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The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s prestigious Nihon Bunka Awards given to outstanding individuals for their excellence and lifetime dedication to the perpetuation of the Japanese arts and culture, and for their unselfish willingness to share their talents with the community to inspire future generations. 

Shannon Loo

With innate organizational and creative skills, Shannon has driven life into numerous community gatherings- weddings, corporate events, and travels with his leadership. But it was his love for his Japanese culture that remained constant throughout his life and career, which inspired him to also take up space perpetuating Japanese cultural attire. 

Being a regular part of the Bon Dance community on Oahu from a very young age and now president and head sensei of Maui Minyo Kai, Shannon for 9 years, have danced at every Obon on Maui, and sometimes solidifying ties between the Bon Dance community participating on Oahu.  Telling stories and honoring ancestors with every movement, he inspires many with every colorful kimono. 

Even the global shutdown from the pandemic didn’t stop Shannon from sharing the joy of Japanese dance. Along with fellow dancers, he organized “Zoomdori”, a Virtual bon dance experience. Gracing computer screens with dances from Maui and beautiful garb, they provided dance step tutorials, played games, and provided comfort and hope during a difficult time. 

Speaking of Kimono, his expertise on this subject matter and being a seamster for over 25 years fuels his life-long dream and passion to impart the art to as many people as possible. Shannon embraced his gift of influence and with his entrepreneurial drive and partnership with his sister, opened his boutique business Mise Kimono.

Founded with the purpose of perpetuating the legacy and feisty spirit of his grandmother, Tomiko Mise, Mise Kimono is the only store in the state of Hawaii largely dedicated to the craft of Kitsuke, the art of kimono dressing. Vintage/ second-hand kimono are also upcycled into bags, accessories, and modern fashions.

As a kimono shop owner, Shannon forges ahead with every opportunity to educate others with his craft, while celebrating his Japanese heritage, ensuring cultural traditions transcend generations.

Reverend Gensho Hara

The first-born son of a temple priest in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Reverend Gensho Hara came to Maui in 1963 when he answered a plea to fill a vacant minister’s position in Lahaina Jodo Mission. What was poised as a temporary assignment has turned into 60 years of leadership and service, making him a spiritual and cultural icon, not only for the Japanese community of Maui, but for a town of significant historic value. 

Five years after he arrived, Lahaina Jodo Mission suffered a damaging fire and Reverend Hara, along with the mission members, carpenters from Japan, and the community, rebuilt the beloved temple. He vowed then to ensure the temple would continue to be a place where people gather.

And it sure did. Rev. Hara created a robust spiritual home in Lahaina that became a gathering place for cultural and educational events, which helped his Lahaina community to thrive. His dedication can also be seen in his early participation in organizing interfaith services such as the Thanksgiving Service held at the Old Lahaina Prison in the 70's. Over the years, he has opened his doors to nonprofit group meetings, film showings, farmers markets, weddings and parties, workshops, concerts, and many more. Rev. Hara has been instrumental in organizing many successful events that celebrate Japanese traditions, especially Lahaina Jodo Mission’s summer Obon festival, known for its tōrō nagashi, or floating lanterns ceremony.

For sixty years, his name became synonymous with the Maui Japanese community, where many have sought through him the teachings of Buddha. He was made an honorary member of the Japanese Cultural Society by its founding members and has participated in many of its events over the years. He has also appeared in countless local and international news and other publications, and film productions such as Nami no Bon (Lantern Festival of the Waves) and Futaba Bon Uta (The Obon Festival Song of Futaba), and has generously shared his knowledge of Japanese and Nikkei culture and history. Most important, he has imparted values of resilience through adversity, determination, and hard work.

Armed with a hose pipe, Rev. Hara fought hard to battle the fires last Aug. 8 before evacuating safely with his family. The church’s iconic temple and pagoda, nearby structures, and historical records have all turned to ashes. 

But just like in Buddhism, the white ashes are a reminder of impermanence and life that is fleeting. As Rev. Hara has reiterated, “attachment to material things causes suffering.” At 87 years old, Rev. Gensho Hara vows to restore and rebuild. He has done it before and will do it again as his church and ministry shall continue to live in the faces of the community he loved.

