Japan-America Journal
Volume 23, Number 3 - Summer 2005
- The Power of Education shines at the 29th Annual Dinner
- Chair's Message
- Fifth International Symposium in Kyoto, Japan
- Annual Dinner Supporters
- Sunset viewing at the ResortQuest Hawaii 5:01
- Volunteers Needed for Japan in a Suitcase
- Architecture firm Durrant Media Five hosts 5:01
- Socio-Economic Changes in Japan
- The impact of Japan Wizards on High School students
- Hawaii bids farewell to Consul General and Mrs. Masatoshi Muto, Consul General of Japan
- Europe’s growing Importance to Japan
- Kawananakoa Middle School makes first visit to Uwajima Minami Junior High School as part of the Sister School Relationship Program
- The Junior Ambassadors embark for Japan after meeting with Governor Lingle
- Changing Dynamics: The Future of Japan’s Employer-Employee Relationships
- Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Alumni Activity Report: Summer 2005
- Consul General Muto gives lecture on Asia Pacific relations
- Welcome to the Society’s New Corporate Members
- CPASF Donor Recognition
- Mahalo to all New Members
- JASH Donor Recognition
The Society's 29th Annual Dinner was held on September 29 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. The theme, The Power of Education, was showcased throughout the evening by the Society's Continuum of School Programs Project.Greeted by students, arriving members and guests were directed toward poster boards flanked by people who have participated in the Society's six different school programs. At a quick glance, animated voices could be heard and gestures seen as students, teachers and parents shared their experiences with Society members and guests. Additionally, the Iolani String Quartet, made up of students from Iolani School, played lovely classical music during the reception period.
Governor Linda Lingle shared her remarks with the audience on how she has been impressed with the Society's mission of "promoting minds and hearts in friendship" in the school programs. This past summer, Governor Lingle met eight Junior Ambassadors from the Asian-Pacific Children's Convention and spoke of their importance in promoting good relationships between the peoples of Japan and the United States. She also congratulated the Japan Wizards competition winners who were in attendance at the dinner.
Society Board member Mr. Neal Kanda, President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Pacific Bank, was this year's Annual Dinner Chair. He welcomed the guests as the program commenced and introduced Jill Kuramoto, television news reporter and anchor, as the emcee for the evening. Ms. Kuramoto was a dynamic emcee as she led the audience through the evening's program. Society Chair Ms. Barbara Tanabe also gave her remarks and thanked everyone for supporting the Society's programs.
The Power of Education was evident as Mrs. Pamela Tsuzaki, mother of junior ambassador Kara, shared the positive impact the Society had on Kara when she journeyed to Japan as part of the Asian-Pacific Children's Convention. The theme was also exemplified in a slide show presentation highlighting the Society's six Continuum of School Programs- Japan in a Suitcase I, Japan in a Suitcase II, the Asian-Pacific Children's Convention, the Sister Schools Relationship program, Japan Day and Japan Wizards competition. After the slide show presentation, four winners from the Japan Wizards competition (Christopher Antonio from Leilehua; Melissa Machida from Punahou; Corey Kelsom from Iolani; and Kristi Lazo from Radford) made their way to the stage. Ms. Kuramoto then asked a surprised Clint Arnoldus, the CEO of Central Pacific Bank and Dennis Teranishi, the Vice Chairman and CEO of Hawaiian Host Chocolates to come to the stage to serve as team captains for the mini Japan Wizards competition. The competition was fierce, but the participants and the audience enjoyed seeing a live version of what had never been seen before outside of the competition rooms. By seeing photos of the programs, meeting the participants, and engaging in the mini Japan Wizards competition guests at the Annual Dinner could see how the Society contributes to the power of education.
Interim President of the University of Hawaii Dr. David McClain, the keynote speaker for the annual dinner, shared his own experiences with the Society and how he has seen many students and community members benefit from the programs provided by our organization. Dr. McClain visited Japan with Society members many years ago, and has since been a strong supporter of its mission as all of the programs strengthen ties between the peoples of Japan and the United States. Dr. McClain's keynote address reflected how the Society is fulfilling its mission on an international- level.
