RECENT EVENTS

. :JASH visits Nagaoka City to Further Japan-Hawaii Relationship

Members of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) visited Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture at the invitation of the Nagaoka International Exchange Association to promote a budding relationship between this Japanese City and the City and County of Honolulu. From August 2nd to August 3rd, five members of JASH visited Nagaoka City to view its famous fireworks festival, visit its two war-related museums, Yamamoto Isoroku Museum and the Air Raid Museum.

Nagaoka City is the home of the architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Nagaoka City was also firebombed by U.S. forces close to the end of the Pacific War. As a result of that bombing, the citizens of Nagaoka City began a fireworks festival each year on the anniversary of that attack dedicating it to peace and reconciliation. Mayor Mori wishes to promote a relationship between Nagaoka City and Honolulu because the two cities share similar wartime experiences. Nagaoka City delegations have visited Honolulu in the past to work toward this goal. JASH helped initiate the process of promoting closer ties by hosting a delegation of junior high and high school students from the Nagaoka region this past April. The Nagaoka students visited Hawaii schools and participated in home stay with host families.

One highlight of the visit was the signing of an agreement on exchanges and the pursuit of educational and peaceful relations between the Executive Committee for Developing a Bridge of Friendship between Japan and the U.S. and JASH. Mayor Mori signed as Chairman of the Committee and Mr. Hawkins signed on behalf of JASH. The agreement calls both sides to actively promote education and exchange programs for youths from both Nagaoka and Honolulu. During the ceremony, Mr. Hawkins read a letter of greeting from Honolulu Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

The JASH delegates enjoyed the famous Nagaoka fireworks in the evening after signing the agreement. An estimated 80,000 people from across Japan and other countries attended the two hour long fireworks display which included aerial projectiles of over three feet in diameter. Mayor Mori has stated his desire to bring a portion of this display to Honolulu as a gift to its people.

The following day, the JASH delegates were taken on a tour of the nearby Yamakoshi region of Nagaoka to see its famous koi farms and “Togyu” (bull fighting) stadium. The Yamakoshi region was devastated by an earthquake six years ago, but the region has nearly fully recovered with new roads and rebuilt houses, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people of Nagaoka that also was manifest in the recovery from the war.

JASH members at Nagaoka City fireworks festival (Mayor Mori, center rear).

Mayor Mori and Ed Hawkins sign Educational and Exchange Agreement.

. : JASH attends International Symposium of Japan-America Societies

Members of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) attended the Seventh International Symposium of Japan-America Societies in Akita, Japan. The International Symposium is held every two years and alternates its location between Japan and the United States. This was the first Symposium held in a rural region of Japan.

The Symposium was held at the Akita International University between 6-8 August. It was held to coincide with the famous “Kanto” lantern Matsuri festival held in Akita each year. The Akita America-Japan Society was host for the event, and several societies from Japan and the United States attended. JASH sent five representatives, including two members of the JASH staff and two Directors, both from JTB Hawaii.

The theme of the Symposium was “Bridging Globalized Communities” and consisted of keynote addresses from Japan expert Dr. Kent Calder of Princeton University and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States in Japan, Mr. James Zumwalt. Two seminar panels on Bridging Globalized Communities and Voices of Youth from “Cool Japan” were also held.

JASH President Hawkins was requested to give a presentation on its many grass-roots educational programs to include Japan in a Suitcase, Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention, and Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition to show the delegates how these educational exchange programs develop and promote ties with counterpart societies and organizations in Japan. Mr. Zumwalt as well as other delegates praised this effort. Mr. Zumwalt was especially interested as the focus of his talk was promoting U.S.-Japan youth exchanges.

Viewing the Kanto Matsuri.

A Symposium Seminar Panel of Experts.

. : EMMA President Hawkins visits Ehime Prefecture

JASH and Ehime Maru Memorial Association (EMMA) President Hawkins visited Ehime Prefecture in conjunction with this year’s International Symposium of Japan-America Societies in Akita, Japan. The purpose of the visit was threefold: to meet with the Japanese Directors of EMMA to update them on planning for next year’s anniversary event, to meet with the Director of the Ehime Prefecture International Center (EPIC) and discuss the future of its summer internship program for UH students, and finally visit Uwajima City and its Uwajima Fisheries High School, home port of the Ehime Maru, to meet with the bereaved family members and discuss next year’s anniversary event.

