Happy New Year! May the year 2019 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Image source: howtolearn.com
GNA logo
GNA Group Photo
Guam Nikkei Association’s 10th Lantern Floating Ceremony 🇬🇺 🇯🇵🕯️
2024 Lantern Floating Ceremony Snapshots
Okayama Student Exchange Snapshots
Congratulations, GNA, on your 10th Anniversary!
GNA 10th Year Anniversary Celebration Gala Memorable!
2022 Lantern Floating Ceremony
8th Annual Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony Snapshots
IMPORTANT
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
July 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
GNA Monthly Snapshot:
GNA Monthly Meeting - July 11, 2024
GNA Chairman Frank Shimizu Conferred with Imperial Decoration
GNA Chairman Frank S.N. Shimizu
The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays Decoration Recipient
Congratulations to GNA Chairman Frank Shimizu for his Imperial Decoration Conferment by the Japan Guam Consulate Office and the MOFA Japan office! He was bestowed with The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays Decoration for his contribution to enhancing the welfare of the Japanese American community in the United States and promoting
friendly relations between Japan and the United States.
Congratulations, Kimie!
Consul General Snapshots
Farewell Dinner for Consul General Izumi Seki
GNA Pope Visit Snapshots - Nov. 26
GNA Pope Visit Snapshots - Nov. 26
GNA Donation
Marianas Business Journal Feature
Marianas Business Journal Feature
2018 Lantern Floating Ceremony
2017 Lantern Floating Ceremony
2017 Lantern Floating Ceremony
Featured GNA Video
2016 Guam Proa Lantern Floating Ceremony Video Available on YouTube
The 2016 Guam Proa Lantern Floating Ceremony (5 minute video) is now available on YouTube titled Guam Proa Lantern Floating Ceremony (GNA). You can also visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXqoubIyyeo. Enjoy!
Lantern Ceremony Snapshots
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2nd Annual 2016 Lantern Floating Ceremony Snapshots
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park, Ypao
KENDAMA
History
A kendama approved for use in competition by the Japan Kendama Association
The kendama today are made from a stick with a point at one end, three attached cups, and a ball with a small hole in one end. The cups on either side of the stick are called the big cup and small cup. The ball is connected to the stick by a roughly 40-centimeter (16-inch) piece of string. At the end of the stick is a point with which the player can attempt to spear the ball. At the other end of the stick is a cup called the medium cup.
The game is basically played by tossing the ball and attempting to catch it in one of the cups or to spear it with the point of the stick. Although it may sound simple, there are a nearly unlimited number of specific techniques for doing so.
A recreation of a bilboquet based on historical documents, and a Nichigetsu ball (photo provided by Maruishi Teruki, a member of the board of directors of the Japan Kendama Association)
Many people may think that kendama was invented in Japan, but this is not actually the case. While many different theories exist, there are records indicating that kendama originated in France in the sixteenth century. There are also theories that this game was developed in Greece or China, and the absolute truth is not known.
In France, this game was called bilboquet. Bilmeans "ball," and boquet means "small tree." This word expresses the fact that the game involved playing with a small wooden ball. The game as it was played then was different from what we know as kendama today; there was a large cup and a small cup on either end of a stick, to which a ball was attached with a string. The player would continually toss and catch the ball, alternating between the two cups.
Kendama is believed to have come to Japan via the Silk Road during the Edo period (1603-1868) into Nagasaki, the only Japanese city open to foreign trade at the time. While it may have entered the country around the middle of the Edo period in around 1777 or 1778, the exact date is uncertain. At the time, kendamawas apparently enjoyed by adults as a sort of drinking game. A player who made a mistake was forced to drink more.
As Japan entered the Meiji era (1868-1912), the Ministry of Education introduced kendamain the report on children's education that it put together in 1876, and the game gradually began to catch on among young people. In 1919, during the Taisho era (1912-1926), the forerunner of today's kendama went on sale. It was called Nichigetsu Ball (Sun-and-moon ball), because the ball looked like the sun, while the shape of the shallow carved cups was like a crescent moon. This toy became a huge hit, and from this time into the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989), a variety of different types of kendama appeared, including a ball attached to a kind of paddle.
