As my term as the president of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii (UJSH) comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the past year with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration. Two words immediately come to mind: “Recollection” and “Remembrance.”
From the very beginning of our fiscal year in July, we faced a heart-wrenching blow with the news of the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. His sudden and untimely passing sent shockwaves throughout our community in Hawaii. However, even amidst this immense sorrow, we witnessed the resilient spirit of our UJSH family, coming together to support one another during a time of profound “Remembrance.”
As the COVID restrictions gradually eased, our in-person gatherings resumed, and we rejoiced in the opportunity to reconnect with dear friends and colleagues. It was during these cherished moments that we felt the true strength of our community. I cannot express enough gratitude to those who have stood by us during these challenging times, offering comfort and solace when it was most needed.
This year marked a significant turning point for UJSH, as our beloved legacy events returned in their traditional format. The atmosphere was alive with joy as people, “人” (HITO), were able to greet and congregate with one another once again. It is with utmost appreciation that I commend our event committee members, who tirelessly adapted to virtual formats and kept our legacy events alive during the pandemic. Thanks to their unwavering dedication, we were able to reclaim the magic of live events within our UJSH community. We truly entered a period of “Recollection,” rediscovering and relearning the essence of our traditions after a three-year hiatus. Together, we faced the challenges head-on and emerged triumphant, celebrating numerous milestones throughout the year.
My Theme for this year was “Gashin-Shotan” (臥薪嘗胆). It encapsulates the spirit of going through thick and thin, enduring unspeakable hardships to achieve our objectives to be triumphant. As a community, we have shown remarkable resilience, and for that, UJSH is immensely grateful. We owe a debt of gratitude to the organizations and individuals who have supported us wholeheartedly throughout the year. Your unwavering generosity, steadfast dedication, and invaluable guidance have made all the difference.
I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to my friends and family, whose unwavering support and understanding have been a constant source of strength for me. To the entire UJSH community, I am filled with deep appreciation for your unwavering commitment, passion, and resilience. Each of you has played an integral role in the success and growth of UJSH during my tenure. I am humbled and honored to have served as your president for 2022-2023.
As I bid farewell, I leave you with my best wishes for a future that is resplendent with triumphs and achievements. May our UJSH community continue to flourish, and may the bonds we have forged endure for generations to come.