The evening ended with a kanpai by Acting Consul General Makoto Hinei and Annual Dinner Chair Neal Kanda. The Society wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to the many individuals and organizations that made the Annual Dinner a great success. Mahalo nui loa to Annual Dinner Chair Mr. Neal K. Kanda and his staff at Central Pacific Bank for their time and efforts in planning the dinner and helping to make it a success. We could not have done it all without the extra help from Ms. Laura Yamamoto and Ms. Ann Takiguchi at Central Pacific Bank. Thank you to all the very generous donors and table sponsors whose financial support makes it possible for the Society to provide programs to its membership and the community. Special thanks to Mr. Dennis Teranishi of Hawaiian Host Chocolates as he provided the favors for the tables. Thank you also to Mr. Taketeru Kishii of The Cherry Company, who provided the sake for the kanpai, Watanabe Floral for providing the roses that adorned each table, and Mr. Mark Yamamoto for volunteering to put together the slide show presentation. Thank you very much to Mr. Gary Seibert and his efficient staff at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for providing such excellent dinner service. We couldn't have done it without all of your support! Mahalo!
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The new Consul General of Japan, Shigeo Iwatani, will be officially welcomed by the community at a "Welcome Luncheon" in November. I had the privilege of meeting him and wanted to share some of his thoughts on taking over one of the oldest Japanese missions in the United States.
Consul General Iwatani hopes to promote educational, cultural and businesses activities between Japan and Hawaii. He has already called on the Mayor of Honolulu, Mufi Hannemann, to offer his assistance in facilitating contact between Japanese and Hawaii companies.
Consul General Iwatani has a special interest in the issue of immigration and its impact on host countries, as a former director of the Immigration Policy Division of the Ministry of Justice in Tokyo. He sees Hawaii as an ideal situation where different groups of people co-exist without losing their cultural identity, and he would like to find ways to utilize Hawaii's experience for better understanding between the peoples of the U.S. and Japan.
On a personal level, the Consul General and his wife, Yuko, plan to learn more about being healthy, reflecting on the merits of Hawaii as one of the healthiest places to live. He says he will take up sports, such as golf, something he was unable to enjoy at his previous post in Berlin, Germany. He also wants to find time to practice his love of singing. When we told him the previous Consul General, Masatoshi Muto, appeared in a non-singing part in the opera, he remarked, "I would also like to do that, but I want to sing!"
We look forward to his first performance in Hawaii. Aloha!
Barbara J. Tanabe
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JTB and the Japan-America Society of Hawaii have partnered together to provide a memorable tour of Japan and attendance at the 2006 International Symposium of America-Japan Societies in Kyoto, Japan on April 21 and 22, 2006. The tour will leave Honolulu on April 14 and return on April 23. This interesting and historical itinerary includes stops in Nagoya, Iseshima, Iga-Ueno (ninja town) and Nara before arriving in Kyoto for the two-day symposium.
The Japan-America Society of Hawaii hosted the first International Symposium in 1995 and it has been a tremendous success ever since. The International Symposium provides a forum to make friends with other Society members. It also is a great opportunity to meet and network with other Japan- America Society members in the United States and in Japan. For corporate members, and others interested in doing business in Japan, the Symposium will provide a unique chance to meet Japanese business leaders from throughout Japan.
Please join your fellow Society members and take advantage of this opportunity to attend the 5th International Symposium in Kyoto, Japan. Please contact the Society at admindir@jashawaii.org or 524-4450 for more information.
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Mahalo to the following individuals, foundations and corporations for supporting our Annual Dinner:
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Platinum
Central Pacific Bank
MB Capital
Jean E. Rolles
Servco Foundation
Gold
Bank of Hawaii
Colliers Monroe Friedlander
First Insurance Company of Hawaii
Silver
Carlsmith Ball LLP
Central Pacific Bank
Chaney Brooks & Company
DFS Hawaii
Hawaiian Telcom
Hoakea Communications LLC
Alfred & Ruth Ono
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Bronze
AIG Hawaii Insurance Company
American Savings Bank
Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship
Foundation
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
First Hawaiian Bank
Halekulani Corporation
Hawaiian Host Chocolates
Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Honolulu Advertiser
Island Insurance Company
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
Neal and Lynette Lo Kanda
KPMG LLP
Matson Navigation Company
Marjorie Midkiff (3 tables)
McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon
Akira Ohtomo
Pacific Guardian Life Insurance
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Francis Y. Sogi
Sony Hawaii
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Donations
Center for Japanese Studies
Central Pacific Bank
The Cherry Company
Andrew & Merle Hashimoto
Hawaiian Host Chocolates
Shirley Huwel
Tokio & Mihoko Inoue
A.C. Kobayashi Family Foundation
Richard & Mildred Kosaki
Serena Li
Fujio & Amy Matsuda
Ray & Shirley Miyamoto
Neiman Marcus
Oceanic Time Warner Cable
Margaret Oda
Raymond & Betsy Sekiya
Watanabe Floral
Fred & Mary Weyand
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Society corporate member, ResortQuest Hawaii, sponsored a scenic Hawaii 5:01 on September 12, 2005. Overlooking the sparkling blue ocean with a view of a gorgeous Hawaiian sunset, the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel's Coconut Club was the perfect setting for the Society's Hawaii 5:01 program. The Society's corporate and lifetime members and their guests were treated to an assortment of delicious pupus and refreshments catered by the hotel's Tiki's Grill and Bar.
