It is with great appreciation and humbleness that I accept the position of incoming UJSH President. I follow in the footsteps of amazing past presidents and leaders of the UJSH community with an awareness that their hard work and dedication sustained our organization for 65 years. I commit myself to the mission and purpose of UJSH with an understanding that the deep roots they established allow us to flourish and branch out into new directions.
Growing up in Hawaii, I was immersed in our Nikkei culture, but just as fish never understand the essence of water until they are out of the fishbowl, it never seemed unique or particularly remarkable. Picnics at Ala Moana Beach Park with the Onomichi club, afterschool Japanese language lessons at Soto Mission of Hawaii, and New Year’s mochi-making at grandma’s house were part of my ordinary life. Only after leaving the Islands did I learn to truly appreciate the special grace of our Hawaii-Japaneseculture.
Over 20 years ago I returned to Hawaii from Fukuoka after teaching for two years in the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Program. Through that experience I gained a deeper appreciation for the people and the culture of Japan. With the support of the Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjin Kai I have become more engaged with the local Nikkei community and hope to build upon those experiences to better serve as UJSH president. I ask for your support as we seek to build stronger ties between the people of Hawaii and Japan.
広がる枝、文化に根ざす
“Hirogaru eda, bunka ni nezasu”
