GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION: 2020

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

Saturday, 12 December 2020

Congratulations to the new GNA Officers for 2021!

We wish to congratulate the newly-elected Guam Nikkei Association Officers! With hope that the COVID-19 pandemic situation will improve, we are confident that they will lead our organization to be the best that it can be!

INCOMING 2021 GNA OFFICERS:

President - Karl P. Sotto

Vice President - Jesse M. Fujikawa

Secretary - Florence K. Cornwell

Treasurer - Gloria Duenas Cruz

Thank you for your service, 2020 GNA Officers!

We would like to thank the following 2020 GNA Officers for their service this year:

President - Monica Okada Guzman

Vice President - Karl Sotto

Secretary - Carlos Shimizu & Florence Cornwell

Treasurer - Gloria Duenas Cruz

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, you showed instrumental leadership, so that our focus would not waiver. We are glad that you will continue to support GNA in all that you do!

Thursday, 10 December 2020

GNA Familia Sends Cheers to All!

The GNA Familia closes its last meeting of the year with cheers to all with hope that next year will be a better one for all of us and pandemic-free! We wish you a Merīkurisumasu (Merry Christmas) メリークリスマス! Take care, and please stay safe! We look forward to seeing all of you in 2021!

GNA Familia sends cheers to all!

GNA Familia wishes everyone Merīkurisumasu (Merry Christmas) メリークリスマス!

ONLINE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL: Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna

Dear Friends,

You are cordially invited to the ‘ONLINE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL’ hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna.

Sponsored by our office, this online event is completely FREE of charge. We will be showing 2 Japanese films each month starting December until February.

This month, we will be showing the following movies;

【Movies for December】

1. The 47 Rōnin in Debt

Trailer is available at http://freestone.jp/service/sales/3377

2. Marriage Hunting Beauty

Trailer is available at http://freestone.jp/service/sales/1004

【How to apply】

1. Send an email to: kohobunkacgjguam@ag.mofa.go.jp with your first and family name. Please put “Application for film festival in December” for your email subject.

2. We will reply to your email with a customized URL to access and watch the movies online.

*Application deadline is December 11, Friday at 12:00 (noon).

*Please be aware that there is a limited number of views available for each movie showing. Slots will be given on a first come, first served basis.

*You can stream the movies anytime between December 12 Saturday at 00:00 and December 25 Friday at 23:59. Once you click “Play”, you have 48 hours to watch the movie.

You are welcome to share this info with the members of your organization so that they can also apply.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Best regards,

Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna

Suite 604, ITC Building

590 South Marine Corps Drive

Tamuning, GUAM 96913

P:671-646-1290

F:671-646-1490

kohobunkacgjguam@ag.mofa.go.jp

メリークリスマス Merīkurisumasu!

メリークリスマス

Merīkurisumasu (Merry Christmas)!

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

GNA Meeting - Dec. 10

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

December 10, 2020

Time: 6:00 p.m.

As our community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and in our efforts to keep our members safe, the Guam Nikkei Association monthly December meeting will be held via Zoom. Refer to the Zoom link sent by President Monica Guzman or Cathy Rivera Castro.

Wednesday, 28 October 2020

GNA Meeting - Nov. 12

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

November 12, 2020

Time: 6:00 p.m.

As our community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and in our efforts to keep our members safe, the Guam Nikkei Association monthly November meeting will be held via Zoom. Refer to the Zoom link sent by President Monica Guzman or Cathy Rivera Castro.

Tuesday, 27 October 2020

Japan Exchange and Teaching Program accepts applications

The Japan Exchange and Teaching program is accepting applications for Guam residents to teach and live in Japan next year.

Check out this story on guampdn.com: https://www.guampdn.com/story/life/2020/10/26/japan-exchange-and-teaching-program-apply-teach-live-information/3739178001/

Thursday, 8 October 2020

Japan Consulate Guam

Visit the Japan Consulate Guam on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JapanConsulateGuam

Wednesday, 30 September 2020

GNA Meeting - Oct. 8

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

October 8, 2020

Time: 6:00 p.m.

As our community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and in our efforts to keep our members safe, the Guam Nikkei Association monthly October meeting will be held via Zoom. Refer to the Zoom link sent by President Monica Guzman or Cathy Rivera Castro.

GNA Application Renewal Form

Saturday, 12 September 2020

Add Your Phone To The COVID Fight!

Check out this app Guam Covid Alert, which can help us contain COVID-19!

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/guam-covid-alert/id1517725814

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pathcheck.guam.bt

GNA news we thought you'd like to know - 9/12/20

Hafa Adai GNA friends and family,

Blessings to everyone doing their part to flatten the curve by staying and working from home, wearing a mask, (we have GNA reusable masks if you are interested) social distancing, and washing your hands for 20 seconds or more. We are #inthistogether.

By the way, did you hear about the Guam COVID Alert app that you can download on your mobile phone? It's a COVID19 notification app .We are one of the first in our region to activate such an app. The more people on it, the better we can reduce the spread and flatten the curve. For your safety as well as your family's, please download the app. This is another way we can do our part to keep our island healthy. Check it out here for Iphone users or here for android users. The app does not record your personal details. For more information on the Guam COVID Alert app visit www.guamcovidalert.guam.gov. To download the app, you can click here for Iphone users, and here for Android users.