Earlier this year, Aston Hotels officially became ResortQuest Hawaii. The corporation has grown from one small hotel in Waikiki to nearly thirty hotels and condominium resorts on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. During the 50 years that Aston (now ResortQuest) has been helping people feel at home in Hawaii, they have enjoyed the privilege of meeting and welcoming people from around the world. With more than 5,000 suites and rooms to choose from, ResortQuest Hawaii has just what its guests are looking for.
A warm mahalo to ResortQuest Hawaii's General Manager Mark DeMello and Vice President of Operations Matt Bailey. We appreciate the opportunity ResortQuest Hawaii provided for our new and prospective corporate members to become acquainted with the Society.
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Help! The Society's school programs are up and running and we need help, especially for our Japan in a Suitcase I & II programs. We have 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. We will provide orientation and training before sending volunteers out to the schools. It's 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. Please email Allison at amurata@jashawaii.org if you are interested in volunteering. Mahalo!
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Society members and guests were welcomed to the stylish downtown offices of Durrant Media Five on Friday, August 12, 2005 for the Society's Hawaii 5:01 program. Dr. Michael Leineweber, Vice Chairman of Durrant Media Five, and Vice Chair and Secretary of the JASH Board and Chair of the Sister Society Development Committee, welcomed his fellow JASH members and showcased Durrant Media Five's past, present, and future projects. Guests got an inside look at some of the tools and processes that architects use.
Durrant Media Five, originally known as Media Five Limited, was founded in 1972 in Honolulu, Hawaii. A unique, initial goal of the firm, and one that endures, was to provide comprehensive design services by assembling a team of professional specialists in multiple design media and services. Today the concept of full-service design continues in the form of Durrant Media Five's relationship with The Durrant Group Inc., through which a wide range of services beyond architecture is provided in-house. Throughout three decades of business, the firm's philosophy has been to provide excellence in design services to a wide variety of clients, including schools, government entities, private sector developers, health care providers, and more.
Mahalo to Vice Chairman, Dr. Michael Leineweber; Marketing Coordinator, Ms. Stacy Warner; and all the other Durrant Media Five employees for hosting this wonderful program for the Society and its guests.
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Fresh out of college in the mid-sixties, Japan-America Society member and director Merle Aiko Okawara broke all the rules and precedents by starting her own pizza business in Japan. As a businesswoman in Japan for the past 40 years, Ms. Okawara has been an observer and participant in a sea of change, seeing Japan as a poor nation recovering from the effects of World War II pick itself up and build itself into the second largest economy in the world. She shared these Socio-Economic Changes in Japan and her own rare experiences of breaking into the Japanese economic market as a foreign woman with Society members on August 18, 2005 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Honolulu Room.
Twenty-five Society members and friends attended the afternoon session overlooking an impressive view of Waikiki Beach. They enjoyed a tasty lunch prepared by the Sheraton staff as they listened to Ms. Okawara's talk, which included her own experiences and highlighted the way Japanese women are currently breaking into politics as Diet members, companies as CEOs, and their overall gradual acceptance into the Japanese business sector.
A key player in the pizza industry in Japan, Chair and CEO Ms. Okawara led JC Comsa Corporation in becoming Japan's top producer of frozen and chilled ethnic foods. She is now recognized as the second woman and first foreigner to achieve a public listing for her company on the Japan Stock Exchange. Society members were impressed with the trials and triumphs that Ms. Okawara shared as she recounted her journey to become the head of one of the major Japanese public corporations, JC Foods. She told of her dream of wanting Japanese families to eat around the table together, as she had done as a child. This dream led her to introduce pizza to the Japanese, as every member of the family must face each other as they eat. She remembered trying to apply for her first business loan in Japan, and refusing to leave until the loan officer spoke with her. Her book, "When Women Create Companies" was published in 1995 and became a business best-seller. Ms. Okawara is a third generation Japanese-American born in Hawaii and attributes her success in Japan from being raised in such a multi-cultural place like Hawaii.
