Japan-America Journal
Volume 23, Number 2 - Spring 2005
- 15th Annual Friendship Golf Classic
- President's Message
- Baccarat, Inc. Hawaii 5:01
- Special Reception for Ambassador Schieffer
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Hawaii 5:01
- Waikiki Beach Cleanup with Sister Societies
- CPASF Tokyo Reception
- Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation Awards Ceremony
- Admiral Fallon Welcome Dinner
- Sister Schools Program Update
- Tomodachi Tour of Washington Place
- Congratulations
- 17th APCC Update
- Tomodachi Luncheon with Mrs. Fumiko Halloran
- Fifth International Symposium in Kyoto, Japan
- New Corporate Member Bios (April 1 - June 30)
- Advertise in the Society's 2005-2006 Membership Directory
- Kahala Mandarin 5:01
Fellowship! Fun! Fundraising! All were evident at the 15th Annual Friendship Golf Classic held on April 27th at Hickam AFB Mamala Bay Golf Course. Thanks to the support of many donors, volunteers, and golfers, the Society was able to raise needed funds for its programs and operations. A beautiful day greeted the golfers along with a putting contest. A tense putt-off resulted in Dante Carpenter winning the contest. A new amenity was added this year with a cold towel treat on the front and back nines. Whether it helped the scoring didn't matter; it just felt gooood! The first place team of Kaori Varney and Dwight Yoshioka from the Sheraton Waikiki will have their names engraved on the perpetual trophy. They had a net score of 65. The grand prize winners, were Ko Miyataki and Ted McAneeley. As always, the tournament wouldn't be a success without the hard work of our Golf Committee of Doug Goto, Gary Oda, Mike Tomihara, Ken Fukushima, Howard Hamamoto, Kristi Hirota, Wayne Ishihara, Howard Karr, Stan Sawai, Sharon Weiner, and Allan Yasue; or the many sponsors, donors, and volunteers listed on page 3. Listed below are the tournament sponsors. Thank you to Tournament Sponsor First Insurance Company of Hawaii and Allen Uyeda. Mahalo to all of you for your tremendous support!!
[Article Index]
It is hard to imagine that half of 2005 has already passed. And your Society has had a very busy year thus far. In January the Society implemented its Continuum of School Programs Project of six integrated and complementary programs from kindergarten to grade 12. The focus of this project is to teach the concept of different perspectives to our very young children in K-5 and then reinforce that concept with our programs from grades 6-12. These programs are aligned with the Department of Education's Content Standards for World Languages and Social Studies and are provided at no cost to the schools. From mid-January to the end of May, the Society made 48 school visits, conducted 150 presentations to over 3,400 students in grades K-5. With easy to understand examples, the programs (Japan in a Suitcase I & II) encourage students to look at common items but see them from different view points. They are also encouraged to ask questions and to explore and contrast. The Society believes teaching the concept of different perspectives will help our young children gain the skill of inquiry, which will encourage them to seek different views on issues or items as they grow, leading them to become better decision-makers and visionaries with open-minds. At the grade six level, the Society is sending four boys and four girls to the Asian Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka, Japan where they will interact with 345 other 11-year old peers from over 45 countries. At the middle school level, the Society is implementing the sister school program (see article on page 8). At the high school level, the Japan Day program continues and the Japan Wizards Academic Team Competition winners-Leilehua, Radford, Punahou and Iolani-are traveling to Japan for a one week experience of all that they learned in the classroom and in preparation for the competition. All of this at no expense to the schools or students and made possible through the generous grants and donations from foundations and members like you. Mahalo for helping our youth.
Other programs on tap are Glen Fukushima, President/CEO of Airbus Japan, who will speak to members on August 5th and Merle Okawara, President of JC Comsa, who will speak about the "Socio-Economic Changes in Japan" on August 18th. With the rise of China, scant attention has been paid to India and its growth. Although many of us are aware of outsourcing to India on trouble calls to computer companies, many do not fully understand how India will affect the United States and Japan and the U.S.-Japan relationship. This trilogy program is being scheduled for October.
The Society is also planning its annual dinner for late September. Neal Kanda, President of Central Pacific Bank is the Annual Dinner Chair this year. An invitation has been extended to Ambassador Thomas Schieffer, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, to be the keynote speaker. We ask for your continued support for this important fundraiser.
