Japan-America Journal
Volume 22, Number 4 - Fall 2004
- The Spirit of Giving - Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction
- President's Message
- A Sizzling Benihana
- Fourth International Symposium/NAJAS/NAAJS Meeting
- KPMG/KCC Hawaii 5:01
- Tomodachi: "Champagne at Christian Dior"
- In Memorium
- New Scholars Selected for CPA Scholarship
- Students "Grasp" Japanese Culture at Japan Day
- Imperial Decoration Awards
- Aloha to Admiral Thomas and Sarah Fargo
- Volunteers Needed!
- Fifth International Symposium
- Welcome to the Society's New Corporate Members: October 1 - December 31
The Waikiki Ballroom at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa was transformed into a festiveholiday setting for our annual Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction on December 7th. American Savings Bank and the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, co-sponsors for our event, generously donated the funds to cover the cost of food and drinks for our guests. Menu highlights included Kalua Pork with Plum Sauce on a Steamed Bun, California Roll and Maki Sushi, and an impressive assortment of delicious desserts. Silent auction items consisted of many beautiful wreaths and Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and individuals and also golf merchandise, jewelry, gift baskets, hotel stays, and several gift certificates to local restaurant and entertainment venues. During the program, President Okawa acknowledged the HPU students who worked on a marketing business plan to help the Society. Mahalo to Brandi Watanabe, Lyanna Tumaneng, Jessica Yuda, Sandra Skiff, Kana Kasai, Carlos La Llave, Yunni Lin and their advisor, Society member Kerry Gershaneck for their hard work and efforts to improve the Society.
Mahalo to Mr. Yoshi Manabe who served as our emcee, and to JASH Directors, Mr. Stan Brown (Vice President - Pacific Islands and Japan) of Marriott International and Mr. Wayne Ishihara (Senior Vice President - Retail Operations) of American Savings Bank for generously sponsoring our event. Thanks also to the many contributors, guests, and volunteers who helped make our Christmas 5:01 and Silent Auction a success! All participation fees and proceeds from our Silent Auction help support JASH's many educational outreach programs and events.
[Article Index]
Happy New Year! Mahalo to all of our members, friends, donors and supporters who made 2004 a successful year. The Society finally returned to normal programming and we thank each of you for supporting the Society through some difficult times over the past two to three years. The Society conducted its first Japan Wizards statewide academic team competition testing high school students on their knowledge about Japan. The teams from McKinley, Roosevelt, Iolani and Punahou won the competition and went on a five-day trip to Japan for their efforts. Additionally, the Society refocused its school programs into the Continuum of School Programs Project offering six integrated and complementary programs from K-12 that seeks to teach the concept of different perspectives and providing opportunities for our youth. In July, eight 11-year old students participated in the Asian Pacific Children's Convention where they interacted with 350 peers from 50 Asian Pacific countries in events such as home stays, visits to schools and a global camp.
Other notable events in 2004 included having Ambassador Ryozo Kato as the keynote speaker at the Annual Dinner (Mahalo to Robin Campaniano and AIG Hawaii for being the dinner chair); Minister Naoyuki Agawa speaking about the 150 years of U.S.-Japan relations; Dr. Fred Nichols, the sixth-generation descendant of Commodore Matthew Perry; Ambassador Yoshio Okawara and Ms. Akiko Kuno whose great-grandmother Sutematsu Oyama traveled to America as an 11-year old on the Iwakura Mission; and the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
While 2004 was a successful year, it was tempered by the loss of several key members of the Society's leadership. In May the Society and the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation lost Mr. Ralph Honda. In August the Society and the CPASF lost Dr. Robert Sakai and in October, Mr. Hideto Kono. All three were not only leaders of the Society and the CPASF but leaders in the community and known nationally and internationally for their contributions. The Society and the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation will miss them deeply but must continue to carry on their efforts. Our hearts go out to their families.
The Society is also working with others in the community. This year, the Society is working with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii/Polynesian Voyaging Society on the voyage of the Hokule'a to Japan in 2006. Crown Prince Akihito Scholar Toru Yamada is helping to connect this historic voyage with the Ainu community in Hokkaido. The Society continues to partner with the Japanese Cultural Center in Spokane, Washington on the Japanese Friendship Doll Program and with the Asian Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka, Japan. Each summer the Society joins the Miyakonojo Society to help clean Waikiki Beach. The Fukuoka Society has also joined in this effort. This year, the Society also partnered with the Honolulu Festival to highlight the 150th anniversary of U.S.-Japan relations by conducting the panel reviewing the 150 years of the relationship. The Society also partnered with the Japanese American Citizens League in bringing Ambassador Kato to Hawaii and with the Japan America Student Conference in July. The Society also supported Kintetsu's Pan Pacific/Matsuri in Hawaii effort. The Society continues to work with the University of Hawaii's College of Business on internship opportunities; with the Center for Japanese Studies on the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship; and is now seeking to partner with University of Hawaii's College of Education. Untold are the many individuals from Japan and the U.S. who have sought and received assistance from the Society. The Society continues to serve all it can to further the United States-Japan relationship.