The Society sends a warm aloha to Ms. Okawara and thanks her for taking the time out of her busy schedule to share an afternoon with our members.
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February means Valentines to some people, Setsubun to others, but to high school students studying Japanese, February brings the Japan Wizards competition. This is when public and private high school students participate in an intense contest known as the Japan Wizards competition. The preparation is grueling, as the competition includes topics ranging from geography to politics, and traditional culture to pop culture. After all of their hard work, the four winning teams (two public high schools and two private high schools) are given a one-week all expenses paid trip to Japan. This past June, the four winning Japan Wizards competition teams from Leilehua High School, Radford High School, Iolani School and Punahou School embarked on their journey to Japan. When they returned to Hawaii, they had all changed a little. Their time in Japan had a great impact on their lives, and the following is an essay from one of the students, Christopher Antonio from Leilehua High School.
"I never would have imagined how much I would have gained from this trip if I were asked beforehand. Just thinking about my time in Japan saddens me because, even though I gained a lot, I could be gaining more if I were still there. But enough with my lamentations. I am happy with what I have, and these memories will forever be a part of me.
Visiting Japan has made me want to learn Japanese more than ever before. Listening to people talk and not understanding their conversation forced me to realize that what I once thought was a decent amount of Japanese was only a miniscule bit of knowledge compared to their caliber. There were many instances during my stay there where someone would talk to me in Japanese and, seeing my confused face, resorted to another means of communication such as gestures, picture signs, or when possible, English. I felt the embarrassment of my stupidity, especially since I have been studying Japanese for more than three years now. I made a vow to myself there to master, or at least be proficient in Japanese and to continue fulfilling this goal after high school, possibly as a hobby. Without that experience that revealed the depth of the Japanese language, I would not have made this pledge to myself, and my enthusiasm to learn would have never been this great.
Though this increase in my desire is great in itself, my next gain is even greater. Through the trip to Japan, I have come to have a great respect for Japan, its people, and its culture. From what I have seen of Japan, its people behave very maturely and in a polite, orderly manner. I wish I could say that for every society on earth, but my pessimistic mind thinks otherwise. Having experienced one such society, I am comforted to know that there does exist a place where one's behavior doesn't stem from oneself but through others as well. To make sense of the distinction between their society and other's, I believe that their behavior and their values comes from their unique culture. Even their language is redolent with culture. There is more than one way to say something because of their politeness involved with each way to say it. This means that, when necessary, they humble themselves to superiors and even when receiving compliments of themselves or their families and such. Just with language alone, they must be conscious of what they say and to whom they say it to. From the very beginning of childhood, they are taught by their culture to be respectful of others, and they grow up to be mature adults. Being able to experience this in their society, I have come to respect and admire their maturity.
Other than what I have gained out of my experiences, I have gained the experiences themselves. My studies of Japanese culture within the last three years have all come from books and from other people, but without experience of pure Japanese culture (not dilated ones Hawaii has called its own), I could only go along with what I was told. After returning to Japan, however, those statements from books and people became truth to me. I was also ignorant of how their culture would affect me. One may learn everything about Japanese culture from books, but only by experiencing their culture in their society, where the reasons behind their cultural behavior are sincerely expressed, can one develop emotional reactions to it. Not knowing this before the trip, I thought my studies would prepare me for any surprises, but I was wrong. It was what I didn't know that surprised me; it was what I hadn't felt before that did. Such is the value of experience and that trip has given me a lot to look back on. I knew that employees of a store would greet their customers with an "irasshaimase," but before this trip, I didn't actually know how it felt to be continually greeted at every store with the same exact phrase. I was surprised to realize that that phrase could elicit such a distinguished feeling in me. It felt great. Just seeing hundreds of businessmen crossing the street amazes me since it's unbelievable that what we read in class became true right before my eyes. Even the train's punctuality deserves recognition because of how each train would go through such difficulty just to be on time. Feelings like these can never be taught to anyone but can only be experienced.
If I had to say what was the greatest of all that I had gained from the trip to Japan, I would have to say that it was the experience. Because of my experiences, I have a more fervid eagerness to learn, I hold Japan in high esteem, and I have reinforced and felt for myself their culture. It has also left me with an intense aching to go back to Japan, not only to practice the language, which hopefully I will have improved by then, but also to experience their culture once more in my life. I would not be the same person as I am right now without this experience and I must thank the Japan-America Society of Hawaii and its sponsors, not out of obligation but out of sincere gratitude, for giving me and my fellow classmates the opportunity to have these memories that we could all look fondly back on. With just these memories alone, I would be content with life."
