The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii, based in Hilo, honored three “cultural treasures” at its biennial “Bunka no Hi,” or Japanese Culture Day program, on Nov. 18 at the Sangha Hall. The event was themed “Okage Sama De,” an often-used Japanese phrase of gratitude meaning “I am what I am because of you.”

Honored as cultural treasures were: Wailea Mochi Pounding Festival founder Akiko Masuda; judö sensei (teacher) Ronald Takeya, who has been practicing the martial art for over four decades; and 99-year-old Takayoshi Kanda, who is known in the community as the “Keeper of the Waiakea Tsunami Clock.”

The day of cultural activities began with an omikoshi (portable Shintö shrine) parade along Kïlauea Avenue to the Sangha Hall. Former Hawai‘i governor George Ariyoshi and his wife Jean were the parade’s grand marshals. The governor led a “talk story” session later in the day.

JCAH was established 45 years ago to promote and perpetuate Japanese culture and arts in East Hawai‘i and to foster international relationships with Japanese citizens and organizations.

The 65th Chrysanthemum Festival, a Maui Japanese tradition that raises funds for scholarships and the historical preservation programs of its sponsor, Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans, will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku. Teens from five Maui high schools are vying for the Chrysanthemum Festival crown.

Exhibits and entertainment will begin at 4:30 p.m., dinner is at 6 and the program starts at 7. Admission to the festival is free — tickets for the dinner are $15 each.

The contestant who raises the most money through ticket sales will be crowned the festival queen. This year’s contestants are:

• Kristi Echiverri, 17, of Kahului, a senior at Maui High School and the daughter of Laura and Lucky Echiverri.

• Sokha Furumoto, 16, of Ha‘ikü, junior at St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Laurie and Wesley Furumoto.

• Paige Maki Nagahama, 17, of Wailuku, a senior at Seabury Hall and the daughter of Paula Diep and Hank Rapoza.

• Jaelynn Nobriga, 17, of Kahului, a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui and the daughter of James “Jay” Nobriga and Wendy Nobriga.

• Makaylen Tadeo, 16, a junior at King Kekaulike High School and the daughter of Bobbie-Jo Moniz-Tadeo and Ricardo Tadeo Jr.

For ticket or event information, or to contribute to a contestant’s efforts, call Leonard Oka at 249-2163 or 385-7670. Oka is the president of Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans. He is co-chairing the event with Gary Nakama, a past president of the group. Proceeds will support the Sons and Daughters’ historical preservation projects, which are done for the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, and annual scholarships.

The United Japanese Society of Hawaii honored 26 Nikkei celebrating their 80th birthday this year with a festive party on Sept. 23 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s Manoa Grand Ballroom. The event, UJSH’s annual Nenchosha Ian Engei Taikai (Senior Citizens Festival), is held in conjunction with Japan’s observance of “Respect for the Aged Day,” which is a national holiday. The birthday honorees were treated to a buffet lunch and a program of Japanese and Okinawan music and dance.

A lively shishimai performance by Hawaii Okinawa Creative Arts opened the program. It was followed by the Japanese classical dance “Matsu,” meaning “pine,” which was performed by Onoe Kikunobukazu (Howard Asao) of the Kikunobu Dance Company. In Japanese tradition, the pine tree symbolizes long life. Mitsuko Toguchi Nakasone-Sensei and Diana Kawaguchi of the Lanakila Okinawa Nenchosha Club performed the auspicious Okinawan dance, “Kajadifu Bushi.”

UJSH president Sheree Tamura welcomed the honorees and their families and friends to the UJSH’s 43rd annual nenchosha program. Each year, UJSH asks the various O‘ahu kenjinkai, senior citizen clubs and community centers to identify its octogenarians and submit their names so that UJSH can recognize them at the Nenchosha Festival.

The honorees were introduced individually during the program and presented a certificate. They also had their picture taken with UJSH president Tamura and 2017 Cherry Blossom Queen Heather Omori.

Gary Simon represented Gov. David Ige in offering a congratulatory message to the honorees. Messages were also shared by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and then-Consul General of Japan Yasushi Misawa.

The 2017 honorees were: Barbara Akamine, Stanley Balbuena, Norma Hirata, Jean Ige, Wallace Inouye, Irene Ishiyama, Takako Jenkins, Ethel Kawahara, Chizuko Kawaji, Ann Kobayashi, Donald Koga, Eleanor Miyasaki, Carl Nakamura, Grace Onuma, Nobuko Oshiro, Emmie Otake, Franklin Otake, Elaine Silva, Beatrice Sonoda, Keiko Suzuki, Sachiko Takahashi, Clara Takiguchi, Teruko Towata, Melvin Watarai, Keiko Yoshinaga and Daniel Zukemura,

UJSH past president and current member Ann Kobayashi represented her fellow octogenarians in thanking the United Japanese Society for recognizing them on reaching their eighth decade of life.

UJSH past president Clyde Matsumoto delivered the congratulatory banzai to the honorees.

