Merikurisumasu and Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! I hope that this newsletter finds you all healthy and joyous during this Holiday Season.
2020 has been a year like no other. The Coronavirus has impacted us all, in more ways than we could have ever imagined. I pray and hope that your family and loved ones have not been adversely affected by this virus. My thoughts and prayers go out to you if it has.
Once again, I want to thank you all for entrusting me to be the President of your Japanese Community Association of Hawaii for the next two years. Rest assured that I do not take this responsibility lightly and will do my best to uphold the traditions and reputation of this illustrious organization.
In January, date to be determined, I will become your President during a most unprecedented time. This year many community events have been cancelled, postponed or, when possible, gone virtual with no attendees. Similarly, the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii’s Installation will be done virtually.
Going forward, it is difficult to predict what the future has in store for us all. Life, as we have known it, may be permanently altered. Having said this, it behooves us to be flexible, think out of the box and adapt to whatever is presented before us. The best in us all, shines brightly, when we are faced with challenges and adversity. Let’s us all take up the challenge and do what’s best to ensure that your Japanese Community Association of Hawaii remains vibrant and an integral part of the community.
The words “Gaman & Ganbatte” will be the foundation of my term as your President. My understanding is that “Gaman” is a Zen Buddhist term which roughly translates to “enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity”. “Ganbatte” translates to “let’s do our best”. “Gaman and Ganbatte”!
Domo arigato gozaimasu!