Messages 3 5 7 9 10 15
Contents
Governor David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell United States Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Mark Takai Consul General of Japan Toyoei Shigeeda 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival Co-General Chairs Christin Lovell and Tiffanie Masutani 65th HJJCC President Brian Watase
Features 11 12 13 16 17 18 20 32 33 34 47 48 51 50 52 54 55 56 57 58 61 62 67 69 72
63rd Cherry Blossom Festival Steering Committee Special Recognition History of Cherry Blossom Festival Young Business Roundtable (YBR) 65th HJJCC Board of Directors History of HJJCC Cherry Blossom Festival Sponsors HJJCC Community Service Cultural Award About the Cherry Blossom Festival Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship 63rd CBF Haiku & Art Contest HJJCC Awards CBF Chair of the Year U.S. Japan Council Annual Conference in Honolulu Visiting Royalty and Sister Festival Hosting Mainland Trips Japan Sakura Foundation Sister Chapters Japan Goodwill Tour Imperial Visit Behind the Scenes Nijikai Event Past Presidents, Queens, and General Chairs Souvenir Book Cover Gallery
Queen, Court & Contestants 1 23 24 27 28 30 37 38 38 64
62nd CBF Queen Photo – Kimono 62nd CBF Queen Photo – Evening Gown Letter by 62nd CBF Queen – Sarah Kamida 62nd CBF Queen and Court 62nd CBF Court Thank You Messages 62nd Cherry Blossom Court Community Service 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival Contestants 63rd CBF Calendar of Events 63rd Contestant Portraits and Biographies 63rd CBF Awards
In Appreciation 60 67 75 82
Cherry Blossom Festival Contestant Classes Honorary Advisors Applause List of Advertisers
On The Cover 62nd Cherry Blossom Queen Sarah Kiyomi Kamida was photographed by Steven Yamaki, photographer and owner of Images by Steven, a Gold Sponsor. Her Furisode Kimono is generously donated by Fujiyasu Kimono Company. Sarah was dressed by professional kimono dresser Yuko Miskolczy of Watabe Wedding, a Diamond Sponsor. 1
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Congratulatory Messages
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR STATE OF HAWAII
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU
David Ige
Kirk Caldwell
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Congratulatory Messages
MESSAGE FROM UNITED STATES SENATOR
MESSAGE FROM UNITED STATES SENATOR
Mazie K. Hirono
Brian Schatz
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Congratulatory Messages
MESSAGE FROM UNITED STATES CONGRESSWOMAN
MESSAGE FROM UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN
Tulsi Gabbard
Mark Takai
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Congratulatory Messages
MESSAGE FROM CONSUL GENERAL OF JAPAN Toyoei Shigeeda
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Co-General Chairs
CHRISTIN LOVELL & TIFFANIE MASUTANI
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63rd Cherry Blossom Festival
EXECUTIVE AREA
Steering Committee Christin Lovell
Tiffanie Masutani Co-General Chair
Holly Duarte Treasurer
Misha Maletta
Traci Miwa
Sales-Co Chair
Sales-Co Chair
Sydette Higuchi Advisor
QUEEN AREA
Co-General Chair
Corday Feagins
Carrie Esaki
Contestant Search Co-Chair
Eryn Kawamoto Jennifer Matayoshi Tamlyn Toyama
Contestant Search Contestant Coordinator Contestant Advisor Co-Chair
Traci Hamamoto
Contestant Advisor
SHOW AREA
QUEEN AREA
Advisor
Scott Matsuda
Kristin Alm
Catherine Toth
Judging Chair
Advisor
Crystine Ito
Andrew Pang
Opening Ceremonies Public Appearances Co-Chair Chair
Nate Gyotoku
Public Appearances Co-Chair
SHOW AREA
Violet Niimi Scholarship Essay
Erin Shiroma
Kaulana Chang Gina Maeda-Caluya
Contestant Reception Co-Chair
Golf Tournament Co-Chair
Sonya Kimura
Ryan Nakagawa Souvenir Book
T-Shirt Co-Chair
Terri Inefuku
Ikaika Kimura
Chris Kwock
Kara Iwasaki
Festival Ball Co-Chair
Lauren Horikoshi Festival Ball Co-Chair
Ashley Higa
Closing Ceremonies Chair
MARKETING AREA
Golf Tournament Co-Chair
Cari Tasoe
Tomomi Ida
T-Shirt Co-Chair
Tasha Firestone
Haiku/Art Contest Co-Chair
Kelly Nakano
Haiku/Art Contest Co-Chair
Brice Ueda
Award Donor Chair
MARKETING AREA
Advisor
PR
Website
Photographer
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Special Recognition LILLIAN YAJIMA
Written by: Catherine Toth The first time I met Lillian Yajima I was 25 years old and knew barely anything about my Japanese heritage. I was a contestant in the 49th Cherry Blossom Festival — yes, this was more than 10 years ago! — and getting to know more about my mother’s Japanese culture. As a fourth-generation half-Japanese American, I was pretty removed from that culture. Sure, I took three years of Japanese language in high school, but that did little for me when I first visited Japan in 2001. I could only ask people, “How old are you?” It’s not a helpful phrase. But as a contestant, I was exposed to a variety of different aspects of a culture that was as foreign to me as my Hungarian heritage. I took up taiko (Japanese drumming) and learned the art behind ikebana (Japanese flower-arranging). I learned Japanese business etiquette — you’d be surprised how different it is! — and the beauty of odori (Japanese dance). And from Mrs. Yajima, we learned how to make manju and fold origami. Or so we thought. What we really learned was something much deeper. We learned about the importance of listening, of sharing, of respect, of service. Mrs. Yajima, who turns an astonishing 95 this year, is the kind of woman every contestant would like to grown up to be. She’s humble and generous, she’s respectful and kind, and she whips up a mean manju. Not to mention, she’s part of a legacy in Hawai‘i. Her husband was chairman of the first Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Contest 65 years ago. Her mother, Alice Noda, was the first U.S. citizen president of the Japanese Women’s Society of Hawaii. Her daughter, Lenny Andrew, was a former CBF queen, festival general chair and president of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce; she also served as the executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. And Yajima, herself, is still active in JWS, the United Japanese Society, the JCCH and, of course, CBF. (She still teaches origami-folding and manju-making to the contestants every year. Both are always some of their favorite classes.) Her background as a former schoolteacher is evident when you meet her: all she wants to do is teach you something, whether it’s hula — she’s teaches it to residents of Hale Pulama Mau care home at Kuakini Medical Center — or how to speak her super-secret Yajima language. (I’d discuss it here, but then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.) And at 95, she’s still vibrant, still feisty, still full of stories and love. And she can operate a cell phone. Even my mom has trouble with that! So to Mrs. Yajima, who’s inspired countless young women — Japanese or not — here’s wishing you another 95 years. Because, truth be told, your legacy will last even longer than that.
PAMELA FUTA-CAMPBELL Pamela Futa-Campbell has been an integral part of the festival for more than 20 years. As a Diamond Sponsor, she has helped countless Cherry Blossom Contestants through her public appearance and poise training classes. We want to send a big “Thank You!” to Pam as we couldn’t have stood on stage with grace and poise without your help. We appreciate your dedication for the festival!
STEVEN YAMAKI On behalf of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Cherry Blossom Festival, we would like to thank Gold Sponsor Steven Yamaki of Images by Steven for his numerous years of support with our festival. The memories you have captured have touched so many lives, as it has truly been an honor to work with you. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
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HISTORY OF THE
Cherry Blossom Festival In 1949, Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce Vice President Akira “Sunshine” Fukunaga returned to Hawai’i from visiting the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles. He brought back with him the idea of starting a similar Japanese cultural celebration in Hawai’i. This would require more than just the commitment of time and resources, as each Junior Chamber member would invest $1,000.00 for a start-up fund. After four years of dedication and hard work by the Junior Chamber members and volunteers, the first Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival was ready to be presented. Under the leadership of General Chairman Takaaki Nakata, the Junior Chamber introduced the first annual Japanese ethnic festival in Hawai’i in 1953. It featured a window display contest, a kabuki drama, a radio personality show, a fashion show by Hariuchi Uchida, kabuki doll-making, ikebana exhibits, and demonstrations of Japanese cooking, painting and classical dance. And of course, the highlight was the Queen Pageant in which 72 young women participated and Violet Niimi was crowned as the first Cherry Blossom Festival Queen. The event ended with an ondo and firework celebration at the old Honolulu Stadium in Moiliili. Perhaps the most significant change to the festival was the reformation of the Queen Contestant requirements. For the first 46 years of the festival, young women of only Japanese ancestry were considered for selection as a contestant. Recognizing that the JapaneseAmerican community in Hawai’i had become more diverse – and with the intent to place more emphasis on leadership and community service – the Junior Chamber opened the queen contest to multiethnic Japanese-American women in 1999.
Although it was considered a very controversial move, the festival and the Junior Chamber succeeded in expanding its reach to the local multiethnic community that Hawai’i is known for. In 2000, Vail Matsumoto became the first Queen with less than 100 percent Japanese ancestry. The following year, Catherine Toth became the first Queen without a Japanese surname. In 2002, Lisa Okinaga became the first Queen with Hawaiian ancestry. Now in its 63rd year, the Cherry Blossom Festival includes events such as the Golf Tournament, Public Appearances and the popular Contestant Reception. For the 14th year in a row, the festival will also present the annual Violet Niimi Scholarship Award to one of the 15 Contestants. She will receive $5,000 to go towards her education. This year the contestants have received a scholarship of various cultural and personal development classes. All of their instructors have donated their time and efforts to help perpetuate the Japanese culture and support the contestants on their journey. The contestant class schedule includes taiko, aikido, Japanese business etiquette, and public appearance training. In March, the Sheraton Waikiki will host this year’s Festival Ball where the contestants will present their personal speeches in elegant evening gown and answer an impromptu question in beautiful furisode kimono. The Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Cherry Blossom Festival take great pride in its 63 years of developing leaders, bringing the community together, and perpetuating the Japanese heritage in Hawaii.
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65th HJJCC President
BRIAN WATASE
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YOUNG BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE The Young Business Roundtable (YBR), a program of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, has a goal of building professional development of its members. We want our members to be able to learn and take something away from each YBR event they attend. This past year we were fortunate to have Ms. Pam Chambers and Mr. Paul Brewbaker come and speak at two separate events. Ms. Chambers is a Presentation Coach and was able to speak to our members about networking tips, proper business etiquette and how to bring out the best in you. Mr. Brewbaker is a chief economist and spoke about the overall economy in Hawaii and financial investing. Our members were able to gain insightful information by these two knowledgeable speakers.
