The Hawaii United Okinawa Association recognized 45 individuals as “Uchinanchu of the Year” at its annual installation/”Uchinanchu of the Year” banquet on Jan. 16 at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. The “Uchinanchu of the Year” are honored for their selfless service to their respective club, the HUOA and the larger community. Honored were:

• Leslie Dang Nagamine (Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai)

• The late Douglas Miyasato (Aza Yogi Doshi Kai)

• Frances Yamamoto and Mildred Nagatori (Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai)

• Lori Nakamura Higa (Club Motobu)

• Mildred Kikue Kobashikawa (Gaza Yonagusuku Doshi Kai)

• Thomas Tasato (Ginowan Shijin Kai)

• Misao Yara Asato (Ginoza Sonjin Kai)

• Lyn Uesato-Nishida (Gushichan Sonjin Kai)

• June Tokuda (Gushikawa Shijin Kai)

• Ranko Oshiro (Haebaru Club)

• Ella Tsuneko Miyashiro Teruya (Haneji Club)

• Charles Tsuda and Jean Tsuda (Hawaii Sashiki-Chinen Doshi Kai)

• Cyrus Tamashiro (Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club)

• Gloria Hiranaka (Hui Alu Inc.)

• Michael Ito (Hui Makaala)

• Laura Ajimine and Lillian Hokama (Hui O Laulima)

• Dwayne Miyashiro (Hui Okinawa)

• Chisato “Chili” Takeda (Itoman Shijin Kai)

• Arlene Emi Kuniyoshi and Mamo Kuniyoshi (Kin Chojin Kai)

• Christine Higa (Kitanakagusuku Sonjin Kai)

• Patrice Nagy (Kona Okinawa Kenjin Kai)

• Christine Hondo and Jason Hondo (Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai)

• Helen Ginoza and Edward Ginoza (Nago Club)

• Howard Asato (Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai)

• Goro Arakawa (Nishihara Chojin Kai)

• Stephanie Higa (Okinawa City-Goeku Son)

• Sally Matsumoto (Okinawa Genealogical Society of Hawaii)

• Myrtle Yoshioka (Oroku Azajin Club)

• Toyoko Miyashiro (Osato Doshi Kai)

• Nancy Oshiro (Tamagusuku Club)

• Wilfred Nagamine (Tomigusuku Sonjin Kai)

• Lynn Masuda and Wes Masuda (Urasoe Shijin Kai)

• Shigemasa Tamanaha (Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Kai)

• Roy Higa and Mildred Chibana (Yomitan Club)

• Cassandra Tohara Sherrod (Yonashiro Chojin Kai)

• Lynn Harada and Glenn Hirano (Young Okinawans of Hawaii)

The Japan-America Society of Hawaii celebrated the arrival of the new year with a reception at Washington Place on Jan. 28.

Guests received individual Shinto blessings as well as a good luck amulet by Bishop Daiya Amano and Rev. Jun Miyasaka of the Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii. Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko performed a shishimai and taiko performance.

Opening remarks were given by JASH’s newly elected chairman Sal Miwa and a blessing was offered by Bishop Eric Matsumoto of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Also delivering remarks were JASH director Stanford Carr and Gov. David Ige.

The reception featured a kagamiwari (breaking open of the sake barrel) ceremony by Gov. Ige, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Consul General Yasushi Misawa, JASH chairman Sal Miwa and JASH director Stanford Carr. Consul General Misawa offered the kampai toast.

Prior to his toast, Misawa made reference to Setsubun or “division of seasons,” since the JASH celebration was took place later in the month. Setsubun marks the end of winter and occurs around Feb. 3. On that day, in a custom called mame-maki, people throw and scatter soy beans inside and outside of their homes while saying, “Get goblins out of the house! Invite happiness into the home!” Some people even put on oni (ogre) masks while performing this custom. To illustrate his point, Misawa held up two oni dolls made by his wife, Yoko. A red ogre (Aka Oni) and a blue ogre (Ao Oni).

The event was sponsored by Stanford Carr and Stanford Carr Development LLC and featured dishes from the Mariposa restaurant at Neiman Marcus with beverages from the Kokusai Sake Kai and The Cherry Company.

Yuko O’Reilly was presented the Foreign Minister’s commendation in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Feb. 11 presentation was made by Consul General Yasushi Misawa at the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu.

Mrs. O’Reilly was recognized for her outstanding contributions to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Hawai‘i at the grassroots level.

Yuko O’Reilly’s late husband, Sgt. Maj. Hugh O’Reilly, and the U.S. Army’s 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds” forged a special relationship with orphans of the Holy Family Home in 1949 while the regiment was stationed on Ösaka. They donated funds to the orphanage and helped with repairs and rebuilding. The unit continued to send donations of money, gifts and other items even after returning to the United States. To this day, two Wolfhounds fly to Ösaka every Christmas, where they dress as Santa Claus and give gifts to the children. And, each summer since 1957, two children from the Holy Family Home spend a couple of weeks in Hawai‘i, homestaying with the Wolfhounds and their families and enjoying a Hawai‘i experience.

