Weekly Update 2/25
Dear Members and Friends of JASH,
Next Wednesday, March 3, is Girls’ Day! Also known as Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) and Momo-no-sekku (Peach Festival), on this day we wish for the happiness and healthy growth of our daughters. In homes, elegant dolls called hina ningyō dressed in ancient court costumes of the Heian period (794 – 1185) are often displayed on a tiered platform covered with red felt. The size of the dolls and number of steps vary, but usually the displays are of five or seven layers while single-tiered decorations with one male and one female doll are also common. In addition to the graceful set of dolls, seasonal peach blossoms are used as decorations, which is the reason for this traditional event being also known as the Momo-no-sekku.
In recent years, JASH Tomodachi members have had the honor of attending Hinamatsuri festivities at the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu. Last year, on March 3, 2020, Consul General Koichi Ito and Mrs. Misako Ito graciously invited our organization to celebrate the day with them. Mrs. Ito recounted her childhood memories of Hinamatsuri, sharing the stories of hina ningyō in her personal collection that date back over 100 years. Tomodachi members were treated to live musical performances by Mrs. Ariake Jun and Mr. William Watson, and spent the afternoon enjoying wonderful food and lovely company.
Left: JASH Tomodachi members enjoy refreshments at the Consulate
Right: Mrs. Misako Ito shares her hina ningyō
This year, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be able to gather for our annual Hinamatsuri festivities. While we are sad to cancel another beloved event, we look forward to when we can again safely gather. Although we can’t celebrate Girls’ Day together with everyone, we’d love to celebrate peach blossom season with you this Saturday, February 27 at 1:30pm (HST)! We’re teaming up with the Moanalua High School Japanese Club to present a Storygami telling of Momotaro “Peach Boy.” Learn some fun origami while listening to the BILINGUAL reading of the classic Japanese folktale! Suitable for kids ages 3-11. As this is a virtual event, please prepare your own sheets of origami. Click to Register!
Upcoming Programs
Save the Date Virtual Program Women Who Lead: Silver Linings and Redesigning a Business Talk-Story with Eden in Love Owner Tanna Dang Thurs., Mar. 18, 2021 Noon-1:00pm (HST)
For our next episode in “Women Who Lead,” JASH meets up with Eden in Love owner Tanna Dang to learn about her personal entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned through the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderated by JASH NexGen member Monchalee Ota. More information, including program details and registration are coming soon!
Shared Events
Hosted by the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
Virtual Program East Meets West: A Cross-Cultural Journey Thursday, Feb. 25 4:00pm HST Free
Japan and Hawaii share a vibrant history shaped by immigration, war, peace, commerce, and culture. It is our goal to examine difference and similarities between us by inviting professionals in diverse fields on to this new Zoom series titled "East Meets West: A Cross Cultural Journey". East Meets West features one guest speaker from Japan and one from Hawaii discussing socially relevant topics and how their cultures influence and determine the way they navigate their work and lives. The goal is to bridge the real and perceived gaps between East and West, leading to mutual understanding and respect of each other’s culture. For details and to register, click here.
Hosted by Japan House Los Angeles
Virtual Program
The Rules of the Brew:
Sake Regulations & the Future of the Sake Industry
Tuesday, Mar. 2
2:00pm (HST)
Sake brewers and entrepreneurs often face a bewildering array of laws that strictly regulate how their products are produced, distributed, and sold across North America. SBANA Board Member Bernie Baskin will lead a discussion on the regulatory landscape facing the industry, followed by a discussion on the future direction of the sake market in North America with industry insiders Ms. Sachiko Miyagi of Tippsy and Mr. Jamie Graves of Skurnik Wines and Spirits. The webinar will be simultaneously translated in English and Japanese and will include a Q&A session with the audience. For details and to register, click here.
Hosted by the U.S.-Japan Council
Virtual Program
Japanese Americans and Japan: Legacies–Daniel Okimoto & James Higa
Wednesday, Mar. 3
1:00pm (HST)
Free
USJC presents an exciting “Double Feature” coming up on March 3 featuring Daniel Okimoto, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at Stanford University, Co-Chairman of the Silicon Valley Japan Platform, and member of the USJC Board of Councilors; and James Higa, Managing Partner at Offline Ventures, Executive Director of Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, and USJC Board Member. In these back-to-back interviews, you will hear their unique family stories and perspectives on the evolution of the enduring U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship in business and technology through their unique experiences in Japan and Silicon Valley. For details and to register, click here.
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