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Japan Earthquake Relief
- FLASH: Rainbow for Japan Kids receives Certificate of Commendation from Consul General of Japan at Honolulu
- JASH receives $120,000 donation from TOMODACHI initiative for the Rainbow for Japan Kids project
- Music for Life Foundation to hold "Hana Hou" Ukulele World Record attempt in April: proceeds to Rainbow for Japan Kids
- JRCS Operations Update for November, 2011
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DONATIONS TO JASH UPDATE
As of December 15, 2011: $4,214,216(total of Aloha for Japan and other donations)
Click to see Aloha for Japan Donor List.
Click to see Aloha for Japan Partnering Organizations.
DONATIONS TO RAINBOW FOR JAPAN KIDS
As of December 15, 2011: $320,466
Click to see Rainbow for Japan Kids Donor List.
Click to see Rainbow for Japan Kids Partnering Organizations.
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At its annual reception honoring the birthday of His Majesty The Emperor of Japan, Japan's Consul General at Honolulu took the opportunity to honor individuals and organizations from Hawaii that supported the disaster relief of Japan following the tragic Great East Japan Earthquake. RFJK was recognized along with the Statewide fundraising campaign, Aloha for Japan, and the Maui-based disaster affected family relief project, Aloha Initiative. Mrs. Andy Walsh, wife of Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Patrick Walsh, was also recognized. Lieutenant Governor Bryan Schatz accepted on behalf of Aloha for Japan, Maui County Managing Director Keith Regan for the Aloha Initiative, and JASH President Ed Hawkins for Rainbow for Japan Kids. The citation reads, "Consul-General of Japan extends his deepest regards to Rainbow for Japan Kids represented by Mr. Ed Hawkins, in recognition of its distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the U.S. and between Japan and Hawaii." Awarded on December 14, 2011, Yoshihiko Kamo, Consul General of Japan at Honolulu. See citation here and English translation here.
Recognizing the impact the Rainbow for Japan Kids project is having on assisting with the recovery of the aftermath of the March 11 disasters in Japan's northeast region as well as creating the basis for future relationships, the public-private partnership of TOMODACHI initiative has provided a significant grant to the RFJK project to continue this project for several years. TOMODACHI is a public-private partnership forged after the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and led by the U.S. government, the Japanese government, and the U.S.-Japan Council. TOMODACHI's mission is to support initiatives that support not only Japan's short-term needs in the wake of the March 11 disasters, but also to invest in the next generation of Japanese and Americans by creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, entrepreneurship and leadership that enhance long-term competitiveness and strengthen connections between the United States and Japan. Rainbow for Japan Kids is proud to be associated with this initiative. Read more on TOMODACHI here.
Ukulele Virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will lead the second attempt to break a recent Guinness World Record of 1,500+ players set in Sweden in August 2011. The event will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. The MFLF is recruiting participants for this event. Proceeds will support RFLF's many programs for the community, as well as support the Rainbow for Japan Kids project. See more at
http://gofordarecord.org/.
Operations Update No. 6 captures the activities of the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJET) over the past six weeks.
- Given the significant increase of donations from the sister societies, JRCS has revised its recovery Plan of Action (PoA) from JPY 30 billion (USD 389 million)1 agreed during the partnership meeting in Tokyo on 9 May to a plan with a budget of JPY 53 billion (USD 688 million). The recovery projects have hence expanded accordingly.
- JRCS has been designated the focal point for cash donations in Japan and JPY 304 billion (USD 4 billion) has been transferred to 15 prefectures from JRCS to assist disaster survivors with cash grants.
- JRCS has distributed 119,609 appliance sets to displaced families in the temporary housing across the nation.
- To date, 845 medical teams and 80,274 volunteers have been mobilized by JRCS to support the survivors.
Note that donations from the people of Hawaii are listed in the donations page as "Hawaii-Japan U.S. Friendship Association."
Read More.
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RECENT EVENTS
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This year, Mr. Yoshinori Maeda and staff of Halekulani Hotel welcomed JASH to its annual Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction. The annual event is held to celebrate JASH's accomplishments through the year, share camaraderie with other members and guests, and raise funds for JASH's programs for the following year.