The program closed with UJSH president Sheree Tamura and the Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai dancing a lively “Matanashi Dayo Jinsei Wa.”

This year’s festival was chaired by UJSH member Karen Kuba-Hori.

Shakuhachi lovers from around the world will gather at the University of Hawai‘i’s Mänoa campus and the East-West Center from Dec. 15 to 18 for a festival celebrating the traditional Japanese bamboo flute. The highlight of the festival will be a Master’s Concert on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Orvis Auditorium.

The concert will feature traditional and contemporary shakuhachi pieces performed in various styles by such world masters as Christopher Yohmei Blasdel, Steven Taizen Casano, Robert Herr and Chris Molina from Hawai‘i; Yuzan Kaminaga, Kazushi Matama and Ranzan Mitsui from Japan; Riley Lee from Australia and Gunnar Jinmei Linder from Sweden. They will be accompanied by special guests Kenny Endo on percussion, Kikuko Sato on shamisen, vocalist Mika Kimula and others. Concert tickets are $10 to $20 and can be purchased at the door.

The festival is an opportunity for participants of all skill levels to learn and perform a variety of shakuhachi playing styles through workshops and classes. Participation fees range from $175 to $350 and include access to all concerts, workshops, lessons and an academic conference covering the latest in shakuhachi research.

The festival is presented by the East-West Center Arts Program
and the UH Mänoa Music Department, with additional support from the Japan Foundation and the UH Center for Japanese Studies. For more information, visit www.HawaiiShakuhachi.com.

“Cultural Day,” a project inspired and spearheaded by a Maui teen to honor Nisei veterans like her grandfather and all veterans, will be held at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center’s Stanley Izumigawa Pavilion on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a performance by Maui Taiko, participate in games and crafts, enjoy food booths, visit a Barnes & Noble mini book fair and observe Japanese tea ceremony by the Rinzai Zen Mission tea group. At sunset, visitors can light a candle for a loved one.

“My senior project centers around the idea of informing people of my age about our country’s Nisei veterans who fought for the United States even while the country questioned their loyalty,” explained Tiara Kobayashi-Bautista, a H.P. Baldwin High School student. Her grandfather, Stanley Kobayashi, served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II.

In addition to the events, the NVMC’s Education Center will remain open so guests can view the “One Puka Puka: The Purple Heart Battalion” exhibit on its final day.

“Cultural Day” is open free of charge to the public. There will be charges for the food and some of the activities. The NVMC is located at 665 Kahului Beach Rd. For more information, call (808) 244-6862, or email deidre@nvmc.org.

Former members of the University of Hawai‘i’s Wakaba Kai gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i on Oct. 22 to celebrate the sorority’s 68th anniversary. Wakaba Kai, which means “young leaves” in Japanese, was founded in 1949 by Lillian Yajima. Young female UH students who pledged to the sorority could be seen carrying a pink furoshiki (scarf-like wrapper) around the Mänoa campus. They also competed in song festivals and volunteered for community service projects.

Yajima, now 97 years old, organized the 68th anniversary reunion, which was attended by over 70 members. As part of the program, the members were invited to showcase their businesses and entrepreneurial talents in a mini trade show.

“Mrs. Yajima is a tireless volunteer and unofficial leader of Wakaba Kai,” said Wakaba Kai member Gina (Hasegawa) Nakahodo, who helped to organize the event. “I am always humbled and reminded that she is such a kind and gracious leader who continues to inspire me and many others in our community.”

Colbert Masayuki Matsumoto was conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Government of Japan in a ceremony at the Japanese Consulate on Dec. 21. The Imperial Decoration, which was presented at the Ja-
panese Consulate by Consul General of Japan Koichi Ito, recognized Matsumoto’s work in strengthening ties between Hawai‘i, the United States and Japan.

Matsumoto, who is chairman and president of Island Holdings, Inc., has long been involved in the Japanese community, with both local and national organizations. In 2002, the Läna‘i-born sansei chaired the Committee to Save the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, which was threatened with closure due to debts in the millions of dollars. In a matter of months, the committee raised $9 million from among 7,000 donors to clear the debts.

In 2011, then-Lt. Gov. (and now U.S. Sen.) Brian Schatz asked Matsumoto to coordinate a fundraising drive to aid the people of northeastern Japan in the aftermath of the massive earthquake and tsunami. The “Aloha for Japan” campaign, as it came to be known, raised $8 million in disaster relief for the Töhöku area.

Matsumoto was also the 2010 chair at PICHTR — Pacific International Center for High Technology Research — the year the “Okinawa-Hawai‘i Clean Energy Partnership” was established, providing the framework for key collaborative activities connecting Okinawa and Hawai‘i in the field of renewable energy.

Last May, Island Holdings was a key sponsor of the Japan-Hawai‘i Economic Summit, which convened in Kona to promote economic ties and friendship between regional businesses in Japan and Hawai‘i.

