In Japan it is customary for high school students to plan a school excursion once a year. In the past most of the trips were taken within Japan but lately going overseas has become a popular alternative. This is the third year that the Sonoda Gakuen High School students from Hyogo Prefecture organized their school excursion to coincide with the Honolulu Festival. Not only were they able to enjoy a four-night stay in Hawaii but they were also able to participate in the Grand Parade on Sunday, March 16, 2008. The students were able to enjoy their leisure visit and also interact with and perform for the people of Hawaii. The 159 juniors, all young ladies, were thrilled to share their energetic dance with the crowd down Kalalakaua.
So, what was their busy schedule like?
Upon arriving in Honolulu on March 14th they had lunch at Planet Hollywood in Waikiki, then they hiked up Diamond Head. This was the first time to Hawaii for many of them so they were all very excited, no time to be jet lagged.
March 15th began with dance rehearsal at Kapiolani Park at 7:30 in the morning. The sun was shining bright and although the girls envied the beach goers they practiced diligently. No time for daydreaming. It was time for fun after rehearsal with groups shopping at Ala Moana Center, swimming at Waikiki Beach and playing tennis at the park.
Roll call at 7:30 a.m. at Kapiolani Park
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Final dance rehearsal in the warm sun |
The evening was spent at the annual Friendship Gala where over 16 of Hawaii’s popular local chefs showed their culinary skills. So what was the girls’ favorite? Alan Wong’s “Peanut Butter and Jelly” Sesame Peanut Butter Crunch with Homemade Jelly. Yummy!
Sonoda Gakuen High School was also honored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation for participating three consecutive years. President Takashi Sugi awarded the group’s representatives with the “2008 Best Contribution Award.” The gala ended with the performance of the Awaodori by Tonosama Ren. The students were encouraged to dance along with them, some even dancing on the stage!
Award given to the girls by Mr. Sugi of the Honolulu Festival Foundation |
The girls perform Awaodori |
March 16th, Parade Day, started off with another rehearsal from 7:30 in the morning. These girls are tough and so full of energy. As a matter of fact, so much energy that many of the visitors passing by stopped to watch their performance. They did so well in their movements and cheering that their scheduled 9:30 rehearsal was cancelled. More time to shop!
By 3:00 the girls were preparing near Fort DeRussy for the Grand Parade. A bit nervous as they waited but as soon as it was their turn to march, forget those jitters, it was showtime. They performed with all their might, smiling throughout their dance. The crowds cheered, “SONODAAA!” And even though there was a mishap where the audio system went off, the girls continued by singing loudly and not missing a step. Terrific!
The audio system mishap was covered up by the girls’ singing |
Crowds along Kalakaua cheered the girls on |
As the girls gathered upon completing their performances the rain started to sprinkle. They were so excited and proud of their accomplishment. Lots of hugs, tears and joy… in the rain.
These girls worked hard for five months to get ready for the Honolulu Festival. All of them were feeling good. They did it! They were happy to be cheered on by the crowds alongside Kalakaua Avenue. Teamwork, that’s what it was. The five separate classes became one at the Honolulu Festival. Each special moment that they created will be cherished in their hearts forever. Their group picture will forever recall how they felt. And each time they see it, they will remember the excitement and that special moment in Hawaii.
Beautiful smiles and tears of joy-Hawaii Forever |
A great feeling of accomplishment! |
Teachers and students full of emotions and tears of joy |
A group picture with a beautiful Hawaiian sunset as a perfect backdrop |
movies
[ Interview with Sonoda High School Vice Principal Rai ]
We were able to ask Vice Principal Rai, who came along this trip, a few questions！
Interview Movies
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What was it like participating in the Honolulu Festival?
This is actually my second time to bring our students to the Honolulu Festival. The students had so many memorable moments last year too. They were overjoyed at how much the spectators appreciated their performance. It was a very emotional experience for them. All they could talk about upon their return was how wonderful the Festival was.
■You could choose so many other places to go on your school excursion, can you tell us why you chose the Honolulu Festival?
We used to go to Hokkaido to ski for our school excursion before we started coming here. Lately the trend is to go somewhere within Japan for junior high school excursions and then challenge an overseas destination in high school. I guess we decided to go along with this trend and started to think of our favorite overseas destination. Not only should the destination be a place to tour and have fun but also a place of learning and to experience something different. When we found out about the Honolulu Festival it was a perfect match for our students. This opportunity creates special memories for our students so we hope to continue coming back each yeal. The students tend to get very busy with graduation in their senior year so we find it best to come to Honolulu at the end of their junior year.
■Do you notice a difference in the students’ faces when they are in Japan compared to when they are in Hawaii?
At home the students do not have many opportunities to leave the school as they are confined within the school area. But when they come to Hawaii they have the freedom to walk anywhere in the city and openly talk to people, even strangers. They enjoy this international feeling and it instills confidence in them. I think this is important and will help them develop and grow into better adults. They are also able to feel the impact of their performances and the results of their hard work at rehearsals and daily practices. They are appreciated by the spectators and feel good about their accomplishment.
■Do you plan on returning for the next Honolulu Festival?
Definitely. We are glad that we have created a tradition where the older students can pass on a true memorable experience to the younger students. Last year the senior students performed their Honolulu Festival routine at our annual Sports Day Festival. The younger junior students were impressed with their wonderful dance. We feel that it is a wonderful experience that the students are able to participate in this international Honolulu Festival and promote cultural exchange with the people from so many countries.
