1.13.2009

New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival presented by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii











What a wonderful way to start out the New Year! Last week Sunday was the annual ‘Ohana Festival at JCCH and Mo’ili’ili Field. The Festival celebrates all things Japanese. It is a great opportunity for families to experience the Japanese culture whether you’re Japanese or not. But for those of Japanese heritage and wanting to pass down the traditions to your kids, this event is a must! Admission to the event is free, however crafts and multicultural food booths sponsored by Japanese prefecture clubs cost extra. The food was great! KC waffle dogs, Hiroshima okonomiyaki, Iwakuni sushi, Okinawa andagi and andadogs, Hawaiian roasted corn, shave ice and cotton candy and much more.












Cultural displays included bonsai (Japanese art of miniature trees), Origami (art of folding paper), Shuji (art of calligraphy) and Ikebana (art of flower arranging).










There were two stages set up for entertainment. I enjoyed the taiko performance. There was also a mochi pounding demonstration, Okinawan dance and a karate demonstration. The children enjoyed Kikaida, hard to believe that this Japanese hero is 61 years old. What was so neat is that all the kids knew the Kikaida song and were willing to share their talent with all of the spectators.

Even our own Honolulu Festival Foundation set up a booth to sell 15th Annual Honolulu Festival T-shirts and eco bags.


The ‘Ohana Festival was a day of fun and activities for the entire family.












Honolulu Festival Foundation
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii

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