Posted on: Monday, July 12, 2004
Japanese society celebrating its golden anniversary
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
Half a century ago, a group of about 60 women sought to establish an organization dedicated to helping Hawai'i's elderly.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the group's founding. In celebration of its golden milestone, the society will hold an anniversary dinner Friday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom.
"We're bringing the past together with the present," said society president Gwen Fujie. "The whole idea is celebrating the past and looking forward to the future."
The program will include recognition of founding members and former presidents, and a presentation of the society's annual monetary gift to the Kuakini Foundation and scholarship awards, said event chairwoman Patricia Matsuo.
K. Shimogaki • Honolulu Advertiser, July 28, 1955 Mark Santoki "The public will have the opportunity to learn more about the Japanese Women's Society and all the things that we do, and they may want to even join," Matsuo said.
Members do not have to be of Japanese ancestry, Matsuo added, and include such Island notables as Carole Kai, Cathy Foy, Jean Ariyoshi and retired Judge Marie Nakanishi Milks — all of whom will be in attendance.
The celebration is also meant to highlight the society's many achievements.
Members have promoted Japanese culture and tradition through the years by supporting community activities, such as providing monthly activities for residents at Hale Pulama Mau care home at Kuakini Medical Center, and through publications such as their popular cookbook and the recently published "Living Legacy: Outstanding Japanese Women of the 20th Century in Hawaii."
The gala dinner is one of several golden anniversary events this year. Members also are working on a book about the preservation of Hawai'i's Japanese heritage.
"The idea is that we're trying to perpetuate the Japanese culture and traditions, a lot of which have developed into a real local style," said Lillian Yajima, a founding member and past president.
The hands-on book will include sections on recipes, home decor and crafts, celebrations, language and etiquette. Proceeds will support the society's scholarship fund, which for 20 years has provided as much as $5,000 to graduate students in gerontology, the study of the elderly.
The publication, yet to be titled, is scheduled to be released in November.
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
They called themselves the Japanese Women's Society of Honolulu, an organization that has grown to 300 members representing four generations and has raised more than $850,000 for Kuakini Health System's geriatric-care home.
Japanese Women's Society of Honolulu 50th anniversary dinner
The dinner, open to the public, will include a bonsai exhibit, entertainment by pianist Chris Cerna and a keynote address by former governor George Ariyoshi.
The Japanese Women's Society of Honolulu, formed in 1954, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a dinner Friday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Pictured are members of the society's 1955-1956 board. Seated, from left: Alice Noda, Yoshie Isoshima, Sunao Tamura and Fusao Sumida. Standing, from left: Ayano Kishida, Bessie Yamasaki, Hazel Okazaki, Ruth Nishijima, Sei Soga and Michiye Makino.
Present board members, seated, from left: Mieko Kuromiya, Yvonne Hashizume, Gwen Fujie, Shirley Miyamoto, Suzette Lau Hee and Doris Uchida. Standing, from left: Johanna Won, Emiko Sugino, Janice Tashiro, Fay Yamura, Dr. Bernice Hirai, Lillian Yajima, Gail Yamashita, Betty Hirozawa and Faye Kumashiro.
