family, which are housed in Hamilton Library’s Okinawa Collection. The lecture is free and open to the public; no registration required. Professor Dana’s talk is co-sponsored by the Center for Okinawan Studies and is made possible thanks to the support of Donna Nakamura, the Uchima Family and supporters.
WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, Aug. 31, 2-3 p.m., in Rm. 301 of Hamilton Library at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. For more information, contact Okinawa Collection librarian Sachiko Iwabuchi at (808) 856-2311, or by email: sachiko.iwabuchi@hawaii.edu.
WHO/WHAT: Are you planning to attend the Okinawan Festival this Labor Day weekend? If so, you will likely be mesmerized by the energy of the eisa performances. Grant “Sandaa” Murata, who holds a shihan (teacher) certificate in Afuso Ryu Okinawan sanshin and co-founded Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai, will lead an informational workshop on eisa and its history in Hawai‘i. Participants will learn several eisa dance numbers.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (includes a one-hour break) at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, (2454 S. Beretania St.).
COST: JCCH members: $15, non-members: $25. For more information or to register, call (808) 945-7633 or email: info@jcch.com.
Eric Oto has been appointed chef de cuisine of Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Oto is now responsible for overseeing the culinary direction of the award-winning restaurant under the guidance of The Kahala’s executive chef, Wayne Hirabayashi.
Oto has more than a decade of culinary experience. He most recently served as sous chef at The Four Seasons Ko Olina’s Fish House. He also spent 10 years as a chef at the Halekulani hotel, working at its Orchids restaurant and in its events and banquets culinary program.
The O‘ahu native is an avid fisherman, craftsman, farmer — interests he learned and inherited from his father. Oto’s passion for the ocean has carried over into his culinary work. In his free time, he dries, smokes or pickles his catches from the ocean.
Oto graduated from Leeward Community College’s Culinary Program and is a past recipient of the Kapa’a Rotary Club Alan Wong Scholarship. He gives back to the community by volunteering for the Hawaii Culinary Education Foundation’s Chef Mentor program for James Campbell High School and also cooks and volunteers at fundraiser events such as the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, Great Chefs Fight Hunger for the Hawaii Foodbank and Bishop Museum’s Ulupono Awards.
A photo exhibit chronicling the history of Japanese immigrants and their descendants in Hawai‘i recently opened at the Japanese Overseas Migration Museum in Yokohama, Japan. The exhibit, titled, “The Hawaii Nikkei Legacy,” is co-sponsored by the Nisei Veterans Legacy, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. The term Nikkei refers to persons of Japanese ancestry living outside of Japan.
The Japanese Overseas Migration Museum is operated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which is similar to the USAID — United States Agency for International Development. One of its elements is the Association of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad, which is serving as the exhibit’s host.
The exhibit highlights the Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i through photographs and narrative text in both English and Japanese — from immigration through World War II and the postwar period. It includes photos of some of the Issei who immigrated to Hawai‘i, Nisei soldiers who fought in World War II to prove their loyalty to the United States and modern-day Japanese customs as practiced in Hawai‘i. A section on prefectural roots features several prominent Hawai‘i Japanese Americans whose ancestors were part of the large wave of contract workers, or kanyaku imin, who came to Hawai‘i beginning in 1885 to work on the sugar plantations.
The exhibit was created at the suggestion in 2015 of Mrs. Michiko Shigeeda, wife of then-Consul General of Japan in Honolulu Toyoei Shigeeda, who is currently Japan’s ambassador to Lithuania. She felt that people in Japan, with their already-strong affinity for Hawai‘i, would be interested in learning about the history of Japanese Americans in Hawai‘i.
Bishop Ryokan Ara of the Tendai Mission of Hawaii and the Tendai Educational Foundation was the spiritual inspiration for the project. Earlier this year, Ara was named a “Living Treasure of Hawai‘i” by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. He has worked to improve understanding and relations between Japanese Americans in Hawai‘i and the people of Japan for over 40 years. Ryoji Koike of the Pacific Aviation Museum also played a key role in coordinating with organizations and support groups in Japan. They were supported by an exhibit content committee that collected photographs and designed the exhibit. The project was prepared completely through volunteer efforts with funding from the NVL and contributions.
The exhibit, which was shown last month in Tokyo and Fukushima City, will be on display at the Japanese Overseas Migration Museum through Sept. 3. It will then be shown at the Imperial Bank Building in Hiroshima City from Oct. 1-14.
