GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION: 2019

Purpose

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.

Okayama Student Exchange Program

Okayama Student Exchange Program A Success!

The Okayama Student Exchange program allowed students from Okayama, Japan, to come to Guam to help students learn about Guam’s culture and to improve their English skills. Thank you to the host families! The students were able to participate in a variety of meaningful cultural activities, such as visiting the Consul General and going to CHamoru Village, Three Squares restaurant, Karera cultural show at Sand Castle, Inarajan Falls, Mt. LamLam, Vitale’s Italian Restaurant, Cetti Bay, Tao Tao Tasi show, Two Lovers Point, Meskla Dos, the beach, jet skiing, water park, Underwater World, Jeff’s Pirates Cove, shopping, GPO theaters, special airline flight, and more. They made great new friends and learned so much about Guam’s culture! Enjoy the following Okayama Student Exchange snapshots!

Congratulations, GNA, on your 10th Anniversary!

GNA Chairman Frank Shimizu Conferred with Imperial Decoration

JET PROGRAM

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.

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.

Source: http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/kendama/kendama02.html

Tuesday, 24 December 2019

メリークリスマス Merīkurisumasu!

メリークリスマス

Merīkurisumasu (Merry Christmas)!

Thursday, 5 December 2019

Congratulations Frank Ishizaki!

Congratulations to one of our founders, Frank Ishizaki, for being appointed as the new Director for the Department of Corrections!

Thursday, 28 November 2019

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Domo Arigato for all that you do to make a difference! 🦃🍁🍂

GNA Pope Visit Snapshots - Nov. 26

Sunday, 24 November 2019

GNA members will see Pope Francis in Japan

Click here to view the full article.

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

40th Japan Autumn Festival Snapshots - Nov. 16

Monday, 11 November 2019

GNA Meeting - Nov. 14

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

November 14, 2019

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center

Agenda:

*Planning for 2020 6th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony
*2020 JALD candidate nomination
*60th Convention of the Nikkei and Japanese Abroad in Tokyo
*November 16th JCoG 40th Annual Autumn Festival

Thursday, 7 November 2019

Guam Nikkei Association (GNA) donates to the Japan Club of Guam

(Tamuning, Guam) The Guam Nikkei Association donates to the Japan Club of Guam for their 40th Japan Autumn Festival to be held on November 16th, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park (Ypao Beach).

The Guam Nikkei Association is proud to support the Japan Club of Guam as they celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Japan Autumn Festival. The Festival is the longest-running festival in Guam and celebrates cultural exchange for children and the people of Guam.

“Many members of the Guam Nikkei Association have grown up attending the Autumn Festival through the years and it is a fitting tribute to celebrate our Japanese ancestry through this donation. Through the Japan Club of Guam and their hosting of this Annual Festival, the people of Guam have enjoyed cultural exchange and exposure to our Japanese heritage,” stated Monte Mesa, President of the GNA.

Pictured above is Yuichiro Hirano, Japan Club of Guam, Monte Mesa, President, Guam Nikkei Association, Mike Sato, President, Japan Club of Guam, Lucky Sakamoto and Karl Sotto, Guam Nikkei Association. Second Row: Cathy Castro, Gloria Cruz and Monica Guzman, Guam Nikkei Association.

Monday, 14 October 2019

Pope Visit to Japan

The GNA is fortunate to have an opportunity for a limited number of its membership to attend the Papal Mass to be held in Japan this November 24 and 25 in Nagasaki and Tokyo, Japan. Those interested in attending this self-funded trip should contact Monica Guzman at 727-1879 or Mr. Karl Sotto at 688-5720 for more information. Due to limited seats and shortened timeframe, this will be on a first-come first serve basis.

This is a self-funded trip and deadline for interest will be Friday, October 18th.

GNA Meeting - Oct. 10

The Guam Nikkei Association is pleased to announce that their regular monthly membership meeting is set for 6 pm, Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center. We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, 14 August 2019

Matson Navigation Guam presents grant award to Guam Nikkei Association

(Agana Heights, Guam) The Guam Nikkei Association (GNA) received a $500 grant award from Matson Navigation in support of the environmental clean-up by the Guam Okayama Homestay Exchange Program on July 21. 8 students from Okayama, Japan were hosted by members of the Association during a 6-day tour included participating in the 75^th Liberation activities parade and concluded with a farewell dinner at Government House and meeting Maga’Haga Lou Leon Guerrero and First Gentleman Jeff Cook.

In its 3^rd year, the Guam Okayama Homestay program is organized by the municipal government of Okayama Prefecture and students alternate travel. As many as 10 Guam students will have the opportunity to travel to Japan in 2020 for a weeklong cultural exchange.

Front row L-R: Guam Nikkei Association Chairman Frank S.N. Shimizu accepts the grant from Matson Navigation’s Gloria Perez along with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero on July 25. Also pictured are the 8 exchange students along with their chaperones and First Gentleman Jeff Cook.

Friday, 9 August 2019

GNA Meeting - Aug. 15

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

August 15, 2019

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Tamuning Senior Citizens Center

Topics:

*Okayama Homestay Program Wrap Up

*Pro Lantern Ceremony

GNA Application Renewal Form

Thursday, 8 August 2019

Save the Date! GNA 5th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony - Sept. 7

SAVE THE DATE
Guam Nikkei Association Presents the
5th Annual
Lantern Floating Ceremony

When: Saturday, September, 7, 2019

Where: Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park, Ypao Beach

Registration & Design: 1PM to 5PM
Ceremony: 5:30PM

Sunday, 7 July 2019

5th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony - Sept. 7

SAVE THE DATE
Guam Nikkei Association Presents the
5th Annual
Lantern Floating Ceremony

When: Saturday, September, 7, 2019

Where: Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park, Ypao Beach

Registration & Design: 1PM to 5PM
Ceremony: 5:30PM

GNA Meeting - July 11

TIME: 6:00 PM

WHEN: THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019

WHERE: TAMUNING SENIOR CENTER

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

GNA Meeting - July 11

TIME: 6:00 PM

WHEN: THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019

WHERE: TAMUNING SENIOR CENTER

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Friday, 10 May 2019

INAFA' MAOLEK and the GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION

Hafa Adai!
You're probably wondering how does this phrase relate to us...

