Japan-America Journal
Volume 23, Number 1 - Winter 2005
- Testing Hawaii's Students at the Japan Wizards Competition
- Message from the Chair
- A Historical New Year's Reception
- U.S.-Japan Security Issues with Dr. James Auer
- Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii 5:01
- Congratulations to Admiral Ronald Hays
- Dr. Vance Roley on U.S.-Japan Stock Markets
- Changing Security Dynamics in Eastern Asia with Dr. Akio Watanabe
- Junior Ambassadors Selected to go to Fukuoka
- Honolulu Festival Seminar
- Impressive Views of Waikiki at Halekulani's 5:01
- Sister Schools Program Update
- Save the Date for the Society's Annual Dinner!
- Aiea High School and Hawaii Baptist Academy Students Attend Japan Day
- New Corporate Members Bios
The Society's second annual Japan Wizards Competition was a great success! On Saturday, February 12th, the Society welcomed 34 high school teams from throughout the state (including the Big Island, Maui, and Molokai) for a day of intense academic competition at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Students were tested on a wide range of Japan-related topics, including arts & culture, history, language, daily life, economics & government, geography, sports, transportation, and values & beliefs. The competition aimed to motivate high school students to learn about the Japanese culture outside of the classroom and develop research and teamwork skills. Over 60 Society volunteers helped in the competition rooms as Judges, Moderators, Timers, and Scorers. They also helped staff our Registration tables and Activity Centers.
At the end of the competition, the Society awarded four teams-two public and two private schools-an all-expense paid trip to Japan in the summer of 2005. Congratulations to the first place winners: language level 2 team from Radford High School, level 3 team from Punahou School, and level 4 team from Punahou School. As one of the competition rules state that only one team from each school can be awarded a trip to Japan, we will be sending teams from these schools, in addition to teams from Iolani School and Leilehua High School. We would like to thank and congratulate all of the participating teams for their hard work!
While teams were competing in their language-level competition, others waiting to compete had the opportunity to participate in different activities coordinated by many of the Society's volunteers. Students could enjoy ikebana, Jeopardy, karuta, fukibukuro, and calligraphy. Thank you to all of the Activity Center Coordinators for their time and effort to provide a fun and educational atmosphere for the students during their breaks.
The Society wishes to thank the many sponsors, donors and volunteers for supporting the second annual Japan Wizards Competition! Mahalo to the following Japan Wizards sponsors, donors, and volunteers:
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Aloha pume hana,
We began the year 2005 with activities that bridged the generations and the historic ties between the United States and Japan.
We kicked off the year with a gala New Year's Reception at Washington Place hosted by Governor Linda Lingle and sponsored by our Society and board member, Stanford Carr. We deeply appreciated the presence of so many Society members and supporters who make it possible for us to carry out the JASH programs. One of our most important initiatives involves the education of young people. In January, we selected this year's Junior Ambassadors. The eight 11-year-old delegates representing Hawaii will attend the 17th Asian Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka this summer, carrying out our mission to promote friendship and understanding between the peoples of the U.S. and Japan through the unique perspective of Hawaii. In February, our Society sponsored the Japan Wizards Academic Team Competition for high school students. We are sending the winners - members of the four schools of Leilehua, Radford, Punahou and Iolani - to Japan on an all-expenses paid trip. Our staff also reached out to Hawaii elementary school students with lessons through "Japan in a Suitcase" visits. In just three months, they have visited 28 schools, conducted 88 presentations, reaching over 2,000 students in grades K-5. Through these experiences that begin at an early age, these very young students are learning the concept of different perspectives and developing their skill of inquiry. We're planting the seed to help our children become great thinkers as we nurture them to become our future leaders in the global community.