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65th Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Neil Kuioka Chairman of the Board
Scott Matsuda Treasurer
Brian Watase President
Brice Ueda Executive Vice President
Sydette Higuchi Nate Gyotaku Director at Large Director at Large
Tyson Yamada VP-Management Development
Ryan Nakagawa VP-Membership Development
Christin Lovell Tiffanie Masutani 63rd CBF 63rd CBF Co-General Chair Co-General Chair
Gina Maeda-Caluya Secretary
Heather Otani Tiffany Mitani Kara Iwasaki Director at Large Director at Large Director at Large
Staci Yoshihara Director at Large
Kristine Wada Queen’s Advisor
Addison Caluya Historian
George Takase VP-Community Development
Brent Kitsu VP-International Relations
Wayne Yagi Advisors
Tamlyn Toyama Young Business Roundtable Chair
Darren Ota Advisors
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History of the
The formation of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) occurred during an era when the Japanese American community was searching for its place in mainstream America. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Japanese throughout the United States faced social pressure to integrate themselves into the American culture and lifestyle. The internment, relocation and evacuation of 120,000 Japanese Americans and permanent resident aliens of Japanese ancestry during World War II created additional hardships and challenges. After the end of the war, many nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) returned from the armed services or mainland schools to find a distinct void in the Japanese community. “The issei (first generation Japanese immigrants) hesitated to regroup for fear that they might be labeled anti-American,” said Robert Sato, the first HJJCC President, “and the younger generation had neither vehicle nor the desire to gather together other than a few veteran groups.” 18
It wasn’t until the Japanese Chamber of Commerce was revived a few years later after the end of the war that the idea of a “vehicle” for the younger generation was suggested. The second post-war president of the Chamber, Servco Pacific founder Peter Fukunaga, encouraged the formation of a “junior” division to train future leaders. The idea, as expressed by Sato, was to train the next generation so that they could eventually assume the reigns of the “senior” chamber. So in 1949, an organizational meeting was convened and 45 charter members adopted bylaws and elected officers. Thus was born the Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce. In Sato’s inaugural speech on January 14, 1950, he declared that the junior chamber was being organized “with the two-fold purpose of trying to build good citizenship among our young Japanese Americans and to provide them with a medium of training for participation in worthwhile community-wide civic projects.” Unfortunately, not all groups warmly received the new Junior Chamber. As
Sato remarked, some people felt that a group developed along ethnic lines “would not enhance the cause of Americanism among the Japanese American citizens.” There were still other challenges waiting. When the organization was formed, membership was limited only to men, and the many meetings of the fledgling group met with the disapproval of the wives. To alleviate this disruption to their domestic tranquility, Sato and his fellow members decided to ask their wives to become auxiliary members. This move proved to not only be rewarding for the members and their wives, but also one of the major “forces” behind the success of many projects, including the Cherry Blossom Festival. In 1952, the organization became affiliated with the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, a leadership development organization for young people, and changed their name to the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. In the early years as a chapter of the Jaycees organization, the Junior Chamber sponsored many community events
such as nurse scholarship dances, HawaiiJapan student conferences and drives for the Aloha Week Festival, the Community Chest, the Red Cross, and Christmas Seals. Among those events was the inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival in 1953. By 1954, membership in the Junior Chamber had swelled from the original 45 members to more than 130. Membership continued to increase and reached 200 in 1958 and then 250 in 1963. The allowable age range for membership varied from 20 to 36, then from 18 to 35, and finally to 21 to 39 (which it remains to this day). In addition, in the late 1950s, the Junior Chamber began admitting men from other ethnic backgrounds that would rise to the task of moving the Junior Chamber forward. Germiniano Arre Jr. became the first president of Filipino ancestry in 1969. Richard Bauske was the first Caucasian president in 1975 and Kenneth Chang became the first president of Chinese ancestry in 1979. But the changes weren’t over. Following a move by the national Jaycees
organization, the Junior Chamber extended equal membership to women. In light of what the founding members discovered in the early days of the Junior Chamber, this would be a rewarding and beneficial move for the organization. Thus, it came as no surprise that the women brought new vitality to the Junior Chamber and rose to positions of prominence. Phyllis Yuen (now Fujiwara) became the first woman president of the Junior Chamber in 1989. A couple years later, in late 1991, Lenny Andrew (formerly Yajima and the 34th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen) would become the first woman to lead the Cherry Blossom Festival through its 40th anniversary. Throughout the years, the Junior Chamber has reached out to the global community and formed close bonds with other ethnic festivals and Jaycee organizations. For almost three decades, the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Junior Chamber has enjoyed a reciprocal relationship with the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles (incidentally, Nisei Week was the inspiration for the Cherry Blossom Festival). Also, reciprocal relationships
were formed with the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco and the Japanese Community Queen Contest in the Greater Seattle area. In addition to these relationships, the Junior Chamber enjoys “sister chapter” relations with the Hilo Jaycees on the Big Island and the Kobe, Odawara, Kurashiki, Kojima, and Tamashima Junior Chambers in Japan. All these relationships have resulted in numerous visits to each other’s cities, lifelong friendships, unique and enjoyable shared experiences, and cultural exchange. In the 21st century, the Junior Chamber’s diverse membership continues to grow with a renewed commitment to serve the community, while developing their leadership skills and fostering relationships that will enhance the lives of family, friends, neighbors, and peers. Although they are crafting and implementing their vision for the future, they recognize and value the rich history of the Junior Chamber, and applaud and appreciate the original 45 founding members whose foresight, courage, and dedication built the strong foundation for the organization’s continued success. 19
Title Sponsor Bank of Hawaii Peter Ho Chairman, President & CEO
Diamond Sponsors
Fujiyasu Kimono Company Kazunari Mochizuki President
Kyo-ya Company, LLC Nobutada Nagai Executive Vice President
Obun Hawaii Inc. Mervyn Yoshimoto President
Pamela Futa Campbell
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Japan Airlines Teiji Murayama Vice President and Regional Manager, Hawaii
Watabe Wedding Corporation Minoru Yasuno General Manager
Gyotaku Japanese Restaurant Thomas Jones President
Gold Sponsors
Kirin Brewery of America LLC Randall Higa President
Island Insurance John Schapperle President and COO
Images by Steven Steven Yamaki Photographer and Owner
Pomaikai Ballrooms Jeff Marcello General Manager
Silver Sponsors
JTB Hawaii, Inc. Tsukasa Harufuku President and CEO
iHeartMedia Brendan Tottori Account Executive
Gyotaku by Naoki Naoki Hayashi Owner/Artist
Shiseido Cosmetics America
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Queen
SARAH KAMIDA
62nd Cherry Blossom Queen Sarah Kiyomi Kamida photographed by Steven Yamaki, photographer and owner of Images by Steven, a Gold sponsor. Her evening gown was donated by 53rd Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, Brooke Hasegawa 23
Queen’s Letter
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This year was life changing. It was not because of the crown, kimonos or the spotlight. It was the experience of learning about our traditions, making manju for the first time or gaining numerous friendships around the world that has instilled in me a new sense of pride in our culture and a greater motivation to serve the Japanese-American community. The 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival theme was “Issho Ni” meaning “together” which resonated throughout this year. The festival was a success only by the dedication of each individual investing their time and energy together. From contestants to being on court, we experienced taking cultural classes together to participating in many community service events together; making our bonds stronger than ever. In the spirit of “Issho Ni,” there are many people I am grateful for and want to express my deepest appreciation. To the HJJCC, Cherry Blossom Festival volunteers, instructors and sponsors, I want to thank you for your continued support and commitment. Your generosity provided us an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to develop into confident, well-spoken young leaders eager to make positive impacts in the community. To my fellow 62nd CBF sisters, thank you for your caring friendships. I respect and admire each of you, and am genuinely a better person because of all of you. To our sister cities, thank you for making our trips memorable with your generous hospitality. To our sister courts, I am blessed to have gained more sisters in multiple cities and share an once-in-a-lifetime experience with all of you. To Kristine “Mama Bear” Wada, words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am for you. Thank you for dedicating your time and energy to make this year special. I truly appreciate the long conversations, constant encouragement and most importantly, your friendship. To Faye, Jasmine, JoAnne, Kathy, Randy, Allen and everyone else who helped me through this experience, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am humbled by your generosity. I will treasure and use your words of encouragement and advice throughout my life. To all my friends and Arcadia co-workers, my amazing extended family, church family and Gooshikumiho’s, I cannot thank each of you enough for the unconditional love and support you have showered upon me this past year. I was touched by the beautiful signs and the loud cheering! I could not have gotten through this year without your friendship and encouragement. To my parents, I could not have gotten through this year without the both of you. Thank you for your love, tolerance and encouragement to, “Just do your best!” Dave, thank you for being a full force support through this year and accepting the title of, “Sarah’s Brother.” David, Thank you for your steadfast love from near and far. I am extremely grateful for your spiritual, emotional and mental support when I needed it the most. Grandma, thank you for your subtle yet abundant support and love. Aunty Gail, I honestly could have gotten through this year without your support and dedication to helping me. To the “Drama Lani’s”-Chelsea, Nikky, Alysha and Cara. I want you to know how blessed I am to have each of you on the 62nd court. I am honored to call you ladies my sisters. Each of you have taught me about living life to the fullest, loving unconditionally and embracing every moment (and photo shoot opportunity) we have. From standing in heels for hours to sleepless trips, all of you made this year unbelievably fun. We made countless memories, and I cannot wait to make countless more with all of you! I am so grateful for all the opportunities this last year has presented me. I have been humbled by each person I have encountered and have gained more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. It was sincerely my honor and pleasure to serve the community.
Sarah Kiyomi Kamida
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62nd Cherry Blossom Festival
Queen & Court From Left to Right: Miss Popularity Alysha Tanabe, First Princess and Miss Congeniality Chelsea Okamoto, Queen Sarah Kamida, Princess Cara Tsutsuse, Princess Nicole Ansai
The 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court are dressed in an original design provided by longtime award donor Anne Namba. Photo courtesy of Steven Yamaki, photographer and owner of Images by Steven, a Gold Sponsor.
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62nd CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL COURT
Thank You Messages
FIRST PRINCESS & MISS CONGENIALITY
Chelsea Noelani Okamoto
“The more one does and sees and feels. . . the more genuine may be one’s appreciation of fundamental things.” - Amelia Earhart The Cherry Blossom Festival journey has allowed me to see more of the world, feel more of my culture and do more for my community, but I wouldn’t have this experience without fundamental people in my life. First, to my grandparents, parents, step-parents, my brothers and my sister, Eric and the Tomishimas - thank you for dealing with the craziness of my life and letting me be me. I couldn’t have done this without you. To my family and friends - Thank you for making signs, coming to events, and for your cheers. Your love, patience, and understanding have been massive and unwavering. Thank you to the HJJCC, Festival volunteers and sponsors who made this lifetime experience possible for girls like me. Thank you to my 62nd CBF sisters for being amazing friends throughout the stress screams and tears. Thank you Mama Bear Kristine for your guidance through this year. Thank you to our sister courts for unforgettable memories while traveling. Finally, to Kiyomilani, Leilani, Kanoelani and Alohilani - thank you “lani sisters” for filling this past year with weird nicknames, weirder foods, and the weirdest photoshoots and conversations. Team Issho Ni - どうもありがとうございます!
PRINCESS
Nicole Alohilani Ansai Being blessed to have had the opportunity to be apart of the Cherry Blossom Festival as both a Contestant and a Court member is an experience that will always be a part of my heart. There are no words to express how grateful I truly am to all my family, friends and support systems. To dad, mom up above, Mahea, the Tang & Ansai family and Travis, thank you for being there for me since day one, through all the memories, hardships, picking me up when I was down, giving me faith and lastly being the reason why I am here today! Thank you to all my besties (you know who you are), coworkers, brothers and sisters who came out to public appearances & held signs, understanding my hectic schedule, and cheered me on till the end even when I didn’t answer my question, it meant the world to me. A special thank you to the HJJCC, sister Chambers, and the Festival for letting this once in a lifetime opportunity become reality. To Kristine who steered our court to have a meaningful and memorable year. To my J-DramaLani sisters thank you for being there through everything! I’m truly grateful for all the photo shoots (when in doubt...photo shoot), having “funnies”, endless eating and making lifetime memories. You are all the older sisters I’ve never had. Thank you for believing in me and not giving up, because I am the youngest. I love you all from the bottom of my heart! “Okage Sama De”-I am what I am because of you
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PRINCESS
Cara Lei Mariko Tsutsuse Words cannot truly express how much I appreciate all of the love and support shown to me throughout my Cherry Blossom contestant and Court member experience. To mom, dad, Lacy, my grandparents, and Kevin, thank you for putting up with all of my craziness, the ups and downs, the busy schedule, and for being my stable support system through everything, start to finish. To all of my aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends, thank you for coming out to support me at the public appearances and for buying the souvenir books, t-shirts, and tickets to the various events. To the HJJCC, Sister cities, and all of the volunteers, thank you for this incredible opportunity. To our Court advisor Kristine, thank you for being our organizer and our fearless leader in this amazing year. To my new sisters, thank you for this truly once-in-a-lifetime Court year experience! I love you all with all my heart! Thank you for all of the laughs, memories, and inside jokes *points at nose and laughs* that I will never forget. No matter where life takes us, we will always be the 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival Court; Go Team Issho Ni!
Miss Popularity
Alysha Tanabe I am so honored and grateful to have been apart of the 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival, both as a contestant and a court member. All the words in the world wouldn’t be able to explain the whole experience, from the cultural classes and educational experience to the new friendships around the world, to the trips and priceless memories. It has been an amazing experience to be apart of and I can’t say thank you enough for everyones support. Mom & Brent: Thank you for always being there supporting me in whatever I decide to do. Your encouraging words and endless love always keeps me going. My amazing friends and family: Thank you for being so supportive! I know I can always turn to you guys for advice, love, help, and support no matter what I do in life. My lifelong memories of the Cherry Blossom Festival wouldn’t have been possible without you guys! To my court sisters & Kristine: It was such an honor to get to know each of you so well and go through this journey together. I am so glad I have new sisters for life! To the HJJCC, CBF, & advisors: Thank you so much for your generosity and time and most importantly for providing me with this amazing experience and opportunity! 29
62nd Cherry Blossom Court
Community Service
L
ast year, the 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival theme was “Issho Ni,” or together. We understood that by working with the community, we were able to do more together than alone. This year, our court’s mission was two-fold: to work alongside organizations in our State to 1) better understand our heritage and promote our culture and 2) serve vulnerable populations in our community. Through the year, we helped to raise funds for community organizations dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Japanese culture. We attended the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s annual gala, “Sharing the Spirit of Aloha” and helped with the silent auction and raffle tickets. We also attended Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce’s Nijikai fundraiser and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce’s Chopstick and Wine fundraiser to greet guests and assist in each evening’s festivities. We also wanted to engage in community service projects and events that would allow us to learn and promote 30
our culture. At the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s Annual Kodomo No Hi, or Keiki Day, we taught children make miniature ikebana flower arrangements in film canisters and helped to host various cultural performances, such as Japanese dance and taiko. We also assisted the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii by gathering more than 3,000 signatures for a petition asking to preserve the Honouliuli internment campsite, the largest of the internment camps in Hawai‘i during WWII. We had the opportunity to attend the Daijingu Annnual Autumn Thanksgiving Festival and were privileged to attended several bon dances in different communities. We helped with concessions, gathered donations, and learned new dances at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Bon Dance, Kaneohe Hongwanji Bon Dance, and Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance. Finally, the court decided to host a mini bon dance at Kuakini Senior Center with hopes that seniors unable to attend community bon dances could still enjoy the obon season through singing and dancing.
