The trip to Japan was a wonderful experience. This would be my fourth time to Japan, and each time is a completely different adventure. Japan is such a lovely place, with delicious food, rich culture, and so many places to see. On this trip, we went to many different parts of Japan, including Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuyama, and much more. We saw many lovely temples, shrines and castles, such as Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto and the amazing Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. We also went to the beautiful towns of Tomonoura and Kurashiki, eating plenty of good food along the way.
We also got to experience many memorable events as well. I had the honor of hanging 300 cranes that the Chrysanthemum Liaisons Rylee Ota and Keala Rodriguez helped fold and string, at Sadako’s memorial in the Hiroshima Peace Park. I got to see the A-Bomb dome and learn about the immense devastation. Later we also visited the Hiroshima Peace Museum, which was a heart-wrenching experience. Seeing the stories of those who passed and those who survived this tragedy, and the sheer intensity of the destruction from the atomic bomb was very emotional. Standing in front of the Cenotaph, I reflected on the horrific experience that the people of Hiroshima had to endure. Even if they survived the bomb, they had to deal with terrible burns, broken families, and unimaginable suffering.
In Fukuyama, I had the chance to meet with Mayor Edahiro of Fukuyama, and attend a meeting where we strengthened the 30 years of connection between Maui and Fukuyama. It was very inspiring to hear how a city completely destroyed and devastated can come back even stronger, and inspire the whole world with its roses. As I sat on the tatami mat with the incredible view of the Fukuyama castle outside, I had the chance to think about the destruction seen on our own island of Maui. Three years ago, the town of Lahaina experienced a devastating fire, destroying everything in its path. I thought about how Lahaina and the city of Fukuyama both faced a terrible disaster, but still rose together to rebuild. It shows just how resilient and strong people can be in times of crisis. I was also given the opportunity to share my own thoughts about Fukuyama, to which I shared about the beauty of the ‘City of Roses’. I also shared about how inspiring the history of Fukuyama is. It’s amazing to hear how people can bring such peace and be a light in such a horrible event. Many of us today would choose the path of revenge and anger after such a tragedy. But the people of Fukuyama, just like the Japanese Americans during WWII, chose to be resilient and gracious. They made the best out of the worst situation.
The next day in Fukuyama, we got the privilege of marching in the Fukuyama Rose Parade. I stood in a long pink dress, with a lei po’o on my head and a smile on my face. I felt so special getting the honor of leading our group in the parade. Together, we spread aloha all throughout Fukuyama. With shakas, big smiles, and stickers, we represented Maui, Hawaii, and the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. Walking through the streets, I was delighted to see that so many people in the crowds were giving shakas back to us, looking so happy and having fun, just as we were. And although it was incredibly hot that day, I would gladly march through that parade all over again, just to see the joy on everyone’s faces.
I had an incredible time in Japan, getting to experience many new and exciting things. This trip opened my eyes to new perspectives, teaching me about forgiveness, resilience, and the true strength of a community coming together in times of need. Having the opportunity to represent Nisei Veterans Memorial Center and the island of Maui as the Chrysanthemum Ambassador was truly a life-changing experience.
