On behalf of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii, I would like to wish you all a prosperous, and joyful new year. I am grateful to all of you for joining us here today so we may celebrate the 64th annual Shinnen Enkai together.
The past years have proven difficult for many of our legacy events but we have endured and arrived here today. It warms my heart that we are able to come together to celebrate the new year in person for 2023 and the Fifth year of “Reiwa”（令和五年）. As the COVID pandemic is nearing its end, we are welcoming in a new year, with brighter prospects, and increased opportunity to promote our goals in the Nikkei community. With the restrictions of COVID loosening international travel from Japan is gradually returning to Hawaii. In 2022 we saw many of our old friends from Japan return to visit us in Hawaii. The Japan Self-Defense Forces, the sister state delegations where we celebrated and rekindled our ties and friendships with Japan.
2023 is the year of the Rabbit. The characteristics of the rabbit symbolizes leaping or jumping. This also has a translated meaning of “improvement”. I find the rabbit to be most fitting for 2023, as the UJSH will leap into the new year and improve our goals and missions.
Wishing you success, happiness, opportunities, and prosperity in life.
Kanzo Nara・奈良鑑三
UJSH President 2022-2023
ハワイ日系人連合協会会長