The original hope was to take the exhibit to those prefectures that sent kanyaku imin to Hawai‘i. Organizers are still searching for exhibit venues in Fukuoka, Yamaguchi and Okinawa prefectures, although booking those venues are subject to securing additional funds. Due to the major earthquakes in Kumamoto in April of 2016, plans for a showing there are currently on hold until recovery efforts are completed.
Members of the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation and their guests gathered at Waialae Country Club on July 23 for the organization’s annual general membership meeting and installation luncheon.
Outgoing president Irene Nakamoto thanked the 2016-17 officers and chairpersons for their service during the past year. She also highlighted the organization’s events over the last 12 months.
State Sen. Michelle Kidani installed the officers and directors for 2017-18. They are: Cathy Iwai, president; Melanie Takahashi, president-elect; Patty Matsuo, vice president; Susan Hirate and Sarah Kamida, secretaries; Patrice Fukada and Libby Lum, historians; Gerri Kaneshiro, treasurer and Irene Nakamoto, immediate past president.
Committee chairpersons are: Sheree Tamura and Lori Fujikawa-Casey, by-laws and policies; Debbie Huebler, communications; Ruth Matsunaga and Elaine Ushiro, community service; Jane Au and Amy Young, development; Suzette Lau Hee, membership relations; Mabel Yonemori, nominations; Kathryn Inkinen and Wendy Abe, programs and Janice Tashiro, scholarship/grants.
Scholarship and grants chairperson Melanie Takahashi introduced scholarship recipients Woori Bae and Matthew Oishi, who was unable to attend the event. The 2017 grant was presented to the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa’s Department of East Asian Languages and Literature, represented by Dr. Tomoko Iwai and Miki Ogasawara.
Five new members were introduced during the program: Claire Ching, Marissa Chung, Sarah Kamida, Karen Shishido and Herbert Yanamura. Yanamura, a World War II Military Intelligence Service veteran, is the organization’s first male member.
A donation of $10,000 was presented to Gary Kajiwara, president and CEO of Kuakini Health Systems, to support Kuakini Home.
Sen. Kidani also presented Lillian Yajima with a Senate Resolution recognizing the third Sunday in May as “Adopt-A-Mom Day” on the state calendar. Yajima created the Adopt-A-Mom program for women residents of Kuakini Home whose families could not be with them on Mother’s Day. The event is held in the Hale Pulama Mau auditorium for all Kuakini Home residents and includes homemade lunch and entertainment.
Following a buffet lunch, guests were treated to a kimono dressing dance demonstration by Mutsuko Narumi-McConnell and shown variations of obi (kimono sash) tying techniques modeled by the 65th Cherry Blossom Festival Court.
The East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner attended by special guests from Hiroshima. Standing, from left: Hiroshima Prefecture Assembly Chair Shin Uda, 2017 Beiju (88 years) honoree Russell Oda, Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki, County of Hawai‘i managing director Wil Okabe, Hiroshima delegation leader and Assembly member Masao Hayashi, and East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai president Thomas Goya.
Seated, from left: Honorary Kenjinkai members Fumie Jyo, Harold Ashida, Larry Isemoto and Michiko Tomosada. (Photos courtesy East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai)
The East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 8 and 9 with members and special guests from Hiroshima Prefecture in attendance, including Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki, Assembly Chairman Shin Uda, and delegation leader and Assembly member Masao Hayashi. The delegation’s visit included participation in an anniversary dinner; a tree planting ceremony at Lili‘uokalani Gardens; and visits to the University of Hawai‘i College of Hawaiian Language, Hawaii Japanese Center, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Katsu Goto gravesite at Hamakua Jodo Mission in Honoka‘a.
“We want to thank all of those who contributed to a very successful celebration of our 50th anniversary,” said Kenjinkai president Thomas Goya. “I am sure that those who have preceded us appreciate our efforts to help perpetuate the legacy of our Kenjinkai.”
Two East Hawaii students, both from Waiäkea High School, represented the East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai as delegates to the 2017 Hiroshima International Youth Exchange Program in Hiroshima City. Selected were Carina Cook, daughter of Vaughn and Sylvi Cook, and Deylen Nekoba, son of Darrell and Lori Nekoba.
The international exchange program is sponsored by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and includes a visit with Gov. Yuzaki; participation in Japanese cultural activities; a visit to a high school and Hiroshima University; interaction with students from Hiroshima and other delegates from Hawai‘i, the U.S. mainland and South America; and a homestay experience.
Students from overseas are encouraged to enrich their understanding and knowledge of Hiroshima through cultural experiences. Besides visiting with Gov. Yuzaki, who earned his MBA from Stanford University and speaks English fluently, the students were scheduled to attend the 72nd Peace Memorial Ceremony on Aug. 6, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, in the Peace Park.