In presenting the Imperial Decoration to Matsumoto, Consul General Ito stated, “I sincerely hope that Mr. Matsumoto will continue to lend his steadfast focus and his defined leadership qualities so that we may continue to maintain a strong Japan-Hawai‘i and a strong Japan-U.S. relationship in the coming years.”

After receiving the Imperial Decoration, Matsumoto addressed the audience. “I am truly humbled and grateful to receive this prestigious honor from the government of Japan,” he said. “As an American, I am proud of my Japanese heritage and the cultural values that were transmitted to me by many teachers in my life. My involvement in the Japanese American community and with U.S.-Japan relations reflects my desire to share those qualities with others.”

An attorney by training, Matsumoto said he was “truly humbled” to receive the Imperial Decoration. He shared that there was a time when he was not proud of his Japanese heritage.

“It was during the post-World War II period in the 1950s when Japan was the subject of much animosity and derision in America. It was a time when popular American World War II movies depicted Japanese as the enemy and a morally corrupt people because of the notorious sneak attack on Pearl Harbor,” Matsumoto explained. It was a “confusing” time to be a young American boy of Japanese ancestry, he said.

“But my parents and my grandparents raised me to take pride in my cultural heritage. They gave me a Japanese middle name, ‘Masayuki,’ to remind me of my ancestral roots.” They also introduced young Colbert and his brother to various aspects of Japanese culture.

“By the time I attended college on the Mainland, having grown up in Hawai‘i, I was confident in my sense of who I was as an American of Japanese ancestry,” he told friends and family members who attended the presentation.

Each community effort, from the Save the Center JCCH campaign to the “Aloha for Japan” disaster relief effort, to involvement in PICHTR, the Japanese American National Museum and the U.S.-Japan Council, of which Matsumoto was a founding member, deepened his understanding of the community’s “connectedness” and “reminded me of the communal values I experienced growing up among the Issei and Nisei generations.”

Matsumoto said he decided to recount the history of his involvement with activities relating to cultivating ties between the U.S. and Hawai‘i and Japan “because they were truly the result of collective efforts and contributions by many people like all of you who have joined me here today.”

He especially recognized his mother, Matsuko Matsumoto, who was in attendance, for raising him to be a proud American of Japanese ancestry. He also thanked his wife Gail and daughters Maya and Mandy for their support and understanding of his community involvement, Consul General Ito and his staff for organizing the program.

The Hawaii Buddhist Council has launched an “Open Night at Temples” series aimed at introducing those interested in learning about the different denominations of Buddhism represented in the council to an open-house tour of those temples.  The escorted tour will open with a short sample of the denomination’s Buddhist service, followed by a Dharma sharing discussion. The evening will conclude with a question-and-answer session led by the temple’s head minister and temple leaders on its history and teachings.

The tours will be held each Tuesday and Thursday in February, beginning at 6 p.m. They are free and open to public. Reservations are not required. The following is the temple schedule:

• Thursday, Feb. 1: Nichiren Mission of Hawaii (33 Pulelehua Way)
• Tuesday, Feb. 6: Jodo Mission of Hawaii (1429 Makiki St.)
• Thursday, Feb. 8: Soto Mission of Hawaii (1708 Nu‘uanu Ave.)
• Tuesday, Feb. 13: Higashi Hongwanji of Hawaii (1685 ‘Alaneo St.)
• Thursday, Feb. 15: Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin (1727 Pali Hwy.)
• Tuesday, Feb. 20: Liliha Shingonji Mission (1710 Liliha St.)

For more information, contact Bishop Chishin Hirai, Hawaii Buddhist Council president, at (808) 595-3517 or email nichiren@hawaiiantel.net.

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presented its “Legacy Award” to five individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Okinawan community. The luncheon program was held Nov. 12 in the Coral Ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Honored were: Gov. David Ige, Hawai‘i’s first governor of Okinawan ancestry; Military Intelligence Service veterans Shinye Gima and Herbert Yanamura, both of whom served in Okinawa during the Battle of Okinawa; ‘ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and Sun Noodle founder Hidehito Uki.

Each honoree was recognized with a video on their accomplishments that had been produced by HUOA’s video crew and a musical or cultural performance. Gov. Ige and Jake Shimabukuro teamed up and played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” together on the ‘ukulele — the governor did the strumming and Jake gave the song his artistic flair. Jake also performed with his mother Carol, who sang “Bashofu,” and brother Bruce, who played the guitar. Shinyei Gima’s niece, Jimpu Kai USA student Charlene Gima, performed the Okinawan dance, “Hatuma Bushi,” to music by Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai. The Afuso Ryu group, led by Grant “Sandaa” Murata, also performed the celebratory song, “Medetai Bushi.” Herbert Yanamura’s nieces, Stacie and Laurie Shimabukuro, honored their uncle with a violin rendition of “The Prayer,” and Hidehito Uki was honored with a lively performance by the Chinagu Eisa group.

The events concluded with a lively kachashi with all of the honorees invited back to the stage to participate.