We also understood the importance our relationship with Japan. A week after our coronation, we were able to attend a reception co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan and Onagawa Town Delegation to thank the people of Hawaii for their support after the Japan earthquake and tsunami. We assisted with Rainbow for Japan Kids, a program that brought children from disaster-affected regions of Japan to Hawaii for rest, recuperation, and psychological relief. At the Pan-Pacific Festival “Ho’olaule’a” we helped the Minamisoma Project by gathering donations to buy fresh produce for those who are still affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Finally, we wanted to extend our reach beyond the Japanese community in Hawaii. We focused on serving the most vulnerable populations in Hawaii: the young, the disabled, the homeless, the hungry, and the elderly. We assisted at Special Olympics and watched handicapable youth overcome obstacles. Together with Makiki Christian Church, we prepped and served almost two hundred Japanese-themed
meals at the Next-Step Shelter. On Mother’s Day, we spent time getting to knowsenior women without families at AdoptA-Mom. We sold newspapers on Keiki Day to raise funds for Parents and Children Together. We hosted an origami-making tent at the Boys and Girls Club’s Day for Kids Carnivals at Washington Middle School and spoke to middle-school children about community service at the Junior Optimist Club. We held a neighborhood food drive in Kaimuki and collected nearly 200 lbs of food for Hawaii Food Bank. Finally, we planned and sold tickets for “Changing Lives with Aloha,” a reception with a fashion show, in order to raise money for the Easter Seals Hawaii Youth Services program. We worked together as a team, and we learned that we could make difference in the community by working together with the community. Together, we will strive to continue our service to the community and thank those who helped us to help others. Team Issho Ni!
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Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce
Community Service
The HJJCC and its members support and participate in several community service projects throughout the year. One of our service projects is the Hawaii State Jaycees’ Adopt-A-School Day project which was started 7 years ago and is a statewide grassroots effort to establish an annual day of awareness and service to Hawaii schools. This year, the HJJCC adopted Aiea Elementary School where our membership helped the school clear and prepare gardening space to give the students an opportunity to plant traditional Hawaiian medicinal herbs for their class. The HJJCC was also given the opportunity to assist the Nisei Veterans Legacy Center and Sons and Daughters of the 442nd with the exhibition of their “Go For Broke” Exhibit throughout the island. The historical Exhibit tells the story through photographs and written story of the record of Nisei soldiers in the 100th/442nd/522nd and Military Intelligence Services before, during and after World War II. This is in addition to our involvement with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s Day of Remembrance, which describes the Internment of Japanese in Hawaii and the prejudices they went through during the WWII era. These service projects have been a great opportunity for our membership to not only volunteer in the community but also educate our members about our Japanese-American history. Other volunteer partners and projects the HJJCC participate in throughout the year are the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Honolulu Marathon, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii’s Annual Gala, Waialae Complex Halloween Costume Contest, Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance and the Sony Open. Through these various community service projects, the HJJCC members have the opportunity to not only help in our community but also to broaden their horizon and grow as individuals.
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63rd Cherry Blossom Festival
CULTURAL AWARD A longtime supporter of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Lillian Yajima believes in the importance of perpetuating the Japanese culture. Although the contestants participate in various cultural classes during the festival, including taiko, odori, and Japanese tea ceremony, the classes give them just a small glimpse of the various subjects. Seeing how interested they have been in learning about their heritage, Yajima thought it would be important to give them a chance to take additional classes once the festival was over. Thus, she created the Cultural Awards. Yajima finds out what subjects the contestants are most interested in and finds instructors willing to provide these additional classes. “It’s an added thing the girls get,” said Yajima. “If (younger generations) continue to do everything American, they’re going to lose their identity.” The Cherry Blossom Festival is humbled by and grateful to Mrs. Lillian Yajima and her immense contributions to helping perpetrate the Japanese culture.
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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL In 1953 a small group of courageous and dedicated individuals organized the first Cherry Blossom Festival in Hawai’i. These individuals were the founding fathers of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC), who each invested $1,000.00 of their own money to create the Festival. Sixty-three years later, the Cherry Blossom Festival continues to thrive. Each year, the festival includes activities and events that bring together our HJJCC members, volunteers, families, friends, and the Hawai’i community. The Festival offers many opportunities that allow people to grow personally and professionally, strengthen their bond with the Japanese culture, and create lifelong friendships and wonderful memories. This year we have selected 13 young women of Japanese ancestry to participate in cultural and personal development classes such as ikebana, taiko, and public speaking. Throughout the following months, they will also make appearances and practice their public speaking skills at local shopping centers, volunteer at our annual Golf Tournament, and have a fun night with their supporters at Contestant Reception. In March at Festival Ball, our most anticipated event, the 63rd Cherry Blossom Queen and Court will be selected to represent the HJJCC and the Cherry Blossom Festival for the following year. 34
PUBLIC APPEARANCES Public Appearances will be held at several of Oahu’s major shopping centers to help promote the festival and introduce this year’s contestants. Cultural entertainment, such as taiko (Japanese drums) or odori (Japanese dance) will start the program. The 62nd Queen Sarah Kamida and her Court will make an appearance and speak about their experiences of their past year. Then the 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival Contestants will be introduced. Each will be asked an impromptu question on a variety of subjects. Through this question and answer experience, each contestant will gain valuable practice in sharpening their public speaking skills, developing poise, and increasing self-confidence. GOLF TOURNAMENT Join us at Hawai’i Prince Golf Course on Friday, February 27, 2015 for the Cherry Blossom Festival Golf Tournament! This tournament will feature a three man scramble format with a shotgun start at 11:30am and an awards banquet at the end of the tournament. Shine up your clubs and hit the driving range, as the 62nd court, 63rd contestants, HJJCC and CBF volunteers will all be there to cheer you on!
CONTESTANT RECEPTION Since its inclusion in the Festival, this casual reception for the contestants has been a crowd favorite! Friends, families, and festival supporters enjoy a night of games and dancing at Rumours Night Club at The Ala Moana Hotel. Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2015 and dance the night away! Tickets will be available both presale and at the door. FESTIVAL BALL The culmination of the 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival is Festival Ball, where the new 63rd Cherry Blossom Queen and Court will be crowned. This year, the Sheraton Waikiki will host our event on Sunday, March 22, 2015. Throughout the past 6 months as contestants, the 13 exceptional contestants have learned about their Japanese culture and heritage, participated in professional development classes, improved on their poise, self-confidence, and stage presence. The festival ball will showcase their hard work, dedication, and perseverance as contestants in this exciting evening. The “Western Phase” will present the 63rd Cherry Blossom
Festival Contestants in elegant evening gowns from Casablanca Bridal and Formals. Each contestant will present a personal speech they have prepared in the past months. In the “Eastern Phase”, the contestants will grace the stage in beautiful silk furisode kimono provided graciously by our Diamond Sponsor, Watabe Wedding. Each furisode kimono is specifically selected to complement each contestant and flown in from Japan for this night. Before the night is over, a panel of distinguished judges will select the 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, First Princess, and three Princesses. Miss Popularity and Miss Congeniality will also be announced and will join together as the 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival Court. Festival Ball will also be the last official appearance of the 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Sarah Kamida and the members of the 62nd court. Our sister cities from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Kobe, Japan will be in attendance to give their best wishes to the 62nd court and to congratulate the new 63rd court. We invite everyone to join us for this very special evening.
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The 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival contestants are featured wearing Swirl; an original design by Gold Sponsor, Tori Richard.
From Left to Right: Kyla Teramoto, Jessica Kaneshiro, Kristen Nakamoto, Joy Masuda, Heather Miura, Rosalei Chinen, Kimberly Takata, Casie Fujihana, Kylie Lucero, Jody Shimabukuro, Leslie Ching, Celina Quach, Emily Goris
Queen Contestants
63rd Cherry Blossom Festival
2015 63rd CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 11, 2015 (Sunday) 10:30am-11:30am *Opening Ceremonies and Ohana Festival Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH)Teruya Courtyard Stage
January 17, 2015 (Saturday) 1:00pm *Public Appearance Kahala Mall
February 7, 2015 (Saturday) 12:00 Noon (tent.) *Public Appearance Pearlridge Mall - Downtown
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February 14, 2015 (Saturday) 12:00 Noon *Public Appearance Windward Mall February 22, 2015 (Sunday) 3:00pm *Public Appearance Ala Moana Center Stage
February 28, 2015 (Saturday) 5:00pm Contestant Reception Rumours Nightclub @ the Ala Moana Hotel March 22, 2015 (Sunday) 5:00pm-10:00pm Festival Ball Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
February 27, 2015 (Friday) 10:30am- Registration 11:30am- Shotgun Start Golf Tournament Hawaii Prince Golf Course
* These appearances are free and open to the public.
ROSALEI TERUKO CHINEN
ロサレイ照子知念 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup: Hair:
The late Guy Chinen and Sarah Chinen Kalani High School, 2008 Chapman University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in Management and a minor in Leadership and Organizational Studies, 2011 Real Estate Salesperson To develop and support a sustainable lifestyle and living culture for future generations of Hawaii residents. Playing soccer, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, reading, hiking, and eating at Yelp recommended establishments. Jo Ann Fukao of Naris Jennifer Nishi and Sabrina Doi
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? The Japanese values that are significant to me when building strong relationships are omoiyari, to consider and think of others, as well as wa, group harmony. The ideals of omoiyari and wa were instilled in me since I was a child. Some of which included respecting my elders, being appreciative, and being useful by helping others. I try my best to follow and include these values when meeting someone for the first time or seeing an old friend. The main purpose of applying these values is to transform a simple association into a personal connection that gives everyone involved a sense of trust, loyalty and respect. In my experience, omoiyari and wa have played an integrated role when developing and nurturing the bonds that can lead to lifetime friendships.
LESLIE TISHA CHING
レスリー ティシャ チン Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup:
Stanley Ching and Jocelyn Nakashima Punahou School, 2007 Pitzer College, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, 2011 Environmental Compliance Program Specialist To get to know people from different countries and experience their values and cultures. Hiking, stand up paddling, traveling, documentaries, Disney Treslyn McElligatt of Nordstrom
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? The Japanese values of appreciation and group harmony have helped build relationships in my life. I base my decisions on personal values and how my actions can affect others. I’m always observant of others and adjust myself to harmonize with the group. I didn’t know anyone in the town when I moved to Japan, but I soon made friends. We were all from different cultures, but we each contributed our knowledge and interests to the group. We could all empathize with the joys and challenges of living in a foreign country. I couldn’t be where I am today without those surrounding me. I continue to cultivate the relationships with my family and friends. I can appreciate a special trait in each person and I’m continually inspired to be a better person.
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CASIE TOMOMI FUJIHANA
ケイシー 智美 藤花 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Hair:
Darryl & Sandy Fujihana Roosevelt High School, 2011 University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Biology, 2016 Assistant Manager & Student To show gratitude for those who have helped me throughout my life and establish a career serving the geriatric community in Hawai’i. Traveling and experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and trying bizarre foods. Sandy Fujihana of Hairwaves
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? Interdependence and acknowledging the presence of others are one of the many Japanese values that I use to build relationships. Working in a group requires self-control, but carries the rewards of pride in contributing, emotional security, and social identity. With every effort you put into the group, you build relationships with those involved. At a young age, my grandparents instilled into me the meaning of omoiyari (to notice and think of others). I carry this value with me whenever I work with others by acknowledging their hard work and showing gratitude for the opportunities they have given me. With the Cherry Blossom Festival, we are reminded that although this festival encompasses the enrichment of Japanese culture for us, we must also show gratitude towards those who have continued to dedicate their time to ensure its success.
EMILY MARGRETH GORIS 絵美梨 ゴーリス Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup:
Frank Goris and Rieko Goris Sacred Hearts Academy, graduated 2009 University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bachelor of Arts in Music, 2013 Piano teacher My ambition is to help my students learn the joy of playing the piano to also enjoy and appreciate how the skill can help them grow into a better person mentally and artistically. Singing, Baking, Drawing, Playing video games, and Reading Japanese comic/novels Vanessa of Sephora at Ala Moana
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? Building relationships can be very simple to some people, while it can be very difficult for others. No one is the same; therefore, the way one can build relationships is different. Growing up, I learned that being humble and funny was the best way to build up relationships. My mother, who was born in Osaka, would always be watching manzai (a type of traditional stand-up comedy). Whenever I would see the same groups coming out to perform, I felt that I grew to know the people performing. Because it was so funny, I thought that being funny like them could help me bond with other people as well. Of course, being humble is most important. When you can be kind and think more of others, this will help me to be a better person, and build more friendships. I always remember to myself; treat others the way you want to be treated.
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JESSICA NAOMI KALEIKAIMANA KANESHIRO
ジェシカ 直美 カレイカイマナ 金城 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup:
Johnny Kaneshiro and Jodi Uehara Mililani High School, 2007 University of Hawai`i at Ma–noa, Bachelor of Arts in Communicology, 2012; University of Hawai`i at Ma–noa, Masters of Arts in Communicology, 2014 College Lecturer My ambition in life is to never stop learning, whether it is through furthering my education or experiencing new things, and to pass on what I learn to help others. Working out, food, dogs Jordann Aguon
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? Chu–gi, loyalty, and sekinin, responsibility, are most important in building relationships in my life. Loyalty is significant because it demonstrates trust, commitment, and faithfulness. It means a lot, knowing that my family, friends, and colleagues can rely on me. Responsibility in building a relationship is equally important because it is essential to make sure those connections flourish by being accountable for them. Ever since I was a little girl, I went to my grandma’s almost every Sunday for family dinner. My parent’s taught me that it was our responsibility to go to Grandma’s so that we could spend time with her and she could see us grow. Today, we continue to go to Grandma’s on Sundays and the relationship I have with my grandma has grown to a place of respect and love. It is these values that my parents instilled in me that allow me to build meaningful relationships.
