Spotlight

The Hakuoh University Handbell Choir shared its amazing handbell music at a friendship luncheon hosted by Hakuoh vice president and board chair Joji Kamioka on Feb. 19 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. The choir also presented free concerts at Central Union Church, Windward Community College and Leeward Community College.

The Hawaii Island AJA Veterans Legacy Association is accepting applications for up to two $1,000 scholarships that will be awarded to graduating seniors who plan to continue their post high school education this fall. The scholarships are funded by the Hawaii Island AJA Veteran Legacy Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization dedicated to honoring and....

Newly crowned Cherry Blossom Festival queen Lauren Sugai drew the winning entries in the 36th “Guess the Cherry Blossom Festival Queen” contest. Sugai pulled Käne‘ohe resident Jemalee Wong’s ballot for the first prize of a $500 travel gift certificate from Regal Travel.

WHO/WHAT: A celebration of textiles and a fundraiser for TEMARI Hawaii. Artists and crafters clear out their workrooms and sell those precious items at “Bolts,” where the Japanese immigrant principle of mottainai, don’t waste,...

WHO/WHAT: Mitsufumi Ryu Taiko celebrates its 50th anniversary in Hawai‘i with an Okinawan taiko performance. Master instructor Terry Higa-Sensei has led Mitsufumi Taiko Kai of Hawaii since 1990. The performance also celebrates the auspicious...

WHO/WHAT: Pomona College history professor and Kailua native Dr. Samuel Yamashita talks about the marriage of French and Japanese cuisine. The movement began in the 1970s when Japanese chefs began training with nouvelle cuisine...

The East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai is currently accepting applications for up to two $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors who plan to begin their post high school education this fall. The application deadline is Saturday, April 6 (applications must be postmarked by April 6).

The MIS Veterans Club held its annual New Year’s gathering and installation at Natsunoya Tea House on Jan. 27. The organization is made up of World War II veterans who served in the Military Intelligence Service in combat and intelligence roles in the Asia-Pacific theater and their descendants. The MIS soldiers contributed much to the....

Members and guests of the Japanese Women’s Society Foundation gathered at Natsunoya Tea House on Feb. 3 for the organization’s shinnen enkai (New Year’s party) luncheon. The day included traditional Japanese New Year’s foods, entertainment and fellowship. The bake sale table was covered with cookies, cupcakes, party mixes and other sweet treats, all available for....

WHO/WHAT: Carnegie Hall . . . Here they come! Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii will present a preview performance of the Okinawan koten (classical) and minyo (folk) music and dance numbers they will perform...