JASH Japan Day Spring 2024
On April 4, 2024, JASH held its Spring Japan Day program, sponsored by the McInerny Foundation and the Freeman Foundation. Approximately 170 students from Island Pacific Academy, Kapolei High School, Kauai High School, Konawaena Middle School, Lahainaluna High School, Maui Hui Malama, and Waipahu 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 8,000 students from 67 different public and private schools have participated in this educational event. Generous funding from the McInerny 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 Deputy Consul General Mikio Izawa; Taiko performance by members from Taiko Center of the Pacific
The program began with Deputy Consul General Mikio Izawa delivering an inspiring welcome address, highlighting the importance of embracing and learning about Japanese culture. Members from Taiko Center of the Pacific followed with an exciting taiko performance and demonstration. After the opening ceremony, students attended four of the nine cultural sessions presented by nearly 40 volunteer experts on bon dance, calligraphy, hanafuda (Japanese playing cards) ikebana (flower arranging), karate, kendama, kimono/yukata, soroban (Japanese abacus), and tea ceremony. Following the Japan Day program, neighbor island students from the Big Island, Kauai, and Maui 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. Neighbor island schools also visited other areas on Oahu, including Stix Asia, Byodo-In Temple, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa before flying back to their respective islands.
(L-R) Students learn bon dance moves; Students practice calligraphy strokes; 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 Konawaena Middle School wrote in the post-program survey, “I really enjoyed Japan Day. I felt like I learned a lot more about Japan's culture than I would've in a normal Japanese class. I especially enjoyed all of the activities that were presented to us that day.” 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. A student from Lahainaluna High School commented, “Overall, Japan Day was an amazing and fun experience. Everyone, including myself, learned so much there. I especially like how easy it was to understand each of the sessions.”
(L-R) Students learn some karate moves; Students practice playing kendama; Students try on yukata; Students learn how to use the soroban; Students learn about the art of tea ceremony from members of the Urasenke Foundation Hawaii
JASH would like to thank the generous sponsors of Japan Day: McInerny 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. Hiromi Peterson, also known as Toka and members of Toka Shodo Calligraphy (calligraphy); Members of Hanafuda Hawaii (hanafuda); Ms. Dawn Kanno and family of MOA Hawaii (ikebana); Mr. Charles Lee of Japan Karate Shotokai (karate); Ms. Mutsuko Narumi and members of UH Kimono Project (kimono/yukata); Mr. Hideaki Oshima and Ms. Yasuko Oshima from Araki Hiroya Soroban School (soroban); and Mr. Hitoshi Murata and members of the Urasenke Foundation (tea ceremony). A special thanks to JASH staff, for leading the kendama 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, and the Taiko Center of the Pacific for their inspirational taiko performance and demonstration. Finally, we appreciate volunteers, Fumi Lux, Janice Terakawa, and Kazuyo Ogawa for assisting us that day.