The Society, the CPASF and the Ehime Maru Memorial Association is successful only because of the support given by all of you. The Society is successful because of the volunteer directors who devote their time, expertise and resources to the Society. Additionally, every member who supports the Society with their time, resources and participation, the volunteers who serve on the Society's committees, the volunteers who support our school programs, the interns-all contribute to the Society's success. It is also the very generous donors who make it possible for the Society to carry out its mission. The tremendous support of Houghton (Buck) and Doreen Freeman and Graeme Freeman who are making it possible for the Sister School Relationship Program to proceed; the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation; the JTB Goodwill Foundation; the Friends of Hawaii Charities; the McInerny Foundation; the Frear Eleemosynary Trust; Ito-en (USA); and the Atherton Foundation have made it possible for the Society to carry out its important school programs. All are helping to develop our future leaders. Mahalo to all of you for helping the Society!
This year promises to be another full year of activities. We will start with our annual New Year's Reception at Washington Place on January 25th hosted by JASH Director, Stanford Carr. The second Japan Wizards Academic Team Competition will take place on Saturday, February 12th at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Next year's Annual Dinner will be chaired by Central Pacific Bank President Neal Kanda and will be held in the fall. Thank you very much for your participation and support.
From the Board of Directors and staff, we wish you a Happy New Year filled with good health and success!
Earl Okawa
[Article Index]
The aroma of sizzling meat and seafood- delights welcomed Society members and guests to the seventh, Benihana of Tokyo Restaurant Hawaii 5:01 program on Thursday, October 14, 2004. The master chefs prepared an array of delicious pupus and drinks for attendees to enjoy in the company of old friends and new acquaintances. The restaurant generously held a raffle drawing, providing some of our members with complimentary dining certificates.
When the first Benihana opened in 1964, Japanese cuisine was unknown to the United States and the idea of having a chef prepare a meal at your table was completely unheard of. Blending exotic Japanese dishes with a dazzling chef performance may have been a radical idea, but it was the recipe for success at Benihana. More than 100,000,000 meals have been served since 1964. Benihana Hawaii is one of the best known and most popular of the 90-plus colorful Benihana restaurants worldwide. Benihana is located in the Hilton Hawaiian Village in a 200-year old farmhouse that once stood in Osaka, Japan.
Thank you to General Manager, Mark Tateishi and Marketing Manager, Marilyn Cariaga for an entertaining evening and generously supporting the Society once again.
[Article Index]
Chair Barbara Tanabe, President Earl Okawa and Program Coordinator, Eileen Beamis attended the Fourth International Symposium of Japan-America Societies and NAJAS/NAAJS meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, October 28-30, 2004. Hosted by the Japan Society of Boston in conjunction with their 100th anniversary celebration, members from societies across the country, Toronto, Tokyo, Yokohama gathered to meet the new president of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), Samuel Shepherd. Both he and NAAJS Executive Director, Akiko Kuno spoke about opportunities for closer ties between societies in Japan and the U.S. In a survey sent to the societies in Japan, Ms. Kuno informed us that the JAS of Fukuoka would like to pursue a sister society relationship with Hawaii. She also stated that there were three societies willing to host the Fifth International Symposium of Japan-America Societies, if they can receive financial support. The three societies were Kyoto, Kanazawa and Morioka (Kita-Tohoku, Iwate). Based on the planning required, the Fifth International Symposium would most likely be held in 2007. [Since then, the Kyoto Society has agreed to host the Fifth International Symposium in April or May of 2006] A one-day symposium featuring John Manjiro was held at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Eight speakers gave various insights to U.S.-Japan relations through the life of John Manjiro.
The Society congratulates the Japan Society of Boston on its 100th anniversary, (the oldest society in the U.S. and Japan) and expresses thanks to NAJAS and NAAJS for their efforts to sustain and boost the network of societies. A special Mahalo to Nani Mahoe and Northwest Airlines for making it possible for President Okawa and Program Coordinator Beamis to attend the meetings.
