The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is seeking nominations for Japanese cultural treasures, individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and perpetuating of the Japanese culture and arts in East Hawaii. ADVERTISING The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association
The Hilo-based Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is seeking nominations for Japanese cultural treasures, individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and perpetuating of the Japanese culture and arts in East Hawaii.
The people selected will be honored Nov. 18 during the biennial Bunka No Hi Japanese Culture Day in Hawaii at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall.
Since 2003, JCAH has honored 50 cultural treasures and Americans of Japanese ancestry veterans who served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service during World War II.
In 2015, the following cultural treasures were recognized: Darryl Buck Wheat (judo), Gary Kuroyama (judo), Hiroshi Shima (bonsai), Nancy F. Higa Nakaishi (Okinawan dance and culture), Yoshiko Shimada (Japanese singing and vocal teaching) and Yuri Yahiro (ikebana).
To request a nomination form, email jcahawaii@yahoo.com or call the JCAH office at 969-6437. The deadline for submitting nominations is Sept. 29.
For more information, contact cultural treasures co-chairwomen Judith Fujiyama at 959-9039 or Hazel Nakano at 936-6227.
Bunka No Hi is sponsored by the JCAH. This year’s theme, “Okage Sama De,” is a Japanese phrase that means “I am what I am because of you.”
Former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi will be the grand marshal of the Omikoshi parade, which kicks off the day’s festivities. The festival also will feature traditional displays, demonstrations, shichi-go-san (kimono dressing for children ages 3, 5 and 7), calligraphy, food from various Japanese community groups and entertainment.
The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is a nonprofit organization with a membership of more than 400 families. The JCAH was formed in 1972 to promote and perpetuate the Japanese culture and arts in East Hawaii and to foster international relationships with Japanese citizens and organizations. For more information, call 969-6437.