In February, several of the bereaved families came to Hawaii for an informal ceremony to mark the fourth anniversary of the sinking of the Ehime Maru. The Society and the Ehime Maru Memorial Association extend their appreciation to all of the community volunteers who clean the Memorial weekly. On April 7th, the new U.S. Ambassador to Japan, the Honorable J. Thomas Schieffer, laid a wreath at the Ehime Maru Memorial as he paid his respect to those who lost their lives four years ago.
In March, as part of the Honolulu Festival, we brought together the fifth-generation descendants of three families who were linked to the opening of Japan more than 150 years ago by Commodore Matthew Perry. John Manjiro, the first Japanese youth to be educated in the U.S., educated Japanese officials about the Americans and was part of the first Japanese delegation to America. The American sea captain who rescued Manjiro was Captain William Whitfield of New Bedford, Massachusetts, where Manjiro studied English. And the man who befriended Manjiro during a stopover in Hawaii was Samuel Damon. Their descendants spoke at a standing-room only seminar and screening of "The Castaways," a documentary on the life of John Manjiro.
Our luncheon programs covered diverse subjects for our members: Dr. James Auer reviewed the U.S.-Japan Security Relationship, UH CBA Dean Vance Roley provided an update of the Financial Markets of Japan, and Professor Akio Watanabe of the Research Institute for Peace and Security spoke on the Changing Security Dynamics in East Asia.
One of our most popular events are the 5:01s - the pau hana social receptions hosted by our corporate sponsors. The events at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii and the Halekulani were attended by over 200 corporate members and guests. Our thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors for these monthly gatherings.
Finally, on April 5th, our Society was honored to host the newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador and Mrs. J. Thomas Schieffer during a stopover in Honolulu on their way to Tokyo. The Ambassador was greeted by members of the board of our Society and the trustees of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation. Each year, the U.S. Ambassador hosts our CPASF scholars, and we deeply appreciate Ambassador Schieffer's interest in continuing this tradition.
On behalf of the board and staff of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, thank you for your support and participation in our activities. Together, we can make a difference in this vital relationship between the United States and Japan.
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In celebration of the New Year, Governor Linda Lingle, Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and Consul General Masatoshi Muto and approximately 300 JASH members and guests attended a reception at Washington Place on January 25, 2005. Members and guests enjoyed mingling with one another in the beautiful setting of historical Washington Place. It was an ideal venue to start off the new year wishing each other best wishes for a good year.
One of the highlights of the evening included the Kagamiwari (Sake Cask Breaking Ceremony). The kagamiwari celebrates important events such as the New Year, weddings, or the opening of a new business. The Kagami refers to the circular lid of the sake cask that is broken open by the guests of honor using large wooden mallets. This ancient ritual is believed to bestow blessings of happiness, good health, and prosperity to all in attendance. Mahalo to the Cherry Company for donating the sake barrel and extra sake for all of our guests. Special thanks to Mr. Stanford Carr of Stanford Carr Development for sponsoring the catering from L'Uraku Restaurant.
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On March 8, we were privileged to have Dr. James Auer give us a lecture on "U.S.-Japan Securities Related issues (Post 9/11)" at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Dr. Auer is the Director of the Center for U.S.-Japan Studies and Cooperation at the Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies, and Co-Director of the U.S.-Japan Center for Technology Management and Research Professor of Public Policy at Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Auer gave us an explanation about the current situation of Japan's security issues by providing an overview of Japan's militaristic past and how it led to present circumstances. He began by discussing the defeat of Japan in World War II and the influence of General Douglas MacArthur in designing the provisions in the Japanese Constitution that restricted the country's military capabilities. He also talked about Japan's strategic location near Korea and Russia, which has played an important role in guiding and developing Japan's self-defense forces.
After the lecture, there was a lively discussion that focused on current U.S.-Japan talks regarding the Japan-U.S. security treaty. Also mentioned were the issues of protest by the Japanese public against having U.S. military bases in Japan, due to certain instances of personal crimes committed by military members. However, the main concern for Japan was how they would respond to aggression from North Korea and Chinese aggression on the Taiwan Strait. Although there was no conclusive answer to this question, Japan has begun to re-evaluate its policies on collective self-defense.
