Shinnen Enkai and Keiro Kai |
By Gail Sharp
The Annual VJCC Shinnen Enkai and Keiro Kai is being celebrated in this Year of the Dog on January 15, 2006. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments in VJCC President John Ikegami’s year-end review. It is also an opportunity to look forward to things to come with the installation of the new 2006 Cabinet and Board. Finally, it is the opportunity to honor our pioneers turning 80-years young, the new keiro, and to recognize some exceptional individuals, 2006 Persons of the Year, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Shibasaki, and Lifetime Achievement recipient, Hitoshi Shimizu.
The organizations and clubs that make up the VJCC have their appreciation for the Center as a common thread running among them. The way that they harmonize as if musical instruments in concert is never more evident than in the way they come together for Shinnen Enkai.
From beginning to end, the symbols to welcome in the New Year are evident in every display and performance by the groups and individuals contributing to the event. As guests arrive, they encounter the Shochikubai, a traditional greeting to the New Year – an artistic arrangement of pine (long-life), bamboo (strength) and plum (vitality) – created by Yoshiko Shunrei Uyeno. The Shinnen Enkai program cover celebrates 2006, the Year of the Dog, with a sumi-e painting by Ryoko Shibata. As people continue into the gym dining area, they peruse the west wall where Bunka Shodo (shodo-calligraphy), Venice Gakuen students (kakizome-penmanship) and Marina Bonsai Club have their finest works exhibited for the occasion.
Once everyone is gathered and seated, they are initiated to the afternoon festivities with the pounding beat of the taiko by Koshin Taiko, and Boy Scout Troop 764 leading the presentation of colors. This is followed by the recitation of the Shukugin, a celebratory poem, by Setsuji Kokuso Nakao. After the installation of officers and the honoring of the new keiro and special awardees, the official kampai toast is made and the luncheon and entertainment portion of Shinnen Enkai commences.
 Entertainment is provided by the performing arts groups of the VJCC. Many of the dance and musical pieces they have selected are traditional or symbolic of the Shinnen Enkai/New Year celebration. The elegant kimono and gracefully intricate moves of the odori dancers of Mmes. Fujima Seiyumi and Azuma Sumako, the instrumental koto and shakuhachi music of the Venice Koto Club led by Eiko Idota, and the shamisen-accompanied minyo of the Shamisen Club led by Mme. Kayo Nishimura give us a |
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sense of the beauty from where we come and of the traditions we want to preserve. The cheerful ukulele music of the Venice Ukulele Class and the graceful swaying moves of Halau Hula ‘O Napualani led by Casey Kono give us a sense of the beauty of our expanding and diversified community and a willingness to embrace it.
Shinnen Enkai and Keiro Kai at the VJCC is a celebration of all of us. From our pioneers to our youngest hula dancer, the VJCC is a valuable asset to our community because of what we put into it. The outlook for 2006 and many years to come is bright!
Akemashite Omedetō Gozaimasu!
Happy New Year!
By Gail Sharp
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When asked to give their thoughts about the VJCC as a couple of the younger members of Halau Hula ‘O Napualani, Jean I. and Kelli T. quickly replied, “We’re not the youngest!” They are both nine years of age and I was curious to know how each of them sees the VJCC being a part of their lives in five, ten and 15 years.
Jean has been taking karate with the Venice Karate Club for three years. In five years, when she is 14-years-old, she plans to still be taking karate and hopes she will earn a black belt by then. |
Ten years from now, Kelli and Jean plan to be going to college and don’t think they will spend time at the VJCC the way they do now. They do intend to be around to attend the VJCC Festival, though!
After 15 years, Kelli, who will be 24-years-old and graduated from college, would like to come back to the VJCC and coach basketball. She started playing basketball with the VYC Silver Dolphins when she was in kindergarten and will have years of experience to share.