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"I am finally waking from a wonderful dream," expressed Consul General Masatoshi Muto at his farewell dinner on August 30, 2005. Co-sponsored by the Japan-America Society and 16 other community organizations, nearly 400 guests made their way into the Tapa Ballroom at the Hilton Hawaiian Village to bid farewell to Consul General and Mrs. Masatoshi Muto. Consul General Muto is the 45th Consul General (the Consulate-General of Japan in Honolulu was established in 1885) and has been here in Hawaii for nearly three years. His next post will be Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Japanese Embassy in the Republic of Korea. Danny Kaleikini, Hawaii's Ambassador of Aloha, was the emcee for the evening and led the audience in saying their goodbyes.
Many people gave tribute to Consul General Muto for his service here in the islands, not only on Oahu, but throughout the entire state. The program started with a beautiful hula by Chair Barbara Tanabe to Kealii Reichel's Kauanoeanuhea. Former Governor Ariyoshi also spoke about Consul General Muto, stating that, "Of all the Consul Generals, Consul General Muto is different. He has been concerned with Hawaii and Japan and with what happens in Hawaii. He has gone beyond his duty status." Admiral Van Alford spoke on behalf of Admiral William Fallon, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, and expressed sadness at Consul General Muto leaving Hawaii, but congratulated him on his promotion. "Consul General Muto, you have embraced the military community in Hawaii. You and Mrs. Muto have been the ultimate hosts in welcoming sailors to your home. We express our appreciation for all you've done." Dr. John Henry Felix presented the Consul General with a certificate on behalf of the Consular Corps of Hawaii.
After all remarks had been made, Consul General Muto, heavy with lei, expressed his gratitude for all of the people in the audience, and all who had made his time in Hawaii memorable. "I must take these memories and take a step forward into the future. I am finally waking to reality from a wonderful dream."
The evening closed with a kanpai by Board Member Siegfried Ramler. The farewell dinner was co-sponsored by the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, the East-West Center, Enterprise Honolulu, Friends of the East-West Center, Hawaii Business Roundtable, Hawaii Hotel Association, Hawaii United Okinawa Association, Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Japan-America Institute of Management Science, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Japanese Women's Society, JET Alumni Association, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, Pacific Forum CSIS, United Japanese Society of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii Center for Japanese Studies.
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The Society had the privilege of welcoming back Mr. Glen S. Fukushima, President & CEO of Airbus Japan K.K. to the Hale Koa Hotel on Friday, August 5, 2005. Mr. Fukushima has been a resident of Tokyo since 1990, where he has worked in telecommunications at AT&T, in management consulting at Arthur D. Little, in software at Cadence Design Systems, and in IT at NCR. From 1985 to 1990, he was a senior official at USTR (Office of the U.S. Trade Representative) in Washington D.C., and has also served as Vice President (1993-1997) and President (1998-1999) of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Mr. Fukushima began his informative talk by explaining the historical ties between Japan and Europe. From 1868 to 1945, Europe's influence on Japan was quite strong as Japan modeled itself after European states in its quest for modernization. However, after World War II and the U.S. occupation, Europe's influence began to wane as the United States became Japan's most important ally. This partnership, based on the security agreement between Japan and the U.S., was further reinforced by the Cold War. But, Mr. Fukushima said, "after 60 years this situation is beginning to change, and Europe's importance to Japan is once again on the rise."
Mr. Fukushima gave a number of examples of this. For instance, every year since 1991, the E.U. and Japan have been holding government-level summit meetings with the goal of strengthening E.U.-Japan ties. Some of the major themes of these meetings have been "promoting peace and security," "strengthening economic and trade partnership," "coping with global and societal challenges," and "bringing people and cultures together." These summits have resulted in a variety of initiatives, such as the declaration of 2005 as the year of people to people exchanges between the E.U. and Japan.
Also, since the 1990s, trade between the E.U. and Japan has been growing substantially. Japan is now the fifth largest export market for the E.U., and its fourth largest import market. While inward foreign direct investment is still much lower in Japan than in the E.U. or U.S., Mr. Fukushima informed us that this rate is increasing, and that Prime Minister Koizumi has set the goal of doubling foreign direct investment into Japan within the next five years. This increase in trade and investment has been facilitated by ongoing discussions since 1994 to reduce regulatory barriers between the E.U. and Japan.