KYLIE BREANNE LUCERO
カイリ ブリアーン ルセロ Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies:
Terilyn and Homero “Jay” Lucero Jr. Kapolei High School, 2009 University of Hawaii at West Oahu, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 2014 Recent Graduate To educate, empower, and rehabilitate children in need with my future degree in occupational therapy. Baking, gardening, working out, exploring new restaurants, participating in physical challenges such as the Warrior Dash and Spartan Run.
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? Omoiyari is a Japanese value that teaches individuals to notice and think of others. It is a conscious way to examine other’s views of life without judgment. All individuals are unique in their own way and omoiyari is a concept in which each individual is noticed for their differences and accepted for them. Omoiyari also allows individuals to self evaluate themselves as one possible way of life. Omoiyari is a way to allow interdependence and acceptance of individuals and themselves to learn from each other’s strengths and limitations. As a community, we grow and develop from each other’s character without criticism and are free to be innovative, unique individuals who can gain a sense of self-value. Through interdependence and acceptance, the strong sense of respect in the community helps build the bond that holds them together.
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JOY MARI MASUDA
ジョイ 真理 増田 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup:
Shane and Julie Kuwaye Kalani High School, 2010 University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bachelor of Arts in Communications and an associates in Art, 2014 Managing Assistant at Eden in Love To bridge the cultures of Hawaii and Japan, focusing on community practices and self-sustainability. Dancing, snorkeling, hiking, surfing and writing. Christine Gardner of FLAUNT Makeovers
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? Growing up in a Japanese household, honor and empathy were values taught on a daily basis. Although never said outright, these were important traits exchanged by my family and friends through the care and love shown by one another. Honor is the delicate balance between pride and humility. Our culture interprets it as striving to be the best, but knowing that you will never truly get there. As individuals, we are constantly persevering and are never meant to settle. Empathy is the harmony between these individuals- working together and understanding one another in order to contribute to the group and family. I take these values with me everyday in order to better not only myself, but to inspire those around me and to bring together a community that can build, grow, and learn together.
HEATHER RIE MIURA
ヘザー
利恵 三浦
Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup: Hair:
Matthew Miura, Charlene Miura Punahou School, 2010 Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience & Behavior, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Departmental Honors, 2014 Student (currently looking for a position) To attend medical school with a specialization in psychiatry and lead mental health care reform with intervention programs in the homeless and adolescent population as a practicing physician in Hawai‘i Vinyasa Yoga, Cultural Dance, Opera, Baking, Arts & Crafts Pattie Kuamoo of Salon 808 Malia Amaral of Salon 808
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? Gaman–an emic that is perhaps the quintessence of Japanese culture–encompasses patience, perseverance and forbearance. I was indoctrinated with this uniquely Japanese concept through the sacrifices my parents made for me during my childhood. My father worked abroad in order to support my private education while my mother, a first-generation immigrant, raised my older sister and me. They taught me to practice patience in my interpersonal relationships to resolve conflict and remember gratitude during times of tension. In the pursuit of truth, Shinto– stresses magokoro, an ethic to strive towards embodying in life. Growing up, my grandmother would amaze me with her sincerity and earnest. As a major influence in my life, she showed me the importance of magokoro in each of my endeavors and relationships. While having the ability to gaman is integral to compromising and maintaining my relationships, magokoro is essential to every interaction in my life.
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KRISTEN MAYUMI NAKAMOTO
クリステン 真優美 中本 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup: Hair:
Patsy Nakamoto, Wesley Nakamoto Punahou School class of 2009 Creighton University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a minor in Medical Anthropology, class of 2013 Graduate Student To pursue a masters of science in physician assistant studies, and to continue serving others through my life involvement with community service and public health. Dancing Hula and Tahitian, surfing, exercising, relaxing with a good book, and listening to music. Taryn Yamada Dennis Guillermo
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? The source of my strength is family. Oyakoko (filial piety), kenkyo (humility), nintai (patience), sonkei (respect), and ai (love) are a few of the principles practiced by my family. These ideologies constitute the foundational values of relationships within my life. I have been blessed with amazing mentors who have generously shared their principles by opening their hearts to build a bonding relationship with me. They, along with my family and friends, have taught me so much about life; without their guidance and nurturing I wouldn’t be the individual I am today. A famous author, Deepak Chopra once stated, “our minds influence the activity of the brain, which then influences everything; perception, cognition, thoughts and feelings, and personal relationships; they’re all a projection of you”. I look forward to continue building future relationships by sharing these familial values that I hold dear to my heart.
CELINA KIYOMI QUACH
セリーナ 清美 郭 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup:
Calvin and Kiyoko Quach Kalani High School, 2008 University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bachelor of Science in Travel Industry Management, 2012 Administrative Assistant To inspire healthy habits in others and promote sustainable practices. Power lifting, hiking, discovering vegan meals, thrift shopping and upcyling vintage pieces. Joelle Lee
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? Sitting in the cramped living room of my great-grandmother’s home in Osaka, my grandmother is meeting with an insurance agent. Watching my mother prepare tea and light senbei for our visitor was my first lesson in Omotenashi; a noun that most nearly means, “To entertain wholeheartedly”. Though this visitor to my grandmother was neither royalty nor a celebrity, I witnessed the value in treating others with no expectations. The Japanese are well known for their gracious, selfless hospitality. What is the difference between a guest and a customer? Many would say, a guest is invited, while payment is expected from a customer. In the Japanese language, the word guest and customer are the same, okyakusama. Relationships remain non-dominant, with both host and guest expecting nothing in return or in reward. This gentle demeanor of treating others in the highest regard is the most important Japanese value in building relationships.
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JODY MAHEALANI SHIMABUKURO
ジョディー マへアラニ 島袋 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup & Hair:
Bert and Vinnie Shimabukuro Hanalani Schools, 2011 Hawaii Pacific University, anticipated graduation 2015 Student, Research Assistant To be a servant leader in my community and inspire other to achieve more than they thought possible Baking; Playing with my animals; Historical and medical documentaries; Staying informed of news locally, nationally, and internationally; Horror movies. Jess Aki
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? A Japanese value that may be misunderstood is the importance of silence. Silence can be seen as a sign of weakness or indifference, yet in Japanese culture it is actually seen with reverence in social settings. I feel that silence can actually represent strength. Those who are silent while others are boisterous gain more information from the situation, are more observant, and have a better grasp of 気分 (kibun) and 気持ち (kimochi). Sometimes the most important thing for one to do for others is to simply listen. Some things cannot be expressed in words, but through feeling. We can connect with others through more than just verbal communication, which could yield even more value. Therefore, when you are able to comfortably sit with a friend in silence, that is when you truly know what you have with that person is special.
KIMBERLY KIMIKO TAKATA
キンバリー きみ子 高田 Parents: High School: College:
Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Makeup: Hair:
Garret Takata, Ann Takata Punahou School, 2007 Oregon State University, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Certificate in Medical Humanities, 2012; University of Hawaii at Manoa, Master of Public Health, specialization in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, 2014. Business Analyst To be an innovative and compassionate leader, promoting successful aging among Hawaii’s communities. Dancing, reading, physical fitness activities, trying new restaurants, and gerontology Pattie Kuamoo of Salon 808 Malia Amaral of Salon 808
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? When I was a child, I would accompany my grandmother during her neighborhood walks to run errands. Whether it was the store clerk, the postman, her doctors, or neighbors, she would always bow her head, smile and give a sincere “thank you” to everyone who helped her. Like my grandmother, I try to express gratitude to those in my life because I know that my happiness, success and growth would not be possible without them. The Japanese value of arigatai, to be thankful and grateful, is deeper than a verbal expression of appreciation; it is a mindset essential to relationships and community building. The Cherry Blossom Festival has provided me with a deeper awareness and appreciation for the Japanese values that have influenced my upbringing. In perpetuating the Japanese culture, I also hope to emphasize the importance of arigatai among future generations.
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KYLA MIYUKI TERAMOTO
カイラ 美幸 寺本 Parents: High School: College: Occupation: Ambition: Interests/Hobbies: Hair:
Ron and Laurie Teramoto Iolani School, 2008 Santa Clara University; Bachelor of Science summa cum laude in Biology, 2011. Doctor of Medicine, anticipated 2015. Medical student I aspire to provide the best care for my patients while serving the people of Hawaii. Cheerleading, hula and contemporary dance, singing, watching movies, and cupcakes. Racyne Sugai of Sassarella
Which Japanese values do you feel are most important in building relationships in your life? The Japanese values of family, respect and gratitude comprise the foundation of my relationships with others. My family relationships are the cornerstone. My parents have always been there to support me and I strive to live with the integrity and compassion they have taught me. All four of my grandparents are inspiring role models for living constructive, caring lives, and I’ve learned profound life lessons at their knees. Respect is an integral part of my relationships. Each person we encounter in daily life deserves respect; the utmost consideration for others is fundamental to the Japanese culture. Finally, I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and the people who have guided me on my journey, and this gratitude fuels my desire to serve individuals and the community. It is important to cherish every moment and invest in each relationship because these are the bonds that endure.
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Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship Alysha Tanabe It has been such an honor to be the recipient of the 2014 Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship Award. This opportunity will allow me to pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. Through the 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival theme, Issho Ni or “together,” I have seen first hand how working “together” makes anything possible. This award has inspired me to become one of the many helping hands to make a positive impact in the world. Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant has really made an impact on my life and inspired my desire to make a difference and lend a helping hand. I am so grateful to Dr. Scott Oishi for his continuous generosity and support of the Violet Niimi Oishi Scholarship program.
In 1953, Violet Tokie Niimi was crowned the first Cherry Blossom Festival Queen. Although she passed away in 2001, her memory lives on through the generosity of her son, Dr. Scott Oishi. During the Cherry Blossom Festival’s golden anniversary in 2002, Dr. Oishi recounted how his mother spoke fondly of the festival and her experiences participating in the inaugural event. Since the festival was so dear to her, and because she was a lifelong educator, he felt that a scholarship award would be ideal to honor the memory of his mother. Thus, the Violet Niimo Oishi Scholardship Award was established. At the annual Festival Ball last year, Leila Mitsunaga was announced as the recipient of the scholarship award. This year the 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival is proud and priviledged to continue this tradition in selecting one of the contestants to receive the $5,000 scholarship award. A committee of four judges, comprised of three prominent members of the community and Dr. Oishi, will select the contestant who will use the award to continue her education. This recipient will be selected based on her educational excellence, essay submission, character, and community service efforts. The Cherry Blossom Festival and the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce extend their deepest appreciation to Dr. Oishi for his continued generosity and support. And, while we know that Ms. Niimi cannot be here with us physically, we know that her legacy and spirit live on in this festival. “My mother was always very proud of her heritage, and especially the Cherry Blossom Festival and what it represented. She felt that education was an important component of a person’s life, and instilled this in me as I was growing up. As a result, it was an easy decision to initiate the Violet Niimi Scholarship that is presented every year at the Festival Ball. I am sure that she would be proud to know that this award is helping the winner to further her educational aspirations.” - Dr. Scott Oishi
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63rd Cherry Blossom Festival
Haiku & Art Contest
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Grades 3-5 1st place: Karys Imai grade 5, Kaneohe Elementary
Grades 3-5 Honorable Mention: Cassidy Furutani grade 5, Kaneohe Elementary
Grades 3-5 Honorable Mention: Dillon Shintani grade 5, Kaneohe Elementary
Grades 6-8 1st place: Gabriel Bumagat grade 6, Keoneula Elementary
Grades 6-8 Honorable Mention: Kai Yoshimoto grade 6, Ewa Elementary
Grades 6-8 Honorable Mention: Steven Beals grade 6, Iroquois Point Elementary
Grades 9-12 1st place: Ariel Cummings grade 12, Kapa’a High School
Grades 9-12 Honorable Mention: Wylan Kamoku grade 12, Kapa’a High School
Grades 9-12 Honorable Mention: Tyshawn Cain grade 12, Kapa’a High School
Haiku/Art Contest Judges James Duggins:
James Duggins works for the Honolulu Fire Department. Outside of being a firefighter, many of his hobbies and interests lie within the arts. He takes an active interest in the support of teaching creative arts to children, and can often be found volunteering in public classrooms giving career talks, and encouraging the study of visual and performing arts. As a previous actor for Laughtrack Theater, his specialty is improvisation; but is a fan of all types of live theater, music, and dance. CrossFit also plays a big role in his desire to stay fit and healthy. As the previous head coach of CrossFit Pearl City for 3 years, he was able to coach a class for the 62nd Cherry Blossom Festival contestants. He is always happy and willing to stay involved with the local community, especially when it promotes his passions of art and health.
