The Japan-America Society of Hawaii introduced Japanese culture and arts to over 200 middle and high school students from across the state at JASH’s annual Japan Day program on Oct. 24. JASH president Reyna Kaneko welcomed the students to the program, which was underwritten by the McInerny Foundation and the Freeman Foundation. Japan Day gives students like Aiden Furuya of Kailua High School the opportunity to hold a calligraphy brush in his hand and, with guidance from Hiromi Peterson-Sensei of Toka Shodo Calligraphy, write the kanji character for ai, meaning “love.”Kaililauokekoa Asuncion (left) and Ashawnaleigh Davis from Moloka‘i High School take a selfie after getting dressed in kimono. Since 1993, over 6,700 students from 65 different schools have participated in JASH’s Japan Day.Meagan Reese of Kailua High School shows off her flower arrangement. Dawn Kanno from MOA Hawaii taught the ikebana workshop.Beauty showed up in some unexpected places as high school students from across the state rotated among the various Japanese arts workshops in JCCH’s Manoa Grand Ballroom, Seiköan Tea House and Kenshikan Döjö.“Oss!” Sharlene Bright (left) and Leilah Eusebio from Washington Middle School practiced karate kicks that were taught to them by Jordan Silva-Sensei of the Japan International Karate Center.Kailua High School students (from left) Luke Tobias, Skye Simbahon and David Valaderes wearing yukata kimono for the first time. (Photos by Jodie Ching)The Urasenke Foundation Hawaii introduced the students to the tradition and etiquette of tea ceremony. Jacob Jerome of Maui Preparatory Academy learned how to properly hold a teacup and sip green tea.Kaleolani Freitas Jr. from King Kekaulike High School in Kula, Maui, practices calculating various math problems on the soroban, or Japanese abacus.