The exchange program, as well as educational scholarships for graduating high school seniors, is open to the direct descendants of Kenjinkai members.
Waiäkea High School seniors Kiaria Zoi Nakamura and Caitlin Tsuchiya were awarded scholarships of $1,000 each from the East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjinkai in recognition of their excellence in academic, co-curricular and extracurricular achievements.
Kiaria Zoi Nakamura
Kiaria Zoi Nakamura was a senior class valedictorian and a recipient of the Waiäkea High School Na Koa Po‘okela award for academics and service. She was active in student government, Key Club, East Hawaii 4-H Federation, Shooting Stars 4-H Club and the Junior Young Buddhist Association. Nakamura is the daughter of Kenjinkai members Bruce and Leslie Nakamura. She plans to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo this fall, pursuing a double major in English and dance.
Caitlin Tsuchiya was a member of Waiäkea High School’s AVID program, Air Rifle Team, Tennis Team and Japanese Club. She has held leadership positions in Waiäkea High School class and student government and was historian and secretary for the Junior Young Buddhist Association of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin. Additionally, she was a delegate to the Hiroshima International Youth Exchange in 2016. Tsuchiya is the daughter of Kenjinkai members Burt and Amy Tsuchiya and the granddaughter of Kenjinkai member Lillie Tsuchiya. She plans to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo this fall, majoring in marine biology and minoring in Japanese studies.
Caitlin Tsuchiya
Labor Day weekend marks not only the end of summer, but also the close of Hawai‘i’s obon and bon dance season for the year. But, there are still three more festivals that you can participate in before we call it a wrap on 2017.
Sept. 2 (Sat.): Okinawan Festival Bon Dance, 5:30-9 p.m., on the Monsarrat Avenue side of Kapi‘olani Park. Free parking is available at Kapi‘olani Community College with shuttle service to the park for a nominal fee. Limited food booths available.
Sept. 9 (Sat.): Odori Festival at Honbushin International Center, 6-9:30 p.m.; bazaar and stage performances from 4-6 p.m. (95-030 Waihonu St. in Mililani, call 623-7693 for more information)
Sept. 16 (Sat.): Autumn Okinawan Dance Matsuri at Hawaii Okinawa Center, 5:30-10 p.m.; food booths available (94-587 Uke‘e St., call 676-5400 for more information).
Kristi Yamaguchi’s “Golden Moment” benefit concert-on-ice for early childhood literacy returns to Hawai‘i.
“Golden Moment” is a project of Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation to raise funds to support early childhood literacy in Hawai‘i. Proceeds will benefit Kalihi Kai and Linapuni elementary schools, plus Fern and Pu‘uhale elementary schools added on this year. The skating extravaganza will be choreographed to live musical performances by Tony Award-winning singer Lea Salonga as top figure skaters from around the world take “center ice.” Among the skaters are Japan gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, Daisuke Takahashi, Katia Gordeeva, Jeremy Abbott, Ryan Bradley and Yuka Sato.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Arena.
COST: Ticket prices range from $30 to $150 and are available online at alwaysdream.org and Ticketmaster.com. To avoid ticketing fees, order directly from the Blaisdell box office.
WHO/WHAT: The Kuakini Auxiliary presents its annual bazaar. Items for sale include clothes, books, DVDs, jewelry, handmade crafts and household items. Potted plants and fresh produce will also be sold, including snacks, baked goods, sushi, waffle dogs and andagi. Special items from Kuakini’s gift shop will also be sold.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Kuakini Foundation, which is raising funds for Kuakini Health System’s capital improvement projects. The Kuakini Auxiliary is a volunteer organization with over 400 members who provide service and support to Kuakini Health System.
WHEN/WHERE: Friday, Sept. 8, and Saturday, Sept. 9, in the Hale Pulama Mau Auditorium. Friday hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday hours are 9 a.m.-noon. For more information about the bazaar or on volunteering, call Kuakini’s Volunteer Services Department at 547-9184.
The 2017-2018 officers and directors of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii were installed on June 24 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. Two celebratory dances were performed at the start of the program: “Kotobuki Samba,” a Japanese dance, which was performed by Bando Michie II, and the auspicious Okinawan dance, “Kazadihuu,” was performed by sisters Lisa Nakasone Nakandakari and Julia Nakasone Okumura, both shihan (teachers) with Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy.