Jo Fraticelli:
Jo Fraticelli was born on the island of Kaua`i and raised by her Hawaiian-Chinese parents. Her late mother taught her to crochet and by the age of nine, Jo began designing and creating fashions. After high school, she moved to O`ahu where she attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa to learn and expand creatively. Since then she has tackled many creative pursuits including floral designing for 20 years, creating fresh Christmas wreaths at Macy’s Ala Moana for six years, and even owning a home decorating and floral store where she had the opportunity to decorate the master bedroom of the late actress, Elizabeth Taylor, at her Kahala home. Despite Jo’s enjoyment of decorating and floral arranging, she decided to return to her love of designing clothing in 2006 when she debuted a small collection at the Fresh Face of Nu`uanu Fashion Show. As a wife and mother of two, she has found little time to pursue clothing design over the years, but with the launch of her website and a renewed sense of passion, she is back and as ready as ever.
Edmund Nakano:
Edmund N. Nakano is the Corporate Secretary & Treasurer and serves on the Executive Team of C.S.Wo & Sons, Ltd, a 105 year old kamaaina retail home furnishing company with 290 employees, 13 stores on Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Costa Mesa, California. Ed has been with C.S.Wo for 36 years and is the executive manager of the Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology and Inventory Control Departments. Ed also serves as an advisor to C.S.Wo’s affiliated companies which are involved in the investment and commercial rental property business. Ed is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants and Financial Executives International. He is a board member of Columbus Insurance, Inc., Hawaii Society of CPAs and Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Ed graduated from the University of Hawaii Manoa with a degree in Accounting and has been a CPA with a permit to practice for 40 years. He has 2 adult daughters, both of them Accountants with MBAs and one is a CPA. 49
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HJJCC Awards
HJJCC Co-Members of the Year Andrew Pang
CBF Chair of the Year Robert Wong – Treasuer and Kristin Alm – Contestant Coordinator
HJJCC Co-Members of the Year Jason Sugibayashi
HJJCC Director of the Year Brent Kitsu
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US-Japan Council Annual Conference in Honolulu By Nate Gyotoku The US-Japan Council (USJC) held its 5th annual conference in Honolulu on October 9-11 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The annual conference brings together regional, national, and international leaders from government, business, and non-profit organizations to discuss issues that impact U.S.-Japan relations. It was the first USJC conference held in Hawaii, and the local hospitality committee and community put the Aloha Spirit on full display. This year’s conference theme was “U.S.-Japan Connections: Contributing to Growth, Security and Sustainability”. The conference featured many notable guests and speakers, including Masami Iijima (CEO, Mitsui Corporation), Admiral Harry Harris (Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet), Marilyn Hewson (Chairman, President, and CEO of Lockheed Martin), former U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos, and video messages from U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and Japan Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae. The conference featured numerous breakout sessions discussing a wide range of topics like public transportation, community-oriented development, diversity in the global workplace, entrepreneurialism, TOMODACHI generation of future leaders, energy, security, and U.S.-Japan-Korea partnerships. Lifetime achievement awards were given to Dr. Paul Terasaki, Gov. George Ariyoshi, and Ambassador Ryozo Kato, recognizing their contributions to the U.S.-Japan relationship. The conference also featured a discussion panel of JapaneseAmerican “Game Changers”, which included George Takei (Star Trek), James Higa (Apple), and Hawaii’s own Anne Namba (Anne Namba Designs) and Duane Kurisu (aio Group). The conference culminated in the first ever Culinary Festival on the Hilton’s Great Lawn, featuring twelve premier chefs from Hawaii and Japan. Featuring local ingredients, these chefs, including Roy Yamaguchi, Alan Wong, Chris Kajioka, Michelle Karr-Ueoka, Alan Takasaki and Vikram Garg, crafted amazing dishes for conference attendees. The U.S.-Japan Council also conducts the TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) annually at the conference. The ELP program is an interactive program designed to develop the next generation of Japanese-American leaders, who are chosen from a pool of members from across the nation. Past ELP alumni include HJJCC members Kent Mori Walther (2010), Nate Gyotoku (2013), and Lynn Miyahira (2014). The 2015 USJC Annual Conference is scheduled for November in Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit www.usjapancouncil.org.
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VISITING
Chihiro Konishi
Mamiko Watanabe
Tomone Shimada
Michiko Tani
25th Japan Cherry Blossom Queen
25th Japan Cherry Blossom Queen
Sakura Princess 2014-2015
Sakura Princess 2014-2015
Tori Angela Nishinaka-Leon Nisei Week Japanese Festival Queen
SISTER FESTIVAL HOSTING The Cherry Blossom Festival is fortunate to have sister city relationshops with the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles and the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco Each festival generously hosts their Sister City Queens and Courts. Visits include coronations, parades, sight-seeing, creating friendships, and of course enjoying the local cuisine! While in Hawaii, our guests experience the beautiful weather and beaches, enjoy Hawaiian food, visit the Arizona Memorial, hike Diamond Head, and become part of the audience at Festival Ball. Hawaii’s Hospitality Committee is made up of past and present Court members, past and present HJJCC members, their friends and families.
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ROYALTY
Kyla Tana
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen
Mainland Trips
San Francisco
Less than a month after Festival Ball, we began our “Sister Festival” tour in San Francisco and experienced the hospitality and friendship built over many years. We took a red-eye flight and arrived in San Francisco on Friday, April 18. We toured Union Square before checking into Hotel Kabuki in Japantown. We then were fortunate to partake in San Francisco’s Counsul General’s Tea Reception at his beautiful residence. Later that evening, the hospitality committee welcomed us by hosting a delicious Friendship Reception and Welcome Reception where we met our sister courts from San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles. The next day we had an exciting tour of San Francisco. We viewed the Japanese Tea Garden, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square. We also explored the San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown and visited various community street vendors and ate delicious food. We then had a Royal Reception, hosted by the 2013 Court at Nihonmachi Terrace, and had fun posing at Pika Pika, a store with many Japanese photo sticker booths. On Sunday, we prepared for our first parade. The Northern California Cherry Blossom Grand Parade route started at the Civic Center and ended in Japantown. We witnessed many cultural performances and met different organizations representing the Japanese community in the Bay area. On our Kikkoman sponsored float, we proudly displayed our shaka signs and screamed “Aloha” at the top of our lungs. The fun culminated that night with dinner and a delicious Ghirardelli sundae at the Fairmont Heritage Place. On Monday, we visited Union Square for more shopping and left our hearts in San Francisco before returning home. Thank you to Sarah, Diego, Pat, and all members of the Northern California Cherry Blossom hospitality committee!
Seattle
The week we returned from San Francisco also began a new adventure to our sister festival in Seattle. On April 25th, we arrived on the red eye and had a breakfast feast at the Lees home. We toured Seattle’s Chinatown and visited the Tsue Chong Company’s fortune cookie and noodle factory. We stopped for tea at the Panama Hotel and checked into our hotel before arriving at the Seattle’s Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony. We attended the Seattle’s Consul General’s
reception and viewed contemporary art by Japanese artists. We also heard speeches by high school students in Japanese. We ended the night by eating desserts with the 2013 Seattle Court. Saturday started with a Duck Tour around Seattle Center, Pioneer Square, and the Downtown district. Our duck vehicle splashed into Lake Union where we saw Gas Works Park and many houseboats and seaplanes. Later we visited the historic Space Needle and walked around Seattle Center. We had a hosted Hospitality dinner and departed for Kona Kitchen, a karaoke bar owned by actor Yuji Okumoto. While singing, we also ran into and met Hawaii’s Jake Shimabukuro who was visiting Seattle. On Sunday, we visited Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront. We placed our gum on the gum wall and experienced fish throwing at the fish market. We visited many shops and eateries, including the first Starbucks. After, we departed to go to our Farewell Dinner at New Hong Seafood Restaurant. Thank you to all the members of the hospitality committee for the Japanese Queen Scholarship Organization of Washington!
Los Angeles
Our last stop on our sister festival tour was to Los Angeles in August. We started the Nisei Week festivities with a breakfast feast at Uncle Bobby’s and Aunty Marian’s home. We next went on a shopping spree at Citadel Outlets and checked into our hotel before attending a Welcome Reception at Restaurant Oiwake in Little Tokyo where we were presented beautiful bouquets of flowers. The next morning, we visited the Tanabata Festival and the Go For Broke Museum before stopping by Nobuyuki Okada’s gallery and Fugetsu-do mochi shop. We explored Little Tokyo before attending the delicious Coronation Dinner. After our meal, we left for the Aratani/ Japan America Theater to watch the Nisei Week Coronation Ball. We were nervous for each Queen contestant as they presented a beautiful Japanese dance and an empowering modern dance titled #phenomenal. After the coronation of a new Nisei Week court, we danced and celebrated with our sister courts at the Coronation After Party. On Sunday morning, we visited the National Japanese American Veterans Memorial Court and thanked veterans of WWII, Vietnam and Korean Wars. We later met with many parade participants and organizations, hopped on our float sponsored by California Bank & Trust, and waived shakas to our Los Angeles friends. After the parade, we dined on In-and-Out burgers and fries with our sister courts. Monday was our magical day at the Happiest Place on Earth. We spent the entire day at Disneyland and California Adventure with our sister courts on a guided tour, allowing us to fast-pass every ride and have reserved seating for the spectacular “World of Color” water show. During dinner at the PCH Grill at the Paradise Pier Hotel, we cheered on our Nisei Week sisters as they ate their way through a massive ice cream sundae. Our final day was marked with extreme happiness and sadness as we bid farewell to our Nisei Week sisters. Thank you to Leiton, Andy, Michelle, John, Clyde and the hospitality committee for an amazing Nisei Week experience! 55
Japan Sakura Foundation (Formerly the Japan Cherry Blossom Association)
Cherry blossom season is a long-awaited time of year in Japan and embodies the spirit and culture of the Japanese. Although the cherry blossoms are only in full bloom for less than a week, the people of Japan all come outside to celebrate the picturesque beauty of the cherry trees and celebrate happily under the cherry blossom showers. The Japan Sakura Foundation (JSF) was established in 1964 with one of its main principles being to protect and preserve Japan’s precious cherry trees. Since being founded over 49 years ago, the JSF has planted over three million cherry trees throughout Japan. They have also given over 150,000 cherry trees and 200 liters of seeds to 60 countries in the name of international friendship. Japan’s Cherry Blossom Queens and Princesses also participate in Cherry Blossom festivals around the world. The Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival is fortunate to be one of the many festivals around the world to have a relationship with the JSF. Every other year a representative from the Japan Cherry Blossom Festival attends our Cherry Blossom Festival and looking forward for representative to having them join us this year. To further our special relationship, every October the official party of the Goodwill Tour visits with JSF in Tokyo. In October 2014, the Goodwill Tour official party met with Ms. Yumiko Tamagaki from JSF, who assisted and accompanied the group on a visit with Her Imperial Highness The Princess Akishino (Princess Kiko). We have been very fortunate to meet with Princess Kiko on several occasions in the past and once again deeply honored to have met with her. JSF also coordinated a meeting with the President of the House of Councilors Yamazaki Masaaki where the Goodwill Tour official party got to participate in a tea ceremony at his residence. We were then escorted to the offices of Fujiyasu Kimono Company where Queen Sarah Kamida was presented a beautiful furisode kimono. A member of JSF and a long time sponsor of the Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival, Fujiyasu Kimono Company began their sponsorship as a thank you to the people of Hawaii. After parts of Japan were devastated by World War II, the people of Hawaii sent many things to Japan to help its people during an extremely difficult time. Fujiyasu Kimono Company has never forgotten the generosity of the people of Hawaii and views their sponsorship as a way of giving back. We are very fortunate to receive the beautiful furisode kimono from Fujiyasu Kimono Company each year. The Cherry Blossom Festival deeply appreciates the friendship and continuous support for the Japan Sakura Foundation and Fujiyasu Kimono Company. We look forward to fostering our strong relationship for many more years to come.
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SISTER CHAPTERS
of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce
KOBE Shinnosuke Hisatake 2015 President Kobe Junior Chamber
Takahiro Sugiyama 2015 President Odawara Junior Chamber
ODAWARA Wataru Kagawa 2015 President Kurashiki Junior Chamber
SAN JC Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) continues to strengthen and maintain relationships with its five sister chapters in Japan: The Kobe Junior Chamber (JC), Odawara JC, Kurashiki JC, Kojima JC, and Tamashima JC. The HJJCC has built a strong relationship with the Kobe Junior Chamber, the longest of the sister chapter relationships which began 40 years ago. Kobe JC members visit Hawaii in March during the Cherry Blossom Festival and also donate necklaces of Kobe pearls to the Cherry Blossom Court at Festival Ball. During their visit last March they hiked the famous Pali Lookout, were able to eat some local dishes at Big City Diner and enjoyed playing pool and darts with other JC members at Hawaiian Brian’s. The Kobe JC’s have always held a special bond with us and we are always thankful for their continued friendship. The Odawara Junior Chamber relationship was established 31 years ago. Members of the Odawara JC traditionally visit Hawaii in early June of every year. This past visit was a very special one. It commemorated the 30th anniversary of the relationship between both chambers. 10 years ago a Sakura tree was planted at Iliahi Elementary School in Wahiawa to celebrate the 20th anniversary. So this year both chambers decided
to place a plaque at the tree to celebrate their friendship and continued international goodwill. The people of the Odawara are very much like the people of Hawaii and we share many similarities which is one of the reasons why we will always be very close with them. The Kurashiki JC, Kojima JC and Tamashima JC, collectively known as the San (3)JCs, relationship is now in its 30th year. During their last visit to Hawaii in April, the San JCs enjoyed many activities, including a lunch at the Honolulu Club, dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory and dinner and games at Dave and Busters. The chapters look forward to continuing this relationship for many years to come. Many HJJCC members, current and past court members and their parents get involved with hosting members of visiting chapters. Every October the Goodwill Tour group visits each of the sister chapters in their home cities in Japan experiencing their warm hospitality and generosity. These exchanges are valuable experiences for all, and anyone who attends the various events soon learns that language is definitely not a barrier to having fun and establishing long lasting friendships. Thanks to everyone’s involvement the sister chapter relationships have continued to remain strong.