In Ehime’s capital city Matsuyama, Mr. Hawkins attended Ehime-Hawaii Day, an annual celebration of things Hawaiian, showcasing hula performances from local Japanese groups and a craft fair. Ehime-Hawaii Day has been held annually since the Ehime Maru accident nearly ten years ago as a way for the people of Ehime Prefecture to establish good will with the people of Hawaii. Mr. Hawkins delivered a special congratulatory message from Governor Linda Lingle, as Ehime is the sister prefecture (State) of Hawaii.

Mr. Hawkins met with Ehime’s Board of Education (EMMA Directors) and Ehime Prefecture Governor Kato, during which he discussed preparations for next year’s tenth anniversary of the Ehime Maru accident. Mr. Hawkins proposed a significant act to mark the occasion. Afterwards Mr. Hawkins met with the Director of EPIC, Mr. Morimoto. EPIC has been sponsoring two UH students on a three-month summer internship for five years and now wishes to review the future structure of this program. Mr. Morimoto will be visiting Honolulu next February at which time he will discuss the future of this program with the other partner, UH’s Center for Japanese Studies.

At Uwajima City, Mr. Hawkins met with Mayor Ishibashi, Fisheries High School President Nogami, and bereaved family members. During these meetings, Mr. Hawkins discussed next year’s anniversary and proposed a special memorial event. Mr. Hawkins also took time to present flowers at the Ehime Maru Memorial located at the High School.

(L) Mr. Hawkins meets with Ehime Governor Kato.     (R) With bereaved family members.

. : 2010 Japan Wizards Japan Trip Winners Visit Tokyo

This summer, four winning teams from Hanalani Schools, McKinley High School, Punahou School, and Roosevelt High School traveled to Japan as their reward for winning the 2010 Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition in February. On June 8, 2010, student team members Andrea Kim, Chanel Louie, Nicole Ogawa-Yukitomo, and advisor Mrs. Naomi Hirano-Omizo from Punahou School (Level B First Place winners) were graciously hosted by sister society America-Japan Society of Tama Tokyo and Mr. Shoichi Suzuki, the Society’s Executive Director. This is the third year that Mr. Suzuki has hosted our Japan Wizards Japan trip prize winners. On this full-day educational program, the team visited the Edo Museum and learned about the transformation of Edo into Tokyo. They then visited the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) located in the heart of Tokyo where many of them experienced and enjoyed the onsen culture for the first time. On July 10, 2010, student team members Garion Park, Daralyn Yee, and advisor Ms. Grace Shinohara from Roosevelt High School (Level B Second Place winners) along with Jennis Hatakenaka, Maggie Kwock, Kyung-Soo Lee, and advisor Ms. Sandra Oda from McKinley High School (Level A Third Place winners) were also able to experience this educational program, sponsored and hosted by Mr. Suzuki and the America-Japan Society of Tama Tokyo. Visiting the Edo Museum and Ooedo Onsen Monogatari provided the students with valuable cross-cultural education and a closer glimpse into Japan’s history, culture, and customs. Daralyn Yee of Roosevelt High School remarked, "It was always a dream of mine to go to Japan. . . I never thought this dream would come true until I joined the Japan Wizards team. We were able to learn so much. . . Learning about Japan is one thing, but experiencing it is another. Being able to experience has really changed my thoughts on nearly everything about [Japan]."

Punahou School students and advisor Mrs. Naomi Hirano-Omizo with America-Japan Society of Tama Tokyo’s Executive Director Mr. Shoichi Suzuki and other staff members at the Edo Museum and Ooedo Onsen Monogatari.

McKinley High School and Roosevelt High School students and advisors Ms. Sandra Oda and Ms. Grace Shinohara with America-Japan Society of Tama Tokyo’s Executive Director Mr. Shoichi Suzuki and other staff members at the Edo Museum and Ooedo Onsen Monogatari.

. : elle Couture Jewellers hosts Tomodachi Committee

On Thursday, August 19, 2010, JASH Corporate Member elle Couture Jewellers hosted the Tomodachi Committee to an afternoon tea gathering at the elle Couture Jewellers store located on the ground floor of the Nine O Nine Kapiolani residential condominium.

Attendees enjoyed delicious tea, mochi and manju varieties while learning more about Italian Jewelry designer Roberto Coin. Attendees received a complimentary gift bag which included a special Roberto Coin Appassionata collection item.

JASH would like to thank elle Couture Jewellers Store Director, Lance Ishibashi and Marilyn Cariaga for hosting this event.

Tomodachi Chair Shizue Goldblatt and JASH member Amy Okamoto check out the Appassionata Collection.

. : APCC Delegation Returns Home

On July 27, the APCC Delegates returned home to Honolulu after an eleven day stay in Fukuoka, Japan where they took part in the 22nd Asian-Pacific Children's Convention, which was held from July 16 - 27, 2010.