Mr. Fukushima then explained how these developments relate to the U.S.-Japan relationship. At the moment, U.S.-Japan relations are said to have never been closer-there are few economic disputes, and there is cooperation at the highest levels of government on issues such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and North Korea. But, Mr. Fukushima said, this is a temporary departure from the overall trend of Japan moving toward diversification. Some Americans may be concerned that Japan's diversification will lead to greater independence from the U.S., but such a "multilateral" engagement by Japan may actually serve to enhance the U.S.-Japan relationship over the longer term. This will be reinforced by a generation of young Japanese who while still heavily influenced by the U.S., are much less emotionally attached to the U.S. than their parents. Mr. Fukushima believes that although the relationship with the U.S. will probably continue into the foreseeable future as the most important one for Japan, it is likely to become less dominant as Japan increasingly strengthens its relationships with other countries, including in Europe and Asia.
A big “mahalo” to Mr. Fukushima for taking the time out of his busy schedule to give us this stimulating and informative speech.
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Our Sister Schools Program, between Uwajima Minami Junior High School and Kawananakoa Middle School, is off to a great start. From July 18 to 23, three Kawananakoa Middle School teachers: Romeo Asuncion, Dale Matsuura, and Garret Yamanaka; Society President Earl Okawa, and Sister Schools Relationship Program Coordinator Matt Ackerman, took a trip to Ehime prefecture to visit Uwajima Minami Junior High School.
On their first day in Uwajima, the Kawananakoa teachers, President Okawa and Matt Ackerman visited Uwajima Minami Junior and Senior High School where they were greeted by the entire student body at the school's end-of-semester assembly. At the school, they visited an English class where students gave them a presentation about the city of Uwajima, followed by a question and answer session about their respective schools and lifestyles. The delegation from Hawaii met with Mayor Ishibashi of Uwajima, and paid their respects at the Ehime Maru Memorial on the Uwajima Fisheries High School campus. All of this was recorded by local news crews and broadcast throughout Ehime. Later that evening, about 40 teachers, staff and parents from Uwajima Minami Junior High School hosted a welcome party for the Hawaii delegation.
The following day the delegation headed to Matsuyama, the capitol of Ehime prefecture. They met with the Ehime Prefectural Board of Education and were able to learn about the Japanese educational system. The group from Hawaii also had the privilege of meeting Governor Kato of Ehime, and the chairman of the Ehime Prefectural Assembly, Mr. Yasuyuki Moritaka. That night, the group enjoyed dinner with members of the Ehime Board of Education, the Ehime Prefectural International Center, and various community leaders.
The next day, everyone returned to Uwajima to witness the spectacular Gaiya Festival. This annual festival is Uwajima's largest, with over 4,000 participants dancing their way down the parade route.
This trip was an important step in establishing the relationship between the two schools. The Kawananakoa teachers learned a great deal on this their first trip to Japan, and are currently preparing for the reciprocal visit by the Uwajima Minami Junior High School teachers to Hawaii in October.
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Eight 11-year old Junior Ambassadors (JAs) represented Hawaii at the 17th Annual Asian- Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka from July 13-27, 2005. During the convention, the kids had the opportunity to interact with other JAs from over 35 different countries along the Pacific Rim. They attended a Global Camp the first week, where they lived in dormitories and took part with the other participants in many activities such as Japanese arts and crafts, a Japanese style sports day, the wearing of traditional Japanese clothing, a cultural performance, where they danced the hula. During the second week, each JA lived with a homestay family in Fukuoka and learned more about Japanese culture through daily workshops in ikebana, tea ceremony, and calligraphy.
Before their trip to Japan, Governor Linda Lingle honored the JAs on July 7th for being selected to participate in the 17th APCC and gave them official proclamations. The Governor shared her experiences in Japan with the kids and the kids told her about what they were looking forward to experience in Japan. After returning from their trip, the JAs were able to meet with Governor Lingle again on August 1st to share their observations and experiences in Japan. Each JA spoke individually about their most memorable experience such as making friends with children from many different countries and the warm welcome they received from their host families. They each shared that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that they all enjoyed their visits.
A special mahalo nui loa to Governor Lingle for taking the time to meet and commend our Junior Ambassadors. JASH would also like to thank JAS Fukuoka for their terrific support, as they greeted our Hawaii group with gifts at the airport and attended cultural performances during the Convention.
