JASH Japan Day Spring 2025

On April 29, 2025, JASH held its Spring Japan Day program, generously sponsored by the McInerny Foundation and the Freeman Foundation. Approximately 180 students from Damien Memorial School, Hawaii Baptist Academy, Kalaheo High School, Kauai High School, Maui High School, Radford High School, St. Joseph School, and Waiakea High School gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s Generations Ballroom to enjoy a day of cultural activities. Held twice a year, Japan Day is JASH’s longest-running educational program and is offered free of charge to middle and high schools across Hawaii. Since its inception in 1993, over 8,400 students from 70 different public and private schools have participated in this enriching program. Generous support from the McInerny Foundation has allowed JASH to expand Japan Day’s reach to more schools, positively impacting a greater number of students. Additional funding from the Freeman Foundation enabled more neighbor island schools to participate as well.

(L-R) Students gather for the Opening Ceremony; Welcome remarks by Deputy Consul General Hiroki Haruta; Taiko performance by members from Taiko Center of the Pacific

The program began with welcome remarks by JASH Director of Membership and Programs Lila Frisbie. JASH was also honored to welcome Deputy Consul General Hiroki Haruta, who shared his greetings and support for the event. A dynamic taiko performance and demonstration by members of the Taiko Center of the Pacific followed, energizing the audience and setting a lively tone for the day. Following the opening ceremony, students attended four of eight cultural sessions presented by more than 30 volunteer experts. The hands-on workshops included bon dance, calligraphy, hanafuda (Japanese playing cards), ikebana (flower arranging), karate, soroban (Japanese abacus), tea ceremony, and yukata. After the Japan Day program, neighbor island students from the Big Island, Kauai, and Maui received private gallery tours of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s exhibit, Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you. These students also explored other notable sites on Oahu, including Byodo-In Temple, Don Quijote, and STIX Asia before returning to their respective islands.

(L–R) Students try bon dance moves and steps; Students practice calligraphy strokes.

(L-R) Students learn how to play hanafuda; Students explore the basics of ikebana

Japan Day offers students a hands-on introduction to traditional Japanese arts and culture, reinforcing and enriching what they learn in the classroom. One student from Waiakea High School shared in the post-program survey, “It was an amazing experience. I had a lot of fun and I'm glad I got to have the opportunity to actually do the Japanese activities I've never had the time to try.” The program highlights how cultural traditions can influence and enhance lives across societies. Through engaging in a variety of activities, students gained fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.

(L-R) Students learn some karate moves; Students learn how to use the soroban

(L-R) Students learn about the art of tea ceremony from members of the Urasenke Foundation Hawaii; Students try on yukata

JASH extends its sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors of Japan Day: the McInerny Foundation and the Freeman Foundation. A heartfelt mahalo also goes to the dedicated volunteer experts who made the program possible: Ms. Lydia Morikawa and members of Hawaii Shin Kobukai (bon dance); Ms. Tsugumi Hasebe of Toka Shodo Calligraphy (calligraphy); Ms. Helen Nakano and members of Hanafuda Hawaii (hanafuda); Ms. Dawn Kanno and family of MOA Hawaii (ikebana); Mr. Jordan Silva of Japan International Karate Center (karate); Mr. Hideaki Oshima and Mrs. Yasuko Oshima of Araki Hiroya Soroban School (soroban); Mr. Hitoshi Murata and members of the Urasenke Foundation (tea ceremony); and Ms. Mutsuko Narumi and former members of the UH Kimono Project (yukata). JASH also thanks the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii for providing private gallery tours of the Okage Sama De exhibit for the neighbor island students.