The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii presents its biennial Japanese Culture Day, or Bunka No Hi, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Sangha Hall in downtown Hilo.
Festivities will feature cultural activities and displays. An Omikoshi parade precedes the event at 9 a.m., starting at the Aupuni Center and ending at Sangha Hall. Larry Shunji Isemoto, recipient of the Imperial Decoration Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays, and AJA Veterans Isamu Kanekuni, Wataru Kohashi and Joe Sugawara will serve as grand marshals for the parade. They also will be honored as cultural treasures during the program.
A popular attraction at Bunka No Hi is the Shichi-go-san, kimono dressing and picture-taking for girls, ages 3 and 7, and boys, age 5. Shichi-go-san is a traditional rite of passage and festival in Japan celebrating the growth and well-being of young children. It is usually observed the weekend closest to Nov. 15.
Experienced kimono dressers will dress the girls in beautiful kimono, obi and accessories. Boys will be dressed in haori, a kimono-style jacket, and hakama, a traditional Japanese trouser.
The cost is $40 for JCAH members and $50 for nonmembers, which includes dressing, photography session, two prints in a 4-by-6-inch commemorative double photo in a frame and digital copies sent via email.
For more information, contact Joann Tanimoto at 989-9854 or via email at joann_tani@hotmail.com.
Application forms are available at www.jcahawaii.org. The deadline for applications is Oct. 31, or when all the slots are filled.
The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that promotes and perpetuates the Japanese culture and arts in East Hawaii and fosters international relationships with Japanese citizens and organizations.