Hosted by the Fukuoka government, the APCC promotes international relationships between children so that they will become adults with a strong social responsibility for the world. The Hawaii JAs spent two days at a camp with 218 children from 42 countries and cities throughout the Asia-Pacific region and nine days with a Japanese host family in the city of Kasuya in Fukuoka. The Hawaii delegates had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Kasuya, Mr. Hisayoshi Shinozaki, and were also only one of two delegations selected to meet the Vice-Governor of Fukuoka, Etsuko Ebii. They also performed a hula to the song, Holoholo ka'a, at the "We Are the Bridge" Festival held on July 24 in Fukuoka city.

After their return, the delegates were given the opportunity to share their experiences on the APCC with Governor Linda Lingle on Friday, July 30. She was excited to hear about all that the children had learned while in Fukuoka.

APCC Delegates arrive in Honolulu

. : JASH Sponsors Soroban Math Class at Olomana School

With assistance of Mr. Hideaki Oshima of the Honolulu-based Araki-Hiroya Soroban School, JASH presented a series of Soroban (abacus) math classes to students at the Olomana School in Kailua, Oahu in May 2010. Part of the Hawaii Department of Education, Olomana School is an alternative education school which offers classes for students in seventh grade through twelfth grade. The school provides educational services for Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, Secure Custody Facility, Ho’okipa Canoe House, and Olomana Youth Center and Detention Home Facility.

Holding soroban math classes at Olomana School was the idea of Hawaii State Senator and Education and Housing Committee Chair Norman Sakamoto through his connection to Olomana School Principal Mr. August Suehiro. JASH had discussed its previous soroban math classes for the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii with Senator Sakamoto. Once the idea was accepted by Mr. Suehiro, JASH worked with Mr. Oshima to structure several soroban math classes for students in the correctional facility. The purpose of the program was to present an interesting and engaging program to the students while challenging them to improve their mental concentration. JASH will follow up with Olomana School to structure other presentations as they may desire.

Oshima-sensei teaches Soroban math calculations to Olomana School students.

. : JASH takes King Kekaulike Students to visit Subaru Telescope

On June 1st, JASH took members of the 2010 Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition to the Big Island to visit high tech facilities and companies. Hawaiian Airlines had donated a number of airfares to support the Japan Wizards Competition in February. Several tickets remained unused and had to be used by the year’s end. JASH decided to reward the runner-up teams with a trip to the Big Island to learn how technology is being used for the betterment of science and daily life (top winning teams had been rewarded with trips to Japan). Through JASH’s association with the Subaru Telescope, a tour was organized to this cutting edge astronomical observatory atop the 13,796 foot mountain. Following the tour, the students visited the Japanese UCC Coffee Plantation to learn how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and brought to market.

King Kekaulike students learn about the Subaru Telescope from guide Ms. Murai.

JASH conducts educational programs for Hawaii’s students from grades K-12. Learn about these programs on JASH’s website at www.jashawaii.org. Grants from the Friends of Hawaii Charities, the Kosasa Family Foundation, JTB Friendship Foundation, and the Tateuchi Foundation support Japan Wizards.

. : Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) Holds Spring Japan Day

Thanks to the generous support and sponsorship from JASH Director and Community Service Committee Chair Ms. Jean Rolles, JASH was able to organize another successful Japan Day held on May 5, 2010 at Hawaii Tokai International College. The Spring 2010 Japan Day included 128 students from Farrington High School, Iolani School, Kapaa High School (Kauai), St. Francis School, and Waipahu High School who were provided with hands-on learning experiences of the Japanese culture. Thirty-nine volunteer experts from the community donated their time, energy and supplies to this half-day educational program. The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Kenny Endo, began the program with their creative taiko music pieces and rhythm and demonstration and explanation of various sounds that taiko drums can make to simulate nature. Following the taiko performance, students were treated to various cultural classes where they learned bon dance, bonsai, calligraphy, traditional crafts, gyotaku (fish printing), kimono wear, soroban (Japanese abacus), and the tea ceremony.

Clockwise from top left: Students learn how to make kabuto (hats) in crafts class; Volunteer experts assist students with planting bonsai; Kimono wearing class; Students make their own gyotaku fish prints.

