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 a thriving part of the school’s heritage language program to honor multiple cultures of Hawaii.
The school’s annual Japanese Culture Day on Oct. 28 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.
This year’s demonstrations included kimono dressing and bon dance. The school also had a special guest, award-winning Hawaiian music performer Mark Yamanaka, who shared his extensive experiences of travels in Japan.
For more information about the Hawaiian language immersion school, call 982-4260.