Category: May – June 2025

  • Bonsai Made Easy for Beginners

    Bonsai (tray planting) is a Japanese art form that originated from the Chinese practice of “penjing” from the 6th century. Eventually it was redeveloped under the Japanese Zen Buddhism representing peace, harmony and strength. TOOLSThe first things to consider as a beginner creating a bonsai are the basic tools: various types and sizes of shears…

  • Mom’s Chi Chi Dango

    Mochi was a rare treat when I was growing up, so I ate my fill of it at family gatherings on New Year’s Day: delicious homemade zenzai, nantu (Okinawan mochi), mochi filled with sweet bean paste and my favorite — soft, pillowy chi chi dango. This is my mother’s version. Ingredients 16 oz. box of…

  • Celebrating the Japanese Culture

    Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In this third article in our series about the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Japanese — how they arrived here, their culture and…

  • Flying Solo

    You may now find yourself single or maybe you have been single for years. You’ve managed a home, raised children and worked 40-plus hours a week in a demanding, often stressful job. I’ve been single for several years, so cooking for one and maintaining a home were things I had already conquered. Pat yourself on…

  • Beware of Going-Out-of-Business Sales

    Seeing the big signs and online ads that say “Going Out of Business! Everything Must Go!” can be tempting, but these sales aren’t always what they seem. Fake “online sale” websites: Scammers create fake websites advertising clearance sales, pretending to be popular brands. You place an order, get a tracking number but nothing arrives. Others…

  • Finding Peace at the End of Life

    In American society, we are often anxious and afraid to look directly at death and accept it as a mysterious, important and integral aspect of our living. So, we ignore death and do not explore, discuss and plan for our end-of-life care. We are too often unprepared when the time comes and we are told…

  • Who’s in Charge?

    “We’re not in charge anymore” is the phrase I find myself repeating over and over again to my husband, Bill. The first time I heard myself say that to him was when he complained about waiting for our son and his partner to choose a date in September to move some of our furniture from…

  • Students Promote Fall Safety

    Strength and balance are essential to staying independent as we age. But fall prevention isn’t just about exercise — it’s also about confidence. To that end, McKinley High School’s occupational therapy students recently partnered with kūpuna at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, guiding them through exercises designed to improve stability and mobility. Coached by a…

  • Hawai‘i Veteran Dr. Takashi Manago

    Dr. Takashi Manago is one of six known living veterans of the mostly Hawai‘i-born, Japanese American unit — the 100th Infantry Battalion (the 100th). At age 101, Dr. Manago is an active member of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization, affectionally called “Club 100” and tirelessly makes public appearances to represent those killed in action…

  • Finding My Purpose in Retirement

    I found my perfect niche when I met Director Kimberly Itagaki, who launched her “RSVP Newsletter” in 2020. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nationwide volunteer program for people ages 55 and over who are passionate about sharing their time and talents with their community. For me, RSVP opened a whole new…

  • New Executive Director at Project Dana

    Project Dana proudly welcomes Maria Raiza Morales as its new executive director. Honored to uphold the organization’s mission, she builds on the vision of its founders, Shimeji Kanazawa and Rose Nakamura. With gratitude for the mentorship of Rose and former Executive Director Cyndi Osajima, Maria steps into this role with a strong commitment to their…

  • Developing Disaster Resiliency

    Even before the Lahaina fire of August, 2023, Evelyn Lane, 67, was concerned about what would happen if a natural disaster struck the Kahuku Elderly Hauoli Hale senior and disabled low-income housing project that she lives in. Who will help them if a fire broke out in the forested area near the complex? What if…