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An exhibition of Ikebana (Flower Arranging) from the Sessyu School was open for public viewing in HTIC’s auditorium on May 30 – 31. The centerpiece of the exhibition was a large arrangement of cherry blossoms and proteas arranged by Mrs. Setsuko Matsumae, who is an accomplished teacher of Sessyu School flower arrangement and tea ceremony. Mrs. Matsumae deliberately chose to arrange the cherry blossoms, delicate Japanese flowers; and protea, which thrive on the southern slopes of Mauna Loa and Haleakala, as a celebration of long-standing friendly Japan-US relations. Matsumae sensei is wife of Tokai University Educational System President, Dr. Tatsuro Matsumae.

Sessyu School members also provided Japan Studies Association grantees and Ikebana International members and guests with samplings of three different varieties of tea, including Matcha, the green tea that is customarily served during Japanese tea ceremonies. Over 100 guests from the local community enjoyed the exhibition celebrating traditional Japanese arts.

In addition to the Sessyu exhibition, the HTIC auditorium also held a display of the late Edo period art of Sagemon, which is indigenous to the Yanagawa region of Kyushu. "Sagemon" refers to hanging ornaments that are suspended from the ceilings of homes during Girl's Day celebrations (hinamatsuri) as expressions of a family's love for the child and hope that she will live a happy, healthy and long life.

In addition to the large display, the teachers of the Yanagawa Sagemon Association held a workshop for the Japan Studies Association grantees. The grantees learned how to make their own "mari," a central component of the Sagemon display whose round shape symbolizes the gentle nature of the Japanese people.

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Hawaii Tokai International College will mark its 8th year hosting the International Summer Judo Camp on its Honolulu, Hawaii campus from Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18. The Special Guest Instructor for the Judo Camp is Mr. Masahiko Ohkuma, a World Silver Medalist and current Ogaki Nihon University High School Coach.

The International Summer Judo Camp is open to all Judokas (Judo practitioners) ages 8 years and older. Participants must provide proof of valid membership in one of the following national organizations: the United States Judo Federation (USJF), United States Judo Inc. (USA Judo), or the United States Judo Association (USJA). Membership may be purchased through HTIC prior to enrollment and participation. International athletes must provide proof of insurance and membership in their own national organization prior to participation.

The cost for the 2008 Summer Camp is as follows:

Category 1 - Resident (Overnight) Camper
$320 (US) per person for the entire week. This includes dormitory stay/meals.

Category 2 - Day (Commuter) Camper
$50 (US) per person for the entire week, regardless of number of sessions attending. MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

The Aloha Open Judo Tournament will be held following the HTIC International Summer Judo Camp on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Castle High School in Kaneohe.

For more information, please contact: Derrick Kerr, camp director: dkerr@tokai.edu or (808) 983.4187.

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The College held its Spring 2008 Commencement Ceremony for Associate in Arts degree graduates on Saturday, June 14 at 4:00 pm in the HTIC Auditorium. The Commencement Address was delivered by Dr. Dan Boylan, Professor of History at the University of Hawaii, West Oahu, and a well-known commentator on local and national politics.

Also highlighting the afternoon’s ceremonies were speeches by two graduating students who were selected as class representatives: Ms. Kyung-Hee (Kelly) Kim and Mr. Yuki Moriya.

As a part of Ms. Kim's speech, she thanked members of the Learning Community noting that: "In this diverse, yet family-like, caring environment, I was inspired so much by one of the best groups of professors that I have ever encountered in my life and received many essential feedbacks and encouragements both inside and outside of the classroom to achieve my dream. Throughout it all, I have learned the important value of ethics, as well as what it means to be an effectively capable global citizen, and to respect individuality in harmony."

Mr. Moriya made a point in particular of thanking his classmates for their help and support. As a part of his speech, he commented that "Without my friends' help, I might have left HTIC much earlier. I often had difficult problems to deal with, but I had friends to help me in these situations. However, by getting over these problems and experiencing these hardships, we can happily graduate today. I believe that the precious experience we had here today will change our lives to the right and better direction."

The Faculty, Staff, and Administration of HTIC commend all of the Spring 2008 graduates for their hard work and successful completion of the Associate of Arts Degree program!