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The beautiful scenery and waterfall outside of the Waialae Ballroom at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii, provided a relaxing atmosphere for JASH members and friends on Thursday, February 17. Attendees savored the delicious pupus and desserts, including a popular chocolate fountain consisting of a bitter sweet French chocolate mixed with cocoa butter to keep it fluid!
As the only AAA Five Diamond resort on the island and renowned for having the "Best Rooms and Restaurants in the U.S." by Conde Nast Traveler, the beachfront Kahala Mandarin Oriental evokes Hawaii's nostalgic era of timeless elegance. From exotic Hawaiian interiors to its verdant tropical gardens, the 364-room resort offers direct beach access and features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, the Ko'olau mountain range and a private lagoon with resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. A mere 10 minutes away from Waikiki, the resort also features the new CHI Fitness Center and Spa Suites that were voted "Best New Hotel Spa" by Departures.
In 2006, the Mandarin Oriental will be opening a new hotel in Japan, which will occupy the top 10 floors of a new 41-story building located in central Tokyo. Close to the financial districts and the shopping district in Ginza, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo's 182 guestrooms and suites and the sky lobby will offer panoramic views of the Imperial Palace and its gardens.
Mahalo to General Manager, Jan Goessing; Resort Manager, Donald Bowman; Controller, Albert Yoza; and Director of Catering and Conference Services, Dianna Shintanishi for coordinating an exceptional evening for JASH members and guests.
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Admiral Ronald J. Hays, JASH Senior Advisory Council member, was recently honored as a 2005 United States Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate. He was recognized in ceremonies at the U.S. Naval Academy on April 15th for "a lifetime commitment to service, personal character and distinguished contributions to our nation." Admiral Hays graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1950 and went on to serve 38 years in the Navy. He flew more than 160 combat missions in Vietnam, flying the A-1 Skyraider from the aircraft carrier Oriskany and later, commanded an A-6 squadron on attacks in North Vietnam. Admiral Hays spent four continuous years in the Vietnam theatre, "exhibiting valor, courage, and leader ship in the face of intense opposition." After Vietnam, he held various leadership positions, including commanding officer of Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico; commander, Aircraft Carrier Group Four; Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; Vice Chief of Naval Operations; and as Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command. After his retirement in 1988, he remained, to our good fortune, in Hawaii, and as we all know and appreciate, continued his contributions to our community and especially, to the Japan-America Society of Hawaii serving as a director and as Senior Advisory Council member. Our hats are off to an outstanding American and patriot, Admiral Ronald J. Hays. Congratulations on the well-deserved award.
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On March 2, we were honored to host Dr. V. Vance Roley at a JASH lunch program entitled, "The Relationship Between U.S. and Japan Stock Markets" held at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. Dr. Roley, "First Hawaiian Bank Distinguished Professor of Leadership," became the Dean of the College of Business at the Uni versity of Hawaii at Manoa on January 1, 2005.
Dr. Roley began his presentation by quoting a common perception from the Bank of Japan's Monthly Report of Recent Economic and Financial Development: Stock prices were somewhat weak, due to a decline in U.S. stock prices and because of concern over a decrease in earnings of Japanese IT-related firms, but they then rose, mainly due to the rebound in U.S. stock prices.
So, what moves the Japanese and U.S. stock markets? Two studies that Dr. Roley co-authored with Mr. Takatoshi Ito of the University of Tokyo suggest the following:
- Both markets responded to U.S. news more than Japanese news
- U.S. news had more permanent effects on both stock markets
- The previous month's return in the U.S. market does not help predict the current month's return in the Japanese market
- The previous day's return in the U.S. market does help predict the current month's return
- Exchange rate risk makes Japanese investments more risky
Mahalo to Dr. Roley for taking time out of his busy schedule to serve as a featured speaker for our lunch program. Those that attended found his talk very informative and interesting.