Join us to celebrate the Nihon Bunka awardees at JCSM’s Annual New Year celebration banquet Shinnenkai on Saturday, January 27, 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel, which includes dinner and entertainment. Attendees may wear formal kimonos at this function.

Sponsorship packages, tables of 10 and general admission tickets are $75, and can be purchased at jcsmaui.org. Email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com for inquiries.

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The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui’s Ganbare Maui Recovery Fund today received a ¥1M donation from the Japan-Hawaii Legislators Friendship Association, represented by State Minister Iwao Horii.

Photos and story on Facebook

JCSM President Kit Furukawa received the donation during an intimate gathering attended by Mayor Richard Bissen, Council Chair Alice Lee, Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura, and Councilmembers Tasha Kama, Tom Cook and Gabe Johnson.

Japanese community leaders were also present, including Rev. Gensho Hara of Lahaina Jodo Mission, Rev. Takanori Meguro of Lahaina Shingon Mission, and Rev. Ai Hironaka of Lahaina Hongwanji. Structures for all three churches, including the homes of the ministers, were burned down from the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires.

The event was hosted and led by Consul General Yoshinori Kodama of the Japanese Consulate of Honolulu and Board Chair Kyoko Kimura and Executive Director Deidre Tegarden of the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center.

The Ganbare Maui program was created to support recovery efforts, restoration programs and special initiatives in line with the preservation and perpetuation of Maui’s thriving Japanese culture and community.

Fundraising is on-going and donations are accepted online at jcsmaui.org.

“The Ganbare Maui Fund, as its name implies, embodies the spirit of grit and unwavering determination never to give up,” Furukawa said. “We are embarking on a long road to recovery, one that may be marked by numerous obstacles, but we will face each one with courage and resilience. The strength of our community and friendship is a testament to the aloha spirit that will define our journey forward.”

As a symbol of solidarity and commitment, the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui will match the donation received, and future donations up to $35,000.

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Maui Matsuri returns to UH Maui College on Saturday, May 27 from 3 to 9 p.m., and will kick-off this Saturday, May 20 with Children’s Day at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Now in its 21st year, the Maui Matsuri festival continues to showcase a vibrant and diverse Maui community and has provided a venue to gather and celebrate a wide array of Japanese cultural arts and traditions. 

Both events are free and are highly anticipated by residents and visitors. This year’s festival theme is ichi go ichi e – a Japanese philosophical concept that reminds us to treasure the unique, unrepeatable nature of a moment or encounter, for it will never recur.

Children’s Day, May 20

Children’s Day includes multicultural performances from Maui Taiko, King Kekaulike High School Jazz Band, Maui Buyo Dance Academy, Halau Hula O Keola Alii O Ke Kai,  Isle of Maui Pipe Band and Dance International Production. Mise Kimono also presents a kimono fashion show taking you on a journey from traditional to suggestions on a modern look.

There will be recognition of awards, such as for the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui’s scholarship recipients, winners of HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts’ art contest, and a special teacher dedication arranged by women educators in the Maui Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, a partner organization that helped organize Children’s Day.

In addition, there will be special STEM demonstrations from Kalama Intermediate School, Pukalani Elementary School, Maui Waena Intermediate School and Kamehameha High School.

There will be hands-on activities and kids’ crafts, and those wanting to purchase Maui Matsuri shirts may do so. The program will be emceed by Maui’s own Kathy Collins. At the close of the event, the public is encouraged to join a bon dance practice.

Festival Day, May 27

Maui Matsuri’s festival day features cultural entertainment presented by TJ’s Warehouse at the college’s great lawn from Maui Okinawan Taiko, Maui Taiko, Zenshin Daiko, Nakayama Minyo Kai, Maui Dance Klub, Maui Minyo Kai, demonstrations by Mitsune Kendo Dojo, and guest performers from Taiko Center of the Pacific, which includes a crowd favorite lion dance.

At the festival, JCSM also recognizes an outstanding business that is Japanese-owned, and has been an ally in its mission to preserve and perpetuate Japanese culture and traditions. This year, the distinguished Business Award will be presented to the Nakashima family of Upcountry landmark Pukalani Superette. 