The Society's Board of Directors is also taking seriously the consequences of the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. A Human Resources Committee has been formed and the Finance and Audit Committee rejuvenated. Although the Society has been operated well (a little bias here), all of us want to be sure that we do the utmost to ensure corporate governance is done properly. This means continued efforts to provide the very things we state as our Society values: integrity, excellence, respect and prestige, openness and transparency and service to others. The Society will have a formal audit conducted later this year. Although the size of the Society's budget does not require an audit, the directors believe that an audit would reinforce the transparency of the operations and also point out areas where there may be opportunities for improvement.
Please plan on joining the Society's delegation to Kyoto in April 2006 for the 5th International Symposium of Japan-America Societies. Whether for culture, business, or knowledge about the U.S.-Japan relationship, the upcoming International Symposium has much to offer. A tea ceremony by the Urasenke master will highlight the second day along with a Noh play. The symposium will bring together the 28 societies in Japan and the 42 societies in the U.S. in one place at one time. It presents a great opportunity for networking with business, government, academic and community leaders from all parts of Japan and the U.S. A tour package is being put together. Please give the office a call if you're interested in joining the delegation. Already, more than a dozen people have indicated their intention to attend the symposium.
And finally, our most sincere appreciation to all the donors, volunteers and members of the Society who make it all possible. Without you, the Society could not be what it is today. Mahalo Nui Loa! Arigatou Gozaimasu! Earl Okawa, President
[Article Index]
Society corporate member Baccarat, Inc. hosted an intimate 5:01 reception for JASH members and friends on Thursday, May 5 at their exclusive store in Ala Moana Center. Attendees were treated to a tour of the store by the knowledgeable staff, who also provided a background on their fine crystal. Baccarat offered a generous 10% discount on purchases during the evening, which in turn, was donated to the Society for our educational programs. Baccarat very rarely has sales or promotions so this event was very special. In addition, Baccarat held a prize drawing of a set of champagne glasses during the program. Congratulations to the winner, JASH member Alexander Jampel!
Baccarat makes some of the finest crystal in the world. The company is more than 240 years old and is headquartered in Paris. Baccarat has been making crystal for heads of state, royalty and internationally renowned companies. Their continuously evolving collection is always new and fresh. The company has expanded their product offerings to include crystal jewelry as well as chandeliers and decorative items. Many of their products such as stemware and barware are still mouth blown and hand finished, making them beautiful works of art. Their signature red box holds the promise of a gift of distinction. Mahalo to Baccarat Store Manager Kimi Fukuda and her staff for sponsoring a great evening!
[Article Index]
The Society and the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation were honored to host a reception on April 5, 2005 for the new United States Ambassador to Japan, the Honorable J. Thomas Schieffer and his wife, Susanne. Society directors and CPASF trustees were invited to meet Ambassador and Mrs. Schieffer on their brief stopover in Hawaii on their way to Tokyo. Admiral William Fallon, Commander, United States Pacific Command, and his wife Mary also attended the reception. Ambassador Schieffer spoke about the importance of the United States-Japan relationship and how he looked forward to working with Japan to enhance the relationship, especially amid the challenges in the region. Ambassador Schieffer was Ambassador to Australia prior to being appointed to Japan. We wish Ambassador and Mrs. Schieffer every success in their new post.
[Article Index]
For the eighth year in a row, Society Vice Chairman and Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Hilton Hotels Corporation in Hawaii Peter Schall and his gracious staff welcomed Society members and guests on June 10 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV) 5:01. Also in attendance were fellow Society members of the Japan-America Societies of Miyakonojo and Kitakyushu, who were visiting Hawaii to participate in the Waikiki Beach Cleanup.
During the program, President Earl Okawa and Chair Barbara Tanabe thanked Mr. Schall for his dedication and continuous support of the Society. As Mr. Schall has now retired from his position at the HHV, we congratulate him on his career success and wish him a happy retirement. But we were happy to hear from Mr. Schall that he plans to remain in Hawaii and on the JASH Board. Mr. Schall's replacement, Mr. Gary Seibert, was also introduced. We also had our Hawaii Junior Ambassadors from the 17th Asian-Pacific Children's Convention dance a hula routine, which they will perform in front of 400 other Junior and Peace Ambassadors at the Convention in Fukuoka, Japan this July.