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Thanks to Society member, Dr. Robert Eldridge, the Society had the honor of having Dr. Akio Watanabe, Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo and current President of the Research Institute for Peace and Security (RIPS), speak on February 9, 2005 at Hawaii Tokai International College about the "Changing Security Dynamics in Eastern Asia." The Society is especially appreciative as Dr. Watanabe was still feeling the effects of the flu when he addressed the Society.
Dr. Watanabe began his talk by stating that security issues are shifting from Europe to Asia, notably with the rise of China and India. He stated that the Chinese realize the concerns about China's rise but hope that others will see it as a "peaceful rise" and not as a threat. In describing Asia in the context of U.S.-Japan security, Dr. Watanabe states that the "Japanese version of the 'arc of instability' is almost identical to the American one. It [arc of instability] extends from the Middle East through Southwest Asia (including the Indian Ocean) and the Malacca Straits into the Southeast Asia littorals and waters, reaching the Korean Peninsula and the Western Pacific."
While recognizing the differences of military power application, Dr. Watanabe, who worked on the new National Defense Program Outline, stated that the first objective of Japan's security policy is to prevent any threat from directly reaching Japan, and in the event it does, to repel the threat as well as to minimize the damage. The second objective for the Japan Self-Defense Forces outlined in the NDPO is to reduce the chances of any threat arising in various parts of the world in order to prevent it from reaching Japan. Essentially, the objectives refer to territorial defense and contributions to international security. Dr. Watanabe stated that finances and demographics are key constraints in the JSDF in carrying out these objectives. In the question and answer session, Dr. Watanabe stated that he believes the Japanese Constitution will be revised within five years.
The Society expresses its appreciation to Dr. Watanabe for making the time and effort to speak to Society members, especially when he wasn't feeling so well. The Society also extends its appreciation to Hawaii Tokai International College for its contributions to the Society.
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Congratulations to the eight Junior Ambassadors (JAs) who have been selected to represent Hawaii at the 17th Annual Asian-Pacific Children's Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka this July! This year, Lance Asuka (Punahou School), Serena Li (Hokulani Elementary), Shawn Llanes (Makaha Elementary), Daena Mau (Pearl Ridge Elementary), Jacob Saiki (Aikahi Elementary), Sara Saltman (Montessori Community School), Kara Tsuzaki (Punahou School), and Brett Yasui (Momilani Elementary) will be traveling to Japan with chaperone Cory Mitsui. They will be joining 336 eleven-year olds from 46 countries along the Pacific Rim for a two-week cultural exchange. The JAs will spend the first week living at a camp with JAs from other participating countries, then stay with a homestay family during the second week.
The APCC is a non-profit organization, that promotes international cooperation between children so that they will grow into adults who have a strong sense of their identity as "Global Citizens." These Global Citizens will then be aware of the social responsibility for people in every country and region of the world. Since 1989, more than 5,500 Junior Ambassadors have participated in the program.
Since February, the Society has been holding monthly workshops for the JAs to prepare them for their trip. At the first workshop, JAs from the 16th APCC met with the new JAs to share their experiences from last year. We thank them for their advice and bringing along their photos and memorabilia! We would also like to thank the APCC Selection Committee for taking the time to interview the JA candidates: Society Director and Community Service Chair, Ms. Jean Rolles; Dr. Lorraine Mito; 2005 chaperone, Mr. Cory Mitsui; and 2006 chaperone Ms. Cindy Tanaka.
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This year the Society, the Honolulu Festival, the Consulate General of Japan and the Joseph Heco Society of Hawaii, joined hands to conduct a seminar, "Manjiro, Whitfield, Damon: How Friendships and Relationships Begin" on Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the Hawaii Convention Center. For the first time in the United States, the fifth generation descendants of John Manjiro (Kyo Nakahama), Captain William Whitfield (Bob Whitfield) and the Reverend Samuel Damon (Dwight Damon), appeared together to speak about their famous ancestors.