[Article Index]
Kapiolani Community College's (KCC) Ka Ikena Laua'e Dining Room and the adjacent special-events room proved to be a perfect setting for KPMG/KCC's Hawaii 5:01 program on November 16th. JASH corporate members and their guests who attended were greeted with an abundance of mouth-watering pupus and decadent desserts, all prepared by KCC's Culinary Institute of the Pacific students, which looked almost too good to eat. Those in the main dining room were also able to view an impressive gingerbread-house display made by KCC's CIP baking students. All that attended had a great time visiting with each other and enjoying the delicious food! Thank you to KPMG and KCC for sponsoring this event and to Society Director Stan Sawai and his wife, Clarice for their coordination efforts.
[Article Index]
Tomodachi members enjoyed sipping champagne while viewing Christian Dior's (CD) new Fall/Spring Collection at CD's beautiful Waikiki store on November 1st. Those that attended this exclusive event can say that they were one of the first people in Hawaii to see the new collections. One of the great names in French haute couture design, each piece of CD's new collection exuded a sense of quality, luxury, and prestige. Japanese tourists make up approximately 75% of CD's market at their Waikiki, as well as original, Ala Moana Store. Thank you to Tomodachi member, Mrs. Ikuko Hata, for setting up this event and to Christian Dior - Waikiki for allowing us to visit.
[Article Index]
It has been a sad year as another valued leader of the Society passed away. Mr. Hideto Kono, who served on the Board of Directors of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii and Board of Trustees of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, died on October 2, 2004, while snorkeling off the Galapagos Islands. Mr. Kono was a strong supporter of the Society, who chaired the Education Committee during the First International Symposium of Japan-America Societies in 1995. Through his leadership, students from across America and Japan wrote essays about the United States-Japan relationship. The successful program was emulated by the Tokyo Society the following year to continue the effort initiated by Mr. Kono. Mr. Kono also participated with the Urasenke Foundation at the Society's Japan Day events, explaining the "way of the tea" to students. He will be missed by all. The Society extends its deepest condolences to Mrs. Fannie Kono and family.
[Article Index]
Four new scholars have been selected to receive the prestigious Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship. From Japan, Tomoko Tsuchiya and Mamina Koga will begin their studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa next Fall. UH Manoa Ph.D. in Music candidate Martin Regan and Masters of Religion candidate Jolyon Thomas have been chosen from Hawaii. Congratulations to all new CPASF scholars!
[Article Index]
The 24th Japan Day, attended by 70 students from Academy of the Pacific and Moanalua High School, opened with the rhythmic beats of leader Faye Komagata and her members of Hawaii Matsuri Taiko. Taiko was the first presentation of the half-day program the Society hosts twice a year, where students receive hands-on instruction in various cultural activities including ikebana, calligraphy, bon dance, paper crafts, tea ceremony, and kimono wearing, supervised by over 40 volunteers from the community. Hawaii Matsuri Taiko presented an overview of the taiko between songs and invited numerous students from the audience to give the drum beating and patterns a try. Coincidentally, one of the chosen students from Moanalua High School was a member of another taiko ensemble and was able to perform a special song with the presenters!
After the taiko demonstration, students attended the different classes of activities. Under the direction of Society Director, Ms. Norrie del Vecchio and her fellow Ikebana International members, the students learned about the background and method of ikebana, and created their own beautiful and unique floral arrangements. This is the first time Ikebana International members participated as flower-arranging volunteers for our Japan Day event. Mrs. Shokyoku Hashiro brought many of her own calligraphy works to show the students and wrote each student's name in Japanese on individual washi paper for them to keep. Volunteers from Kikufu Nippon Bunka Kenkyu Kai taught students to fold origami paper into several traditional shapes such as a kabuto (traditional Japanese helmet).
Volunteers from the Urasenke Foundation practiced the tea ceremony while students observed the preparation and subtle gestures that are part of the process of making maccha tea. Students sampled the fresh hot tea and sweet biscuits that had been made for them. Japanese festival music filled the bon dance room, where members of the Fukushima Bon Dance Club taught the students various dance moves from popular songs. Mrs. Jean Sakihara and her students from the Mizushima International Kimono Program brought many beautiful kimono and yukata for the Moanalua and Academy of Pacific students to try on. Many of the students expressed that they did not realize how much time and effort it takes to dress in a kimono.
We were fortunate to have a cameraman from KHON2 news videotape various activities, in addition to a photographer from the Star-Bulletin to help capture Japan Day activities. We thank KHON2 for telecasting the segment during the evening news later that day and the Star-Bulletin for printing a photo on the front page of the next day's paper!
A great mahalo to all of the volunteers who donated their time and energy to make this a successful event for Hawaii's students. The Society would also like to thank Hawaii Tokai International College for the use of their facilities and the staff for their coordination efforts.
