2025 Shinnen Enkai New Year’s Celebration
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Members of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC), family and friends helped ring in the New Year on January 3, 2025 at the 79th Annual Shinnen Enkai New Year's Celebration at the Generations Ballroom.
Attendees were able to purchase omamori charms from Chamber Member Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii and also enjoyed freshly pounded mochi courtesy of Tenrikyo Mission Hawaii.
The event kicked off with a traditional shishimai dance and a powerful taiko performance by Ryugen Taiko. The program was emceed by HJCC Member Keven Matsuura (Finance Factors) and 71st Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Samantha Marumoto. HJCC Chair of the Board Marc Nakamoto welcomed all of the attendees, Bishop Amano of Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii provided the New Year's blessing, followed by a kampai toast by HJCC Member and United Japanese Society of Hawaii President David Jones. Chief of Staff Andy Sugg gave celebratory remarks on behalf of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
The highlight of the event was the Shoko Shiranami Gonin Otoko kabuki performance by our All-Star Cast of Chamber Members. Starring in this year's production were Peter Castillo, Gus Yniguez, Staci Yoshihara, Ina Chang, Derek Kaneshiro, Kristine Okada, and Heather Furutani. The five dorobo thieves this year were all past performers. Special thanks to Sensei's Ronald Ushijima, Robert Nagao, Rika Hirata, and Jill Kuramoto for coaching the cast on their "flawless" performance!
A big mahalo to the Hanayagi Dancing Academy for their continued support of this production with the make-up, kimono's, and music. We also thank Generations Ballroom and their staff, HJCC Member K. Minamoto for providing the table favors, Don Quijote (USA) for donating the beautiful kadomatsu decorations, New Hope for providing the audio, and Brandon Miyagi and Tony Consillio for the beautiful event pictures. We also thank the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii for allowing us to use the Ohana Room for the kabuki practices.
Mahalo to everyone who joined us at Shinnen Enkai! Wishing all of our HJCC Members a happy and prosperous 2025!