Held in conjunction with the Honolulu Festival, this seminar drew a turnaway crowd. The premier showing of the documentary "The Castaway" on the life of John Manjiro started the seminar. Produced and directed by Ms. Ayumi Sato of Kataribe Productions, the film gave the audience an introduction and overview of the adventures of John Manjiro and the times surrounding his life. The film was followed by presentations by Ms. Nakahama, Bob Whitfield and Dwight Damon. Although many people see the visit of Commodore Perry as the start of U.S.-Japan relations, it was the early relationship of Captain Whitfield and the young Japanese boy Manjiro that began a genuine relationship at the grassroots level, which has lasted through the centuries. Manjiro learned much about America and sailing, which he shared with the Japanese government after his return to Japan. But because he was not trusted after spending so many years in America, he was not used as a direct-interpreter during Commodore Perry's visit. Instead, he listened to the conversations behind a screen.
The Society wishes to thank the Honolulu Festival Foundation and especially its executive director, Mr. David Asanuma, who was a partner in putting the seminar together. The addition of the Manjiro and Heco panels on exhibit at the Festival added to the knowledge of this early relationship. Mahalo to all who played a part to make this seminar a great success.
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Tuesday, March 29th, was a beautiful evening for Society members and guests at Halekulani's Hau Terrace, the setting for the second Hawaii 5:01 program sponsored by the resort. The relaxing atmosphere, sunset views, and delicious cuisine made for a memorable night! We would like to thank Chief Operating Officer and Society Director, Peter Shaindlin and Hawaii 5:01 Chair and Society Director Howard Hamamoto for sharing a few words about the Halekulani and the importance of the 5:01 programs to meet new friends, renew acquaintances, and introduce potential members to the Society.
Originally a private beachfront estate, Halekulani has been enticing travelers to Waikiki beach since 1917. The hotel's gracious hospitality prevails today in the same beachfront setting, an oasis of luxury with impeccable service and fine cuisine. Halekulani received top honors in 2004 from Condé Nast Traveler, scoring higher than any other U.S. resort in the publication's 2004 "Gold List," which also ranked Halekulani the number one resort in the U.S. for location and the number three resort in the U.S. for food. Readers of Travel + Leisure ranked Halekulani as the number one hotel in Hawaii in the "Top 25 Hawaii" category, fourth in the "Top 100 Overall" category, and "Best Hotel for Service in Hawaii" in the publication's 2003 "World's Best Awards Readers' Survey."
Mahalo to Mr. Peter Shaindlin; Vice President Patricia Tam; Senior Vice President Tomotoshi Shiokawa; General Manager Fred Honda and the Halekulani staff for once again hosting this program for the Society and our guests.
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The Sister Schools Program, which started in August 2004, is an integral part of the Society's new Continuum of School Program Project for K-12 grade students in Hawaii. The Society's goal is to sponsor nine middle schools throughout Hawaii and nine junior high schools from Japan to visit one another and have intercultural exchange through letters and E-mail; and to ultimately meet one another in their own countries.
Each pair of sister schools will be sponsored for a period of three years. The first year will consist of visits from both Japanese and Hawaii school representatives to meet one another in both Hawaii and Japan and to visit their campuses. The second and third year will consist of students and teachers exchanges from both Hawaii and Japan. We hope to send 20 students and four teachers from Hawaii to Japan and another 20 students and four teachers from Japan to Hawaii.
By funding the program for three years, the Society hopes to provide a solid foundation for the Sister School Program. We hope to provide Hawaii middle school students exposure to Japan and Japanese culture. Visiting a foreign country at such a young age and making Japanese friends will have a profound impact on students, which will help them in "opening minds and hearts in friendship."
