At Ke Kula ‘O Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u, a Hawaiian language immersion school in Keaau, all first- to sixth-graders learn conversational Japanese and Kanji (Chinese characters) through Hawaiian.
At Ke Kula ‘O Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u, a Hawaiian language immersion school in Keaau, all first- to sixth-graders learn conversational Japanese and Kanji (Chinese characters) through Hawaiian.
Nawahi’s Japanese language curriculum is part of the school’s heritage language program to honor multiple cultures of Hawaii.
The school’s annual Japanese Culture Day that took place Oct. 27 celebrated the program by showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese culture through various demonstrations.
Kumu Pilialoha Kimiko Tomita Smith, the school’s Japanese language arts teacher, said students look forward to the culture day to explore and experience Japanese traditions.
The celebration provides a great opportunity for them to increase their awareness and understanding of Japanese culture.
This year’s demonstrations included judo, Okinawan music, kimono dressing and bon dance.
They also had a special guest, award-winning Hawaiian music performer Kainani Kahaunaele, who shared her extensive experiences of travels in Japan.