The 2017 Legacy Award honorees were the 10th group recognized since HUOA created the award. The banquet, which also featured a silent auction, was co-chaired by Jo Ige (no relation to Gov. Ige) and Stephanie Katayama.

Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyo Kai – Hawaii Shibu sanshin association and Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu koto association held their 2017 Gödö Ensö Kai, or joint concert, at Masa’s Cafeteria on Oct. 1. The program featured classical Okinawan music performed jointly and as solos.

The association also honored two koto members — Sadayo Tamaki and Sara Nakatsu. Tamaki was recently awarded her shihan-menkyo (master certificate) from Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Okinawa. Nakatsu received her shinjinsho (first-level certification) in koto sponsored by the Ryukyu Shimpo newspaper.

Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyo Kai – Hawaii Shibu sanshin association is led by Sei-ichi Yagi-Sensei and consists of one school, Nakasone Seifu Kai, led by Tsuyoshi Gima-Sensei. Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu koto association is led by Jane Kaneshiro-Sensei and Bonnie Miyashiro-Sensei and consists of seven schools: Jane Kaneshiro Sozan Kai, Miyashiro Soho Kai. Toma Sokyoku Kai, Yasuko Arakawa Aki no Kai, Sunny Tominaga Sokyoku Sanyuu Kai, Yamashiro Yoneko Sokyoku Kenkyu Kai and Chieko Miyasato Sokyouku.

A lively taiko performance by Hyaku Sen Ki Kai Taiko, Pacific Buddhist Academy’s student taiko group, kicked off the festivities of the 2018 shinnenkai (New Year’s party) of the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation on Jan. 28 at Natsunoya Tea House.

The first event of the year for the 64-year-old organization, led by president Cathy Iwai, was an opportunity for members and their guests to enjoy a delicious lunch, fun and fellowship.

The special guests were introduced during the formal portion of the program. They included Misako Ito, wife of Consul General of Japan Koichi Ito; Hawai‘i state Sen. Michelle Kidani; Honolulu City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi; Carole Hayashino, president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i; Christine Kubota, JCCH board chair; Reyna Kaneko, president of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii; Sheree Tamura, president of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii; and Gary Kajiwara, president and CEO of Kuakini Health Systems.

The new JWSF members were introduced during the program. They are: Reyna Kaneko, Jane Naya, Alexis Okihara, Estrella Roznerski and Sandy Takeda. Also introduced were JWSF’s grant recipients — Nippon Culture Day, represented by co-chairs Dr. Tomoko Iwai and Yuka Wada, and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, represented by Melissa Ching.

The entertainment portion of the program featured a “Red and White Song Festival” that pitted the women (Red Team) against the men (White Team). Local enka (ballads) participants included: Masakata Hirayama, Blane Mitsunami, Michael Nakada, Kyoko Sano, Jeffrey Sato, Aolani Silva, Sheera Tamura, Jill Teraizumi, Tanner and Devin Teruya and Jerre Tokairin. The audience used red or white paper balls to cast their votes. After the balls were collected and counted, the White Team was declared the winner.

A bake sale, lucky me prize drawings and fukubukuro (lucky grab bag) sales were held prior to the start of the luncheon. Two new Japanese Women’s Society books were also available for purchase — the updated “Kokoro: Cherished Japanese Traditions in Hawaii” and a cookbook, “Sharing Our Hearts Through Cooking.”

Hui O Laulima has awarded its 2018 cultural grants to 11 organizations, totaling $13,000. The nonprofit women’s organization, which is an active member of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, awards grants annually to individuals and organizations that promote and perpetuate the unique culture of Okinawa throughout Hawai‘i.

Each awardee must demonstrate the potential to promote and expand the influence of the vibrant and colorful Okinawan culture. This year’s recipients are:

• Afuso-ryu Choichi Kai Maui to assist with airfare for Kenton Odo-Sensei to travel to Maui to teach monthly uta-sanshin (singing while playing sanshin) classes;

• Hilo Okinawan Cultural Club to assist with airfare for Tsuruko Oshiro-Sensei from Okinawa to teach new dances and conduct a workshop;

• Jimpu Kai Maui to assist with Cheryl Nakasone-Sensei’s airfare for monthly dance classes;

• Kauai Sanshin Club to assist with Grant Murata-Sensei’s monthly airfare to Kaua‘i to teach, and for historian supplies/video equipment for training;

• Kohala Okinawa Kenjin Kai to assist with airfare for Ukwanshin Kabudan and Young Okinawans of Hawai‘i to travel to the annual Hawi Jodo Mission Eisa Obon;

• Maui Okinawa Sanshin to assist with airfare for Keith Nakaganeku-Sensei to travel from O‘ahu to Maui to teach monthly sanshin classes;

• Maui Ryukyu Culture Group to assist with airfare for Norman Kaneshiro-Sensei and Eric Wada-Sensei to teach classes in sanshin, kücho, eisa taiko, language, history, shishimai dancing and cuisine;

• Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyo Kai Hawaii Shibu to assist with Keith Nakaganeku-Sensei’s airfare to teach monthly uta-sanshin class on the Big Island;

• Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii to assist with expenses for the school’s July 24 benefit concert for HUOA;

• Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala/Waimea to assist with the O‘ahu instructors’ airfare and to assist with expenses related to the school’s 10th anniversary concert; and

• Ukwanshin Kabudan to help develop a website dedicated to preserving and promoting native Ryukyuan languages.