Located on Waikiki's widest stretch of beach, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa features lush tropical gardens, waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and priceless artwork. As Waikiki's only true resort, the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers guests the Village Experience: a perfect blend of luxurious accommodations, over 20 restaurants and lounges, shopping, recreational and cultural activities, nightly entertainment and more.
The Society expresses sincere appreciation to Mr. Schall and his staff for hosting a welcoming reception for our Japanese visitors and JASH members. It truly was an evening of "opening minds and hearts in friendship" between the people of Hawaii and Japan!
[Article Index]
Society members and staff volunteered their beach-cleaning skills on June 11 to help beautify Waikiki Beach at a cleanup sponsored by the Waikiki Ohana Workforce. Joining us for the ninth straight year, Dr. Toshisuke Matsuura, President of the Miyakonojo Society, and his fellow members also lent a hand, wearing their happi coats bearing the American flag. We were also happy to welcome back members from the JAS of Kitakyushu, who also made the special trip to Hawaii especially to participate in the event. We sincerely thank our sister societies for their dedication!
Following the beach cleanup was a cleaning of the Ehime Maru Memorial and a picnic at Kakaako Waterfront Park. Mahalo to our visitors from Japan and to our JASH members who came out to welcome them. We hope to see everyone again next year!
[Article Index]
Each year CPASF Chair Howard Hamamoto and President Earl Okawa travel to Japan to brief the CPASF Japan Committee on the status of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship and to meet with the scholars and those who support the scholarship. Mr. Hamamoto and Mr. Okawa met with Mr. Yoshio Nakamura, Senior Managing Director, Nippon Keidanren and Mr. Jo Kato, General Manager of Mitsubishi Estate Company's International Business Development and Secretary-General of the Japan-Hawaii Economic Council-Japan. They comprise the CPASF Japan Committee along with several staff members. Mr. Hamamoto and Mr. Okawa also met with Grand Chamberlain Makoto Watanabe of the Imperial Household Agency; Mr. Bill Morgan, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs and Mr. Mark Davidson, Cultural Affairs Officer at the American Embassy; Director General Chikao Kawai of the North American Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Director General Masayuki Inoue of MEXT International Affairs. The CPASF expresses its appreciation to the Japanese Consulate in assisting with the meetings at MOFA and MEXT.
A reception was also held for the current scholars and alumni and those associated with the scholarship program or in promoting the United States-Japan relationship. CPAS alumni and current scholarship recipients in attendance included: Dr. David Shaner (1979-1980), Gordon Poteat Professor of Philosophy & Asian Studies, Furman University; Ms. Makiko Yamada (1995-1997), President's Office, Corporate Planning and Finance, Sony Ericsson Mobile Commu-nications, London; Mr. Brian Masshardt (1999-2001), Assistant Academic Coordinator & Lecturer in Faculty of Humanities, Musashi University; Dr. Shingo Kajimura (2000-2002), Ph.D. (2005), Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan; Ms. Aya Kitamura (2002-2004), Ph.D. candidate, Sociology, The University of Tokyo; Ms. Kelly Hansen (2003-2005), Ph.D. candidate, East Asian Languages & Literature, University of Hawaii; Ms. Jessica Busch (2004-2006), Ph.D. candidate, Anthropology, University of Hawaii; Ms. Jane Yamashiro (2004-2006), Ph.D. candidate, Sociology, University of Hawaii; and Ms. Mamina Koga, 2005 recipient, Cultural Anthropology, The University of Tokyo.
This year, attendees were particularly honored by the presence of Mr. Warren Iwatake, a Nisei who while studying economics at Meiji University was conscripted in the Japanese Imperial Army. In July 1944, Mr. Iwatake was sent to Iwo Jima, but his ship was sunk en route. He spent the remainder of the war on Chichi Jima. While there, he witnessed the rescue of former President George H.W. Bush. At war's end, Mr. Iwatake changed his first name to Warren in memory of Warren Vaughn a US P.O.W. who was be- friended by Mr. Iwatake and later executed on Chichi Jima. Mr. Iwatake's story is one of several featured in the book, Flyboys: A True Story of Courage by James Bradley. The CPASF extends a warm mahalo to all special guests, CPAS alumni, and current scholarship recipients who made this year's reception so special.