Contests also return this year with the Sam Sato’s Saimin Eating Contest and the Shore to Shore Realty Natto Eating Contest. Registrations are ongoing with the Cosplay contest, organized this year by Nightdarling Cosplay and sponsored by Mise Kimono. There will be exciting prize drawings for the festival’s passport program and event survey. 

Plus, the community can enjoy food booths and trucks, craft vendors, exhibits and the return of the children’s craft area called Kodomo Corner.

“We look forward to celebrating Japanese culture with the community as we return to UH Maui College after four years,”said Kit Furukawa, president of Japanese Cultural Society of Maui. “We are so grateful to the sponsors and many hands that put this event together to keep traditions alive and help perpetuate the culture for our keiki. Let’s make beautiful memories together and please stay for the finale - a Community Obon Dance! Dust off your happi coats for the first obon dance of the season!”

Maui Matsuri is produced by a team of volunteers led by co-chairs Kay Fukumoto, Brian Nagami and Jennifer Sumida.  The festival is presented by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, and supported in part by the County of Maui and the Office of Economic Development. Other major sponsors are Island Honda, IBEW Local 1186, UH Maui College, Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center and Maui Taiko.

For more information, visit the festival website at mauimatsuri.com, or follow @mauimatsuri on social media. For those interested to volunteer, please call (808) 283-9999.

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KAHULUI, Hawaii - The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is pleased to announce three outstanding applicants to receive scholarships this year. The awardees will be recognized at the Maui Matsuri Kick-Off event called Children’s Day on Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at the Queen Kaahumanu Center. The following scholars were selected for their record of involvement in promoting and perpetuating Japanese culture and language.

• Kaitlin Kitagawa

Kaitlin will receive the Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship worth $1500 for her outstanding academic record, community service and excellence in Japanese language. She is a senior at King Kekaulike High School and plans to attend Santa Clara University to pursue bioengineering with a minor in Japanese studies. Kaitlin was crowned the 68th Queen of the Chrysanthemum Festival for her efforts to raise funds for the Maui Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans. She won an all-expense-paid trip to Japan for her team winning the Japanese Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition.

In her essay, Kaitlin shared that she is inspired to live by the Japanese value of “chugi,” or loyalty, “not only to my country, but to my culture, family, beliefs, and to myself,” she adds. “An important way to perpetuate Japanese culture is to speak up. We all need to vocalize our experiences - both good and bad, and share issues that are valuable to our community.”

• Jaimee Yokoyama

Jaimee will receive a $1000 JCSM Scholarship. She is a senior at King Kekaulike High School and plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue computer science. For more than 11 years, Jaimee has danced for Maui Minyo Kai and has actively participated in Obon festivals around the island. She is also a member of the Maui United Junior Youth Buddhist Association and has volunteered for various Hongwanji churches. 

By Jaimee's involvement in various community events, she said that "there are many people who are willing to learn about Japanese culture, but don't know where to look or find resources." She said part of the challenge is finding those who are willing to teach - which is why she remains committed to keeping traditions alive as she pursues higher education.

• Taylie Teraoka

Taylie will receive a $1000 JCSM Scholarship. She is a senior at H.P. Baldwin High School and plans to attend the University of California Irvine and major in civil engineering and minor in environmental engineering. In addition to strong involvement with her school’s student government, Taylie is also a member of her school’s Japanese Club, among others. She has organized cultural events with exchange students from Okinawa, Japan who are attending UH Maui College. Her team in the Level B category also won a trip to Japan from competing in the Japan American Society of Hawaii’s Wizards Competition. Finally, her team was selected to carry their winning mikoshi in Waikiki for the Honolulu Festival's Mikoshi Design Contest, which featured elements depicting Hawaii and Japan's connected cultures.

Driven by a desire to study in Japan, Taylie wishes to see more opportunities with Maui's sister cities, a renewed effort to teach Japanese language and hopes to see the youth get more involved. "Young people are the future and there is an absence of young people in preservation efforts," she said. "I hope to become even more involved when I come back from college."

The JCSM Scholarship Program is made possible by generous donations from Asa Ellison’s friends and family, and through fundraising and direct donations. To make a donation to this program to support future scholars, go to jcsmaui.org/scholarship.