Members and guests of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Hawaii Association, led by president George R. Ariyoshi, ushered in the Year of the Dog on Jan. 21 with the Hatsudate Shiki, or first tea of the year, at the Seiköan Tea House at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.

In attendance for the first tea were Tankokai president and former Hawai‘i governor George Ariyoshi and his wife Jean; Consul General of Japan Koichi Ito and his wife Misako; Dr. Satoru Izutsu, retired admissions director and former vice dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine; past Tankokai president Akemi Kurokawa and his wife Misako; Carole Hayashino, president and executive director of the Ja-panese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i; Joanne Ninomiya, founder of JN Productions, Inc.; Dr. Dennis Ogawa, professor of American Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa; Dr. Robert Huey, professor of Ja-
panese Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa; Sheree Tamura, president of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii and Jon Tsukamoto, first vice chair of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

The ceremony was conducted by teishu (tea ceremony host) Kae Pusic-Sanada and hanto (assistant and narrator) Yumiko Sayama. Guests later enjoyed an osechi ryöri lunch of traditional Japanese New Year’s foods.

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce welcomed the “Year of the Dog” at its 73rd annual shinnenkai (New Year’s party) on Jan. 5. The event at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i was attended by a sold-out audience of 300, including HJCC members, their families and friends. The highlight of the event was the “Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” play, featuring the newest “class” of kabuki “stars.”

HJCC board chair Brian Nishida welcomed the guests at the entrance to the Manoa Grand Ballroom. In his welcome remarks during the program, Nishida said New Year’s is a time to pause, reflect and refresh.” He said this year is extra special because of the various events being planned to commemorate 150 years since the Gannenmono, the first group of Japanese immigrants, arrived in Hawai‘i in 1868. Nishida thanked Consul General of Japan Koichi Ito for supporting the celebration.

Nishida also acknowledged the “Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” sensei (teachers) — Robert Nagao, producer and director; Ronald Ushijima and Greg Mueller, script and casting; Rika Hirata, Japanese script; and Walter Saito, advisor — for the time and dedication they put into developing an entertaining play for the audience.

Bishop Daiya Amano of the Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii performed a traditional Shinto blessing and then offered the invocation before dinner. Kampai were offered by Consul General Ito and Nippon Club president Toshihiro Shoji.

The “warm-up act” before the kabuki play was an “HJCC’s Got Talent” show, featuring a hula by Kristin Alm Kamakahi, songs by Gus Yniguez and Craig Hirasaki and members of the shinnenkai planning committee, led by co-chairs Steven Teruya and Rick Mishima.

Finally, it was time for the highlight of the evening, the “Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” show. The “modified kabuki play” was set in Ösaka during the Edo Period. It features five dorobo, or thieves, who boast about their professional and personal accomplishments.

This year’s five dorobo stars were:

• Yasuhiko Ishikawa, financial manager for Kyo-ya Management, as Nippon Daemon;

• Cynthia Yamasaki, chief energizing officer and founder of EEpath, as Benten Kozo Kikunosuke;

• George Takase, project manager and electrical engineer for Ronald N.S. Ho Associates, as Tadanobu Rihei;

• Richard Manungas, assistant vice president at Territorial Savings Bank, as Akaboshi Jüzaburo;

• Guy Tanioka, business development manager for ProService Hawaii, portraying Nango Rikimaru;

• Brandon Miyagi, vendor manager at First Hawaiian Bank, as Meakashi Kingoro; and

• Caroline Witherspoon, president of Becker Communications, Inc., as the Kojyo.

The audience egged on the Gonin Otoko performers with humorous remarks, laughter and cheers.

The Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko production team also included shamisen performers Kineya Sakio and Kineya Samei, along with Kineya Satsutama and Kineya Satsuharu on drums and percussion. Hanayagi Dancing Academy Hawaii Foundation members dressed the dorobos and applied their stage makeup.

HJCC president-elect Melanie Okazaki closed the evening by leading the audience in a spirited tejime.

Paige Maki Nagahama was crowned queen of the 65th Chrysanthemum Festival, which was held Dec. 2 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, Maui. The annual fundraising event is sponsored by Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans and co-sponsored by the County of Maui.

Nagahama, 17, of Wailuku, is the daughter of Paula Diep and Hank Rapoza. She is a senior at Seabury Hall. Rounding out her court are princesses Jaelynn Nobriga, 17, of Kahului, a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui and the daughter of James “Jay” Nobriga and Wendy Nobriga; Makaylen Tadeo, 16, a junior at King Kekaulike High School and the daughter of Bobbie-Jo Moniz-Tadeo and Ricardo Tadeo Jr.; Kristi Echiverri, 17, of Kahului, a senior at Maui High School and the daughter of Laura and Lucky Echiverri; and Sokha Furumoto, 16, of Hä‘iku, a junior at St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Laurie and Wesley Furumoto.