During last night's meeting, we talked about the upcoming U.S. Japan Council's Bilateral Boardroom event set for September 16 and 17, 2020 at 9:00 am to 11:00 am ChST. This free virtual conference is the first of its kind and will touch upon many important topics concerning all of us today. You'll need to register for access so you may want to click here now for the details. Find out more about the event and others things the USJC is doing and join the discussion and "inafa maolek" in your special way.

These are just a few things we thought you'd like to know about and a little about what the GNA has been doing to move forward despite the global challenges we all face.

Have questions about any of the information above? Let us know. We're also on FACEBOOK. So like our page! Or contact any one of our board members. We're glad to help.

Did we mention that we have GNA reusable facemasks?

Stay safe, stay strong, stay healthy,

2020 Guam Nikkei Association Officers

#GUAMNIKKEI ASSOCIATION
#GUAMCOVIDALERT
#WEAREINTHISTOGETHER
#GIVEUSAMOMENT

Friday, 11 September 2020

Glimpse of 2019 Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony

A glimpse of the 2019 Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony

We Remember - A Look At Past Proa Floating Lantern Ceremonies

Although we’re unable to gather together for our Annual Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will always remember our loved ones who have passed away. Below are videos of past lantern ceremonies. God bless, and please stay safe! Arigato!

Honoring our Issei and Nessei - The Shintaro Family

2019 Lantern Floating Ceremony clip of the Shintaro Family

5th Annual Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony

Thursday, 3 September 2020

GNA Meeting - Sept. 10

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

September 10, 2020

Time: 6:00 p.m.

As our community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and in our efforts to keep our members safe, the Guam Nikkei Association monthly September meeting will be held via Zoom. Refer to the Zoom link sent by President Monica Guzman.

GNA Application Renewal Form

Monday, 31 August 2020

GNA President Guzman Meets with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

GNA President Monica Okada Guzman met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on March 5, 2018.

Sunday, 23 August 2020

Looking back at the 2019 Lantern Floating Ceremony Snapshots

Here's a look at snapshots from last year's 5th Annual Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony held September 7, 2019 at the Governor Joseph Flores Beach Park (Ypao). This year's ceremony has been canceled, due to COVID-19. We will always remember our loved ones who have passed away. God bless, and please stay safe!

Saturday, 22 August 2020

6th Annual Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony Canceled Due to COVID-19

Hafa Adai GNA family,

With the recent developments concerning COVID19, we hope this message finds you safe. Our island has seen an increased number of positive cases and 2 deaths to this deadly disease. Our Governor has called for stricter guidelines through Executive Order 2020-28 in efforts to contain community spread while ensuring our medical facilities have the capacity to meet our healthcare demands.

The 6^th Annual Proa Floating Lantern Ceremony was scheduled to be on Saturday, September 12. Our theme was to focus on the loss our island has experienced due to COVID-19, however considering the uptick in cases, we must prioritize the health and safety of our community and cancel our event.

We will continue to pray for those we have lost and to their families who are grieving and send blessings to those who are afflicted and pray for their recovery.

Stay safe, wear your mask and please stay home.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’, Domo Arigato Gozaimasu, Thank You and God Bless,

Guam Nikkei Association

Tuesday, 4 August 2020

GNA Meeting - Aug.13

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

August 13, 2020

Time: 6:00 p.m.

As our community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and in our efforts to keep our members safe, the Guam Nikkei Association monthly August meeting will be held via Zoom. Refer to the Zoom link sent by Monica Guzman.

GNA Application Renewal Form

Monday, 3 August 2020

6th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony - Sept. 12

SAVE THE DATE
Guam Nikkei Association Presents the
6th Annual
Lantern Floating Ceremony

When: Saturday, September, 12, 20120

Where: Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park, Ypao Beach

Registration & Design: 2PM to 5PM

Ceremony: 5:30PM

GNA logo

GNA Group Photo

Purpose

Guam Nikkei Association’s 10th Lantern Floating Ceremony 🇬🇺 🇯🇵🕯️

2024 Lantern Floating Ceremony Snapshots

Okayama Student Exchange Program

Okayama Student Exchange Snapshots

Congratulations, GNA, on your 10th Anniversary!

2022 Lantern Floating Ceremony

IMPORTANT

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

GNA Monthly Snapshot:

GNA Chairman Frank Shimizu Conferred with Imperial Decoration

2021 VISE STUDENT PRESENTATION

Congratulations, Kimie!

Consul General Snapshots

GNA Pope Visit Snapshots - Nov. 26

GNA Donation

JET PROGRAM

Marianas Business Journal Feature

2018 Lantern Floating Ceremony

2017 Lantern Floating Ceremony

Featured GNA Video

Lantern Ceremony Snapshots

KENDAMA

History

GNA Awards Cepeda for Design & Construction of Proa Lantern

Saturday, 12 December 2020

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

Wednesday, 28 October 2020

Tuesday, 27 October 2020

Thursday, 8 October 2020

Wednesday, 30 September 2020

Saturday, 12 September 2020

Friday, 11 September 2020

Thursday, 3 September 2020

Monday, 31 August 2020

Sunday, 23 August 2020

Saturday, 22 August 2020

Tuesday, 4 August 2020

Monday, 3 August 2020