As I danced on the large stage under the blinding lights of Japan’s Pia Arena, the adrenaline rushed through my body. I felt the beat of the drums playing behind me. My mind blanked, but my body was flowing, and I felt free on stage. Every motion, emotion and every step with the group flowed together in perfect harmony, as if the stories we were dancing about were coming to life through us.
Dancing in front of over a thousand people felt surreal—like reliving the Merrie Monarch Festival all over again. The energy and excitement of the crowd were reminiscent of the festival’s atmosphere, where hālau from across the islands come together to showcase their unique styles and perpetuate Hawaiian heritage. Held annually on the Island of Hawaiʻi, the Merrie Monarch Festival is a prestigious, week-long event featuring a three-day competition. The festival celebrates Hawaiian culture through hula and dance, much like the sense of pride I felt performing in front of such an audience.
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This time, however, I was far from the Island of Hawaiʻi. I found myself in Japan, where our hālau had been invited to perform at its own hula festival. The connection between the two events became even clearer when I realized that, although the stages were different, the emotions and significance of sharing our culture were the same. The pride we felt as we performed for an audience so far from home mirrored the pride we experience in Hilo, showcasing Hawaiian traditions in a foreign land.
When the dance ended, a wave of relief rushed over me as we walked off the stage in unison, receiving a standing ovation. It was an indescribable feeling, knowing that others truly enjoyed our performance and appreciated our culture. This moment was the culmination of months of preparation, but the journey to get there was equally important.
It all began with a suitcase full of many lei, costumes and a heart of aloha ready to share our culture with others. I woke up at 5 a.m. full of excitement, ready to journey through another country with some of my closest friends. The plane ride was as long as ever but just so happened to be one of the best flights I have ever been on. Though the plane ride was long, it turned out to be one of the best flights I’ve ever had. The food was delicious, and the seats were surprisingly comfortable. As I stepped outside the airport, I was greeted by the humid, warm air of Narita, Japan. It was as if I never left home.
Hula serves as a cultural expression for Hawaiians, telling stories from the past, showcasing our values and honoring our ancestors. It’s an art form that combines movements, chanting, music, and rhythm—something that requires dedication, patience, and skill. As I shared hula with our Japanese audience, I could see firsthand how deeply they valued our culture.
Culture plays a pivotal role in Hawaii–shaping who we are and what we believe in. Taking from this experience in Japan, it goes way beyond just that. The Japanese people’s deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture, particularly hula, is something truly remarkable. They go great lengths to make sure that they are getting the right knowledge from the right people. Our traveling to Japan to showcase hula in the way that we did for this festival was significant. It allowed the Japanese audience to experience Hawaiian culture in a way that is not always accessible to them. This was a moment of cultural exchange that went beyond simply performing on stage. It was about sharing the emotional and spiritual connection that hula holds, and allowing the audience to feel that connection with us.
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“Watching YouTube videos or third-party accounts of hula is not giving you the full experience, and I think hula, although is a physical representation of our culture, it is also very emotional,” a fellow hālau member Momi Tolentino said. “To be able to have us in person there to showcase our culture to the Japanese people really allows them to also feel those emotions and to connect to the stories we are portraying through our hula.”
While we were in Japan to share our hula, we also embraced the opportunity to experience their culture. We were fortunate to eat their traditional types of foods and try new things that we don’t have back home. One of the things we were able to try was yakiniku, which means “grilled meat” in Japanese. It was the best experience. The savory meat melted in our mouths with every bite. We also got to visit Tokyo Disneyland, which I would say is the best and cutest Disney park on Earth. We were able to connect with our Japanese hālau, and it was a joy to spend time with them.
As I head home, I carry with me all the lessons, knowledge and unforgettable experiences from this trip. From the intricate rhythms of the dance to the deep cultural insights I’ve gained, this journey has been a perfect blend of tradition, connection and personal growth. It was about learning from another culture while also teaching them about our own. I am grateful for the new friendships formed and the opportunity to make new ones. These experiences will stay with me, continuing to inspire and guide my hula journey as I move forward.
Through these experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural exchange and the power it has to bring people together from different places and cultures. Whether through the dances we performed or the new foods we tried, every movement has enhanced my appreciation for both Hawaiian and Japanese culture. The trip reminded me that, no matter where we go, our shared humanity and respect for tradition can unite us in the most meaningful ways.
Corilee • Dec 2, 2024 at 2:07 pm
I really like how you expressed the experience you had of your Japan trip and hula you did especially you and your hula sisters.
Alyssah Desroches • Dec 2, 2024 at 2:05 pm
I love the photos! I think you did a great job capturing the feeling of performing and doing something you love.
Taylor • Dec 2, 2024 at 2:03 pm
I love that you’ve got lessons from this trip and how you shared the culture of Hawaii with other places in the world.
Joy Gora-Aina • Dec 2, 2024 at 2:03 pm
Very poetic and from the heart. Making me feel like I was really there with you. Showing your love and passion for hula and the traditions it hold.