The queen is the contestant who raises the most money for the Maui Sons and Daughters through donations and ticket sales to the event. The contestants will represent the MSDNV and the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center at various events throughout the year.

The festival was originally created as the Chrysanthemum Ball by the Maui AJA Veterans Inc. as a way to fund its community service in areas such as youth sports and scholarships. The veterans club was formed as soldiers returned from Europe and the Asia-Pacific areas after World War II. In 2007, the event name was changed to Chrysanthemum Festival to reflect its focus on Japanese culture. Festival proceeds fund scholarships and MSDNV’s historical preservation projects, which are done with the NVMC.

An essay contest was part of the festival activities. This year’s topic was “Shikata ga nai,” which refers to acceptance of fate and circumstances that cannot be helped.

The essays addressed each writer’s understanding of the concept of “shikata ga nai,” how it played a role in the lives of Nisei men as they entered and fought in World War II and how it could be a useful value to adopt in the writer’s life.

The winners were Princess Jaelynn Nobriga for the girls’ category and Kai Iinuma Nakaaki, the queen’s escort, for the boys’ category. They were awarded cash prizes.

Maui Sons and Daughter of the Nisei Veterans president Leonard Oka noted that the research that contestants and escorts do for the essays, and that the girls do in preparing their sponsorship solicitation letters, can help them gain “knowledge and appreciation for the accomplishments of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion (the Japanese American military unit that performed vital construction duty on O‘ahu during the war) and the Military Intelligence Service.”

The festival traditions include a ballroom dance by the contestants and their escorts, as the original Chrysanthemum Ball was modeled after a ballroom dance affair.

The other contestants’ escorts were Logan Cabanilla-Aricayos (Princess Jaelynn), Kawika Fernandez (Princess Kristi), Caleb Perreira (Princess Sokha) and John Williamson (Princess Makaylen).

In addition to the ballroom dance, each contestant is escorted by a boy who holds a chochin (Japanese lantern) to light the contestant’s path as she makes her entrance at the festival, and a flower girl who presents her with a bouquet after the coronation.

The chochin holders were Trey Akin, Jake Corden-DeCoite, Nathan Domingo, Davin Giron and Kili Ting. The flower girls were Loli Butcher, Kami Echiverri, Amber Minobe-Nacua, Mahinatea Nobriga and Oto Wada.

The festival opened with odori dancing, which was open to everyone who attended. Cultural exhibits and demonstrations included calligraphy by the Rev. Shinkai Murakami of Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, mini flower arrangements by the Mokichi Okada Association, Japanese games provided by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui and an activity table staffed by the King Kekaulike High School Japanese Club. Entertainment included classical Japanese dances by students of Matsu Dai Mitsu Yae and karaoke singers Wendee Kokubun and Yumi Takedatsu.

The 66th Cherry Blossom Festival got its official kick-off on Jan. 14 with the introduction of the 15 queen contestants at the New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival, presented by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is sponsored annually by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. This year’s festival theme is Inspire. “As the Cherry Blossom Festival enters its 66th year, we continue to be inspired by the effort and generosity of everyone who supports this annual tradition. We hope that our efforts to preserve and perpetuate Japanese culture and heritage inspire others to learn about their culture and make positive differences in the community,” said Crystine Ito, 66th Cherry Blossom Festival general chair and 2013 queen.

This year’s queen contestants are Momoka Briggs, Melanie Camille, Michiko Carrié, Kaydi Azure Hashima, Kylie Kimie Hisatake, Renni Fay Tomiko Iwasa, Karly Misako Kanehiro, Colette Mira Masunaga, Shelby Keiko Wai‘oluikamälie Meador, Cindy Shinae Nakagawa, Joy Makanaonalani Nakahara, Mika Lyn Nakashige, Jordie Reimi Watanabe Ocenar, Ariel Leiali‘i Stenek, Rhianna Rui Taniguchi and Kristen Kikuyo Yamamoto.

Events leading up to the Festival Ball include:

• Feb. 3: Public appearance at Pearlridge Center, noon.

• Feb. 10: Contestant reception at District Nightclub, 6 p.m.

• Feb. 17: Public appearance at Ala Moana Center, 5 p.m.

• Feb. 23: Golf tournament at Pearl Country Club, 11 a.m.

• Feb. 24: Public appearance at Ka Makana Ali‘i, noon.

The contestants’ experience will culminate with the Festival Ball, which will be held Saturday, March 17, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The climax of the evening will be the crowning of the new queen and court.

For more information on the festival, visit cbfhawaii.com; or follow them on social media platforms – facebook.com/cbfhawaii, Twitter @cbfhi or Instagram @cherryblossomfestivalhawaii.

