Throughout the first semester, I was able to attend and experience two awesome events

that combine cultural education and fun together. There was no doubt that these events were very
enjoyable and were some of the highlights in Japanese 2. They informed me on familiar and
unfamiliar topics. Overall, I enjoyed both the Okinawan festival and Aki Matsuri.

Culture is a universal virtue that everyone has. Culture objectively defines the arts and
other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. Both the
Okinawan festival and the Aki Matsuri festival were great events that well showcased the many
cultural objects and activities Japan had to offer. From extremely delicious foods to exciting
dances, the Japanese culture is full of great things that the Japanese cultivated and established
through their lives. Both of these events are outstanding representations of the Japanese culture
and gives the people of Hawaii a little taste of Japan itself. These events are significant for they
allow people who are not culturally-educated a hands-on opportunity to enjoy and try what
Japan is all about. This also allows for native Japanese citizens living in Hawaii to reunite with
the culture they grew up with and to share the Japanese culture with others. In order for all types
of people to diversify themselves culturally, it is important to learn about it in a fun and
enjoyable way. All sorts of mediums were present at both of these events in order to bring the
Japanese culture to Hawaii. For example, we could learn from eating food, playing games, doing
activities, dancing dances, etc. Learning and reflecting culturally doesnt necessarily have to
come through hours of studying, writing, or reading; it can come from the interactive things that
we can connect to and internalize. Although there is some sort of culture in us, whether it be
Chinese or American, it never hurts to culturally expand and be involved with other cultures. It is
crucial for people of all cultures to appreciate and respect other cultures, for it will increase

understanding and peace within all of society. Culture is a beautiful aspect each individual has
and should be shared with others just like how these two events (Okinawan festival and Aki
Matsuri) has done.

Hawaii is one of the states that celebrate Japanese culture the most. Since a great sum of
Hawaiian citizens are Japanese or part-Japanese, there is a lot of cultural aspects that are present
in Hawaii. The Okinawan festival and Aki Matsuri festival were two examples of how Hawaii
frequently celebrates the culture of Hawaii (both festivals are annual events that take place in
Hawaii). At the Okinawan festival, my friend and I had the opportunity to interview random
contenders of the event. We received a wide range of varying reasons. From how much they
spent to what their mode of transportation were, we learned quite a few things. I observed that
many of the contenders were also at the event many years before. Only a few were first-time
attendees. A lot of the contenders were Japanese and stated the reason for coming was to support
their own culture. It was fascinating to see how many Japanese people showed up to reignite
their cultural candles and reconnect with the amazing food and activities. Although many of the
foods and activities that were present through both events were fairly accurate, it couldnt be
completely authentic. For example, the mochiko chicken sold at the events werent traditional for
they adopted it into a more local feel (originally served coated with Ponzu sauce). Although
traditional Bon dances include much more complex moves and patterns, the dance taught to
many newcomers is simplified. Also, when people attempted to catch fish in the fish-catching
game, many peoples thoughts didnt revolve around the origin and story of where this game
originated, but instead the objective of the game itself. Through these events, it is important to
maintain cultural identities because preserving cultures and traditions are important in order to

keep things stock. By maintaining these aspects, people are able to learn about the true and
original forms the Japanese intended.
Overall, both events that I attended throughout first semester was a success. When I
attended both events, I learned quite a lot and had a very enjoyable experience. It was more fun
because I went with friends, and we did things together. We had great food and good times. We
made memories and learned lessons in a couple of hours. Im glad that community project for
first semester is over and I look forward to more events next year.