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Now on its 54th year as a nonprofit, a new set of officers and directors will also be installed at the same evening to carry JCSM’s mission to perpetuate Japanese culture for future generations. The new officers and directors are the following:

• Kit Zulueta Furukawa, President

• Chris Sugidono, Vice President

• Deron Furukawa, Secretary

• Stacey Nikaido, Treasurer

Directors: 

• • Rep. Troy Hashimoto

  • Tiffany Iida

  • Brian Nagami

  • Elisa Suetake

  • Jennifer Sumida

  • Satoko Takahashi

Join us to celebrate the Nihon Bunka awardees at JCSM’s Annual New Year celebration banquet Shinnen Enkai on Saturday, January 28, 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel, which includes dinner and entertainment. Attendees may wear formal kimonos at this function.

Sponsorship packages, tables of 10 and general admission tickets are $75, and can be purchased at jcsmaui.org. Email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com for inquiries.

Kahului, Hawaii - The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s prestigious Nihon Bunka Awards given to outstanding individuals for their excellence and lifetime dedication to the perpetuation of the Japanese arts and culture, and for their unselfish willingness to share their talents with the community to inspire future generations. 

• Deidre Tegarden

As Executive Director of the Nisei Veterans Center, Deidre Tegarden has kept the spirit and legacy of “Go For Broke” alive through a dynamic and busy calendar of activities at the Center that promote Japanese culture - tea ceremony, bon dance workshops, anime movie screenings, leadership training, in addition to an archive of more than 200 special collections relating to Maui Nisei veterans. 

She is a current Director At-Large for the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, and was instrumental in the success of a significant number of programs such as the Gannenmono 150th anniversary celebrations.  She received a Certificate of Commendation by Japanese Consul General Koichi Ito for her contributions to the Japanese-American community and for the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other nations. As Council Leader for the US-Japan Council, she has also convened events for the Regional Women In Leadership program, which advances opportunities for women in the context of US-Japan relations.

Tegarden served as Chief Protocol Officer for Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Gov. David Ige. As a volunteer to the Maui County Sister Cities Foundation, Deidre provided Japanese protocol workshops, and has served as translator for numerous

Japanese dignitaries. Her involvement in various initiatives with Japan has resulted in student exchange programs, as well as US-Japan business and governmental collaboration.

She also served as Chief of Staff to the Office of the Mayor, Director of the Office of Economic Development for the County of Maui, and as the Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Maui. She was a recipient of Pacific Business News’ “Forty Under 40” Award and a graduate of the Weinberg Fellows Program. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese and Chinese Studies at the University of Maryland.

• Christopher Curtis and Lynn Shikatani Curtis

Curtis Sensei and Lynn Curtis Sensei embody the spirit of Aikido, passed on through them from their teacher, the late Shinichi Suzuki Sensei, to all their students.

Curtis Sensei is currently the Chief Instructor of the Hawaii Ki Federation (HKF) and formerly the Head Instructor of Maui Ki Aikido. He has trained fervently in the art of Aikido for over 48 years. He began his training in 1974 with his teachers Koichi Tohei Sensei in Japan and Shinichi Suzuki Sensei on Maui. Curtis Sensei served as Suzuki Sensei’s otomo, accompanying him to attend and teach seminars around the world. As Chief Instructor of HKF, Curtis Sensei teaches Aikido and Ki Principles throughout Hawaii, the United States, and Europe. He continues to teach a weekly meditation class at Maui Ki Aikido and trains annually, receiving instruction from his current teacher Kaicho Shinichi Tohei in Japan. Curtis Sensei has also authored several books about his Aikido practice—Letting Go; Ki Aikido on Maui: A Training Manual; and Otomo: A Journey, a semi-autobiographical account of his many years of practice.

Lynn Curtis Sensei is currently a Senior Instructor and Head of the Children’s Program at Maui Ki Aikido. She began training with Shinichi Suzuki Sensei on Maui in 1978. Lynn Curtis Sensei assisted Suzuki Sensei for many years, accompanying him to Japan on numerous occasions. Lynn Curtis Sensei continues to teach a weekly children’s class at Maui Ki Aikido and also continues her training with Kaicho Shinichi Tohei in Japan. As a Senior Instructor and Children’s Instructor, she has touched the lives of many hundreds of Maui children for the better.

