JASH Japan Day Fall 2024
On October 22, 2024, JASH held its Fall Japan Day program, sponsored by the Tateuchi Foundation and the Freeman Foundation. Approximately 170 students from Hilo High School, Hongwanji Mission School, Kohala Middle School, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School, Pahoa High & Intermediate School, Sacred Hearts Academy, St. Andrew’s Schools, Saint Louis School, and Waianae High School gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s Generations Ballroom to enjoy the day’s activities. Held twice a year, Japan Day is JASH’s longest running educational program which is offered free to Hawaii’s middle and high schools. Since its inception in 1993, over 8,200 students from 70 different public and private schools have participated in this educational event. Generous funding from the Tateuchi Foundation has enabled JASH to expand the Japan Day program to include more schools, thereby impacting more students. Additional funding from the Freeman Foundation allowed more neighbor island schools to participate as well.
(L-R) Students gather for the Opening Ceremony; Welcome remarks by JASH Chair Karen Knudsen
The program began with welcome remarks by JASH President Reyna Kaneko and JASH Chair Karen Knudsen. After the opening ceremony, students attended four of the eight cultural sessions presented by over 30 volunteer experts on bon dance, calligraphy, hanafuda (Japanese playing cards) ikebana (flower arranging), karate, soroban (Japanese abacus), tea ceremony, and yukata. Following the Japan Day program, neighbor island students from the Big Island were given private gallery tours of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s exhibit, Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you. These schools also visited other areas on Oahu, including Stix Asia and Byodo-In Temple before flying back to the Big Island.
(L-R) Students learn bon dance moves; Students practice calligraphy strokes
(L-R) Students learn how to play hanafuda; Students learn some basics of ikebana
Japan Day provides students with hands-on experience in traditional Japanese arts and culture while reinforcing and complementing what is taught in the classroom. A student from Hongwanji Mission School wrote in the post-program survey, “I thought that Japan Day was a good way to learn more about Japanese culture and engage in Japanese activities. It also introduced me to things that I haven't done before or do very little.” Japan Day also illustrates how art and culture in different societies can influence and enhance people’s lives. Students gained new perspectives through enjoying various cultural activities.
(L-R) Students learn some karate moves; Students learn how to use the soroban
(L-R) Students learn about the art of tea ceremony from members of the Urasenke Foundation Hawaii; Students try on yukata
Neighbor Island students at the Okage Sama De Gallery tour
JASH would like to thank the generous sponsors of Japan Day: the Tateuchi Foundation and the Freeman Foundation. In addition, a big MAHALO to all the volunteer experts for their dedication to the program: Ms. Lydia Morikawa and members of Hawaii Shin Kobukai (bon dance); Ms. Tsugumi Hasebe and members of Toka Shodo Calligraphy (calligraphy); Ms. Helen Nakano and members of Hanafuda Hawaii (hanafuda); Ms. Dawn Kanno and family of MOA Hawaii (ikebana); Mr. Jordan Silva of Japan International Karate Center (karate); Mr. Hideaki Oshima and Ms. Yasuko Oshima from Araki Hiroya Soroban School (soroban); Mr. Hitoshi Murata and members of the Urasenke Foundation (tea ceremony); and Ms. Mutsuko Narumi and former members of UH Kimono Project (yukata). A special thanks to JASH volunteers Aki Miyama, Hina Nagasaki, and Ruiko Kobayashi for assisting the yukata session. JASH would also like to thank the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii for providing the tours of the Okage Sama De Gallery for the neighbor island students.