[Article Index]
On April 6, 2005, the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation recognized new scholars Erika Miyazaki from Japan and Jolyon Thomas from the University of Hawaii in a ceremony at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan. Each recipient received a two-year scholarship for study at the post-graduate level. Ms. Miyazaki is pursing a Ph.D. in American Studies and Mr. Thomas, a Masters degree in Religion. Another American Scholar, Ms. Frances Mammana, will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Asian Performance, more specifically on the kumiodori of Okinawa. A total of 118 scholarships have been awarded since 1973 with many of the alumni holding positions of prominence in universities, government or in the private sector. Scholars are also accorded the high honor of a private audience with the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Imperial Palace and a meeting with the American Ambassador in Tokyo. The purpose of thescholarship is to promote understanding between the United States and Japan. In 2009 the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship will celebrate its 50th Anniversary.
[Article Index]
On June 14th, the Society and 14 other community organizations welcomed the new Commander of the United States Pacific Command, Admiral William J. Fallon and his wife, Mary, to Hawaii at a dinner at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Attendees enjoyed entertainment by the Royal Hawaiian Band, a performance by the Filipino Youth Dance Group, and welcome speeches by Brigadier General Gary Ishikawa, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa. Admiral Fallon also addressed the audience, sharing his military experiences and his hopes to visit over 40 countries in Asia while he is stationed in Hawaii. We warmly welcome Admiral Fallon and his wife to our beautiful islands!
[Article Index]
The Society's Continuum of School Programs Project is being implemented this year. There are six school programs in the continuum from kindergarten to grade 12 with the Sister Schools Program targeted at the middle school level. The first pair of schools in this program is comprised of Kawananakoa Middle School and Uwajima Minami Junior High School. Kawananakoa MS has a proud and long history with many graduates distinguishing themselves in Hawaii. And Uwajima Minami JHS was chosen for its link to Honolulu because of the Ehime Maru. Additionally, Honolulu and Uwajima are sister cities. Three teachers from Kawananakoa MS, Dale Matsuura, Garret Yamanaka and Romeo Asuncion, will be making their first trip to Japan in mid-July. They will be visiting with the teachers and students of Uwajima Minami JHS, making courtesy calls on Governor Kato of Ehime Prefecture, Mayor Ishibashi of Uwajima City, and paying respects at the Ehime Maru Memorial at the Uwajima Fisheries High School. The Society extends a great big MAHALO to the FREEMAN FOUNDATION for their very generous support of this program. The Society is carefully choosing the schools to ensure a long-term sister school relationship will result. Both Kawananakoa MS and Uwajima Minami JHS have stated their commitment to this program. The next pair will be Kapolei MS and possibly a junior high school in Okinawa.
[Article Index]
Society members and guests were honored to take a tour of historic Washington Place in con-junction with a book-signing by Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, author of "Washington Place - A First Lady's Story." All members and their guests who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they took in the beauty of the surroundings and listened to the informative docent-led tours. They then enjoyed conversation with Mrs. Ariyoshi one-on-one as she autographed copies of her book. Proceeds from book sales at our Tomodachi gathering benefited the Washington Place Foundation. Mahalo to Mrs. Florence Goto for arranging this enjoyable event for the Society.
[Article Index]
Society President Earl Okawa was bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in a ceremony at the Japanese Consulate on June 2, 2005. He was honored for his many contributions to the United States-Japan relationship with special emphasis on his role following the Ehime Maru accident. He stated that he was most happy that his mother was able to see him receive the award, noting that in most instances, parents are no longer around to see their sons or daughters so honored. He also thanked Consul General Muto for his support and the close relationship the Society shares with the Japanese Consulate.