Junichi Seki 2015 President Kojima Junior Chamber
Yuichiro Tanabe 2015 President Tamashima Junior Chamber
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4 1 0 2 r u o T l l i w d o o G JAPAN
This goodwill tour gave us an unbelievable experience to be international ambassadors of Hawaii. We were excited to embrace every opportunity we had forming new long-lasting friendships, strengthening the connections between Hawaii and Japan and creating incredible memories. We were fortunate to have our supportive and loving parents, along with adventurous and fun HJJCC members to make our trip more memorable. From enjoying Japan’s unique yet tasty food to learning about the history and special qualities of each city, each of us left with a newer and fuller love for Japan. It is our great pleasure to be able to share some of these wonderful opportunities we had throughout our goodwill tour with you.
Tokyo
(Sarah) Our adventure began in the bustling city of Tokyo, one of the most exciting cities in the world. This metropolitan capital cannot
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be mistaken by the tall skyscrapers and new technological businesses while delicately preserving a breath of ancient Japanese heritage. Invigorated by the delicious food and hospitable people, we were enthusiastic to start our official duties. We made our first international sponsor visits to the headquarters of Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan Travel Bureau (JTB) and Shiseido to thank each of them for their dedication and continued support for the festival. One of the most memorable moments for the court was meeting Kiko, Princess Akishino of Japan at the Imperial Palace. We discussed about travels and interests, ate sweets and fruits in her beautiful garden, and met their pet, “Mara” a Patagonian Mara from Argentina. Meeting President Masaki Yamazaki, the President of the House of Councillors was also an honor. Everyone was humbled to meet a distinguished political leader of his stature. We were treated to an elaborate tea ceremony at the President’s residence host-
ed by the Japanese Sakura Foundation and the 25th Cherry Blossom Queen of Japan. Fujiyasu Kimono Company, a long-standing sponsor was very generous to donate a beautiful kimono to Queen Sarah Kamida. As Sarah walked out to reveal her new kimono, large smiles and tears of joy filled the store. Each of us will never forget every person we encountered and the gracious opportunities we were fortunate to have.
Odawara
(Chelsea) Our first sister chapter visit was in the beautiful city of Odawara. The Odawara JC members greeted us at the shinkansen station and our first stop was to Matsuhara shrine where we purified our hands. We next visited the iconic Odawara castle, first constructed in the 15th century, and viewed many artifacts in the castle. We ate delicious okonomiyaki and monjayaki for lunch and then learned about yosegi (Japanese wood craft). We then tried our hand at Hakone
craft-making by making wooden coasters. We arrived at our Hotel Hakone Kowakien and ended our first day dressed in yukata with a traditional ryokan kaiseki dinner and games with the Odawara JCs. Our next day started with a boat ride on a pirate ship in Lake Ashi. We then walked around the charming streets of Hakone and tried mochi from Chimoto Yumochi, a shop owned by next year’s Odawara JC’s president. We drank tea, ate more delicious mochi and crickets at the famous Restaurant Hakone. We had a quick lunch of soba noodles at Hatsuhana Soba Honten before we picked oranges at Yako Orange Gardens. We unleashed our competitive spirits by having a bowling tournament with Hello Kitty bowling balls and ended our busy day with a farewell shabu shabu dinner at Ryoutei Kadomatsu. We bid farewell to our Odawara JC friends and boarded the shinkansen for our next stop to Hiroshima.
Hiroshima
(Chelsea) Our short stop in Hiroshima began with the visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Back at home, we folded 1000 cranes symbolizing the friendship between Japan and Hawaii. We had the opportunity to place the cranes in the Children’s Peace Monument in memory of Sadako Sasaki and the children whose lives were lost during the atomic bombing. We registered our cranes in the paper crane database and each wrote a message for peace. We then visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where we learned about the city’s history and the disastrous effects of nuclear war. We heard heart-wrenching stories and viewed photos and artifacts from August 6, 1945. As we left the museum, we walked toward the Atomic Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing near the bomb’s hypocenter. This remaining building stood as a reminder of the tragedies of war and a symbol for peace. The humbling
experience at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park taught to never forget our history and the importance of developing friendship around the world. We ended the day with shopping in Hondori and eating at Okonomi-mura, an okonomiyaki food theme park which houses over twenty okonomiyaki restaurants. We later felt adventurous and tried chicken sashimi. Hiroshima gave us experiences we would never forget. We packed our bags and the next morning we boarded the shinkansen to Kurashiki.
San JCs
(Cara) As soon as we arrived in Kurashiki, we were happily greeted by the Kurashiki, Kojima, and Tamashima presidents and members and quickly departed to a delicious hand rolled sushi lunch at a temple overlooking the beautiful ocean. After lunch, we got a chance to walk through the traditional Bikan Chiku shopping district where we were treat59
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ed to a Totoro shop and shared ice cream with Kojima president Seki Junichi’s son Souma. Then we were off to Yuga Shrine for a visit and participated in a blessing and tea ceremony. The day was ending so fast and as night fell, we were able to see a beautiful view of the Great Seto Bridge from high up in the mountains. We were looking forward to the rest of the night because we would go home with our homestay families. Alysha and Chelsea went with Kurashiki president Wataru Kagawa to his home and Cara, Sarah, and Nikky went with Kojima JC member Nishihara to his home. Spending the evening with the family was truly a wonderful experience for all of us and we were so sad to leave them the next morning. The next day, we had a visitation with the Okayama Governor Ryuta Ibaragi where we presented a proclamation letter and omiyage. Then we had lunch of delicious soba noodles and headed off to view the JFE Steel West Japan Works Factory tour. After our tour we got to make murasuzume manju, which was just as delicious as it sounds. We ended our San JC visit with a Farewell Dinner, friendly game competition, and hula dances. Our last day in Kurashiki, we visited with the Kurashiki Deputy Mayor Kuwada where we presented a proclamation letter and omiyage. It was such a short time in the Okayama prefecture, but we enjoyed every moment! And off we were to Kyoto...
Kyoto (Nikky)
Arriving in Kyoto we were blessed with so many opportunities. Today we were privileged to meet the mayor and governor
of Kyoto along with being honored to meet the President of Watabe Wedding. Although these visits were short and brief we really got the sense of Kyoto’s culture and expressed how excited we all were to be in this city. Afterward we had the opportunity to have dinner at Watabe’s private resturant, Okaku-en. Here we all were allowed to wear an Uchikake (wedding kimono) and do a small photoshoot. All of the employees here were very polite and kind! We ended the evening we a delicious dinner at Okaku-en. Our last day in Kyoto we were blessed to be reunited with our Nisei Week sisters. Both our Goodwill Tour Trips are around the same time of year, unfortunately not in the same city and time but this year timing was on our side and we saw each other in Kyoto. Being greeted by the Watabe Staff was a pleasure. We had an amazing driver all day, Mr. Kojima who drove us and accompanied us on our tour day in Kyoto. Our first stop was to Arashi-yama to feed the monkeys and visit the bamboo forest, it was a 30 minutes refreshing hike. Next we went to the Golden Temple Kinkakujin & was surprised with a 7 course delicious meal chosen by Mr. Kojima himself. We quickly glanced through Nishiki Ichiba market and headed to end our tour day in Gion to see the an elegant Kimono fashion show, saw beautiful wedding photoshoots and search for Geishas. Last stop Kobe!
We quickly noticed how well they spoke English, and learned a lot about their city over lunch. Then, we were taken to Sawanotsuru Sake Musem where we learned that they were one of the very few breweries that made sake the traditional way. Our second day in Kobe, we had monjayaki for lunch on a boat as we sailed through the port of Kobe. We got to do some shopping at the mall before we headed to our farewell dinner. We enjoyed Chinese food and laughed as each table competed against each other over a few games. Right before we left, we were lucky enough to get to meet the mayor of Kobe. We told him how much fun we had and were honored to have enjoyed the many years of friendship between the two cities. The amazing hospitality didnt end there, we were fortunate enough to be driven 45 minutes to Osaka.
Osaka-
During our free time in Osaka, we enjoyed each others company over delicious tonkatsu and discussed how much fun our trip has been. We talked about what else we wanted to do and eat as our last 24 hours in Japan was counting down. Our last day, caught the subway to Shinbaishi, which had a bunch of shops and restaurants. We were able to finish our omiyage shopping here and get our last fill of Japanese food. Osaka was a great city to end our tour.
Kobe
- (Alysha) From the moment we stepped off the train, we were greeted by the Kobe Jaycee members with welcoming smiles and greetings.
IMPERIAL VISIT Every year, the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC) and Cherry Blossom Festival Court request a visit with the Imperial Family during our Goodwill Tour in Japan. This year we were fortunate to be granted a visit with Her Imperial Highness The Princess Akishino (Princess Kiko). Generations ago, our families left Japan for a new beginning in Hawaii, never imagining that their great-granddaughters would someday return to Japan as representatives of Hawaii and meet the Imperial Family. This once-in-a lifetime honor was one we will always cherish. As we entered the grounds of the Imperial Family residence, we were nervous to meet Princess Kiko, having never met royalty before. While awaiting the Princess’ arrival, we looked out into the beautiful grounds and the garden of their home. When Prin-
cess Kiko entered the room, we were awestruck by her beauty and regality and immediately felt her warmth and graciousness. A memorable part of the visit was an impromptu tour of the garden with Princess Kiko where we were able to get a closer look of the mara (rabbit-like animal) that lives in the garden. It was a beautiful day and a perfect setting to have tea and okashi with Princess Kiko. Our visit with Princess Kiko taught us how a small act of the time to meet with someone can make a significant impact on a person, and we left inspired to share what we learned from the Princess through this experience upon our return to Hawaii. The visit was truly an honor and left us with fond memories to last a lifetime. 61
BEHIND THE SCENES
PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE
Speech Dr. Amy Hubbard
Japanese History Dr. Dennis Ogawa
Manju Making & Origami Mrs. Lilian Yajima
Ikebana Roy Otaguro
Interview & Impromptu Jennifer Hong
Visual Presentation Pam Kimura
Sushi Making Shane Masutani
Calligraphy Hiromi Peterson
Tea Ceremony Betty Okubo
Makeup by Shiseido Susan Panis
Aikido Randolph Scoville
Taiko Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific Instructors
Kimono Yuko Miskolczy
Bon Odori Betty Dela Cuesta
Gyotaku by Naoki Naoki Hayashi
For 62 years, the Cherry Blossom Festival contestants built and nurtured invaluable relationships with volunteers, instructors, sponsors, and community members. It is only fitting that the theme for the 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival is Building Bridges for the Future. This year’s 12 Queen Contestants are continuing the legacy of those who came before them by strengthening existing relationships and creating new ones to create a foundation for the future. The contestants started their journey with public speaking classes with Dr. Amy Hubbard, Professor of Communicology at the University of Hawai‘i at Ma–noa. She focused on the daunting task of preparing and delivering speeches. Her colleague, Dr. Bobby Tokunaga, joined us for the 62
last class and provided additional feedback for the contestants’ impromptu speeches. The contestants were grateful to receive helpful instruction and feedback from Dr. Hubbard and Dr. Tokunaga. Next, the contestants enjoyed their first cultural class with Dr. Dennis Ogawa, Professor of American Studies at University of Hawai‘i at Ma–noa. The contestants learned more about Japanese history and deepened their understanding and appreciation for their ancestors through Dr. Ogawa’s enthusiastic stories and vivid examples. Their next cultural experience was manju making with Lillian Yajima. Mrs. Yajima is a living legend who generously opened her home and heart to the contestants. She taught the ladies her secret to making her famous jack-o’-lantern manju.
