About Town 03-24-18

JASH picks junior ambassadors

The Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) has selected six outstanding 11-year old students to represent Hawaii as Junior Ambassadors at the 30th Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka, Japan from July 12-24, 2018.

Hosted by the Fukuoka-based nonprofit by the same name and supported by the Fukuoka government, the APCC promotes international relationships between children to them help them develop into adults with a strong social responsibility for the world. This year’s JAs are:

Boys:

• Maxwell Niemann (Kailua), attends Kainalu Elementary.

• Reyn Shimabuku (Honolulu), attends Iolani School.

• Kala Soares (Honolulu), attends Aina Haina Elementary.

Girls:

• Keanna Lau (Honolulu), attends Mid-Pacific Institute.

• Joanna Sato (Honolulu), attends Hawaii Baptist Academy.

• Emi Takatsuka (Honolulu), attends Punahou School.

The students will spend one Saturday each month from now until July attending a workshop to prepare for their trip to Fukuoka. The workshops will help prepare the students by developing teamwork skills; exploring ties between Hawaii – Japan; raising awareness regarding cultural etiquette; and building knowledge about Japan and the 43 other countries and cities that will be sending delegates to the Convention. Each delegation is required to give a cultural performance unique to its country or region. The Hawaii delegation will be performing a hula taught by Kumu Hula Blaine Kia.