Mrs. O’Reilly continued to be involved in the program her husband started even after his passing in 2006.

A Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, was signed on March 9 by the presidents of the Japanese, Filipino, Korean and Chinese chambers of commerce. In accordance with the MOU, the four chambers will seek opportunities to work together in areas of business and education and in the preservation and perpetuation of each other’s cultural heritage.

The four chambers were represented by Tyler Tokioka, chairman of the board of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce; Sam Acosta, president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Eddie Flores Jr., president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Daniel Pyun, president of the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce. Hawai’i Gov. David Ige, Consulate General of Japan Yasushi Misawa, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu Walter Paik and Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu Gina Jamoralin witnessed the signing.

The MOU signing ceremony was held in the Platinum Service Club Lounge of the DFS Galleria and provided an opportunity for members of the four chambers to interact and network with one another.

The 41st annual Living Treasures of Hawai‘i™ program, initiated by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, was held on Feb. 13 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom. The program, modeled after the National Living Treasures (Ningen Kokuho) of Japan program, honored five individuals for their sustained contributions toward enriching the community in Hawai‘i. Honored were: Lillian Noda Yajima, Dr. Dennis Masaaki Ogawa, Paul Leland Breese, Muthukumaru Sooriyakumar (Sooriya Kumar) and Dr. Puakea M. Nogelmeier.

Prior to the luncheon, the honorees gathered in the foyer of the ballroom, where they were greeted by well-wishers and presented lots of lei, á la graduation day in Hawai‘i.

Emcee Dennis Sekine introduced each honoree with one-phrase descriptions: Yajima teaches others how to live life fully with joy and enthusiasm. Ogawa was thanked for the stories he shares. Breese shows compassion for animals. Sooriya Kumar is known for his creative energy, and Nogelmeier shares his wisdom of the Hawaiian language with others.

A Hawaiian welcome oli (chant) by Keola Kalani and Lehua Matsuoka opened the day’s events. Pieper Toyama, president of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii kyodan, or membership, delivered opening remarks, and Rev. Yuika Hasebe offered the invocation.

Following lunch, Rev. Tatsuo Muneto, who has served in a number of capacities at various temples within Honpa Hongwanji for the past 50 years, was recognized after announcing his retirement as rimban, or head minister, of the Hawaii Betsuin. In his thank you remarks, Muneto thanked his wife Edna for her tireless efforts and unwavering support while he was a minister. Now, as they help care for their new grandchild, the tables have turned and Muneto promised to now do whatever his wife asks him to do. “It’s the least I can do after all she’s done for me,” he said.

Attentions then turned to the five honorees, each of whom was recognized with a video presentation.

Lillian Yajima, the only honoree born in Hawai‘i, is 95 years old and “demonstrates more energy, passion and creativity than most people half her age,” stated a biographical sketch on her in the program booklet. Yajima is a founding member and former president of the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation and founding member of the Wakaba Kai Sorority at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. Among her community affiliations are the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, the United Japanese Society of Hawaii, Shufu Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Fukuoka Kenjin Kai and Kumamoto Kenjin Kai. Additionally, Yajima shares her knowledge of Japanese manju making, arts and crafts, and is very active and supportive of the Cherry Blossom Festival. In lieu of a thank you speech, Yajima, who leads the Japanese Women’s Society Hula Aloha Ladies, danced “Lovely Hula Hands.”

Dr. Dennis Ogawa was born in the Manzanar War Relocation Center in California. In the program booklet, Ogawa was described as follows: “He creates positive outlooks for shared experiences through storytelling, documentaries, movies and sports in order to help all people to have a better understanding of multi-ethnic relationships and cultural appreciation.” Ogawa is an American Studies professor at UH-Mänoa and is founder and board chair of Nippon Golden Network, a cable station that presents Japanese films and programs. Ogawa is author of numerous books, including “Jan Ken Po: The World of Hawai‘i’s Japanese Americans,” “Kodomo No Tame Ni – For the Sake of the Children” and co-author of “Ellison S. Onizuka: A Remembrance.”

Paul Breese, a Minnesota native, was appointed the Honolulu Zoo’s first director in 1947. In that capacity, he developed the master plan for the construction and acquisition of zoo animals and initiated a number of breeding programs to help propagate various birds and animals such as the koloa (Hawaiian duck), Japanese sacred cranes, birds of paradise, giraffes and Galapagos tortoises. As noted in the booklet, Breese was described as having a “keen intellect, avid curiosity and vast interest in preserving animals in their natural habitat. He supports and mentors those who have an interest in maintaining the delicate balance of nature through education and conservation so that future generations can enjoy them, as well.” Through the Nene Restoration Project, Breese was instrumental in saving Hawai‘i’s state bird, the nënë (Hawaiian goose), from extinction.