Applications for the next APCC are available now and will be due on Janaury 20, 2006 for children born between September 1, 1994 and August 31, 1995. Please contact the Society at 524-4450 or sbarrera@jashawaii.org if you know a child who is interested in applying for this unique and enriching opportunity.
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Changing Dynamics: The Future of Japan's Employer-Employee Relationship was the topic of a breakfast forum co-sponsored by the Society on September 1, 2005 at the Plaza Club. Mr. Katsuyuki Akutagawa of the Nichia Corporation and attorney Yasuhara Nagashima, discussed the famous intellectual property case (Nakamura v. Nichia-2005) and Nichia Corporation's Intellectual Property development.
Mr. Katsuyuki Akutagawa led the presentation and shared his experiences as the General Manager of Nichia Corporation's Intellectual Property department. Mr. Akutagawa has been actively involved in patent prosecution, evaluation, enforcement and licensing for more than thirty years. In his talk, Akutagawa discussed the profits earned by Nichia from its light-emitting diode (LED) development, and how foreign companies have used the LED, sometimes fraudulently. He explained that Nichia Corporation has had to take legal action against several foreign companies because of patent infringement, but currently all the cases in the United States have been settled.
Attorney Yasuhara Nagashima, the "dean" of Japanese lawyers in international commercial practice, continued the presentation by discussing the Nakamura case and its effect on the Japanese public and Nichia corporation. In 1993, a team of corporate researchers at Nichia Chemical Industries led by Mr. Shuji Nakamura successfully developed a blue LED which provides the light in mobile phone screens and traffic signals. Blue LEDs grew into a business generating 120.8 billion yen in profits for Nichia. In accordance with Japanese tradition and company policy, however, Nichia paid Nakamura only $200 in bonuses for his patent. Nakamura quit Nichia in 1999 and sued on the grounds that he had not transferred the patent rights. The lower court held for Nakamura and in 2004 ordered an award of $200 million based on a determination that his contribution was worth 50% of the profits. Nichia Corporation appealed and the case went all the way to the Tokyo High Court where the parties settled for only $8.1 million. The Tokyo High Court reached this determination by deciding that Nakamura's work was part of a team effort and was only made possible through management decisions. They determined that his actual contribution was worth closer to 5% of the profits, rather than 50%.
This discrepancy between what the two courts thought was "reasonable compensation" shocked the Japanese public. Mr. Nagashima stressed the legal ramifications surrounding this case as it highlights the changing nature of the traditional Japanese employeremployee relationship. Japanese companies and individuals are becoming more willing to use litigation to defend their rights.
The 30 guests at the breakfast forum were intrigued with the background of Nichia Corporation, the Nakamura case and the future of Nichia's Intellectual Property and had many questions for the two speakers. Thank you to the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council for co-sponsoring this informative presentation.
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The Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship alumni and current scholarship recipients gathered recently in Hawaii on two occasions. The first occasion was at the farewell banquet for Council General Muto on August 30th.
The second occasion on Saturday, September 10, was for the CPAS Alumni Association's meeting for alumni residing in Hawaii. The meeting served to update alumni on activities over the past year. In addition, the meeting launched a planning committee for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship. The anniversary event is tentatively scheduled to be held during the summer of 2009, and alumni will play an active role in shaping the event.
Attendees (year as scholarship recipient) of the alumni meeting included: Mrs. Rae Tadaki (1977- 1978), Dr. Christine Yano (1991-1992), Mr. Brian Masshardt (1999-2001), Dr. Christopher Bondy (2000- 2002), Dr. Douglas Fuqua (2000-2002), and Mr. Toru Yamada (2003-2005).
Following the meeting, alumni and current scholarship recipients gathered at Maple Garden for a welcome dinner in honor of the newest scholar from Japan, Ms. Mamina Koga. A similar alumni- sponsored welcome dinner for the new University of Hawaii scholars in Japan will be held in Tokyo in early December.
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On August 24, Mr. Masatoshi Muto, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, gave the first lecture in a series on Asia Pacific at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus Architecture auditorium.
In his lecture entitled "Japan and Asian Countries," Consul General Muto discussed the "horizontal relations" between countries in Asia and highlighted their increasing influence over one another as they grow closer and exchange ideas and information from all areas of their respective cultures. He addressed the booming Asian economy and the growth of trade and relations in Asia, which now comprises over half of the world's trade.