Members and supporters of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii welcomed the “Year of the Dog” with a festive New Year’s celebration on Jan. 6 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.

Students from the Pacific Buddhist Academy’s taiko group opened the program with a “Call to Celebration.” After observing a moment of silence for deceased UJSH members, Hanayagi Mi-
tsusumi (Sheree Tamura) performed the New Year’s celebratory dance, “Shin Kotobuki Sambaso.”

UJSH president Sheree Tamura welcomed everyone to the shinnen enkai, wishing them joy, good health and good experiences during the year. Tamura said the 20 Japanese-related organizations that make up the Kizuna Group are coordinating events for this year’s commemoration marking the 150^th anniversary of the arrival in Hawai‘i of the Gannenmono — the first Japanese immigrants, who arrived in 1868.

In attendance at the event was Iwao Horii, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. Horii said he hopes the descendants of the Japanese immigrants will continue to serve as a bridge between Japan and the United States.

One of the traditions of the UJSH shinnenkai is the recognition of the previous year’s Hawai‘i recipients of imperial decorations from the Government of Japan. Recognized last year were: spring awardees James Andrew Kelly, who received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, and Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce president Wayne T. Ishihara, recipient of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. The fall awardees were: Island Holdings, Inc. chairman and president Colbert Matsumoto, who was presented The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette; and Dr. Satoru Izutsu, recently retired vice dean for the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine, who received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

The 2017 Kenjin Kai Young Achiever Awards were also presented during the program. Honored were: Janelle Aiko Settsu, representing the Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai; Brandon Akio Ing from the Hawaii United Okinawa Association; Karly Kanehiro, representing the Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai; and Koshin Steven Soga from the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai.

The young leaders were applauded for their contributions to their respective kenjinkai. Karly Kanehiro, who spoke on behalf of the recipients, said she and her fellow “Achievers” were honored to be recognized by UJSH. A ninth grade Social Studies teacher at Campbell High School, Kanehiro recalled how visiting Fukushima in 2014 helped to open her view of the world and how she shares lessons of heritage, history, culture and family with her students.

The Young Achievers’ contributions were celebrated with the dance, “Sambaso,” performed by Onoe Kikunobutomi (Brandon Goda) and Jordan Ragasa of the Kikunobu Dance Co., Inc.

Special guests included Gov. David Ige, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Consul General of Japan Koichi Ito. Ige spoke of the importance of the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Japan. He said it is people-to-people relationships that will make the difference.

Consul General Ito, who was attending his first UJSH shinnenkai with his wife Misako, said he was impressed to see how Hawai‘i’s Japanese American community embraces its culture.

UJSH past president Kenneth Saiki offered a boisterous banzai to all of the day’s honorees, UJSH and its guests.

The multitalented Rev. Takamasa Yamamura of the Honolulu Myohoji Mission sang a New Year’s congratulatory song and also delivered the invocation before lunch.

The rest of the program was devoted to entertainment.

UJSH past president and advisor Christine Kubota wrapped up the shinnen enkai program with a lively tejime.

The shinnen enkai was chaired by UJSH member David Jones with assistance from Karen Kuba-Hori, Annette Matsumoto, Clyde Matsumoto, Fusayo “Fussy” Nagai, Seichi Nagai, Norman Nakasone, Kenneth Saiki, Faye Shigemura, Cyrus Tamashiro and Mabel Yonemori.

The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii presented its 2018 Nikkei Kigyo Award to Kuwaye Trucking, Inc. (established in 1912) and S. Tokunaga Store (established in 1920) at its Fifth Annual Nikkei Kigyo Banquet on Feb. 2.

“We are indeed honored to recognize both companies: Kuwaye Trucking is now led by third-generation family member Wayne Kuwaye, and S. Tokunaga Store is now being led by third-generation family member Mike Tokunaga,” said JCAH president Ivan Nakano. He thanked the program’s supporters, which has made the banquet a sell-out each year.

The Kuwaye family’s roots in Hawai‘i Island began with Matsu Kuwaye’s arrival from Okinawa in 1909 to work for Honokaa Sugar Co. After completing his sugar contract, he started his horse-and-buggy Kuwaye Taxi in 1912, later transitioning to automobiles.

Yasuo, the sixth of Matsu and Umito Kuwaye’s nine children, started Kuwaye Trucking when he recognized the need for a hauling service to keep Honoka‘a supplied with goods. He rented a truck and began hauling various goods.

When the 1946 tsunami demolished the railroad system, which serviced communities along the ‘ coast, Kuwaye Trucking expanded its fleet of trucks. In 1950, the company purchased Hawaii Trucking Co. from Theo. H. Davies and moved the business headquarters to Hilo.

More family members got involved in the business. Over the years, Kuwaye Trucking has hauled everything from telescope parts to the summit of Maunakea, to construction materials and has even transported circus animals.

