The JCA sponsors two major cultural events biennially, Kodomo No Matsuri (Children’s Day Festival) next scheduled on May 5, 2012, and Bunka No Hi (Japanese Culture Day); the annual Ireito service at Alae Cemetary, a bi-monthly Washi Chigiri-e class with the Hakubi Washi Chigiri-e School of Japan and other activities.
The members of the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii will hold their annual Shinnen-Enkai, or New Year’s party, on Saturday at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Sangha Hall. Cocktails will be served starting at 5 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and entertainment and program to follow.
President Kenji Kawai welcomes all JCAH members and guests to this special event.
“We are very pleased that Hilo-born, multiple 2011 Na Hoku Award winner Mark Yamanaka will be the featured entertainer for this event,” said Kawai.
“Mark was born and raised in Hilo and is of Japanese ancestry, though his roots are deep in the Hawaiian culture as a singer and songwriter of Hawaiian music and hula.”
Also performing will be Ryan McCormick, pianist.
Attending the special event will be some special guests from Shibukawa City, Japan, include Vice Mayor Miromi Iizuka and Sanuemon Chigira, immediate past president of the Ikaho Hot Springs Tourism Association.
JCAH officers continuing for a second term, in addition to Kawai, are Glenn Hirata, immediate past president; Hiroshi Suga, first vice president; the Japanese secretary, Naomi Menor; English secretary, Amy Aoyagi; assistant English secretary, Jane Miyasaki; treasurer, Clyde Nakasue; assistant treasurer, Millie Morimoto; Tsuneo Akiyama and Charles Koizumi, auditors.
Tickets are available at the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii office at 969-6437 or jcahawaii@yahoo.com.
Or call Hiroshi Suga at 959-3174 or 936-0473.
Cost is $20 per person. The deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday.
The community association, a nonprofit organization, was formed in 1971 to perpetuate and promote the Japanese culture and to foster international relationship with cities in Japan.
The JCA sponsors two major cultural events biennially, Kodomo No Matsuri (Children’s Day Festival) next scheduled on May 5, 2012, and Bunka No Hi (Japanese Culture Day); the annual Ireito service at Alae Cemetary, a bi-monthly Washi Chigiri-e class with the Hakubi Washi Chigiri-e School of Japan and other activities.