Join us to celebrate the Nihon Bunka awardees at JCSM’s Annual New Year celebration banquet Shinnen Enkai on Saturday, January 28, 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Beach Hotel, which includes dinner and entertainment. Attendees may wear formal kimonos at this function.

Sponsorship packages, tables of 10 and general admission tickets are $75, and can be purchased under "Events" tab. Email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com

for inquiries.

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Oct. 9, Kahului - JCSM Members and Kahului Jodo Mission members created nuno zori during a workshop led by Sensei Keiko Maeda from Aomori, Japan.  Here are some photos from the event!

KAHULUI, Hawaii – The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui awarded two scholarships to outstanding students – Teisha Nishimitsu, graduate of King Kekaulike High School, received the Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship worth $1500, and a $1000 scholarship was also awarded to Payten Shimizu, a graduate of Baldwin High School.

The scholars were selected for their record of involvement in promoting and perpetuating Japanese culture and language.

Nishimitsu will be studying Biology and Japanese language at Stanford University and intends to audition and pursue taiko drumming professionally, and aspires to study in Japan someday. She has performed and taught taiko with the Zenshin Daiko, competed with the Japanese Wizards Statewide Academic Team Competition, and signed up for the Chrysanthemum Ball.

“During the pandemic I asked my great great grandmother what she thought we needed to do to

overcome the hate facing the Asian community,” Nishimitsu shared in her essay, “Her response was simple, yet so intelligible. “We all have to find something we can do together.””

Meanwhile, Shimizu will be continuing learning Japanese culture and language at Portland State University. She will also be spending four weeks in Japan this year after winning a scholarship contest on how anime reflects Japanese culture and its impact on America’s youth today. After college, she plans to participate in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program.

“I believe that one of the main challenges faced by the Japanese community on Maui and

Hawai’i in general is that they are not educated about many of the hardships that their ancestors

faced when coming to Hawaii,” Shimizu shared in her essay. “For example, many are unaware of the internment camps that the Japanese were put into during World War II. I only learned about these hardships during my third year of high school. I feel that it was a significant part of the history of Japanese immigration in Hawai’i, as it taught a lot about discrimination.”

The JCSM Scholarship Program is made possible by generous donations from Asa Ellison’s friends and family, and through fundraising and direct donations from its members. To make a donation to this program to support future scholars, contact jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.

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Kahului, Hawaii – The deadline for the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui’s Scholarship program application is extended to June 30, 2022.

Applicants with a record of involvement in promoting and perpetuating the Japanese culture and language are encouraged to apply. Applicants don’t need to be of Japanese descent, but must be a resident of the island of Maui, and a High School graduate of the class of 2022, or a current full-time student at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

Scholarships are at $1000 each, with one applicant awarded $1,500 for the Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship for the perpetuation of the Japanese language.

Go to jcsmaui.org/scholarship to download the application. To submit the requirements or for questions, email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.

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KAHULUI, Hawaii – The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui presents “Children’s Day – Kodomo No Hi” on Saturday, May 7 at the Queen Kaahumanu Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kodomo No Hi is a Japanese tradition that focuses on children; and the evening’s activities present a variety of multi-cultural entertainment and exploratory experiences.

Featured performers include: Maui Taiko, Maui Buyo Dance Academy, Kalama Intermediate Ukulele Band, Zenshin Daiko, Halau Hula O Keola Alii O Ke Kai, The Peek a Bows, Maui Dance Klub, and Dance International Production.

Free kid’s crafts and activities will also be offered near center stage. Make origami crafts with the Maui United Buddhist Women’s Association; play some plantation era games with the A&B Sugar Museum; learn the art of floral arrangement from MOA Hawaii; explore scouting crafts and activities with the Boy Scouts of America; enjoy fan and hachimaki decorating and coloring projects with the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui.

In addition, the Maui County Fire Prevention Bureau will provide free keiki ID’s in a storefront next to Ben Franklin Crafts.

For more information, call 808-283-9999.