Over 200 JASH members and guests attended the event at the world famous five star resort hotel, bidding on hundreds of donated items-from fly/stay packages on neighbor islands to musical instruments (electric guitar, ukulele) and Japanese and local gifts and items.
JASH President Ed Hawkins welcomed the guests, thanking Mr. Maeda, Mr. Takashi Nakayama, Ms. Patricia Tam, and the entire Halekulani staff for generously hosting this event. This year, the event included college students from Nagaoka City who were visiting Hawaii to attend a JASH-sponsored workshop with UH students and to attend the Pearl Harbor memorial event on Dececember 7th.
JASH would like to thank the volunteers, as well as the many benefactors who donated items for the silent auction. The entire list will be included in our next JASH Newsletter, as well as listed on our website here.
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| Guests enjoy the cuisine prepared by Halekulani's master chefs while bidding on auction items. |
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As part of the festivities at this year's Emperor's birthday celebration on December 14, 2011, JASH was presented with a special certificate of commendation from the Consulate General of Japan at Honolulu. The Consul General decided to recognize organizations in Hawaii that assisted with immediate disaster relief efforts following the tragic earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident on March 11th in Japan's northeast region. The Rainbow for Japan Kids project, which JASH is a partner with JAL Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, and Studio Rim Hawaii, brings children from the affected regions of Japan to Hawaii for rest, recuperation, and physical/psychological relief. The other individuals and organizations honored were Aloha for Japan statewide fundraising campaign (represented by Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz), Aloha Initiative (represented by Mr. Keith Regan), and Mrs. Andy Walsh (wife of Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Patrick Walsh).
The citation reads, 'Consul-General of Japan extends his deepest regards to Rainbow for Japan Kids represented by Mr. Ed Hawkins, in recognition of its distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the U.S. and between Japan and Hawaii.'
Thank you to all the donors, supporters, and benefactors that make Rainbow for Japan Kids project a meaningful and vibrant program for assisting the victims in Japan and building new bridges of friendship. You share in this award.
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| Consul General Yoshihiko Kamo presenting the certificate of commendation to JASH President Ed Hawkins. |
Please click here to view the Certificate. Please click here for the English translation.
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On Thursday, December 15, Tomodachi members and guests gathered together at the Waioli Tea Room in Manoa to celebrate the
annual Christmas Tea. Guests were able to enjoy a selection of tea and refreshments in the Ginger VIP room while the snow-like Manoa mist fell outside. Once again, Charles K. "Uncle Charlie" Morton serenaded guests with Christmas songs on his guitar.
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| (L) Uncle Charlie serenades the group with a Christmas sing-a-long. (R) Guests each had five slips of paper which meant five chances to win the item of their choosing in "Lucky Me". |
This year's gathering had a new twist on it that fit in perfectly with the spirit of gift giving during the holidays. Guests were ask to bring an item that they made or baked, or something they had around the house that was mottainai or poho (a waste, too good to throw away). Lillian Yajima used all of the items for her "Lucky Me" game-a spin on the "Lucky Number" game where you have a chance to choose which item you will win. Guests were able to place their name in a cup that corresponded to the item they desired. Once everyone's selections were complete, Lillian drew names making sure everyone went home a winner. When guests saw what they won in the end, they were able to exclaim, "Lucky Me!"
JASH would like to thank Tomodachi Planning Committee member Roberta Sullivan for planning and making the arrangements for this event as well as providing the cute Christmas favors. We would also like to thank Charles K. Morton for getting us into the Christmas spirit with his medleys. A special thanks to Lillian Yajima who organized the "Lucky Me" game.
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| (L) Panelist Betsy Fujii Young explains the internment camp experience. (R) Tomodachi Co-chair Shirley Miyamoto explains her Pearl Harbor day experience. |
On Tuesday, November 29, Tomodachi presented "Remembering Pearl Harbor" at Natsunoya Tea House in honor of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Panelists who were living in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, shared their first hand experiences and experiences of relatives.
Guests enjoyed a special buffet lunch prepared by Natsunoya, in an upstairs room that holds a lot of history. In the months before World War II, a spy from the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu would watch ship movements in Pearl Harbor from this very room and send coded messages to Tokyo. The telescope belonging to Natsunoya that he used is no longer in the upstairs room, but can still be viewed downstairs inside the sushi bar.