First, for those who are not familiar with the phrase, according to our online sources (Guampedia), "the phrase inafa’ maolek (pronounced e-na-fah mao-lek) describes the Chamorro concept of restoring harmony and order. The literal translation is ‘to make’ (inafa’) ‘good’ ( maolek)."

And that's what the GNA is trying to do.

As many of you know, Guam has a long standing, sister city relationship with Okayama, Japan. I can go on and on about this relationship but I'll save you the trouble (google it) and get to the point.

The GNA supports the Okayama city's International Exchange Student Program that offers our youth an "EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME" that is, honestly, priceless!

I spoke about this a few emails back.

We are trying to finalize arrangements for the program as I write this.

BUT....

We are looking for two (2) more host families to welcome a student into their home July 20th through the 26th.

The GNA will arrange a welcome and farewell acitivity for the students and host families.
Details are in the works. I will keep you posted on our plans.

As a host, you will show the student our island hospitality and possibly create a lifelong relationship just like the 2018 Guam kids did when they visited Okayama.

Host families with school aged children are preferred but not required. As long as you have a cousin, neice, nephew or relative with school aged kids that the student can relate to, you'll be OK.

Hosting a student has advantages, too!

Host families will receive ADVANCE notice of the next Guam Okayama International Exchange Student Program (our kids will visit).

That means, if you host a student, you will be first to know when the program opens to accept applications for the next program year!

The 2018 students from Guam had a full itinerary in Okayama. They enjoyed visiting Okayama University and Science Center and going out to pick peaches, to name a few.

Did you know that Okayama is famous for their peaches? The city takes great pride in their peaches with some farmers placing paper bags over the peaches to "protect" them from the sun. Some sell for as much as $50.00 for just one. One!

That's a pricey peach!

Anyway, if you are interested in hosting a student this summer, from July 20th through the 26th, I'd like to hear from you!

If you have questions before you commit, I'd like to hear from you.

If there's something you'd like to share with the GNA, I'd like to hear from you.

I'd be happy to share all the fun and interesting things the GNA has planned. We talk about these plans during our monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month, 6pm at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center.

WE ALL WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN US!
To send me an email, click the button below.
If you're not sure about pressing the button, email me by clicking here.
If you're driving, you shouldn't be reading this email while driving. DANGER!!!
If it's easier, give me a call or send me a text at 929-8823.

Your support of this goodwill project is sincerely appreciated.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Si Yu'os ma'åse,

Pauline Okada
2019 Okayama Guam International Exchange Student Program Coordinator
Secretary, GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION

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Tuesday, 7 May 2019

GNA Meeting - May 9

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

May 9, 2019

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Tamuning Senior Citizen Center

AGENDA ITEMS:

*Message from the Consulate General of Japan

*Okayama Homestay Program 2019

*Proa Lantern Ceremony

*Other

GNA Application Renewal Form

Tuesday, 23 April 2019

GNA Meeting - April 25

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

April 25, 2019

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location:
Tamuning Senior Citizens Center

Saturday, 6 April 2019

GNA Meeting - April 11

The Guam Nikkei Association is pleased to announce that their regular monthly membership meeting is set for 6 pm, Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

CALLING ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION

Hafa Adai!
I hope this email finds you well this Easter season. We are happy to report that the GNA has been meeting regularly on every second Thursday at 6 pm at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center. I hope that you've been getting our reminder emails. Nonetheless, we have a few events coming up and are hoping to garner a some support from our friends.
One project in particular has us needing to reach out to you is the upcoming Okayama City International Exchange student program. We hope that you will consider supporting this project.

In 2017, the Okayama City Inernational Exchange Program reached out to the Guam Nikkei Association seeking support of it summer exchange program. In an effort to promote goodwill, members of the GNA agreed to host six (6) Okayama city exchange students for one (1) week to learn about Guam, its culture and daily life. The students report that this once in a lifetime experience gave them the drive to study harder to improve their English so that they may return to Guam in hopes of furthering their international studies.

In 2018, the GNA helped to send six (6) local students to visit Okayama to experience the same. Our Guam team visited Okayama University, the Museum of Natural Science and went peach picking, just to name a few. They all agree the experience was amazing and are greatful for the rare opportunity to interact with students from other countries such as China, Korea, and Bulgaria. This exchange program continues to help build our sister city relationship with Okayama City and create far-reaching connections with our global neighbors.

In 2019, we are hosting eight (8) echange students from Okayama from July 20 to 26. Their visit aligns perfectly with our Liberation festivities as we celebrate 75 years of liberation and the end of WWII. We are sure to show them how we celebrate things here on Guam!

We are seeking families with high school aged children to host these students and show them our CHamoru/island hospitality. The GNA will host a welcome dinner for the host families and students and also arrange some other activities that showcase our culture, island and hospitality

If this project is one that you can get behind, we'd like to hear from you. Come to our next meeting scheduled for April 11, at 6pm at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please respond by clicking the button below. Your support of this project is sincerely appreciated.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu
Si Yu'os ma'åse,

GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS