The 2020 Kenjin Kai Young Achiever honorees (from left): Heather Omori, Central Oahu Kumamoto Kenjin Kai; David Shinsato, Hawaii United Okinawa Association; Mamina Tahara, Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai; and Zackery Harris, Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai with UJSH president-elect Frances Nakachi Kuba (standing, far left) and UJSH president, Rev. Akihiro Okada (standing, far right). Standing behind the Young Achievers are their respective kenjinkai presidents: (from left: Clyde Matsumoto, Lynn Miyahira, Keith Sakuda and Sadie Watanabe.

Community Focus – United Japanese Society Welcomes “Year of the Rat!”

United Japanese Society of Hawaii members and supporters welcomed the “Year of the Rat” at the organization’s shinnenkai at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s Manoa Grand Ballroom on Jan. 11. A moment of silence was observed to remember and honor UJSH members who have passed on. Onoe Kikunobutomi (Brandon Goda) from the Kikunobu Dance....
The 2020 cast and producers of the “Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” performance. Kneeling in front is the Kojyo played by Neal Yokota. Standing behind the Kojyo, from left to right producers Ronald Ushijima and Rika Hirata, Meakashi Kingoro (Kurt Murao), Akaboshi Jyuzaburo (Ina Chang), Tadanobu Rihei (Kristine Wada), Benten Kozo Kikunosuke (Jill Kuramoto), Nippon Daemon (Brian Kealoha), and producers Robert Nagao and Gregg Mueller. Standing in back, Nango Rikimaru (Jacce Mikulanec).

“Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko” Play Highlights 2020 HJCC Shinnen Enkai

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Year of the Rat with its 75th annual shinnen enkai (New Year’s banquet) on Jan. 24 at the Sheraton Waikiki. About 400 HJCC members and their family and friends attended the event. The shinnen enkai is always well attended, with people enjoying fellowship and the introduction of....
Barry Taniguchi and John Masuhara

Big Island Community Focus – Hilo High School Foundation to Honor Taniguchi and Masuhara

The Hilo High School Foundation will present its Distinguished Alumni Awards to Barry Taniguchi and John Masuhara, posthumously, at the foundation’s 10th annual Recognition Dinner. The dinner will be held Friday, Feb. 28, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall.
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association’s 2019 “Uchinanchu of the Year.”

Herald Salutes

Hui O Laulima recently awarded cultural grants totaling $10,000 to 10 organizations and individuals for projects aimed at promoting and perpetuating Okinawan culture. Hui O Laulima is a nonprofit women’s organization and an active member of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. The grants were awarded to:
After a 10-year absence, Naalehu Hongwanji Mission on Hawai‘i Island opened its doors to the public last Aug. 31 and observed obon with a bon dance. Members of Hongwanji’s Hilo, Pahala, Kona and Kohala temples, along with Kona Jr. YBA members, helped the Naalehu Hongwanji members set up the grounds and also participated in the festival to welcome home the spirits of deceased loved ones . . . even in the pouring rain!

Big Island Community Focus – Bon Dance Returns to Naalehu Hongwanji Mission

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Today, Isamu and Amy Manago, both 91, live in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Memories – The Two Families of Isamu Manago

Jodie Chiemi Ching “I have three mothers and three fathers — I feel grateful,” said 91-year-old Isamu Manago who is the second youngest of Kinzo and Osame Manago’s seven children. Kinzo and Osame founded the Manago Hotel in Kona on Hawai‘i Island in 1917, now owned and managed by sansei Dwight Manago and his wife....
Illustration by Arthur Kodani

A Sense of Place – “A Small Obligation and Other Stories of Hilo”

Susan Nunes From “A Small Obligation and Other Stories of Hilo,” Published with Permission Editor’s note: The following short stories by Susan Miho Nunes are set in her hometown of Hilo on Hawaii Island. They were published in 1982 in her book, “A Small Obligation and Other Stories of Hilo,” by Bamboo Ridge Press. Nunes....
Drawing featuring Dennis Fujitake as a comic

8•0•8

8•0•8 By Dennis Fujitake
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Fishcake: “Still Life” Art Exhibit by Mary Mitsuda

WHO/WHAT: Renowned local painter, Mary Mitsuda, returns to fishcake with “Still Life” — a series of postcard sized paintings depicting familiar inanimate objects around her studio and the contemplative moments shared with each item....
“Appreciation is all I’ve heard from Kapohoans.” — Frances Kakugawa

A Sense of Place – Epilogue: The New Kapoho, 2018

Frances H. Kakugawa From “Echoes of Kapoho,” Published with Permission Memoir writers are often accused of invading the privacy of others. “Did you write about me?” readers ask. “Is that woman my neighbor?” “Who were you writing about in that story?” When my book “Kapoho: Memoir of a Modern Pompeii” was released in 2011, I....

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