Panelists recounted that during the war everyone had to carry around gas masks. Children were even fitted for these masks at school. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor many families slept together in their living rooms. A panelist also shared stories of internment camps. Another panelist gave this message: "my hope for the future is that the hysteria of the time that caused prejudice to the Japanese doesn't ever happen to another people."
JASH would like to thank all those who shared their experience. We would also like to thank Pearl Harbor Park Ranger Amanda Carona who was present at the lunch and shared information on events that will take place to observe the 70th anniversary. Finally, a big mahalo to Tomodachi co-chair Shirley Miyamoto who planned this event and brought memorabilia to display.
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On November 12th, Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihiko Noda visited the Ehime Maru Memorial at Kakaako Waterfront Park. PM Noda was in Hawaii for the APEC Leaders' Meeting and took the opportunity to visit the Memorial. On hand were volunteers from local Kenjinkai who clean the memorial, including Fukuoka, Fukushima, Kumamoto, Yamaguchi, and Okinawa.
Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) and Ehime Maru Memorial Association President Ed Hawkins greeted the Prime Minister and his entourage that included the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Japan's Ambassador to the U.S., and Japan's Consul General in Honolulu. Mr. Hawkins gave an overview of the Memorial and the various good-will programs put in place since that tragic event to promote friendship between the people of Hawaii and Ehime. Following the presentation of a flower wreath, PM Noda and his party observed a moment of silence in honor of those lost in the incident. Mr. Hawkins introduced the volunteers to PM Noda who thanked them for their services in maintaining the memorial and promoting friendly relations between Japan and the U.S. Mr. Hawkins called attention to three Japanese mandarin orange trees that were planted near the memorial to mark the 10th anniversary of the incident earlier this year when the bereaved family members gathered at Kakaako for a special memorial ceremony. This was the first visit of a sitting Japanese prime minister to the Ehime Maru Memorial.
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| L-R Clockwise: JASH and EMMA President Ed Hawkins greets PM Noda on arrival at Kakaako; PM Noda presents wreath; wreath in front of the memorial; PM Noda and party observe a moment of silence as volunteers stand by. |
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| L-R: Lanai Elementary third graders model the Japanese yukata.; Kindergarten students learn to say goodbye by saying sayonara and bowing. |
For the first time, Japan in a Suitcase (JIAS) traveled to Lanai to present to their only elementary school, Lanai Elementary. Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) staff and a volunteer were able to present to all students from grades K through 5. Lanai High and Elementary School services the entire island.
In Lanai, the pace of life is much more relaxed than on Oahu. Crime rate is low and most people don't lock their doors. There's no McDonald's or chain stores, only one gas station, and no traffic lights. Everything in the main area of Lanai City surrounding the school is within walking distance.
During the presentation for second grade, students became very excited when shown the McDonald's poster board. The nearest McDonald's is on Maui so many children shouted out, "McDonald's on Maui!" Students were excited to see Japanese yen with a few noting that they had a small collection of their own at home because a relative had brought it back from Japan. Upon seeing the Japanese yukata, a third grade girl mentioned that for Halloween she dressed up in kimono. A girl in the third grade class also mentioned after the presentations that her mother is from Japan so she is learning a few Japanese words.
At the beginning of the fourth grade presentations, students were very shy and hesitant to speak out. When it came time to do group work, they became excited to be able to see and touch Japanese school items they had never encountered before. Students were able to explore the school items well and confidently give presentations to their classmates. Fourth graders also noted the similarities between their school and Japan's elementary schools. Lanai Elementary has a pool just like every elementary school in Japan. Their field is also similar to the school field in Japan.
Students and teachers alike hoped for the presentations to return to Lanai again soon. In their thank you letters, students included words that they had learned such as arigatou and sensei. Teachers loved how the presentations gave students a higher sense of cultural awareness. A teacher noted, "we in Hawaii come from different cultures therefore our students' perspectives involve all of these."
JIAS is a free program offered to elementary schools in Hawaii. It is one of five JASH educational programs aimed at teaching the concept of different perspectives and is aligned with the Hawaii Department of Education Content Standards for Social Studies and World Languages. The major goal of JIAS is to nurture students' sense of inquisitiveness and help them to look at objects and issues from different viewpoints. This is accomplished through a hands-on demonstration of items used by Japanese school children in the classroom and challenging the children to explain the differences they see from how they learn. JASH believes teaching these concepts at an early age will make them more open-minded to new ideas and people of other cultures. The secondary purpose is to teach the children about Japan's unique culture and to appreciate Hawaii's special relationships with Japan. Children of Lanai Elementary now understand this rich cultural relationship first hand. Thanks to grants from donors such as the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Hotel Industries, and individual donors that made this excursion possible. Also a special thanks to Mr. Merrill Taguchi, elementary school counselor, who helped us to arrange this visit and also provided transportation to and from the airport.
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On October 20th, The Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) honored U.S. Pacific Command and all the military components that took part in "Operation Tomodachi," the U.S. military's response to the tragic earthquake and tsunami this past March 11 in northeast Japan, at its annual dinner with the JASH Bridge Award. The Bridge Award recognizes individuals or groups in the community who have worked hard to promote the important relationship between U.S. and Japan. This year, because of the tragic events in Japan, JASH decided to make the theme of the dinner "Friends in Need--Japan Disaster Relief," and recognized the U.S. military for Operation Tomodachi. Over 400 attended the gala event, including members of the military services. A video tribute was also played in their honor.
On hand to accept the award was the Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Lieutenant General Daniel Darnell, who was the keynote speaker for the evening. In his acceptance remarks, General Darnell complimented the teamwork of all the military services and men and women of Pacific Command, noting that the operation required the support of some 18,000 U.S. forces. General Darnell emphasized that the U.S. Forces worked in support of the Japan Self Defense Forces and used the opportunity to compliment Chief of Staff of Japan's Joint Staff General Ryoichi Oriki (who was present along with his wife Hideko) and all the members of Japan's Self Defense Forces for their "immense courage, resolve, self-sufficiency and poise" in executing disaster relief following the tragic events. General Darnell ended his comments by quoting U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, who spoke of Operation Tomodachi, saying "together we have served not only the defense of Japan, but the cause of peace and stability in the entire Asia-Pacific Region." General Darnell thanked the members of JASH and the community for this recognition, and pointed to the important role JASH plays in promoting and maintaining the important U.S.-Japan relationship.
Military components in Hawaii sent senior commanders or representatives to the event as follows: General Gary North, Commander, Pacific Air Forces; Lieutenant General Duane Thiessen, Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific; Major General Darryll Wong, Hawaii State Adjutant General and Commander, Hawaii Air National Guard; Rear Admiral Charles Ray, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard District 14; Brigadier General Roger Mathews, Deputy Commanding General Hawaii Army National Guard; Captain Timothy Smith, Director, Joint Support Task Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Colonel Keith Tamashiro, Commander, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, U.S. Army Pacific. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle delivered congratulatory remarks while Hawaii senior Senator Daniel Inouye sent a congratulatory message, along with Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, and Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz. It was a great evening to recognize the great men and women of our military who we are proud to have as members of our community.
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| (L-R, clockwise): Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle addresses the audience; Members of the Head Table (Front L-R: JASH Chair Sharon Weiner, Mrs. Hideko Oriki, General Ryoichi Oriki, Mayor Peter Carlisle, Mrs. Judy Carlisle; Back L-R: Consul General Yoshihiko Kamo, MC Lara Yamada, JASH President Ed Hawkins, Mrs. Etsuko Kamo, Mrs. Vickie Darnell, Lt. Gen. Daniel Darnell, Caoli Cano); General Darnell and representatives of the military services line the stage after receiving their awards; General Darnell addressing the crowd. |
For more photos of the Annual Dinner please visit our Facebook album.
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The Fall 2011 Japan Day was held at Hawaii Tokai International College on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, thanks to the generous grant provided by the McInerny Foundation. A total of 162 students representing Damien Memorial High School, Hilo High School, Mid-Pacific Institute, and Pearl City High School were provided with the unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture through various cultural classes including bon dance, bonsai tree planting, calligraphy, traditional crafts, ikebana (flower arranging), kimono wear, soroban (Japanese abacus), and tea ceremony. For many students, especially those from Hilo, this was their first hands-on experience with the culture, making it a very memorable one! The Taiko Center of the Pacific's performance and taiko sound demonstrations in the Welcome Ceremony inspired the participants as they dispersed into their different cultural classes.
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| (L-R Clockwise): Students get creative while making their own ikebana arrangement; Everyone has a great time learning how to bon dance; Students enjoy the hands-on experience with calligraphy; Taiko Center of the Pacific amazes students with their talent and expertise. |
Since its inception in 1993, over 4,900 students from 55 schools statewide have experienced Japan Day. This unique program is one of two programs offered by JASH to Hawaii's high school students, with the other being the Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition. Japan Day provides students with hands-on experience with traditional Japanese arts and culture while reinforcing and complementing what is taught in the classroom setting. Japan Day also illustrates how art and culture in different societies can influence and enhance people's lives. Through understanding different cultures and customs, we continue to bridge the gap that leads to friendship and cultural appreciation.
JASH would like to thank all the volunteer experts for their dedication to the program: Ms. Betty Dela Cuesta and members of Hawaii Shin Kobukai; Mr. Jim Meyer and the Hawaii Bonsai Association; calligraphy master Mrs. Shokyoku Hashiro and Mrs. Setsusen Tokumine; Mrs. Kikuji Yonesato and members of the Kikufu Nippon Bunka Kenkyu Kai; Mrs. Jessie Nakata of MOA Hawaii; 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 generous use of their auditorium and classrooms for this event, and the Taiko Center of the Pacific for their moving taiko performance and demonstration. Please visit the JASH Facebook page for more photos of the event. For more information on this educational program, please contact Kelsey Soma Turek at 469-4646 or via email at ksoma@jashawaii.org.
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June proved to be a very eventful month for two winning teams from Aiea High School and Baldwin High School (Maui) as they explored Japan as reward for placing in the Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition (JWC) held in February. Part of the Japan trip prize included an all-day educational experience arranged by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH). On June 9, student team members Kelly Hamamura, Samantha Kinoshita, Christina Wine, and advisor Rory Sato from Baldwin High School (Level B 3rd place winners) were graciously hosted by the Kitakyushu Japan-America Society (Kitakyushu JAS) and the Japan-America Society of Fukuoka (JAS Fukuoka). This is the first time for any JWC team to be hosted in Fukuoka prefecture on the island of Kyushu, thanks to Kitakyushu JAS and JAS Fukuoka! Besides riding the new Kyushu shinkansen (bullet train) and eating the authentic umegaemochi in Dazaifu, the highlight of the educational experience was visiting the TOTO Factory in Kokura city. Kelly Hamamura wrote in her trip essay, "We were able to learn about a part of Japan that not many foreigners take the time to notice and that is integrated into every part of Japan. The TOTO Factory was historically very informative, and learning about how toilets evolved over the years was very interesting."
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| JWC Baldwin High School team with TOTO Factory staff and Ms. Miho Harada from Kitakyushu JAS. |
On June 20, student team members Tiffany Lo, Carly Namihira, Ellen Wauters, and advisor Christine Uchida from Aiea High School (Level A 2nd place winners) were treated to an amazing educational program in Ehime prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. Ms. Noriko Omori from the Ehime Prefectural International Center (EPIC) kindly arranged a visit to a local high school, a courtesy visit with the Governor of Ehime Mr. Tokihiro Nakamura, and sightseeing in Matsuyama city. Interestingly, one of the team members Ellen Wauters was an exchange student from Belgium for the academic year 2010-2011 and decided to participate in the competition just for the experience! Ellen remarked, "We got to see so many things and do so much! I brought back precious memories with me to Belgium and I will definitely go back to Japan someday. I could write about my experience in Japan [in] pages and pages of anecdotes."