The annual installation banquet is also UJSH’s opportunity to recognize people who have advanced and supported the organization’s mission through its Kenjin Kai Outstanding Member awards. Selected by their respective kenjinkai (prefectural club) were: Carol Koga, Central Oahu Kumamoto Kenjin Kai; Yoshiko Matsuoka, Hawaii Ehime Kenjin Kai; Eileen Yasuko Masuda, Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai; Kazuko Tarumi, Hawaii Kagoshima Kenjin Kai; Masumi Na-kagome, Hawaii Miyagi Kenjin Kai; Yumiko Yamamoto, Hawaii Miyazaki Kenjin Kai; Kasumi Tanaka, Hawaii Oita Kenjin Kai; Tom Yamamoto, Hawaii United Okinawa Association; Hisao Baba, Hawaii Yamagata Kenjin Kai; Janet Yoda, Hawaii Yamanashi Kyoyu Kai; Kanzo Nara, Hokkaido Club Hawaii; Joni Keiko Kaneshiro, Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai; Thomas Sakamoto, Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai; Laureen M. Kai, Honolulu Kumamoto Kenjin Kai; Gregg Hideki Hirohata-Goto, Honolulu Niigata Kenjin Kai; Lorelei K. Fukuda, Honolulu Yamaguchi Kenjin Kai; and Katherine Fujii, Wahiawa-Waialua Hiroshima Kenjin Kai. Kanzo Nara of Hokkaido Club Hawaii spoke on behalf of the honorees, thanking UJSH for recognizing their work.
Outgoing president Dean Asahina presented the UJSH Member of the Year award to Sheree Tamura, his successor as president. Citing the numerous health challenges he faced during his year as president, he said, “When I was down, she took my place,” said Asahina. Tamura accepted the award, saying, “I’m not supposed to be recognized. I was just doing my job.”
The UJSH Award for Contributions to the Japanese Community and Hawaii was presented to Hanae Miura-Sensei, who has taught the martial art of Jikishinkage-Ryu naginata since settling in Hawai‘i in 1972.
The second highlight of the day was the installation of Sheree Tamura as UJSH’s 2017-2018 president. Serving with Tamura are Faye Shigemura, president-elect; vice presidents Terrence Kai, Kalei Kini, Frances Nakachi Kuba, Rev. Akihiro Okada and Cheryl Sora; secretaries Wendy Abe, Annette Matsumoto and Mariel Moriwake; treasurers David Jones, Christopher Kanehiro and Norman Nakasone; and auditors James Sato and Michael Sato, along with 27 directors and nine counselors. Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa will serve as honorary advisor.
In his outgoing president’s message, Dean Asahina called his term “a most memorable year.” “I experienced a lot,” he said. The year 2016 marked the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which prompted a visit to Hawai‘i and the Arizona Memorial by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. UJSH was involved in the activities associated with the prime minister’s visit.
Asahina also thanked his siblings, Gene and Audrey, for their support during the year. He concluded his outgoing president’s message thanking UJSH’s members. “UJSH is about its members,” he said.
Sheree Tamura has been involved in UJSH for many years. The adopted — and only child — of the late Sadao and Hatsuko Tamura, she developed a deep interest in Japanese culture from a young age, even training in Japan. Tamura is a longtime member of the Hanayagi Mitsusumi Dance Studio. Besides Japanese classical dance, she enjoys singing Japanese songs and continues voice training with the Dennis Oshiro Music Studio. She is also an aikidö and naginata student. And, she is mom to daughter Sheera Yoshimi Hai Bao Tamura, whom she adopted from China as a young child. Tamura raised Sheera as a single parent with the help and encouragement of her parents. This past spring, she watched with pride as Sheera graduated from Pacific Buddhist Academy. When not doing her cultural and community activities or tending to her daughter, she works as the student service and English language learner coordinator at Momilani Elementary School in Waimalu.
Congratulatory messages were offered by Alvin Katahara, director of external affairs in the governor’s office, representing Gov. David Ige, and Gary Nakata, director of community services, representing Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa assured Asahina that his presidency “has been a successful one.” He noted that the biggest event of the year for him was the visit of Prime Minister Abe. He thanked UJSH members for their support and assistance. “I truly appreciate it very much,” Misawa said.
He said newly installed president Tamura is “multitalented” and “the right person to be president for next year’s 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Gannenmono.”
Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai member and UJSH past president Kenneth Saiki offered a kampai toast.
A full program of entertainment followed, including Japanese and Okinawan dances and singing. Newly installed president Sheree Tamura also shared her talents, singing “Chichibu Yo Matsuri.”