[Article Index]
Congratulations to Society Director Dr. Joyce Tsunoda on receiving the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays" Award, for her contribution to the promotion of academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Congratulations also to Society member and long-time supporter Walter A. Dods, Jr. on receiving the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star" for his contribution to the promotion of friendship and economic exchange between Japan and the United States. Both members of the Society have played significant roles, not only in helping to improve Hawaii's community, but in promoting the United States-Japan relationship. Mahalo and congratulations to Dr. Tsunoda and Mr. Dods for this well-deserved recognition.
[Article Index]
Friends of Admiral Thomas and Sarah Fargo gathered at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on the evening of Wednesday, November 3, 2004, to celebrate the Fargo's contributions and achievements in the community as the Admiral prepared to step down from his active naval duties. The Society would like to thank the Fargos for their dedication and commitment to the Society over the years. We wish them "fair winds and following seas" in their future endeavors when they finally retire here in Honolulu.
[Article Index]
Help! The Society's school programs are up and running and we need help, especially for our Japan in a Suitcase I & II programs. The Society has been inundated by requests from K-5 teachers for presentations of JIAS to their classes.
We are seeking as many volunteers as possible to meet the demands of the teachers. The Society will provide orientation and training before sending volunteers out to the schools. It is a great way to help our very young students learn in a fun-filled way while learning life-long skills that will help nurture them into our future leaders. All that is required is a willingness to help. The Society will provide the training. Please call us at 524-4450 if you are interested in volunteering. Mahalo!
[Article Index]
Join the delegation to Kyoto in April 20-22, 2006 for the Fifth International Symposium of Japan-America Societies. The Society is encouraging a large delegation to attend the international symposium, a concept started by our Society in 1995. Since the first international symposium was held, six additional American societies and five Japan societies have been added to the National Association of Japan-America Societies. In 1998, we had 44 delegates attend the Second International Symposium in Fukuoka combined with a visit to our sister society in Hiroshima. Let's have another large delegation. Details will be forthcoming, but set aside the dates and plan to represent your Society in Kyoto. Mahalo!
[Article Index]
Babel Corporation is a California-based corporation with its headquarters in Hawaii. The Babel University Professional School of Translation opened in January 2001 and is the first translation graduate school in the world, which uses an Internet-based learning system. It also offers translation services in the U.S. for businesses and individuals by working closely with Babel Trans-Media Center in Japan.
Hawaii Activities.com dba First Adventure Tours offers a variety of Japanese guided tours of Hawaii, Australia, Guam, and Asia. Tours can be booked through the Internet by visiting www.alan1.net. Children are free when accompanied by a paying adult, lowest price guaranteed. Activities include marine sports, adventure tours, golfing, a variety of entertainment packages, facials massages, etc.
Kahala Capital Advisors LLC is an independent investment bank whose primary business is "funds management" and "high yield debt trading." It co-manages the $50 million Asia Opportunities Investments Ltd. with Japan Asia Investment Co., Ltd. and manages and leases used commercial aircrafts through First Greenwich Kahala Ltd. (a partnership with two senior aircraft-leasing specialists).
Leather Soul LLC is located in the TOPA Financial Center at 700 Bishop Street, carries high-quality men's leather shoes that specializes in quality, comfort and style. Leather Soul carries popular styles of Alden, Johnston & Murphy, Taryn Rose for Men, Paraboot, Clarks England, and Sebago. Free validation and a 10% discount are available for JASH members when verified by the JASH Membership Directory.
Merrill Lynch handles mortgages, lines of credit, cash management, estate planning, insurance, retirement, and investments. They currently employ 70 financial advisors and 30 support staff managing approximately $5 billion. They have been a full-service firm in Hawaii since 1969 with branches in Hilo, Kona, and Guam. The Honolulu office has international financial advisors covering Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Tahiti.
The Pacific Bridge Companies is the holding company of three related financial planning companies based in Monrovia, California. They have offices in Tokyo and Honolulu and were established in 1992 with origins dating back to 1933. They provide innovative, highly-customized lifetime planning and financial analysis for individuals and organizations throughout the Pacific Rim.
Sawayaka Hawaii is located in the heart of Waikiki, near the DFS Galleria, they provide inexpensive Japanese guided tours of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. Tours range from Sea Life Park, Alii Kai Dinner Cruise, Magic of Polynesia Dinner Shows, and one-day tours to Lahaina, Maui and Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. They also offer package tours, optional tours, and original Sawayaka Hawaii gift items.
[Article Index]
|