Sooriya Kumar “embodies the philosophies of forgiveness and healing and he connects with others through self-reflection. He takes life experiences and transforms them into mantras for compassionate change and unconditional love.” As proprietor of Mouna Farm Arts and Cultural Village in Wai‘anae, Kumar grows organic fruits and vegetables that help feed the hungry. The area also supports tree cultivation and provides community children a place to explore their inner artist and farming skills. Kumar is also a master copper artist and has been commissioned to create several pieces, including the Coat of Arms for His Majesty King Tuheitia, Maori King of New Zealand; a copper bowl to honor U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka at his retirement reception and creating a surfboard to honor surfing legend Buffalo Keaulana. “I see the beauty of art in its purest form,” said Kumar, adding, “since we are all connected to nature, we are all nature.”

Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier “embodies wisdom and compassion by sharing knowledge through mentorship and collaboration.” A professor of Hawaiian language, culture and history, Nogelmeier planned and proposed the UH Institute for Hawaiian Language Research and Translation, now being considered by UH, to implement a system-wide collaborative institute for Hawaiian language research, translation and training. “His deep passion and dedication to the research and translation of Hawaiian writings a century ago has been profoundly critical in the continued revitalization of the Hawaiian language movement,” noted the program booklet.

Since its introduction in 1976, 219 individuals have been recognized as “Living Treasures of Hawai‘i.”

The fifth anniversary of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the Tohoku region of Japan on March 11, 2011, was remembered in Honolulu with a program and reception at the residence of the Consul General of Japan. The Great East Japan Earthquake was the largest quake ever recorded in Japan. Tens of thousands of people lost their homes to the triple disaster — earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant meltdown in Fukushima. Damage estimates have been placed at close to $300 billion.

About 140 guests attended the event. Speakers included the evening’s host, Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa; Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., head of the U.S. Pacific Command; first lady of Hawaii Dawn Amano-Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Also in attendance were people who supported the Tohoku earthquake recovery efforts and representatives of the Honolulu Festival Foundation, which was celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the Honolulu Festival.

The buffet dinner featured sake that had been brewed in Fukushima Prefecture. The post-dinner program began with

JET Program alum John Anbe and HFKK member June Motokawa present a Singapore plumeria tree to Faye Komagata (far right), wife of Bishop Shugen Komagata of the Soto Mission of Hawaii. The tree, symbolizing Hawai‘i’s support for the people of the Fukushima and the Tohoku region, was planted on the temple grounds the next day with Bishop Komagata presiding over the ceremony.

the offering of a prayer by the Rev. Takamasa Yamamura of the Honolulu Myohoji Mission. He concluded by singing his rendition of “Ave Maria.” Japan Exchange and Teaching Program alumnus Jaime Gusman Tateyama, who worked in the JET program in Iwaki City, spoke of the many challenges that still lie ahead for the people in Tohoku. Tateyama said a new and brighter Tohoku is being born, thanks to the determination of its residents and support from around the world.

The Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai and Miyagi Kenjin Kai presented a Singapore plumeria tree to Faye Komagata of the Soto Mission of Hawaii to be planted on the temple grounds, just a few doors away from the consulate. The tree will symbolize the “new Tohoku” that JET alumnus Tateyama referenced. It is hoped that the tree’s growth will inspire the rebuilding of the Tohoku region at an even faster pace. And when the tree begins to blossoms, it will serve as a reminder of the culture and spirit of revitalization. The program ended with Fukushima Kenjin Kai member Keiko Tanaka singing the famous Tohoku song, “Hana wa Saku,” accompanied by eight Moanalua High School Japanese language students.

The banquet room was decorated with flowers that had been shipped in from the three hardest-hit prefectures — Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate — by HFKK members Nobuko Kida, an ikebana sensei, and Henry Nagatomo from Flore 21 Florist.

The next morning, March 11, HFKK members and guests gathered at the Soto Mission of Hawaii, where they placed the Singapore plumeria tree into the ground with the understanding that the site, symbolic of Fukushima, will require care, support and annual visits to remember those who lost their lives and honor those who remain to rebuild. The Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai plans to preserve its ties with the people of Fukushima and provide whatever support they can in the effort to revitalize Fukushima.

On March 31, Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Alexis Okihara drew the winners of the 33rd “Name the Cherry Blossom Festival Queen” contest, sponsored by The Hawai‘i Herald and Hawaii Hochi.

Elaine Higaki of Mänoa was the first prize winner of a round-trip for two to wherever Island Air flies in Hawai‘i, courtesy of Island Air. The second prize winner was Myra Maedo-Malaga of Marina, Calif., who won a buffet dinner for four people, courtesy of Pagoda Floating Restaurant. Third prize winner Sachiko Morikawa of Mililani won a gift basket from Larry’s Bakery.

The Herald thanks all of our contest sponsors for their support.

Third prize winner Sachiko Morikawa (left) with Larry’s Bakery owner Iris Yafuso-Toguchi.