[Article Index]
The Society continues to prepare our eight Junior Ambassadors for the 17th Annual Asian Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka, Japan this July. The Junior Ambassadors have been meeting monthly at Halawa District Park since February to learn about Japan and practice a hula they will be performing in Japan. Mahalo to Kumu Iolana who has been dedicating her free time to teach the kids a hula to the song, "Aloha, Aloha." The May workshop was an overnight stay at Camp Erdman on the North Shore, where the children successfully participated in a ropes and challenge course based on building group rapport and confidence. Mahalo to Cory Mitsui, who will be chaperoning the JAs to Japan this summer, and Cindy Tanaka, next year's APCC chaperone for spending the night at camp with Society staff Marsha Yokomichi and Eileen Beamis. One final workshop is scheduled in July before the JAs travel to Japan in addition to a meeting with Governor Lingle. We wish our Hawaii Junior Ambassadors the best of luck!
[Article Index]
Tomodachi group members and their guests enjoyed lunch at the Royal Garden Restaurant with Mrs. Fumiko Halloran on April 29, 2005. A well-known and prolific writer since her book, "From the Street Corner of Washington" won the 11th Oya Soichi Prize for Best Non-Fiction in 1980, Mrs. Halloran treated us to a lecture on "Japanese Women: Are They Traditional or Modern?" All who attended found her presentation and ensuing discussion very interesting and informative. One interesting topic that she spoke about was the inability of Japanese women to attain executive-level positions in "Corporate Japan" despite their high-level of, often times, westernized-education. These women were then forced to look toward the public sector for employment and now hold the influential positions that have a direct-impact on the Japanese labor laws being passed today. Much of this legislation aims to protect the rights of women workers to ensure that the level of discrimination that they once felt will not affect future generations of women in the Japanese workforce. Mahalo to Mrs. Kazuko Love for arranging for our special guest speaker and coordinating our luncheon.
[Article Index]
On June 22th, Mr. Muneya Nishimura, VP Executive Director of the America-Japan Society of Kyoto, spoke to our members about the Fifth International Symposium of Japan-America Societies, to be held April 21-22, 2006 in Kyoto, Japan. Mr. Nishimura provided information regarding the scheduled symposiums and events, including excursions and tours of Kyoto. The Society hopes that many of you will join us for this special trip to Japan, and is currently arranging a group tour to see other parts of Japan in conjunction with the International Symposium.
[Article Index]
Stefan Fedusiv is a Loan Consultant with Aloha Aina Mortgage, Inc. With so many loan program options, Stefan believes it is most important to educate his clients so that they are able to make smart, informed decisions. His Japanese clients most value his ability to represent them effectively in Hawaii in order to save time and money. He offers cost saving and money making opportunities most Japanese do not know are available to them. With a Japanese-speaking staff available, he is able to offer exceptional services to everyone. Please email stefan.fedusiv@verizon.net for a free personal consultation.
Be Aloha will be featured in a future edition once we receive information.
Chaney Brooks & Company LLC is a full service commercial real estate firm providing commercial property management services, real estate brokerage and leasing, and consulting services throughout the Hawaiian Islands since 1958. The company's newest division, the Government Services Group, is a full-service facility management organization specializing in government privatization programs with capabilities extending throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.
The Chaney Brooks operating philosophy centers on its clients as being the most important asset. Chaney Brooks takes pride in being consistent and ethical in the delivery of innovative real estate solutions. Managing properties entrusted in its care ensures clients will achieve and maintain the highest operating efficiencies. Success results when clients receive complete, professional service that is priced competitively and fairly.
May Communications LLC provides communication services between Japan and the USA by facilitating mutual cultural understanding and business/individual communications in various modes of language and business. Services include consultation, marketing/advertising, reporting, analysis, writing, and translation.
[Article Index]
Full and half page advertising opportunities in the Society's 2005-2006 Membership Directory are now available. The Directory reaches the Society's 1,200 members in Hawaii, Alaska, the Mainland, and Japan. It is also sent to the 60 Japan-America Societies in the US and Canada, and to the 29 Societies in Japan and Australia. Please contact our Administrative Director, Ron Quizon at 524-4450 or admindir@jashawaii.org for more information.
[Article Index]
In the last Japan-America Journal, we highlighted the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii's Hawaii 5:01 Program. We neglected to include information on an opportunity to experience their exclusive Resort membership, which includes full use of the CHI Fitness Center, comprehensive exercise programs, complimentary parking spa and signing privileges at any of their award-winning restaurants. Corporate memberships also available, for more information contact Vernon Hulihee at 739-8855, Fax 739-8859 e-mail vhulihee@mohg.com
[Article Index]
|