She welcomed the contestants back the following month to show them how to make beautiful and intricate origami boxes. The contestants loved every minute with Mrs. Yajima and learned so much about Japanese culture as well as giving back to the community. To add to their cultural experience, the contestants learned about the art of Japanese flower arrangement from Roy Otaguro. Mr. Otaguro explained the philosophy of ikebana and encouraged the contestants to appreciate the subtlety of nature. Following these cultural classes, the contestants learned more about the Cherry Blossom Festival’s history from members of Sakura Hawai i Alumnae (SHA). The SHA panel members shared
stories and anecdotes from their own contestant experiences, which highlighted how the Festival has changed over the years. The contestants had a chance to see that they are now part of sisterhood of strong, intelligent, and humble women. At this point, the contestants began to improve their interview and impromptu speaking skills with guidance from Jennifer Hong. She shared invaluable information about self-reflection, poise, and confidence. Ms. Hong encouraged the contestants to think about what makes them unique and interesting. This exercise in self-reflection is exceptionally challenging, but vital to their success in the Festival and for their future endeavors. As the contestants worked with Jennifer Hong, they also improved their public and visual appearance presentation. The knowledgeable Pam Kimura taught the contestants about the appropriate way to present themselves in public. They learned how to walk across a stage and pose gracefully and confidently. In addition, Ms. Kimura shared tips about flattering hairstyles, simple makeup application, and cultivating a professional personal style. Susan Panis from Shiseido of Hawai‘i also instructed the contestants in proper skincare and professional makeup application. She showed the contestants that simplicity allows their inner beauty to shine. The contestants used what they learned about poise and grace in their next cultural class. Under the guidance of Betty Okubo from the
Urasenke Foundation, the contestants experienced the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The instructors explained the significance of tea ceremony as well as the intricacies that make it so special. Then, the contestants had the chance to make tea and serve it to their fellow contestants. Hiromi Peterson returned to instruct the contestants in calligraphy. She demonstrated the basics of calligraphy writing and helped the contestants write their names using the proper brush strokes. The contestants were mesmerized by her expertise and artistry. The art of sushi making was the next class and the contestants could not wait to eat their masterpieces! Chef Shane Masutani of The Alley showed the contestants how to make different types of sushi. They were in awe of Chef Masutani’s culinary skills. The contestants were then exposed to Japanese martial arts. Randolph Scoville of the Nu‘uanu Aikido Club taught the contestants techniques of aikido and self-defense. In addition to getting hands-on experience with the techniques, the contestants also learned more about the philosophy and history of aikido. Betty Dela Cuesta taught the contestants bon odori. The contestants enjoyed learning about different dances and the meaning behind each dance. Naoki Hayashi returned this year to instruct the contestants in gyotaku. He showed the contes-
tants how to create a fish print and explained the significance of this art. He also shared his philosophy of and appreciation for the environment. One of the most anticipated cultural classes was taiko. The contestants were very excited to learn from Kenny Endo and members of the Taiko Center of the Pacific. The contestants spent 10 weeks learning the basics of taiko while perfecting the opening number for Festival Ball. The first few weeks were rough as the contestants concentrated on their drumming, but they continued to improve under the guidance and expertise of Mr. Endo. As Festival Ball approached, Yuko Miskolczy and other instructors from Watabe Wedding, a longtime sponsor of the Festival, taught the contestants how to properly wear a kimono. The contestants learned how to dress themselves in kimono as well as how to walk and bow. The always elegant Pamela Futa-Campbell brought together a panel of successful women to help prepare the contestants for their interview with Festival judges. They provided personalized, helpful feedback for each contestant. The Cherry Blossom Festival would not be possible without the countless volunteers and instructors who generously donate their time and share their expertise. These relationships are the heart of the Festival and we continue to appreciate each and every individual who makes this all possible.
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Awards
* A single prize will be awarded in the event of multiple titles. 14k Gold Cherry Blossom Emblem Pendant Obun Hawaii, Inc. (20)
Original Print Custom Framed in Solid Koa Wood Gyotaku by Naoki (9)
Kobe Pearl Necklace Junior Chamber International Kobe (Japan) (11)
14k Gold Cherry Blossom Emblem Pendant Obun Hawaii, Inc. (20)
Anne Namba Original Design Apparel Anne Namba Designs, Inc. (17)
Kobe Pearl Necklace Junior Chamber International Kobe (Japan) (11)
Kobe Pearl Necklace Junior Chamber International Kobe (Japan) (11)
Tori Richard Original Design Apparel (3) Tori Richard, Ltd. (6)
Anne Namba Original Design Apparel Anne Namba Designs, Inc. (17)
Pair of Cherry Blossom Earrings 48th Cherry Blossom Court (15)
Tori Richard Original Design Apparel (3) Tori Richard, Ltd. (6)
Tori Richard Original Design Apparel (3) Tori Richard, Ltd. (6)
$50 Gift Certificate and 8” x 10” Color Portrait Images by Steven (30)
Pair of Cherry Blossom Earrings 48th Cherry Blossom Court (15)
Pair of Cherry Blossom Earrings 48th Cherry Blossom Court (15)
Court Attire ($250) Layne and Evelyn Machida (2)
$50 Gift Certificate and 8” x 10” Color Portrait Images by Steven (30)
Hosting in Kyoto Watabe Wedding Corporation (45)
$50 Gift Certificate and 8” x 10” Color Portrait Images by Steven (30)
Embroidered Polo Shirt 58th Cherry Blossom Court (3)
Embroidered Polo Shirt 58th Cherry Blossom Court (3)
Furisode Kimono Fujiyasu Kimono Company (41)
Western Evening Gown ($1000) Brooke Hasegawa, 53rd CBF Queen (4)
One Month Membership Honolulu Club (2)
Court Attire ($250) Layne and Evelyn Machida (2)
Roundtrip Ticket to San Francisco for the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Tyler and Loretta Yajima (21)
Court Attire ($250) Layne and Evelyn Machida (2)
PRINCESSES’ AWARDS
One Month Membership Honolulu Club (2)
QUEEN’S AWARDS Queen’s Trophy Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (63) Queen’s Sash Staci Yoshihara, 62th HJJCC President (5) Queen’s Tiara Wayne Yagi, 37th HJJCC President (15) Queen’s Perpetual Scepter Japan Airlines (60) Roundtrip Ticket to Japan Japan Airlines (60) Hotel and Travel Arrangements in Japan JTB Hawaii, Inc. (60)
Hotel Accomodations in San Francisco for the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Holly Duarte, 61st CBF General Chair; Nate Gyotoku, 63rd President HJJCC (2)
Anne Namba Original Design Apparel Anne Namba Designs, Inc. (17)
Embroidered Polo Shirt 58th Cherry Blossom Court (3) One Month Membership Honolulu Club (2) FIRST PRINCESS’ AWARDS
Roundtrip Ticket to Seattle for the Greater Seattle Japanese Community Queen Pageant Jonathan Murai, 57th HJJCC President; Sonya Kimura, 55th and 58th CBF Co-General Chair (8) Roundtrip Ticket to Los Angeles for the Nisei Week Japanese Festival Laurence Omura (8) Hotel Accommodations in Los Angeles for the Nisei Week Japanese Festival Brenda Nomura, 54th CBF Co General Chair; & Darren Ota 61st HJJCC President, 54th CBF Co-General Chair, 60th CBF Chair (8) Hotel Accommodations in Seattle for the Greater Seattle Japanese Community Queen Pageant Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (8)
First Princess’ Trophy Edmund Wong, 42nd HJJCC President (10) First Princess’ Sash Robb Taone, 52nd HJJCC President & 53rd CBF Co-General Chair; (12) Sandy Parilla, 53rd CBF Co-General Chair (11)
Princesses’ Trophies Japan-America Institute of Management Science (6)
MISS POPULARITY’S AWARDS Miss Popularity’s Trophy Lillian Noda Yajima (26) Miss Popularity’s Sash Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (15)
Princesses’ Trophies Sharene Urakami, 53rd HJJCC President, 49th Co-General Chair & 50th CBF General Chair (10)
Miss Popularity’s Tiara Michael Matsuo, 42nd CBF General Chair (13)
Princesses’ Sashes Edmund Wong, 42nd HJJCC President (4)
Roundtrip Ticket to Japan Japan Airlines (60)
Princesses’ Sashes Lenny Yajima, 34th CBF Queen & 40th CBF General Chair (3)
Hotel and Travel Arrangements in Japan JTB Hawaii, Inc. (51)
First Princess’ Tiara Robb Taone, 52nd HJJCC President & 53rd CBF Co-General Chair; (12) Sandy Parilla, 53rd CBF Co-General Chair (11)
Princesses’ Sashes Steven Kaneko, 55th President HJJCC (2) Princesses’ Tiaras Eric Nishioka (6)
Hosting in Kyoto Watabe Wedding Corporation (45)
Princesses’ Tiaras Wedge Lee (6)
$500 Gift Certificate for Chiropractic Services Yoza Chiropractic (29)
Princesses’ Tiaras David Kaneko, 56th CBF General Chair, 59th President HJJCC (2) Hosting in Kyoto Watabe Wedding Corporation (45)
14k Gold Cherry Blossom Emblem Pendant Obun Hawaii, Inc. (20)
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Princesses’ Trophies Nippon Golden Network and Oceanic Cable (32)
Hosting in Kyoto Watabe Wedding Corporation (45) 14k Gold Cherry Blossom Emblem Pendant Obun Hawaii, Inc. (20) Kobe Pearl Necklace Junior Chamber International Kobe (Japan) (11) Lady’s Solar Seiko White and Yellow with Mother of Pearl Dial and 24 diamond watch ($475.00) Margie’s Jewelers (7)
Anne Namba Original Design Apparel Anne Namba Designs, Inc. (17) Tori Richard Original Design Apparel (3) Tori Richard, Ltd. (6) $25 Merchandise Gift Certificate Kaimuki Dry Goods, Ltd. (54) Pair of Cherry Blossom Earrings 48th Cherry Blossom Court (15) $50 Gift Certificate and 8” x 10” Color Portrait Images by Steven (30) Embroidered Polo Shirt 58th Cherry Blossom Court (3) Court Attire ($250) Layne and Evelyn Machida (2) One Month Membership Honolulu Club (2) MISS CONGENIALITY’S AWARDS Miss Congeniality’s Trophy Corday A. Feagins, 43rd CBF Miss Congeniality & 57th CBF General Chair (7) Miss Congeniality’s Sash Eryn Kawamoto, 61st CBF Miss Congeniality (1) Miss Congeniality’s Tiara Michael Matsuo, 42nd CBF General Chair (13) $500 gift certificate for chiropractic services Yoza Chiropractic (30)
$50 Gift Certificate and 8” x 10” Color Portrait Images by Steven (30) Embroidered Polo Shirt 58th Cherry Blossom Court (3)
CONTESTANT AWARDS $20 Gyotaku Restaurant gift certificate Cherry Blossom Festival (4)
Calligraphy Hiromi Peterson Tea Ceremony Betty Okubo
Fifteen (15) Pounds of 100% Kona Coffee ($540.00) - 1 lb each Contestant Country Samurai Coffee Company (16)
Makeup by Shiseido Susan Panis
Two Years Gift Subscription Hawaii Pacific Press (22)
Aikido Randolph Scoville
SEMIFINALISTS’ AWARDS
One-year Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii Membership Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (4)
Taiko Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific Instructors
Semifinalists’ Trophies Russell Iwamura, 45th HJJCC President & 46th CBF General Chair (17)
One-Year of Complimentary Sakura Hawaii Alumnae Membership Sakura Hawaii Alumnae (4)
Kimono Yuko Miskolczy
Semifinalists’ Trophies Kirk Tengan, 49th HJJCC President (15)
Contestant Gift Card to Shirokiya ($50) Katherine M. Grebe, 18th CBF Queen; Desiree Yamamoto, 54th CBF Queen; Trisha Tamaru, 56th CBF Queen (3)
Court Attire ($250) Layne and Evelyn Machida (2) One Month Membership Honolulu Club (2)
Semifinalists’ Trophies Edmund Wong, 42nd HJJCC President (10) Semifinalists’ Trophies Devon Nekoba, 54th HJJCC President (10) Semifinalists’ Trophies Steven Kaneko, 55th HJJCC President (9) Semifinalists’ Trophies Alan Okimoto, 45th CBF General Chair (14)
Bon Odori Betty Dela Cuesta Gyotaku by Naoki Naoki Hayashi
One-Year of Complimentary HJJCC Membership Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (2) Contestant Flower Necklace Jennifer Matayoshi, Traci Hamamoto, Tamlyn Toyama, Laurie Libarios and Kris Miyamoto
Semifinalists’ Trophies David Kaneko, 56th CBF General Chair, 59th President HJJCC (2)
Appearance Dress Tori Richard, Ltd. (6)
Semifinalists’ Trophies Friends of Brian Schatz (1) $50 Gift Certificate and 8” x 10” Color Portrait Images by Steven (30)
CONTESTANT CLASSES Speech Dr. Amy Hubbard
Hosting in Kyoto Watabe Wedding Corporation (45)
Japanese History Dr. Dennis Ogawa
14k Gold Cherry Blossom Emblem Pendant Obun Hawaii, Inc. (20)
Manju Making & Origami Mrs. Lillian Yajima
Kobe Pearl Necklace Junior Chamber International Kobe (Japan) (11)
Ikebana Roy Otaguro
* A single prize may be awarded in the event of multiple titles. ( ) signifies the number of years donated.
Anne Namba Original Design Apparel Anne Namba Designs, Inc. (17) Tori Richard Original Design Apparel (3) Tori Richard, Ltd. (6) Pair of Cherry Blossom Earrings 48th Cherry Blossom Court (15)
Interview & Impromptu Jennifer Hong Visual Presentation Pam Kimura Sushi Making Shane Masutani
NOTE: All awards and prizes are subject to the fulfillment by sponsor. The 61st Cherry Blossom Festival and Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce assume no responsibility for the failure of sponsors to fulfill their commitment. Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable. The 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival and Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce disclaim liabilities for taxes, lost or stolen prizes.
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63rd Cherry Blossom Festival
Honorary Advisors Candice Naito Chair of the Board, Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce
Keiichi Tagata President & Publisher Hawaii Hochi, Ltd.