David Uchiyama, chief commercial officer of Island Air, with first prize winner Elaine Higaki.

The Shufu Society of Hawaii’s golden (50th) anniversary installation luncheon was held March 20 in the Grand Ballroom of the Halekulani hotel. A general membership meeting was held prior to the luncheon. A korosho award for longtime commitment and service was presented to immediate past president Ann Kobayashi. The sotsujyu award to those attaining the age of 90 was presented to Sachiko Chinen. Ten new members were introduced and presented with rose bouquets.

The officers were installed by Circuit Judge Edward Kubo. They are Keiko Arikawa, president; Setsuko Szabo and Shigeyo Tanaka, vice presidents; Keiko Kuroki, Japanese secretary; Hatsumi Campbell, English secretary; Yoshiko Nishihira, treasurer; Kazuko Tarumi, assistant treasurer; and Mutsu Johnson and Rumiko Knight, internal auditors.

Prior to the lunch, Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa offered a kampai toast. The Rev. Takamasa Yamamura of the Honolulu Myohoji Mission delivered the invocation.

The entertainment portion of the program included a fashion show titled, “Simply Elegant,” featuring the designs of Jeanie Chun. Pianist Lisa Nakamichi, founding artistic director of the Aloha International Piano Festival, performed compositions by Mozart, Schubert, Debussy, Kozaburo Hirai and Gershwin. Nakamichi and Rev. Yamamura, who also is a classically trained opera singer, performed a song together.

The East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai held its 49th annual meeting and shinnenkai on Feb. 28 at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin’s Sangha Hall. Highlighting the event were the introduction of the 2016 Beiju honorees — those who were born in 1928 and have already turned, or will turn, 88 years old this year — and the announcement of two scholarships being offered by the Kenjin Kai.

Thirteen members were presented certificates from the East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai and a commemorative citation from Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki. Recognized were: Fumiko Hakoda, Emiko Hamakawa, Susan Hashimoto, Kiyoko Imada, Larry Isemoto, Sue Johnson, Kazue Kaide, Yoshiko Kaisen, Taeko Kunimitsu, Wallis Nagareda, Yoshimi Nakayama, Norma Samson and Clara Yanabu.

The East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai is offering $1,000 scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their post high school education this fall. Applicants must be a senior at any East Hawaii public or private high school and must enroll full-time (12 or more credits) at an accredited college or university for the 2016-2017 academic year. The scholarship is available to the children or grandchildren of East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai members only.

Members of the Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai came together at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, for their annual general membership meeting and shinnen enkai. Special guests included former Hawai‘i Gov. George Ariyoshi, whose family roots are in Fukuoka, and his wife Jean; Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and his wife Yoko; and state Sen. Brian Taniguchi, who visited Fukuoka for the first time last year after learning that his maternal grandfather had emigrated from prefecture. Taniguchi also offered the day’s kampai toast.

The program began with a moment of silence to remember kenjinkai member Floyd Shiraishi, who passed away recently.

The kenjinkai had a busy 2015, participating in their own activities as well as those of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii, of which the Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai is a member.

Attendees also listened as 11-year-old Ashley Tsutsumi reported on her “Short Stay” visit to Fukuoka. “I had a great experience,” said the Niu Valley Middle School sixth grader. She said she enjoyed meeting with participants from countries such as Colombia and Canada and visiting Nakashogakko.

Of the 112,000 people in Hawai‘i who identify themselves as Buddhists, approximately 20,000 are members of Japanese temples. The remaining 92,000 people belong to other Buddhist organizations, or simply think of themselves as being Buddhists without any ties to a specific group. In the United States as a whole, over 2.2 million people are Buddhists, which means that Hawai‘i’s Buddhist population makes up only 5 percent of the Buddhists nationwide.

These statistics clearly demonstrate that there is a huge Buddhist community outside of Japanese Buddhist congregations in our state and nation, and any discussion about Buddhism’s place in our society needs to be set in this wider context.

This is exactly what will happen at the Hawai‘i Book and Music Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, on the Honolulu Civic Center grounds. On May 1, 19 panelists will explore diverse aspects of the Buddhist community in Hawai‘i. Co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities and BDK Hawai‘i, each of the following panels will begin with comments from the panelists. The audience will then be invited to participate in an informal, talk-story exploration of the many, sometimes surprising, facets of Buddhism in Hawai‘i.

The MIS (Military Intelligence Service) Veterans Club installed its 2016 officers and 2016 and 2017 directors at its shinnenkai on Jan. 24 at the Dole Cannery Ballroom. Lt. Col. James B. Cogbill installed the officers. Lawrence Enomoto was installed as president. Supporting him will be first vice president George Arine, second vice president Glen S. Arakaki, secretary Karen Aoyama Kikukawa, treasurer Gale Kumasaki Wilson and auditor Harry Kawaoka. Serving as 2016 directors are James Moy, Gregg Hirata, Kenzo Kanemoto, Mark Matsunaga and David Sakai. The 2017 directors will be Ted Tsukiyama, Yoshinobu Oshiro, Annie Inouye and Sherman Takao.