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| JWC Aiea High School team with Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura and two University of Hawaii interns from EPIC. |
JASH would like to send a big Arigatougozaimashita to Mr. Motoyuki Murahashi and supporters from JAS Fukuoka, Ms. Miho Harada and supporters from Kitakyushu JAS, Ms. Omori and supporters from EPIC, Governor Nakamura, and the TOTO Factory for welcoming our JWC teams to Japan and allowing them to discover its beauty. Christina Wine from Baldwin High School said it perfectly: "To find that there are Japanese people with as high a regard for Hawaii as ours for Japan was to find a little beauty in humanity; all its curiosity and warmth. . .The ‘everyday' Japan that lives under the tourist radar was dazzling. . .I am certain that everyone on our team left changed in various ways, but we all had the same desire ringing in our heads - return to Japan!"
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On April 29, 2011, 37 first graders at Palolo Elementary School were in for a treat as artist Toshiaki Tomita visited from Japan to discuss the topics of family and food as part of the Department of Art and Art History's Visiting Artist Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Mr. Tomita was very engaging with the students and encouraging of their artistic creativity. During the class period, each student was handed a few paper plates on which they were first instructed to draw their most and least favorite food(s) along with a brief explanation. The students then shared their drawings and explanations with Mr. Tomita and their classmates. On another paper plate, Mr. Tomita asked the students to draw a picture of their family members around a dining room table, carefully placing each family member in relation to themselves. The goal was for the students to focus on the importance of family and family relationships. Many of the students really enjoyed sharing their creative drawings with Mr. Tomita!
| (L): Students enjoy sharing their drawings with Mr. Tomita; (R): Grade 1 Room A5 students take a group photo with Mr. Tomita and their artwork |
The students' artistic endeavors did not end here. Mr. Tomita will be creating an art piece using the students' artwork upon his return to Japan. The students and teachers are very excited to see this final art project! Interestingly, Mr. Tomita was able to learn about typical American or local Hawaiian foods that the children often eat, including oatmeal and lau lau, which people do not often eat in Japan! The Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) would like to thank Mr. Tomita for a wonderful event, and Mr. James Jack, MA candidate at the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, for arranging this event through JASH. A special thanks goes to Palolo Elementary School's Principal, Ms. Ruth Silberstein, and Grade 1 teachers Ms. Lily Masuda and Ms. Suanne Kim for graciously hosting us and for the delicious school lunch!
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The Spring 2011 Japan Day was held at Hawaii Tokai International College on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, thanks to the generous grant provided by the McInerny Foundation. A total of 122 students representing Campbell High School, Kailua High School, Lanai High School, Molokai High School, and Sacred Hearts Academy were provided with the unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture through various cultural classes including bonsai tree planting, calligraphy, traditional crafts, ikebana flower arranging, kimono wear, soroban (Japanese abacus), and the tea ceremony. For many students, especially those from the neighbor islands, this was their first exposure to the culture and an invaluable experience for all. Everyone was in for a treat with the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble's inspiring performance and taiko sound demonstrations in the Welcome Ceremony!
| (L): Students enjoy learning how to wear kimono; (R): Students learn how to plant and take care of their very own bonsai |
Since its inception in 1993, over 4,800 students from 54 schools statewide have experienced Japan Day. This unique program is one of two programs offered by JASH to Hawaii's high school students, with the other being the Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition. Japan Day provides students with hands-on experience with traditional Japanese arts and culture while reinforcing and complementing what is taught in the classroom setting. Japan Day also illustrates how art and culture in different societies can influence and enhance people's lives. Through understanding different cultures and customs, we continue to bridge the gap that leads to friendship and cultural appreciation.
JASH would like to thank all the volunteer experts for their dedication to the program: Mr. Jim Meyer and the Hawaii Bonsai Association, calligraphy master Mrs. Shokyoku Hashiro and Mrs. Setsusen Tokumine, Mrs. Kikuji Yonesato and members of the Kikufu Nippon Bunka Kenkyu Kai, Mrs. Jessie Nakata of MOA Hawaii, 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 generous use of their auditorium and classrooms for this event, and the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble for their moving taiko performance and demonstration. Please visit the JASH Facebook page for more photos of the event. For more information on this educational program, please contact Kelsey Soma Turek at 469-4646 or via email at ksoma@jashawaii.org.