After World War II ended in 1945, kendama were sold in candy stores along with other popular toys, such as menko, bidama, and beigoma. In 1975 children's author Fujiwara Issei founded the Japan Kendama Association, which standardized kendama for competitive use and created standardized rules for the purpose of allowing a greater number of people to play the game together the same way.
The Fifteenth Cup of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, which was held in August 2003 (photo provided by the Japan Kendama Association)
With a set of rules and specifications for the equipment in place, kendamabegan to grow in popularity as a competitive sport. In addition to the Award of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, which is given to the winner of a kendama competition for elementary school students, there are tournaments for both students and adults held around the country, andkendama enthusiasts are working to increase the popularity of the game overseas.
The Japan Kendama Association is hopeful that kendama will become known around the world one day, and its members are making efforts to foster international exchange.
GNA Awards Cepeda for Design & Construction of Proa Lantern
Chairman Frank Shimizu, President Monica Guzman, Vice-President Gloria Duenas Cruz, and GNA board members Julia Caguioa and Monte Mesa present JFK sophomore Joshua Cepeda with a Certificate of Appreciation for designing and with the help of his troop, constructing 400 proa lanterns for GNA's 2016 2nd Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony.
Sunday, 30 December 2018
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Happy New Year! May the year 2019 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Image source: howtolearn.com
Thursday, 11 October 2018
Seeking Raffle Prizes
Hafa Adai Nikkei family and friends!
Seeking Raffle Prizes
We hope to see you at the Nikkei Appreciation next Friday, October 19 from 4-8 p.m. at the GCC Multi-Purpose Auditorium to raise funds for scholarships. We plan to have a raffle and are asking our friends and family to please assist by bringing a prize. Please contact our Raffle Committee Chair Gloria Duenas Cruz by email gduenascruz@gmail.com or by phone at 689-0765.
Thank you and hope to see you next week!
Thank you and hope to see you next week!
Wednesday, 10 October 2018
Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program Opportunity
The Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program offers graduates with exciting professional opportunities to work in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers or Coordinators for International Relations. Since 1987, more than 60,000 JET Program participants from over 40 countries have lived and worked in cities, towns and villages throughout Japan.
Interested applicants can visit the JET Program website at http://jetprogramusa.org to review eligibility criteria and application procedures. The application period is open in the fall of each year and selected candidates depart the following spring or summer.
JET Program Roles
There are two positions available:
Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) work in public elementary, middle and high schools supporting Japanese teachers of English. Beyond using their native English ability to improve students’ English fluency, they serve as cultural ambassadors in their local communities. ALTs make up 90% of all JET Program participants. Their duties can include preparing lesson plans, carrying out classroom activities, providing language training for teachers, leading English clubs and summer camps and participating in events at school and in the community
Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) work in local government offices promoting internationalization efforts at the community level. From organizing events to teaching adult education classes, CIRs provide essential services to Japanese and foreign residents alike. CIRs must have a high proficiency of Japanese language fluency. CIR duties can include creating, editing and translating official documents, planning and implementing international exchange programs, interpreting for official guests and assisting with language instruction in the community
A Strong Jet Community: During and After
Being active in their Japanese community is a vital part of the JET Program. Through travel, volunteer and social opportunities, JETs find diverse and fun ways to get involved with their local communities and with other JETs. This enriching experience is an important part of being a cultural ambassador while in Japan.
During their tenure as JETs, the Association of JETs (AJET) hosts social, volunteer and professional development activities throughout the year, and provides online resources to support daily work and life in Japan. Additionally, AJET offers JETs valuable resources for learning the Japanese language. Upon returning home from Japan, JETs can get involved with JET Alumni Associations (JETAA) to help with transitioning to life at home. JETAA groups offer valuable opportunities to network professionally and to preserve their connections to Japan and the JET Program.
Benefits: Direct and Indirect
JET Program participants enjoy a well-rounded remuneration package that includes:
· Airfare to and from Japan
· Orientations before and after arrival
· Enrollment in National Health Insurance
· Minimum ten days of paid vacation
· Starting annual salary of 3.36 million yen
The JET Program provides a true immersion into Japanese culture. Living and working in the country, JETs gain a rich understanding of Japan so far beyond what one gains as a casual visitor. On many levels, JETs leave the program with so much more than they came in with; they leave Japan fundamentally transformed, with a new understanding of themselves and the world.