Over 4,650 students from 52 schools statewide have experienced Japan Day since its inception in 1993. Japan Day is one of two programs JASH offers to Hawaii’s high schools and students, the other being the Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition. Japan Day teaches various aspects of Japanese culture, but the underlying purpose is to show how culture, art, and lifestyle of different societies enrich people’s lives. JASH feels that appreciating other cultures and cultural practices helps one to be tolerant and understanding of other peoples and their customs, contributing to peaceful coexistence. JASH would like to thank all the volunteer experts for their dedication to the program: Mrs. Kuni Morita and members of the Moiliili Senior Minyo Group, Mr. Dan Tenney and the bonsai group, calligraphy master Mrs. Shokyoku Hashiro and Mrs. Setsusen Tokumine, Mrs. Kikuji Yonesato and members of the Kikufu Nippon Bunka Kenkyu Kai, Mr. Brandon Tengan of Prior 2 Pupu Productions, Mrs. Jean Sakihara and members of Kimono Project USA, Mr. and Mrs. Hideaki Oshima from Araki Hiroya Soroban School, and Mr. Yoshibumi Ogawa, Mr. Hiroaki Yoshida, and members of Urasenke Foundation. We would also like to thank Hawaii Tokai International College for the use of the auditorium and classrooms for this event. For more information on this educational program, please contact Kelsey Soma Turek at 469-4646, or via email at ksoma@jashawaii.org.

. : Nagaoka Student Delegation Visits Honolulu to Promote Friendship

Twenty-two students and four teachers from Nagaoka city in Niigata Prefecture, Japan were greeted with lei by JASH staff upon arrival in Honolulu on Monday, March 29, 2010. Their six-day visit marked the first of potentially many visits to Honolulu in hopes of fostering a friendship between Nagaoka and Honolulu. The Nagaoka delegation’s busy schedule included a homestay experience with a local Hawaii host family, a day at school with their host sibling, and visits to popular tourist attractions around the island. On the day of their arrival, the delegation visited Bishop Museum and Moanalua Gardens, presented a wreath at the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetery), and took pictures in front of King Kamehameha’s statue and Iolani Palace before heading over to City Hall for a courtesy visit with Mr. Kirk Caldwell, Managing Director, City and County of Honolulu. The students rehearsed their speeches and questions for Mr. Caldwell as they anxiously awaited his arrival. When Mr. Caldwell arrived, he greeted them with kind words and told them of the great time he had when he visited Nagaoka last year and saw the city’s famous fireworks display. The students presented Mr. Caldwell with a framed photo of the fireworks display and thanked him for his time. During the question-and-answer portion of the visit, all hands were raised as the students patiently waited for the opportunity to learn more about Mr. Caldwell and Honolulu. At the end of the visit, Mr. Caldwell handed each student and teacher with a City and County of Honolulu pin. One lucky student won an extra pin as well!

(L) Nagaoka students and teachers listen intently as Mr. Caldwell (far left) shares his wonderful experiences in Nagaoka at City Hall.     (R) Nagaoka delegation learns the “shaka” with Mr. Caldwell and Mr. David Asanuma (JTB) at City Hall.

The visit with Mr. Caldwell was only the beginning of their Honolulu experience. From March 31 to April 2, 2010, the Nagaoka students participated in a homestay with local Hawaii families, arranged by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH). They were able to experience a day of school with their host sibling, attend classes together, and give short presentations about Japan and their customs. April 2 was a holiday (Good Friday) so the students were able to sightsee with their host families before saying goodbye later that afternoon. As many tears were shed, it was obvious to see the connection made between the students and their host families despite the short duration of the homestay. JASH wishes to thank Mr. Caldwell, the Nagaoka delegation, JTB Hawaii, and the following schools, teachers, and host families for their generosity, hospitality, and support in providing these students with what may be for some of them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of living with an American host family:

Participating Schools	Teachers
Hanalani Schools	Yumiko Mattison – Hanalani Schools
Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA)	Toni Normand – SHA
Punahou School	Yuriko Tcheou – HBA
Sacred Hearts Academy (SHA)	Masa Yamaguchi – SHA
	Yoko Yamaguchi – SHA

Host Families

Davey Andrew and family – Punahou School

Jacqueline Arelliano and family – SHA

Bryeana Fajota and family – SHA

Erica Fang and family – SHA

Megan Martin and family – SHA

Bryce Matsuda and family – HBA

Amanda Ng and family – SHA

Jennifer Nishida and family – SHA

Christopher Nishijima and family – Hanalani Schools

Kellianne Pang and family – SHA

Kristen Pang and family – SHA

Ashley and Courtney Seki and family – SHA

Brad Suenishi – HBA

Jordann Tamayo and family – SHA

Michelle Uchida and family – SHA

Charles Yamashiro and family – Hanalani Schools

Yuna Kaneuchi and Marin Oya (front L-R) pose with their host sisters Megan Martin and Amanda Ng (back L-R)