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Kalakaua Hula Festival, Ikaho, Japan
I had the opportunity to visit Ikaho, Japan, by invitation, to attend this hula festival to share the aloha spirit, and the traditional hand made art of Old Hawai`i. It was a long flight and a long bus trip, but it was all worth it. The country village of Ikaho was beautiful. The mountains and hillsides are lush green, the sounds of the wildlife were unfamiliar and the weather was very hot! The festival lasted about 3 days and the hula was enjoyable. The Japanese are wonderful people and embrace hula with both arms. It was good to see the reactions of people who, have not necessarily seen things that are so familiar to us in Hawaii. Fresh flower leis as seen by the festival goers were to most, a shock! Many of the Japanese people have never seen or touched a fresh hand made flower lei from Hawaii. In Japan, most of the participants wore what is available to the dancers, silk flower leis. Although you can find almost any kind of flower lei, from Hawaii, made in silk, there is no comparison. So, the reaction of the first touch and smell of a fresh hand made flower lei from Hawaii was special to watch. I displayed a large selection of feather leis, hand made lauhala hats from Hilo, Hawaii, and ipu heke's. Still, the reaction of most was wanting to touch, not necessarily knowing what was on display. There is much for us to teach about Hawaii, and how all things coincide with the hula. Hula is not just a dance, it is the way of life of the Hawaiian people. I really enjoyed the trip to Japan. I look forward to visiting there again to share the aloha spirit.
Aloha, Rick
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