Consul General Muto also touched on historical relations between Japan, China and Korea, and theorized that ongoing political reforms will lead to more cooperation among Asian countries. He spoke of challenges facing global security, and stressed the importance of Asian countries working together to actively promote security.
Consul General Muto left in September to take up his next post as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in South Korea. Mahalo, Consul General Muto, for all you did during your time in Hawaii!
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How can we ensure the experiences of World War II in the Pacific will be remembered by future generations, while at the same time strengthening ties of friendship between our two great nations?
The Pacific War Memorial Association exists, in large part, to answer this question. The PWMA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by Alice and Bee Clark, who have led the way for years in educational projects. Its mission is to "support, facilitate, and initiate programs and projects which celebrate, perpetuate, and educate" the public regarding the conflict in the Pacific. PWMA completed its first major project, the construction of the Camp Tarawa Memorial at Parker Ranch in 1998. It then constructed what is now a major Windward Oahu landmark: the Pacific War Memorial at the Marine Corps Base at Kaneohe. This memorial presents histories of both the military units and local Hawaii residents. The association has worked with the Consul General of Japan and JASH to develop educational and "friendship" events. In addition, it has compiled oral histories, photographs, and artifacts regarding WWII activities in Hawaii, which have been displayed in schools, museums and at the Marine Base. The next major initiative is to establish an interactive historical center to house its archives and programs.
Be Aloha embraces the philosophy that a professionally-cut garment should enhance a person's figure for a more comfortable fit. Owner/designer Kei Kinoshita provides local island lifestyle apparel and custom design works that include aloha attire, hula halau outfits, entertainment groups, company uniforms, group outfitting and custom printing. She specializes in simple contemporary styles incorporating island flavors and her passion for quality sets her apart from all others.
Trex Enterprises Corporation (Trex) is a sophisticated research & development firm established in 1978 specializing in developing cutting-edge imaging, laser and communications technologies designed for the government and later commercialized. Today, our government-contracts business continues to focus on ground-breaking technologies to enhance national security and homeland defense. Trex's dualuse incubation strategy is successful at spinning out subsidiaries. To date, we have created seven new venture-funded companies ranging from high-speed communications to airport security solutions. Admiral Tom Fargo, USN (Ret), is Chairman of three of Trex Enterprises' subsidiaries: Sago Systems (novel airport security technologies), Loea Corporation (high-speed, high-bandwidth wireless radios), and SecurPath, Inc. (portable, digital wireless video surveillance systems). The company is headquartered in San Diego, California with offices in New Mexico, Hawaii (Honolulu, Kauai, Maui) and Massachusetts.
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The Founders Circle $4,000 - $15,000
Shiseido of Hawaii
Colleagues $1,000 - $1,500
Kajima Kona Company
Sustaining $1 - $600
Yaeko Habein
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New Corporate Members
The Pacific War Memorial Association - Supporting
Ms. Alice Clark
Col. (Ret) Mike Olson
Mr. John Wheeler
Lt. Col. (Ret) Kerry K. Gershaneck
Trex Enterprises Corporation - Regular
Admiral Thomas B. Fargo
Dr. Kenneth Tang
Corporate Members Upgrades
Hawaii Kimono Cultural Foundation - Supporting
Sachi Hawaii - Donor
Pacific Century Properties LLC
Unicold Corporation - Supporting
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New General Members
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan J. Armstrong - Family
Mr. & Mrs. Charles M. Blandford - Family
Mr. & Mrs. James W. Herman - Family
Mr. Mark A. Levin - Individual
Mr. Cory W. Mitsui - Lifetime
Ms. Judith A. Perry - Family
Mr. & Mrs. Joichi Saito - Lifetime
M. Keith H. Sakuda - Student
Mr. & Mrs. Francis Y. Sogi - Sustaining
Lt. Cdr. Takashi Yamamoto - Family
General Member Upgrades
Dr. & Mrs. James E. Auer - Family
Dr. Douglas Fuqua - Individual
Dr. Gay M. Satsuma - Family
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Statesman $5,000 - $24,999
First Hawaiian Bank
Counselor $1,000 - $4,999
AIG Hawaii Insurance Company
Colliers Monroe Friedlander, Inc.
Joichi Saito
Diplomat $250 - $999
Stanford Carr Development LLC
Akemi Kurokawa
Caroline Matano Yang
Colleague $1 - $249
Brenda Lei Foster
Masayuki Kamaura
Sharon Narimatsu
Beatrice Yamasaki
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