We have had a tremendous response from many schools throughout Hawaii and Japan and are happy to announce that in the first year of our program, Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School in Nuuanu and Uwajima Minami Junior High School in Ehime prefecture are participating in our program and are in the process of sending school representatives to meet one another. We are still in the process of finalizing the other pairs of schools and will include updates in future Journals.
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Mark your calendars for the Society's Annual Dinner on Wednesday, September 28, 2005, chaired by Central Pacific Bank Chief Operating Officer and President Neal Kanda! Invitations will be sent out in mid-August. Table sponsorships and in dividual tickets for both members and non-members will be available. All proceeds from the Annual Dinner will help fund our many educational programs for Hawaii's students. We hope you will join us!
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A total of 141 students from Aiea High School and Hawaii Baptist Academy attended the Society's Japan Day on Wednesday, March 30, at Hawaii Tokai International College. Japan Day, hosted by the Society twice a year, is a half-day program where students receive hands-on instruction in various cultural activities including ikebana, calligraphy, bon dance, bonsai, paper crafts, tea ceremony, soroban (Japanese abacus), taiko and kimono wearing, supervised by over 40 volunteers from the community.
Mrs. Faye Komagata and fellow members of Hawaii Matsuri Taiko welcomed the students and teachers with an impressive taiko demonstration, which set the tone for an exciting morning of activities. After a few songs, several students from the audience were invited to try their hand with the taiko.
Following the taiko demonstration, students broke into groups and attended different activities. Under the direction of Mrs. Jessie Nakata of MOA Hawaii, students learned about the beauty and simplicity of ikebana, and created their own unique floral arrangements. It was amazing to see how each student made different arrangements using the same materials! Mrs. Shokyoku Hashiro provided each student with a keepsake calligraphy work in which she meticulously wrote each student's name on washi paper. The Kikufu Nippon Bunka Kenkyu Kai taught students to fold origami paper and cut designs out of them to create snowflakes and other decorations.
Students also had the opportunity to taste fresh maccha tea and sweets prepared by volunteers from Urasenke Foundation, while others joined members of the Fukushima Bon Dance Club for bon dancing and festival music. Mrs. Jean Sakihara and her students from the Mizushima International Kimono Program brought many beautiful yukata to dress the students in traditional garments. Mr. Hideaki Oshima from the Araki Hiroya Soroban School taught the students how to use a soroban. He also brought his two sons (one of whom won first place at a soroban contest in March and is now the top Japanese soroban student living in Hawaii) to demonstrate their amazing skill and speed in doing calculations with the abacus. Mr. Ed Nakanishi brought four fellow volunteers from the Hawaii Bonsai Association to teach the students how to create and care for bonsai plants. They also generously donated materials for all the students to take their bonsai creations home with them.
Mahalo to all of the volunteers who donated their time, energy, and supplies so that some of Hawaii's students could experience Japanese culture. The Society would also like to thank Hawaii Tokai International College for the use of their facilities and the staff for their coordination efforts.
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Challenges Five is a Honolulu-based organization whose singular purpose is the enhancement of individual and organizational performance. It enhances the effectiveness of today's leaders and develops the potential of those destined to be the leaders of tomorrow by using a success compass comprised of five elements: Influencing Values, Developing People, Enhancing Leadership, Leveraging Environment and Defining Success. Challenges Five provides leadership, organizational and marketing expertise, cross cultural programs, leadership enhancement and keynote addresses.
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Richard T. Miyao, Esq. is a member of the Hawaii and California bar associations. He has provided legal counsel for the Japanese Consulate since 1991 and has done part-time work for Sony and Kyocera in San Diego, Matsushita in Japan, and Fujitsu and JAIMS in Hawaii. He was a legal assistant for Yamagami and Hirokawa law firms in Osaka, lecturing and editorial work at the Kyoto Comparative Law Center, and was one of several dozen editors in updating a 9-Volume English text, Doing Business in Japan, and in creating its Desk Edition.
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