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Jennifer Keiko Ezaki Parents: Bruce and Laura Ezaki High School: Our Redeemer Lutheran, 2009 College/Degree/Year: Biola University, bachelor’s degree in communication, 2013; University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa, post baccalaureate certification in special education, 2016. “What does kokoro mean to you?” “Kokoro is a reminder for me to remain present and connected in a constantly changing....

Alexis Sayuri Okihara 64th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Looks Forward to Sharing Knowledge with Future Generations Gwen Battad Ishikawa It is fitting that kansha (gratitude) was the theme of the 64th Cherry Blossom Festival, because kansha is what Queen Alexis Okihara has felt for the past year. “They [Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce, who....

Byrnes Yamashita Special to The Hawai‘i Herald I recently attended fundraising events for two national organizations that have been documenting and memorializing the Japanese American experience, with a strong emphasis on World War II. The objective of...

Karleen C. Chinen Over 350 people turned out for the installation of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii’s 2015-16 officers and directors at the organization’s annual Installation and Recognition Banquet. The event was held June...

Margaret Shiba Special to The Hawai‘i Herald It’s a thought that makes diehard Hawaiian music fans of Mark Yamanaka count their blessings when they learn that the multiple Nä Hökü Hanohano-award winner once questioned whether, as...

Kevin Kawamoto Special to The Hawai‘i Herald Hawai‘i is known for its large number of multigenerational households and for the importance that its diverse cultures place on family relationships and activities. There are two very different,...

Gwen Battad Ishikawa Every year, the Herald interviews the outgoing Cherry Blossom Festival queen as she prepares to pass on her crown to her successor. What are some of the changes that have taken place...

Over 900 people packed the Hawaii Okinawa Center on Jan. 17 for the installation of the organization’s 2015 officers and advisors and to recognize the year’s Uchinanchu of the Year. In his message, outgoing president...

Kevin Kawamoto Special to The Hawai‘i Herald Approximately 500 volunteer caregivers and supporters of Project Dana gathered at the Dole Cannery’s Pömaika‘i Ballrooms on Sept. 20 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this widely respected and...