Dr. Brennon Morioka Carole Hayashino Chairman of the Board, President & Executive Japanese Cultural Center Director, Japanese of Hawaii Cultural Center of Hawaii
Robyn Furuya General Manager, KZOO Radio
Ann Kobayashi President, Japanese Women’s Society Foundation
Warren Luke Dr. Ruth Ono Chairman of the Board, Emeritus Vice President, Pacific and Asian Affairs Queen’s Health Systems Council
Takeshi Horii Rika Hirata Mark Higa Executive Vice-President, President, President, JAIMS (Japan-America United Japanese Society Hawaii United Okinawan Institute of Management of Hawaii Association Science)
Lenny Yajima President, Japan-America Society of Hawaii
Robert Furukawa President, JN Productions
Joanne Ninomiya CEO, JN Productions
NIJIKAI EVENT On Friday, May 30, 2014, HJJCC held the 3rd annual Nijikai fundraiser at the Pagoda Floating Restaurant. Proceeds from Nijikai help support our membership programs and activities throughout the year. Over 400 guests enjoyed live entertainment by Kamuela Kahoano and Johnna Padaken Parel, and tasted delicious offering prepared by various top-tier local restaurants. From savory pasta to perfectly-grilled steak, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Local beverage distributors provided samples of beer, sake and mixed drinks throughout the fun-filled event. What makes Nijikai so special? Nijikai is a member-driven event that is developed, planned, and executed by a committee of volunteers within our organization. It provides an opportunity for our members to learn valuable skill sets, including event planning and marketing, while forging new relationships with other HJJCC members and the greater community. Each year we are overwhelmed by the support we receive from small businesses and the local community. We thank you for your continued support, and hope to see you at our upcoming Nijikai event on Friday, May 29, 2015 for the 4th Annual Nijikai at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. Please visit www.hjjcc.com for up-to-date information about Nijikai 67
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Past Presidents, Queens & General Chairpersons 1949 1952
Robert Sato President
1958 6th Festival
William Kawato President
Jayne Kuwata Queen
Donald K. Iwai General Chairman
1959 7th Festival
1953 1st Festival
Clesson Chikasuye President
Violet Niimi Queen
Takaaki Nakata General Chairman
Teruo Himoto President
Lorraine Kirihara Queen
Kenneth Nakamura General Chairman
1954 2nd Festival
Theodore Tomita President
Anna Tokumaru Queen
1960 8th Festival
Sam Okinaga President
Harold Kometani General Chairman
Shirley Fujisaki Queen
Edwin Watanabe General Chairman
1955 3rd Festival
Takaaki Nakata President
Marjorie Nishimura Queen
Hideo Kawano General Chairman
1961 9th Festival
Bert Tokairin President
JoAnn Yamada Queen
Thomas S. Sakata General Chairman
1956 4th Festival
Conrad Akamine President
Molly Ishida Queen
Tad Yajima General Chairman
1962 10th Festival
Masato Kamisato President
Janet Nishino Queen
Lawrence Sugiyama General Chairman
1957 5th Festival
Clyde Shimada President
Carol Saikyo Queen
Peter Mitsumori General Chairman
1963 11th Festival
Thomas S. Sakata President
Joyce Mizuo Queen
Dixon Mugiishi General Chairman
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Past Presidents, Queens & General Chairpersons 1964 12th Festival
Charles Kato President
Vivian Honda Queen
Conrad Sasaki General Chairman
1970 18th Festival
Geminiano Arre, Jr. President
Katherine Horio Queen
Norman Hashimoto General Chairman
1971 19th Festival
1965 13th Festival
Donald Doi President
Ann Suzuki Queen
George H. Arakaki General Chairman
Carl Yamamoto President
Gale Kubata Queen
Walter Omori General Chairman
1966 14th Festival
Herbert Shimabukuro President
Sandra Shimokawa Queen
1972 20th Festival
Ron Nagano President
George Kakigi General Chairman
Rae Tanaka Queen
Glenn T. Shigemura General Chairman
1967 15th Festival
Charles Ushijima President
Gwen Nishizawa Queen
Kenneth Hasegawa General Chairman
1973 21st Festival
Earl Tanaka President
Jill Matsui Queen
Gen Nishimura General Chairman
1968 16th Festival
Lionel Tokioka President
Janice Teramae Queen
Roy Murakami General Chairman
1974 22nd Festival
Richard Karamatsu President
JoAnn Noborikawa Queen
Robert H. Miyaji General Chairman
1969 17th Festival
James Hara President
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Amy Fukuda Queen
Terril Takeshita General Chairman
1975 23rd Festival
Gen Nishimura President
Ann Yoshioka Queen
Tak Ueda General Chairman
1976 24th Festival
Richard Bauske President
Myrah Higa Queen
Cliff Yara General Chairman
1982 30th Festival
William Petti President
Jody-Lee Ige Queen
Steve Honda General Chairman
1983 31st Festival
1977 25th Festival
Wayne Ishihara President
Deborah Kodama Queen
Richard Karamatsu General Chairman
Dennis Oshiro President
Gayle Koike Queen
Raymond Ono General Chairman
1978 26th Festival
Eric Matsumoto President
Sharon Tomasa Queen
1984 32nd Festival
Donn Tanaka President
Glenn Yamada General Chairman
Lisa Nakahodo Queen
Raymond Urabe General Chairman
1979 27th Festival
Thomas Sakamoto President
LeAnne Higa Queen
Nevin Harada General Chairman
1985 33rd Festival
Thomas Doi President
Joanne Hirano Queen
Matthew Miura General Chairman
1980 28th Festival
Kenneth Chang President
Francene Kondo Queen
Dennis Oshiro General Chairman
1986 34th Festival
Dale Nakasone President
Lenny Yajima Queen
Gerald Oyasato General Chairman
1981 29th Festival
Gregory Yukitomo President
Lori Ann Mizumoto Queen
Fred Ota General Chairman
1987 35th Festival
Matthew Miura President
Marlene Sato Queen
Terrence Iwamoto General Chairman
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Past Presidents, Queens & General Chairpersons 1988 36th Festival
Wayne Yagi President
Lisa-Ann Nakano Queen
Gerald Oyasato General Chairman
1994 42nd Festival
Robert S. Morita President
Kendelle Yamamoto Queen
Michael Matsuo General Chairman
1995 43rd Festival
1989 37th Festival
Darryl Kam President
Lori Matsumura Queen
Earle Oda General Chairman
Duane M. Fujiwara President
Laurie Toma Queen
Gary T. Shigemoto General Chairman
1990 38th Festival
Phyllis Yuen President
Lani Sakamoto Queen
1996 44th Festival
Russell Iwamura President
Carlton Saito General Chairman
Kymberly Rae Furuta Queen
William Akamine, Jr. General Chairman
1991 39th Festival
Allan Yokoyama President
Sharon Kadoyama Queen
Allan Yokoyama General Chairman
1997 45th Festival
Andrew Wang President
Cheryl Koide Queen
Alan S. Okimoto General Chairman
1992 40th Festival
Garrett Toguchi President
Lesli Yoshida Queen
Lenny Andrew General Chairman
1998 46th Festival
Sheri Chun President
LoriJoy Morita Queen
Russell Iwamura General Chairman
1993 41st Festival
Edmund Wong President
Dori-Lyn Hirata Queen
Tom Yamachika General Chairman
1999 47th Festival
Keith Kamisugi President
Kirk Tengan President
Lori Pono Chong Karlton Murayama General Co- Tomomitsu Queen Chairman General CoChairman
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Past Presidents, Queens & General Chairpersons 2006 54th Festival
2000 48th Festival
Leo Asuncion President
Vail Matsumoto Queen
Lori FujikawaCasey President
Mike Inouye General Chairman
Desiree Yamamoto Queen
Brenda Nomura General Co-Chairman
Darren Ota General Co-Chairman
2007 55th Festival
2001 49th Festival
Pono Chong President
Jonathan Murai Richelle Nakata Catherine Toth President Queen General Co-Chairman
Catherine Toth Sharene Urakami Michael Inouye Queen General General Co-Chairman Co-Chairman
Sonya Kimura General Co-Chairman
2008 56th Festival
2002 50th Festival
Robb Taone President
Lisa Okinaga Queen
Justin George President
Sharene Urakami General Chairman
Trisha Tamaru Queen
David M. Kaneko General Chairman
2009 57th Festival
2003 51st Festival
Sharene Urakami President
Heather Suehiro Queen
Leo Asuncion, Jr. General Chairman
David M. Kaneko President
Kristine Wada Queen
Corday Feagins General Chairman
2004 52nd Festival
Devon Nekoba President
Meredith Kuba Queen
2010 58th Festival
Kris Miyamoto President
Neysa Kanemura General Chairman
Marissa Machida Queen
Merrissa Uchimura General Co-Chairman
2011 59th Festival
2005 53rd Festival
Steven Kaneko President
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Brooke Hasegawa Queen
Sandra Parilla General Co-Chairman
Robb Taone General Co-Chairman
Sonya Kimura General Co-Chairman
Darren Ota President & General Chairman
Jennifer Sur Queen
2012 60th Festival
Staci Yoshihara President
Erin Morimoto Queen
2013 61st Festival
Nate Gyotoku President
Sydette Higuchi General Chairman
Crystine Ito Queen
Holly Duarte General Chairman
2014 62nd Festival
Neil Kuioka President
Sarah Kamida Queen
Tiffany Mitani General Chairman
Applause The Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce and the 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the numerous organizations, businesses, and individuals who help make the festival a success. The festival would not be possible without their generosity, dedication, and hard work. In addition to our corporate sponsors, award donors, honorary advisors, people behind the scenes, and advertisers we would like to acknowledge the following organizations, businesses, and individuals for their contributions to the festival. Gladys Agsalud Aiea Elementary School Ala Moana Shopping Center Aki Almario Anne Namba Baldwin’s Sweet Shop Bank of Hawaii Big Island Candies Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. C.S. Wo & Sons Casablanca Bridal & Formals Central Pacific Bank Pono Chong Kimo Corral Daijingu Temple of Hawaii Diamond Bakery Enterprise Rent A Car Sarah Fedaie Leiton Hashimoto Hawaii Prince Hotel Carole Hayashino Jennifer Higa Tim Ho
Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce Akio Hoshino Hui O Na Opio Island Air Derek Iwata Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii Kahala Mall Kai Vodka KC Waffle Dog Pauline Keb Yamane Kilauea Recreation Center KoAloha Ukulele Kope Coffee KZOO Radio L&L Hawaiian Barbeque Crystal Lee Wedge Lee Winston Lee Kailee Luke Merrily Luke Meadow Gold Dairies
Menehune Mac Menehune Water Leila Mitsunaga Janice Miwa Miles Mizumoto Monkey Pod Kitchen Audrey Muromoto Edmund Nakano Dale Nakata National Car Rental New Otani Hotel Nisei Week Japanese Festival Jean Nishioka Eric Nishioka Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Dr. Scott Oishi Reverend Okada Susan Panis Denise Park Pearlridge Shopping Center Phiten USA
Pint and Jigger Polynesian Hospitality Rumours Night Club Kristin Smith Cheryl Sora Rattana Soubandith Neil Sullivan Peter Sur Mona Sur Akemi Takase Tobaccos of Hawaii Turtle Bay Resort and Golf Ray Urabe Waialae Country Club Keiko Willis Windward Mall Lillian Yajima Ray Yamamoto Mika Yamazaki Sheila Yee And the many families, friends, and supporters of the 63rd Cherry Blossom Festival 75
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gallery of directories
1st Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
2nd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
3rd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
4th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
5th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
6th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
7th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
8th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
9th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
10th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
11th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
12th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
13th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
14th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
15th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
16th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
17th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
18th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
19th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
20th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
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gallery of directories
21st Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
22nd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
23rd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
24th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
25th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
26th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
27th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
28th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
29th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
30th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
31st Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
32nd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
33rd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
34th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
35th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
36th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
37th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
38th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
39th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
40th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory 79
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41st Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
42nd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
43rd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
44th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
45th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
46th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
47th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
48th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
49th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
50th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
51st Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
52nd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
53rd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
54th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
55th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
56th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
57th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
58th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
59th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
60th Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
61st Cherry Blossom Festival Directory
62nd Cherry Blossom Festival Directory 81
List of Advertisers American Heart Association (1) Artist MSS (1) Bank of Hawaii (5) Byotaku Japanese Restaurant (11) Casablanca (5) Cascadia PM (1) David’s Custom Roofing and Repair (1) Finance Factors (60) First Hawaiian Bank (46) Gima Pest Control (1) Gyotaku by Naoki (10) Honolulu HomeLoans (1) iHeart Media (1) Ikaika Kimura (2) Images by Seven (30) Island Air (1) Island Insurance Company (5)
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Japan Airlines (61) JTB Hawaii, Inc (39) Komoto, Oshita & Watanabe (1) Kumabe HR (2) Kyo-ya Company, LLC (52) Leeward Drive-Inn (1) Living Water (1) Mr. Ink Plus (1) Obun Hawaii Inc (24) Pomaikai Ballrooms (1) Richway International Inc (1) Sorabol (1) Taiko Center of the Pacific (15) Tengokunoumi (1) Tori Richard (6) W Salon (1) Watabe Wedding Corporation (27)
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