Cogbill told the banquet attendees that the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade’s new headquarters building at Schofield Barracks was dedicated last November in the name of one of their own — MIS veteran Harry Fukuhara. A kibei-nisei from California, Fukuhara was one of the early MIS inductees. His family would be separated by the war. A retired Army colonel, Fukuhara was inducted into the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame in 1988. Fukuhara decided to live out his life in Hawai‘i, where he died in the spring of 2015.

Dr. Ellen Sawamura, a licensed clinical psychologist and member of the San Francisco-based National Japanese American Historical Society’s board of directors was the guest speaker at the banquet. She spoke about the NJAHS’ MIS Historic Learning Center, which was built in the refurbished Building 640, a former airplane hangar that was converted into the first home of the MIS language school. Building is located along Crissy Field in the Presidio of San Francisco. Gaye Miyasaki, the Hawai‘i representative for NJAHS, followed Sawamura, speaking about donating to the center.

All of the MIS veterans at the banquet were presented a rice paddle inscribed with the logo of the MIS Veterans Club. The rice paddles were donated by Jenelle Henderson and her sons, Luke and Logan, who were inspired by the MIS story as told to them by retired Gen. Eric Shinseki, and wanted to show their appreciation to each veteran.

Deigo Club members gathered at Masa’s Cafeteria on March 13 for the club’s 67th annual shinnen enkai. The late afternoon program began with the observance of a moment of silence in memory of deceased members.

It has been 67 years since the Deigo Club chose Okinawa’s deigo flower as the name for their club. The Deigo Club was established in 1949 by kibei-nisei of Okinawan ancestry. Meetings and social gatherings were held at the old Waialae Shogakko. Today, most of the club members are shin-issei, new immigrants from Okinawa who settled in Hawai‘i after World War II. Although Hawai‘i is now their home, they maintain their ties to Okinawa through cultural programs and friendships.

The shinnenkai program featured Okinawan music by Grant “Sandaa” Murata and Kenton Odo, both teachers of Afuso Ryu sanshin; koto by Yasuko Arakawa-Sensei, the club’s president, and her students; and sanshin students Mark and Hanae Higa. Deigo Club members also shared performed Okinawan group and individual dances.

Members of the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai held their annual membership meeting and shinnen enkai on March 13 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s Manoa Grand Ballroom. Attendees were greeted with a sip-size sample of Kamotsuru Gold Sake, a Hiroshima-brewed sake, and the thunderous taiko sounds of Dragonbeat.

HHKK president Wayne Miyao presided over the general meeting, calling on the various committee chairs to report on their respective areas of responsibility.

The Hiroshima Goodwill Ambassadors (from left) Nanako Sakata, Moena Kawasaki and Rie Yamashita sing “Hiroshima Kibun.”

Co-treasurer Thomas Sakamoto thanked members for their donations, which has left the club in good financial health. Ehime Maru Memorial clean-up co-chair Ken Saiki reported that 17 members turned out for the April 5 clean-up of the memorial at Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park and for the Hiroshima Torii in Mö‘ili‘ili. Saiki said the two times a year that HHKK members clean the memorial is “a fitting tribute to the nine who died” in the collision between the Ehime Maru and the USS Greeneville in February 2001. Picnic co-chair Peter Kobayashi reported on the club’s 2015 summer picnic. His priceless moment was watching those members needing walkers participating enthusiastically in the “golden harvest” of vegetables. This year’s picnic will be held Sunday, Aug. 14, at Ala Moana Park, Area 9.

Megumi Honami, who co-chaired the HHKK’s okonomiyaki booth at the JCCH ‘Ohana Festival, reported that the club sold 892 okonomiyaki this year — a 40 percent increase over last year’s total. Okonomiyaki is pancake-like dish containing a variety of seafood, meat and vegetables. The kenjinkai was fortunate to have had an okonomiyaki master chef come from Tökyö to assist in the production. Honami also acknowledged Hiroshima’s Otafuku Sauce Company for its donation of the sauce for the festival favorite. Twenty-five student volunteers from Moanalua and Roosevelt high schools bolstered the kenjinkai’s labor crew. This year also marked a major milestone for HHKK, selling a grand total of 10,000 okonomiyaki over the 14 years that the club has been making and selling okonomiyaki for the ‘Ohana Festival.

Nancy Shimamoto received the 2016 Outstanding Member award from president Wayne Miyao. (Photo by B. Saigusa)

Proceeds from the sale are used primary for educational purposes, such as to fund college scholarships and the student exchange program.

