January 2025, HGEF and the Nagaoka International Exchange Association (NIEA) worked together on the Ed Hawkins Project: Nagaoka City Peace relations & studies. We had fifteen 7th grade students from Nagaoka City come to their sister city of Honolulu for a priceless experience.
During their stay in Honolulu, students learned about the history of Hawaii and Japanese immigrants at the following locations:
• The King Kamehameha statue
Students learned the history of King Kamehameha, the king who unified Hawaii.
• Iolani Palace
Students visited the Iolani Palace, built during the Hawaiian Kingdom, and is a surviving symbol of its history today.
•The Japanese Immigration Learning Center (Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii)
Students learned the history and impact of the Japanese immigrations to Hawaii.
• Radio Interview
We joined a local Japanese radio station broadcast and talked about the cultural exchange between Hawaii and Japan.
Learning about the ocean with Kanako Uchino
• Learning coexistence through the “Hokulea”
We talked to Kanako Uchino who works with the traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe the Hokulea and its voyages. Kanako’s talks gave students food for thought on the importance of conserving the environment.
• Discussion on environmental protection
Students had discussions on what they can do to protect Hawaii’s natural environment, enriching their understanding of the subject.
Presentations at IPA
•Visiting Island Pacific Academy (IPA)
Students had cultural introductions and class visits at IPA, getting to know their students.
• Visiting the Honolulu City Mayor’s Office
We made a courtesy visit to the Honolulu Mayor’s office, where students exchanged opinions on the significance of the sister city relations of Nagaoka and Honolulu, and the importance of peace operations.
At the National Memorial Cemetery with Mr. Ed Hawkins
•Students visited the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), to deliver flowers in tribute to those who were lost in the war.
Visiting Pearl Harbor with students from Mililani Middle School
Students from Mililani and Japan spent the night together at the USS Missouri Memorial, learning about the ship and its history.
• Discussions on war and peace
Students from Mililani and Japan were given the topic “What if I were there at the Pearl Harbor attack” to think about from both the American and Japanese perspective, then exchanged their opinions with each other.
• Beach day at Kaimana
Students enjoyed Hawaii’s beautiful oceans at Kaimana beach, while learning how environment influences culture.
• US Marine Corps Base Camp Smith visit and student presentations
We were joined by Mr. Ed Hawkins at Camp Smith, where students made presentations of what they learned during their time in Hawaii.
Throughout the duration of this study tour program, the students of Nagaoka city studied the local culture and history while building intercultural relationships. Students were also given weighty topics of war and peace to reflect on as an opportunity to think of what is necessary for them to build a better future.
We at HGEF hope to keep pursuing international exchange projects with the city of Nagaoka. By doing so, we strive to continue providing opportunities of peaceful international relationships, by building mutual understanding through learning each other’s history and culture.
On the deck of USS Missouri with Mililani Middle School