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Laughter, music, and excitement exuded from the two Kindergarten classes at St. Theresa School in Honolulu on Friday, March 4, 2011 as the students participated in an exchange of cultures with members of the China Welfare Institute (CWI). Based in Shanghai, China, six Kindergarten teachers and members of the CWI were hosted by the International Cultural and Friendship Association (ICFA) of Hawaii and had the opportunity to observe the Kindergarten classes and compare the curriculum and educational culture with their own. During the second half of this cross-cultural exchange, members of the CWI introduced Chinese kung fu and other fun Chinese games to over 30 energetic students. Each year, ICFA hosts a US-Japan-China Friendship Youth Delegation in Hawaii and has collaborated with the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) for the past several years to bring a cultural program to local youth in Hawaii. Following the exchange program, members of CWI were able to experience a typical Friday lunch with the students: personal pan pizzas!
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| (L)Members of CWI pose with Ms. Bilonta's Kindergarten class; (R) Ms. Keener and her students smile for the camera with members of the China delegation |
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| Students enjoy practicing Chinese kung fu with members of CWI. |
JASH would like to send a big mahalo to Ms. Liane Bilonta, Kindergarten teacher, for graciously welcoming the China delegation at St. Theresa School, and for providing the pizza! We would also like to thank Ms. Kelli Keener, Kindergarten teacher, for allowing her students to participate in the program. Mahalo also to Mr. Yuhi Yamasaki, Project Manager at ICFA, for sponsoring the Youth Delegation and collaborating with JASH for another successful exchange program!
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February 26th started like any other Saturday in Honolulu. However by mid morning, 42 teams representing 24 schools from Oahu and neighbor islands Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui gathered at Kapiolani Community College (KCC) for the annual Japan Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH).
Each year JASH brings together high school teams from across the state for a challenging, fun-filled competition designed to motivate students to learn more about Japan and help them develop lifelong skills in research, teamwork, personal responsibility and operating under pressure. Students are provided study guides to prepare themselves through the fall by studying a wide range of topics including art, contemporary Japan, culture and traditions, food, geography, history, Japan-Hawaii ties, literature, politics and government, sports, and Japanese language. The competition in February is a way for the students to show what they have learned, and compete for four trips to Japan for the top scoring public and private teams in two language levels.
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| JASH President Ed Hawkins with JTB Hawaii's Mr. Keiichi Tsujino, Mr. David Asanuma and Consul General Yoshihiko Kamo and the Japan Trip Award winning teams. |
The Japan-America Society of Hawaii awarded plaques to the three top scoring teams from each level, Level A and Level B, which are based on the language capability of the students. In Level A, these were Iolani School (1st place), Aiea High School (2nd place) and Kapaa High School (3rd place). The Level B winners were Iolani School (1st place), Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama (2nd place), and Baldwin High School (3rd place).
This year's Japan trip award winning public school teams were Aiea High School (Level A) and Baldwin High School (Maui) for the Level B division. Iolani School won both Level A and B trip awards for the private school division. These teams (three students and an advisor each) will be sent to Japan this summer by JASH to experience firsthand what they studied and learned. This year's Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship went to overall top scoring team Iolani School, Level B.
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| (L) Student team members try out kendo moves in the Activity Center while awaiting the competition; (R) Students try their hand at karuta in a kanji character recognition game.. |
Between competitions, team members participate in the Activity Center staffed with volunteers to learn more about Japan and stay focused on the day's competition. These include calligraphy, karuta recognition game, origami, and gyotaku fish printing to name a few. The Ken Yu Kai Kendo Club demonstrated Japanese kendo techniques and the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa), Department of Theatre and Dance provided a kabuki demonstration.
JASH would like to thank all the major sponsors, including ABC Stores, Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation, Friend of Hawaii Charities, Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines, International Cultural and Friendship Association, JTB Goodwill Foundation, The America-Japan Society of Tama Tokyo, and The Freeman Foundation, and all the contributors who provided prizes, snacks, drinks, and other donations that assisted with the competition. JASH would also like to recognize the 67 volunteers to include those from organizations and schools such as the JET Alumni Association of Hawaii, UH Manoa, KCC, and Hawaii Tokai International College without whose hard work this competition would not have been possible. Finally, our Mahalo to the President, Chancellor and staff of Kapiolani Community College for the generous use of their facilities and for their support of the Japan Wizards Competition.
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Past Events 2011
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