Student exchange/scholarship co-chair Sandra Ishihara-Shibata reported on Arianna KirschenBaum’s trip to Hiroshima, which was underwritten by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government. Arianna was unable to attend the shinnen kai, but she submitted a report that Ishihara-Shibata read to the audience. In it, the Punahou School student called the experience to travel to Hiroshima “a truly amazing experience” that enabled her to meet her aunt, as well as students from other parts of the world. The students visited with Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki. She said she danced hula for a cultural presentation and enjoyed her homestay in Fukuyama, where she attended the Fukuyama Matsuri. Arianna also visited the Hiroshima Peace Museum, the Otafuku Museum, Mazda Factory, witnessed a kagura performance and saw the roaming deer in Miyajima. “It was just a great learning experience,” she concluded.

Ishihara-Shibata also announced that the kenjinkai’s $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Sean Yamamoto, a graduate of Mid-Pacific Institute, who is attending Washington State University.

Afuso Ryu sanshin sensei Grant “Sandaa” Murata (far left) and Kenton Odo (far right) and sanshin students Hanae and Mark Higa performed several songs for Deigo Club members.

HHKK president Wayne Miyao said it has been an honor and a privilege to lead the kenjinkai. He said the opportunity to work with so many members in preserving, perpetuating and promoting the culture of Hiroshima has been one of his most cherished memories. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Hawai‘i-Hiroshima Sister-State relationship and an “ambitious” schedule of events and activities is planned. A delegation from Hawai‘i plans to travel to Hiroshima this year to celebrate the milestone with their “cousins” there. Miyao encouraged the members to continue being Hiroshima goodwill ambassadors of aloha and to work at strengthening partnerships and relationships between Hawai‘i and Hiroshima.

Kampai were offered by Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa and state Sen. Brian Taniguchi, who has ancestral roots in Hiroshima.

The kenjinkai’s 2015 outstanding member award was presented to Darek Sato. The 2016 award, a mounted okonomiyaki spatula, was presented to Nancy Shimamoto.

Also recognized during the program were three members who are celebrating their 80th birthday this

Ryuko Kai members performing the dance “Hana.”

year. They are: Laura Fumie Amimoto, Charlotte Matsue Yamashiro and Kate Kitako Yashima. They were presented certificates of commendation that had been prepared by Hiroshima Gov. Yuzaki and sent to Hawai‘i.

Entertainment was presented by Cheryl Sora and her Honolulu Wind Ensemble Flute Choir; Megumi Honami, who sang a song; and Alyssa Fujihara, who performed a classical Japanese dance.

The guests were also entertained by 2015 Hiroshima Goodwill Ambassadors Nanako Sakata, Moena Kawasaki and Rie Yamashita, who serenaded the group with their uplifting “Hiroshima Kibun” rendition and a Begin/Keali‘i Reichel arrangement of “Nada Sousou.” This year marks the 51^st goodwill visit to Hawai‘i by representatives of the Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hiroshima’s Tourism Promotion Department. The delegation from Hiroshima was scheduled to participate in the Honolulu Festival parade through Waikiki later that afternoon.

The shinnenkai concluded with immediate past president Robert Nagao leading everyone in a festive tejime.

Close to 500 World War II Nisei veterans, their families and friends turned out for the 442nd Veterans Club’s 73rd anniversary banquet at the Pacific Beach Hotel on April 10. About 60 of the attendees were Nisei veterans, most of whom had served in the 442nd. The banquet, which was co-chaired by 442nd daughter, Mae Isonaga, and son, Irwin Yoshino, was also attended by visitors from Bruyeres, France, which the 100th/442nd liberated in World War II. Several elected officials in attendance presented proclamations and certificates to club president William Thompson. They included Gov. David Ige, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

The 442nd Veterans Club presented a Kansha (appreciation) Award to the Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, who, for many years, shared meaningful words about remembrance and camaradie in his invocations at 442nd events. Fujitani was not present to accept the award in person.

The 442nd Veterans Club officers were introduced during the banquet. They are: William Thompson, president; Melvin Kaneshige, first vice president; Genro Kashiwa, second vice president; Takashi “Bolo” Shirakata, treasurer; and Shiroku “Whitey” Yamamoto, secretary. Except for Kaneshige, all of the officers served in the 442nd.

The banquet’s keynote address was delivered by Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific, who was assigned a new command in Korea earlier this month. The text of Gen. Brooks’ speech follows on Page 5.

Gov. David Ige presents a prtoclamation to 442nd Veterans Club president
William Thompson.

Mark Matsunaga, who serves on the board of directors of the Pacific Historic Parks, shared information about plans for this December’s commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Matsunaga, the son a World War II Military Intelligence Service veteran who passed away only a few months ago, noted that there were some 400,000 Japanese Americans living in the territory of Hawai‘i on Dec. 7, 1941, and that the 298th and 299th Regiments of the Hawai‘i National Guard were already in service defending Hawai‘i and the United States on that day 75 years ago. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese American soldiers in those two regiments and a few others were merged into one segregated unit that came to be known as the Hawaiian Provisional Infantry, and, subsequently, the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate).

Commemoration activities for the 75th anniversary will be held from Dec. 1 through 11, and will include a special luncheon banquet on Monday, Dec. 5, to honor veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service. Details will be released at a later date.