Sunday, 30 September 2018
Guam Nikkei Appreciation Night III - Oct. 19
Join Us for the Guam Nikkei Association Night III with Soba and Sake Tasting. Funds raised will support student scholarships and educational travel opportunities and international/cultural studies. These opportunities support the primary goal of the GNA and we look forward to seeing you there for some Japanese cuisine prepared by the students of the Guam Community College Culinary Department under the tutelage of Chef Paul.
For more information contact David Okada at dsokada@uguamlive.uog.edu or Monica Guzman at monicaguzman@galaidegroup.com.
Si Yu’os Ma’åse and Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!
Saturday, 15 September 2018
Wednesday, 12 September 2018
GNA Meeting - Sept. 13
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
September 13, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
Tuesday, 28 August 2018
Purpose of the Guam Nikkei Association
The Guam Nikkei Association was chartered in 2012 with the primary purpose of perpetuating the history and lineages of those born from Japanese ancestry who are presently bona fide residents of Guam; educate the community about the impact and contribution of first generation Japanese and their descendants on the social economic fabric of Guam and to inculcate Japanese culture, art, traditions and history to succeeding generations of Japanese-Chamorro-Guamanians. The Association shall also conduct classes, lectures, demonstrations, performances, seminars, exchange programs, travel to Japan and elsewhere, and organize community events as a means of promoting the purposes of the organization. Additionally, the Guam Nikkei Association shall seek grants, contributions and to operate fund raising activities that will provide the necessary resources to achieve the purposes of the organization.
Tuesday, 7 August 2018
GNA Meeting - Aug. 15
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
August 15, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Guam Museum, 2nd Floor
FEBRUARY 8, 2018 MINUTES
SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Lantern Ceremony - September 15 at Ypao.
GNA Application Renewal Form
Monday, 9 July 2018
GNA Meeting - July 12
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
July 12, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
Wednesday, 6 June 2018
GNA Meeting - June 14
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
June 14, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
Thursday, 10 May 2018
GNA Meeting - May 17
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
May 17, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Ambros Office
Friday, 30 March 2018
Thursday, 22 March 2018
GNA Meeting - April 12
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
April 12, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
Save the Date - Lantern Ceremony - Sept. 15
SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Lantern Ceremony - September 15 at Ypao.
Invitation Program for Japanese American Students
Invitation Program for Japanese American Students (June/July 2017)
Sunday, 18 February 2018
Courtesy Call with Consul General Izumi Seki - Jan. 17
Courtesy Call with Consul General Izumi Seki in her office on January 17, 2018. Consul General Seki arrived on Guam on January 8. Pictured above: (L-R) Deputy Consul Sam Ogata, Immediate Past President/Interim Treasurer Monte Noda Mesa, Consul General Seki, Vice President Cathy Rivera Castro, President Pauline Okada, Board Chairman Frank S.N. Shimuzu and Vice Chair/Secretary Monica Okada Guzman.
Saturday, 17 February 2018
Friday, 16 February 2018
GNA Meeting - March 8
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
March 8, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
Friday, 12 January 2018
GNA Meeting - Feb. 8
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
February 8, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
Consul General Snapshots
Visit with Consul General on Dec 28, 2018 wishing him Bon Voyage and good luck on his next assignment!
&
Family Christmas gathering with the Consul General, Shizue’san, and GNA.
Monday, 1 January 2018
REMINDER: GNA Meeting - Jan. 11
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
January 11, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
2018 GNA MEETINGS
UPCOMING MEETINGS*:
January 11
February 8
February 8
March 8
April 12
May 10
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 11
November 8 and rounding the year out on
December 13
*Second Thursday of the month
GNA Meeting - Jan. 11
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
January 11, 2018
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center
Congratulations Newly-Elected 2018 GNA Officers!
President: Pauline Okada
Vice President: Catherine Okada Rivera Castro
Secretary: Monika Okada Guzman
Interim Treasurer: Monte Noda Mesa
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Happy New Year! May the year 2018 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Image source: howtolearn.com
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