As part of the Hawaii Exchange Program, we held a ‘Japan Expo’ at the University of Hawaii at Hilo on September 7the. It was the biggest event in the program because we planned and managed it by ourselves, which is one of the GP’s goals. In the event, we introduced ‘REAL Japan’ through three sections: food tasting, yukata fitting, and fashion show.

Food tasting was very exciting. We prepared some gotochi foods (local foods) and unique snacks for students to see and eat. Also, we showed some slides to introduce the foods and the history and culture. Because I grew up in the Nagoya culture, I was very happy to introduce local Nagoya food such as uirou (type of sweet made from rice-powder) and hacchou miso (kind of soybean paste). Hawaii students seemed to like them and were interested in the tradition, so we talked a lot about the culture and the differences from that of Hawaii. Through interacting with them, I was proud of my culture because they had a different point of view, which every time made me surprised.

We dressed some students in a yukata. Although I was not in charge of dressing, other GP members seemed to enjoy it. They explained how to dress in English and taught them attentively. In addition, we arranged a hands-on booth where students could make furoshiki bag. I think such cultural experiences are very important because you can feel something by touching the real thing. The feeling will lead you to a good understanding of the culture. I am honored to give Hawaii students the opportunity to experience Japanese culture.

I enjoyed the fashion show so much. In the show, GP members wore a variety of traditional or trendy outfits and walked on the stage. Hawaii students seemed surprised with many unique styles like GAL or Nagoya-jo and enjoyed it. I wore yama-girl clothes (fashionable clothes for mountaineering). The style was different from what I always wore, so it was difficult for me to produce the cheerful atmosphere. Not just showing some kinds of Japanese fashion styles, we introduced the social dimension of the fashion culture. We hoped Hawaii students would become more interested in Japanese culture. I was very happy to hear that they loved it.

This event was one of my best memories of Hawaii-Nanzan Short Exchange Program because I learned so much about both Japan and Hawaii through talking with Hawaii students. Talking about culture with people from different background is totally fun and meaningful for us. I hope I will make good use of this experience in the future. I was really happy to share such a great time with other GP members, teachers and Hawaii students. Thank you!!

By Sayuri M.