The banquet was emceed by Ken Inouye, son of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who served in the 442nd RCT. He revealed some of the thoughts his father shared with him in their moments together. Ken recalled driving his dad home from a function after he had been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award for valor. A speaker at the function had referred to the Nisei as “the greatest generation” — a term broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw coined to describe the sacrifice and service of the World War II generation. “You know, I don’t think we’re ‘the greatest generation,’” Sen. Inouye said. Ken said he was taken aback by his father’s comment and asked him what he meant. “Because we can’t be the greatest generation,” his father replied. “America is about always improving on itself . . . . If you’re the greatest generation, it doesn’t get any better.”

The Honouliuli National Monument in Kunia on O‘ahu was recently documented by Mid-Pacific Institute students, thanks to a partnership with CyArk and support from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service and the Japanese American Confinement Sites Program.

The Honouliuli documentation was one of many projects undertaken in teacher Heather Calabro’s elective class on historical preservation. The class fulfills a social studies and technology credit and is offered to juniors and seniors. Students learn how to use a Faro laser scanner, which allows them to digitally preserve historically significant artifacts in 3D, with up to 1mm accuracy.

CyArk is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2003. Its mission is to ensure that heritage sites are available to future generations before they are “lost to natural disasters, destroyed by human aggression or are ravaged by the passage of time,” as stated on its website.

Landmarks and heritage sites are digitally mapped and information and other resource materials are incorporated into website pages so that the public, especially students, can learn more about them. Among the projects that can be viewed on the CyArk website are the Hopi Petroglyph Sites, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Xochicalco in Mexico, the Assyrian Collection of the British Museum in Iran, the Eastern Qing Tombs in China and the Parthenon in Greece.

MPI president Dr. Paul Turnbull had a working relationship with CyArk prior to joining the school. When he became president in 2012, he resumed his relationship with CyArk with the goal making MPI a CyArk Technology Center. It involves forming a partnership between CyArk and an education institution in which a curriculum is developed and integrated with a partner institution. Students learn the same skill set that professionals learn and the projects foster sustainability of CyArk’s digital preservation mission. The technology centers also create a venue to share the cultural information with the general public.

“There is always a relationship between culture, community and history,” Turnbull said, adding that such programs allow schools to “move from traditional to progressive education.”

The documentation of Honouliuli involved conducting research at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, an on-site visit to Honouliuli, where students looked for artifacts, took photographs and kept journals about their experience.

The students sent information taken from scans of the site and historic photographs to CyArk, which then created a three-dimensional model of what the structures looked like.

The students prevented their findings and project work at a public event on April 20. Senior John Yen shared what he and other classmates did at Honouliuli. He said their research and site visit enabled them to experience Honouliuli for themselves, and that “the experience will last with them forever.”

Senior Samantha Komiyama and junior Troy Owens, who did not join the class until after the Honouliuli project, explained the logistics of 3D technology. One of their current projects is the scanning of the coronation pavilion at ‘Iolani Palace.

The event was attended by first lady of Hawai‘i Dawn Amano-Ige, who was an educator prior to becoming first lady; CyArk board member John Ristevski; Rebecca Rinas of the National Park Service; and Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i volunteers Jane Kurahara and Betsy Young, who were instrumental in identifying, documenting and evaluating a plan to preserve the Honouliuli confinement site.

“The students will remember Honouliuli because of how in-depth the experience was,” Calabro said, adding that for any project, students must make it something personal, visit the site, connect with it and make it a part of their life.

To learn more about the class and to view more student projects, visit www.midpac.edu/preservation. Other CyArk projects can be viewed at cyark.org.

Applications are being accepted for Hui O Laulima’s 2017 Cultural Grant program. The prospective grant projects/activities and expenditure of grant monies must take place during the 2017 January-December calendar year. Applications are due by Aug. 31, 2016.

Hui O Laulima has been awarding grants and scholarships since 1984. To date, the organization has awarded more $158,000 for projects aimed at preserving, perpetuating and promoting Okinawan culture. In the spirit of laulima, which is Hawaiian for “giving a helping hand,” Hui O Laulima awards grants to individuals and groups with a same desire.

The criteria for selection include:

• Interest in the study, perpetuation and promotion, including goodwill projects, of Okinawan culture (music, dance, art or other forms of artistic expressions), language and history;
• Leadership ability;
• Community service;
• Acceptance to study under a recognized instructor of Okinawan culture, language and/or history;
• Participation in programs for the promotion and perpetuation of Okinawan culture;
• Financial need;
• Overall potential for success;
• Clarity of goal(s); and
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives.
• Grant monies cannot be used to purchase costumes, equipment and/or supplies for personal use.

Inquiries and/or requests for application forms can be directed to Karen Fuse, committee chair, at
kcfuse@hawaii.rr.com or call (808) 735-4523.

Members of the Sumie Society of Hawaii wrapped up their 14th annual exhibition at Honolulu Hale with a celebratory luncheon at Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room. The members’ India ink and Japanese art drawings were on display at Honolulu Hale from April 18 through 29.

Sachie Saigusa-Sensei, who, at age 89, still teaches the group, recognized six students with certificates of achievement. Georgette Deemer, city deputy managing director, also presented a certificate to Saigusa-Sensei, recognizing her longtime dedication to her students and the art of sumie.

Saigusa-Sensei (far left) and Yoko Misawa (in kimono), wife of Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa, with recipients of the outstanding achievement certificates (from left): Saigusa-Sensei, Machiko Muratsuchi, Mitsuko Hashimoto, Misawa, Aileen Okamoto, Jennifer Yagi, Yoshiko Tsujihara and Ayako Soenen.

The members of Jimpu Kai Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho, Hawaii Shibu, hosted “An Evening of Asia-Pacific Cuisine” at Kapi‘olani Community College’s Ka‘ikena Fine Dining Restaurant on April 21. Jimpu Kai artistic director Cheryl Yoshie Nakasone-Sensei described 2015 as “a milestone year for us,” highlighted by Jimpu Kai USA’s performance of Ryükyüan classical dance and kumiwudui — or kumi odori (classical Okinawan dance dramas) — at the Kokuritsu Gekijö (National Theater Okinawa) in Okinawa. This year marks Jimpu Kai’s 40th anniversary as an Okinawan dance school.

Jimpu Kai student Corey Zukeran said it was a great experience to perform at the Kokuritsu Gekijo. For many in the school, it was their first experience performing in Okinawa, the motherland of the art. Jimpu Kai’s performance also marked the first time in many years that the Shuri style of kumi odori was performed in Okinawa. Shuri, now a district of Naha City, was once the capital of the Ryükyü Kingdom.

While in Okinawa, the students paid their respects at the grave of Kin Ryosho-Sensei, who taught and inspired Nakasone-Sensei. Kin-Sensei was known for his kumi odori dances. Nakasone-Sensei said she plans to continue working on projects to perpetuate Kin-Sensei’s legacy.

The fundraising event featured food creations — salads, main dishes and desserts — by Chefs Grant Sato and Warren Uchida of KCC’s Culinary Arts Program. Students in Uchida’s Asia-Pacific cuisine class prepared all of the dishes, including a few Okinawan favorites, such as goya champuru, a bittermelon, tofu and egg stir-fry. The entertainment portion of the program featured dances by Jimpu Kai members, the ‘ukulele duo of Honoka and Azita and songs by Kaweo Kanoho from Hilo, who sometimes performs with the Hawaii Opera Theatre.

Members of the Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu (chapter) celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding with a concert of all eight schools/member-clubs on April 10 at the Hawaii Okinawa Center.

The Hawaii Shibu’s eight member-clubs and their kaishu (teacher) are: Arakawa Yasuko Aki no Kai (Yasuko Arakawa), Yamashiro Yoneko Sokyoku Kenkyu Kai (Yoneko Yamashiro Edmondson), Jane Kaneshiro Sozan Kai (Jane Tamae Kaneshiro), Kaya Sokyoku Kyoshitsu (Diane Hatsuko Kaya), Chieko Miyasato Sokyoku Kai (Chieko Miyasato), Miyashiro Soho Kai (Bonnie Naomi Miyashiro), Toma Toyoko Sokyoku Kai (Sharon Toyoko Toma) and Sunny Tominaga Sanyuu Kai (Sunny Tominaga).

The Hawai‘i chapter schools were joined by members of the honbu (main school) in Okinawa and the Los Angeles shibu. The opening seishö (medley) featured an impressive 43 koto playing in unison like a symphony. Amazingly, the performers had only one complete preconcert rehearsal together. The concert program featured several medleys of songs. Some of them were performed with uta sanshin (playing sanshin and singing simultaneously), küchö (Okinawan fiddle), fwansö (flute) and/or taikö (drum). There were even some Okinawan dance numbers.

The audience also had a chance to listen to original cassette recordings of the first Hawaii Shibu officers performing — Shizuko Kiyabu-Sensei, Nae Nakasone-Sensei, Yoshiko Kawakami-Sensei and Otoyo Izumigawa-Sensei. Bonnie Miyashiro-Sensei gave a brief explanation of each song and key parts that the audience should pay special attention to while listening to the recordings.

A dentatsushiki (awards ceremony) was held after the intermission. Receiving their shihan (master instructor) certificates were Derek Fujio (Jane Kaneshiro Sozan Kai), Kazuko Ito (Toyoko Toma Sökyoku Kai), Sara Nakatsu (Miyashiro Soho Kai), Kazumi Iho (Miyasato Chieko Sökyoku Kai) and Ruth Oshiro (Miyashiro Soho Kai). Receiving their kyoshi (instructor) certificates were Kathy Shigemura (Miyashiro Soho Kai) and James Edmonson (Yamashiro Yoneko Sökyoku Kenkyü Kai).