Women pay tribute to Japanese heritage

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

Sales of "Japanese Women of Hawai'i" at Cherry Blossom Festival public appearances over the next several weeks will benefit a local charity. Book available "Japanese Women of Hawaii: A Legacy of Strength and Leadership" 51st Cherry Blossom Festival public appearances at Kahala Mall noon Saturday, Windward Mall on Feb. 1 and Pearlridge Center on Feb. 22 $10 All proceeds from book sales go to Angel Network Charities.

Between public appearances and community service projects, the six women put together a book of essays by prominent Japanese-American women in Hawai'i who share their belief in the importance of culture and heritage.

The book, "Japanese Women of Hawaii: A Legacy of Strength and Leadership," features 36 women, ages 25 to 80, from politicians to athletes to newscasters.

Notables who participated in the project include former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, state auditor Marion Higa, Tesoro Hawai'i president Faye Watanabe Kurren, fashion designer Anne Namba and Judge Marie Milks. The late Patsy Mink is honored with a memorial essay.

The essays are about how their Japanese heritage and upbringing influence their personal and professional lives, something the six women — Lisa Okinaga, Katie Young, Michele Nakata, Nina Hashimoto, Charlene Sakuma and Nicole Kuwahara — have spent the past year learning for themselves.

"Our goal was to bridge the space between the generations," said Young, the court's first princess, and a reporter for MidWeek and coordinator of the project. "We wanted to leave something tangible behind after our reign ended, something left for people to look at so that a year from now they can hopefully be inspired by what these women are saying."

The book is filled with advice, from respecting your family to finding pride in your uniqueness.

"The beaten path is not one our ancestors took coming to Hawai'i, and is not the one that will bring true happiness," wrote Jill Nunokawa, civil rights counselor at the University of Hawai'i. "Seek truth and advocate for social justice, cherish and love your family, be a lifetime learner, work hard and righteously, never lose your faith, laugh often, be committed to a life of health and fitness, and always have a sense of honor and integrity. This is what will sustain you in the rapidly changing world you must navigate, but you are not alone. You have your courageous, strong and proud Japanese heritage."

Court members felt this was an appropriate project to illustrate what they've learned through participating in the Cherry Blossom Festival, the longest continuously running ethnic festival in Hawai'i.

"One of our main focuses was to perpetuate the Japanese culture," said Queen Lisa Okinaga, a financial analyst for the Pacific Telehealth and Technology Hui at Tripler Army Medical Center. "That's what we're most proud of."

The festival brings together 15 women of Japanese ancestry for six months of cultural and character education before the pageant, when the queen and court are selected. (The 51st court will be named in March.) Those months of preparation, which include classes on genealogy, ikebana, taiko and tea ceremony, are important to the festival's mission of perpetuating the Japanese culture.

"The festival started me thinking about my culture," said Young, who learned to appreciate traditions and values she grew up with.

But the book isn't just about culture and heritage. It's about strength, dignity and perseverance.

"I hope that in some ways it inspires people," Okinaga said. "My hope is that among the 36 stories, if someone can identify with any one of them, it's a success. What they can take away and learn from this book already accomplishes our goal."

The book will be available at the 51st Cherry Blossom Festival public appearances during the next several weeks. All proceeds from sales will be donated to Angel Network Charities, which provides food, clothing, healthcare and housing to women and children in need.

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8103.