Founder Yasu Kuwaye was actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Kapiolani School PTA, Hilo Jaycees, Waiakea Lions, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Japanese Community Association, Hui Okinawa and the Hawaii Trucking Association. He also helped to establish Hawai‘i Island’s sister-island relationship with Öshima Island, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, in the early 1960s.

Yasu’s son Wayne assumed the leadership of the company after his father’s passing and perpetuates his legacy of community involvement in addition to running the company.

“My father was an amazing guy. He did a lot for other people and the community,” Wayne said. “Even when I became an adult, he expected me to get involved in giving back to the community. He didn’t lecture, but examples were set.”

S. Tokunaga Store was established in 1920 by Sumie Tokunaga, who immigrated to Hawai‘i Island to work on the sugar plantations. At the age of 31, he opened a grocery and tackle shop in downtown Hilo. When the tsunamis of 1946 and 1960 destroyed the stores, the Tokunagas persevered and rebuilt the business, which is now located on Manono Street.

Sumie’s daughter-in-law Ethel took over the business in 1960 and decided to focus on fishing and diving supplies only. Sumie’s Sansei grandson, Michael and his wife, Peggy, succeeded Ethel in running the business. They had already been involved in the business for many years.

Under Michael’s and Peggy’s leadership, S. Tokunaga moved to a bigger location, which enabled them to expand not just their selection of merchandise, but also their sales reach.

In 2013, Michael and Peggy took on a major expansion, moving to their current location on Manono Street. With a bigger staff and more space, the store’s focus has expanded to not just the ocean, but outdoor activities in general. Even at that, S. Tokunaga Store remains committed to those who love to fish. It is one of the few places where you can still find traditional Japanese fishing tabi.

The Tokunagas promote family fishing outings, such as the Ulua Challenge, the largest shoreline casting catch-and-release tournament in the state. Tokunaga Store also teaches fishermen how to use barbless hooks and works with Hilo area schools to teach students about sustainable fishing.

Proceeds from the Nikkei Kigyo Award Banquet benefit JCAH’s scholarship program and help the organization continue its mission of promoting and perpetuating Japanese culture.

Gov. David Ige has appointed Ken Kitamura to serve as deputy director of the Department of Budget and Finance. Kitamura was formerly business management officer for the Department of Human Services. In his new post, he will support Budget and Finance director Laurel Johnston in assuring compliance with the director’s primary roles and responsibilities as manager of the state’s financial resources. He will also oversee the day-to-day management of the department’s operations.

Prior to joining the Department of Human Services, Kitamura was the administrative services officer and business manager for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. He also served as business services officer for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and was associate auditor, program budget analyst, budget supervisor, special projects manager and a legislative aide for the state Legislature.

“Mr. Kitamura brings with him a well-developed administrative skill set in budget preparation, execution and fiscal management,” said Johnston. “We are very fortunate that he agreed to serve our department and our state.”

Kitamura’s appointment must be confirmed by the state Senate.

Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu installed its new officers at a dinner banquet on Jan. 28 at the Pagoda Restaurant. The Koyo Kai is made up of six Okinawan koto schools on O‘ahu.

The organization recognized two koto sensei who recently retired — Diane Hatsuko Kaya-Sensei and Chieko Miyasato-Sensei — and thanked them for their many years of teaching.

After many years of leading the Koyo Kai, Jane Tamae Kaneshiro-Sensei of the Jane Kaneshiro Sozan Kai and Bonnie Miyashiro-Sensei of the Miyashiro Soho Kai turned over the leadership of the Koyo Kai to longtime koto students Derek Fujio and Sara Nakatsu, both of whom are yonsei. Fujio will serve as president and Nakatsu as vice president.

Serving with Fujio and Nakatsu are: Roberta Umeno, English secretary; Sato Shankles, Japanese secretary; Sharon Shimabukuro, treasurer; Kazumi Iho, assistant treasurer and Sadayo Tamaki, auditor. Supporting the officers as advisors, or sodanyaku, will be Jane Kaneshiro, Bonnie Miyashiro, Sharon Toma, Yoneko Yamashiro Edmonson and Yasuko Arakawa. The various koto schools will be represented by Sunny Tominaga, Grace Carmichael, Kathy Shigemura, Karen Sugikawa, Kaye Ikeda and Diane Kawamoto. The officers and advisors were installed by Courtney Takara, 2018 president of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association.

In his message, Fujio noted that he is the youngest person to serve as Koyo Kai president “in a world full of change.” “I was fortunate to grow up and play along with the great masters,” he said, adding that he plans to draw on those experiences. He said the Koyo Kai needs to share the music with a new generation of Okinawan students.

Fujio and Nakatsu then treated the audience to two koto numbers — “Kajadifu” and “Guin Bushi.”

The Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu is made up of the Jane Kaneshiro Sozan Kai, Miyashiro Soho Kai, Toma Toyoko Sokyoku Kai, Yamashiro Yoneko Sokyoku Kenkyu Kai, Yasuko Arakawa Aki no Kai and the Sunny Tominaga Sokyoku Sanyuukai.