Learning, Culture, & Community: A Year at Gakuen

As the school year comes to a close, Wailuku Hongwanji Gakuen will celebrate with an Award Presentation Ceremony on May 29. We are so proud of all our students for their hard work, growth, and joyful spirit throughout the year!

Over the past few months, students and families participated in meaningful and fun activities. Mahalo to those who attended the recent information session for our upcoming fall break trip to Hokkaido, Japan. Sensei will be leading the group, and we look forward to this special opportunity to deepen our connection to Japanese language and culture.

We also enjoyed two handson cultural lessons. In April, students brought back a crowd favorite—Spam musubi—by popular demand. Then, in May, they tried their hand at making Osaka-style okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake with flour, salt, water, Spam, chow fun noodles, tenkasu, and cabbage. The experience introduced students to a beloved Japanese comfort food while offering a window into its rich culinary history.

Did you know? Okonomiyaki ( ) means “grill what you like.” Its roots trace back to the Edo period and evolved into the dish we know today during and after World War II, when food shortages led people to make hearty, customizable pancakes from flour and whatever ingredients were on hand. In Hiroshima, the dish took on a layered style, often including cabbage, bean sprouts, and noodles. Okonomiyaki became more than just a meal, it symbolized resilience and rebuilding, especially in postwar Japan. Today, both the mixed Osakastyle and layered Hiroshimastyle remain regional favorites, each telling their own story of community and adaptation.

We’re also happy to share some exciting news: Gakuen students are invited to a live taiko performance by Zenshin Daiko at the MACC on June 7 at 7:00 p.m.! Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Anthony Jones, owner of Zenshin Daiko, admission is free for all Gakuen students. Gakuen will also subsidize 50% of admission for parents. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Murakami-sensei.

Finally, we offer our deepest gratitude to Kyoko-sensei, who will be retiring at the end of this school year. Her passion and dedication ( ,netsui to doryoku) have inspired generations of students. Her guidance, kindness, and steady presence have left an indelible mark on our program. She will be greatly missed.

Mahalo for another wonderful year at Gakuen. We hope to see you at the Awards Ceremony, and we wish everyone a safe, restful, and joyful summer!