Unique Experience Nejiro Contemplate the Flowers The sakura blossom is a metaphor for life – beautiful and luminous, yet fleeting and ephemeral. Part of what makes the sakura blossom so precious is because their beauty only last for a short period, in this sense we consider hanami a celebration of life. The kanji for hanami consists of two characters the first for flower, and then one that represents view or watch. Hanami is a long standing tradition of welcoming spring. It was originally used to divine the years upcoming harvest and announce the rice planting season, people would make offerings of food and sake to the kami for fruitful harvests. This evolved into flower parties with sake and feasts underneath the blossoming boughs with poems written praising the delicate flowers. Also known as the Sakura Blossom Festival this annual celebration is about appreciating the temporal beauty of nature. People gather under blooming sakura blossoms with food, drink, songs, companionship, and the beauty of sakura blossoms. Celebrations begin in the day and often last into the night lit by paper lanterns. The festival dates vary by location and year, as the trees bloom at different times with weather and climate variations, but they are typically in late March through May, and last a few days to a few weeks. The official national holiday occurs the first weekend after the first blooms appear on the sakura trees in Center Gate Park, Yousai – usually sometime in early April. Sakura Zensen {the sakura blossom front} refers to the advance of sakura blossoms across Nejiro and both the Nejiro Meteorological Agency and the Nejiro Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency tracks and records the opening and full bloom of the blossoms. The advancing front is also the subject of regular reports by the major news agencies, due to the great public interest thanks to its symbolism and the custom of hanami. short video link: search stub: weapon demo A dark skinned man with Asian features and short copper hair speaking Japanese, with subtitles in English, conducts a weapon demonstration “The Staff Rifle Mk73 is about the same size as the modern assault rifle you are familiar with, providing a much more accurate weapon. The weapon fires bursts of plasma focused down to a width of seven millimeters. It can be set for three rates of fire single shot, three round burst, or full automatic. There is no recoil, and even on full automatic the firing stays on target. It is pretty much a line of sight weapon, if you can see it, you can hit it, though the effectiveness of the plasma does diminish over distance. The scope mounted on the weapon has full infrared and light intensification, as well as telescopic vision.” Moving a cover aside the demonstrator presses a button and a small rectangular object moves partially out of the butt of the weapon. “This is the power pack, fully charged it is good for one thousand shots, and can be replaced with a new one just like I showed you. There is a digital readout on the weapon showing how many shots remain. The pack can be removed at any time for replacement without any diminishment in capacity upon recharge. Each weapon comes with four packs, every ten rifles comes with a recharger which can charge ten packs at a time, bringing them up to a full charge within ten minutes.” Pointing to a covered button near the mouth of the barrel the demonstrator continues, “When depressed a bayonet emerges below the barrel. The bayonet is forty centimeters long. As you can see this is a very light weapon weighing only one and a half kilos. Owing to the fact it has no moving parts it does not need cleaning, the barrel can not become clogged as it is solid. There is also a crew served version of the weapon. It is twice the size of this weapon, but has a larger power pack capable of five thousand shots. The shots themselves are smaller, only five millimeters, therefore more focused and even more deadly than the infantry weapon. If captured by an enemy the weapons can not be used against you, when the weapon is fired for the first time it becomes attuned to the DNA of the user and will not fire for anyone else. You can however remove the imprinting, but only on a machine too large to move into the field, as an added safeguard the machine can only remove imprinting from weapons purchased by you. No other machine will work.” {from Many Waters Weapons and Technology, available through OTL Unlimited, The Enclave at one thousand c-bills per rifle and ten thousand c-bills per case, and three thousand c-bills per support weapon and thirty thousand per case, with the individual charge packs three hundred c-bills each and a charge unit three thousand c-bills and an imprint machine costing twenty five thousand c-bills per unit, with maintenance kits costing 100 c-bills; or alternatively the clip is a short excerpt of a montage from the long running television military drama Borders of Infinity featuring the performance of up and coming actor Devdas Rukh} Canine Chronicle The Xolo Dog (pronounced sholo) is a domesticated canine bred from a native Nejiroan canid species the Xolotl named in honor of a dog headed Aztec kami of fire and lightning. They have sleek bodies that radiate heat with almond shaped eyes, large bat like ears and a long neck, they may weigh as much as twenty three kilograms and grow to sixty seven centimeters. They are notable for their dominant trait of hairlessness, but there is also a coated variety with a short, flat, dense coat of mostly bluish gray or black coats, similar to the their wild antecedents, who have slightly coarser and fuller coats with short crests on their heads and tails. Xolo dogs convey an impression of strength, agility, and elegance. Their skin is often marked, splashed, or spotted and their most common colors are black, grey, bronze, blonde, blue, and red. Xolo dogs have a primitive temperament with very high intelligence, sensitivity, high energy, and inquisitiveness, with strong hunting and social instincts. They are prized as both companions and guard dogs. In the wild the Xolotl live in large multigenerational family groups. The Xolo have a sturdy physical nature, vigorous health, and a calm demeanor in mature dogs. Puppies can be extremely energetic, noisy, and very oral until maturity after two years. The Xolo is a social dog that should not be an only dog. Xolo dogs are popular NPO Officers, and are a common addition to the Sugai Yoroi patrols and guard stations. They are also commonplace additions to Public Safety services throughout the Eastern Desert. Xolo dogs are a very familiar and common sight in the camps of the Badawi, who first domesticated them. Hilo, Baja, and Silverbridge have all declared both the Xolo and Xolotl a cultural heritage, and as such they have a prominent role in cultural celebrations such as The June Bloom street festivals that celebrates the acceptance by Parliament of the Charters and the laying of the city foundations on the summer solstice. There are many stories and statues of Benito, a Xolo hunting dog of Delm Francisco Sugai, of whom the legends say led his master to what would be the place the central foundations of the city of Hilo would eventually be built. Crowning Glory Tea Room Our full afternoon Tea Service complete with savories, salad, scones, sweets, and all the tea you desire from our extensive world class collection. Enjoy all the varieties you like while you are here. It is our pleasure to keep your teapot full! Ask about our Teddy Bear Tea for the children in your party. Our tea rooms serve an extraordinary menu in a heavenly atmosphere that fosters true friendship, camaraderie, and the making of beautiful memories. Sip endless pots full of award winning teas and dine on a sumptuous array of homemade savories and sweets you will not find anywhere else, served on three tiers of fine china, by hosts and hostesses who have a heart for hospitality. Our individual tea parlors each celebrate a different theme or culture and the exceptional lives of people who have given us a glimpse of heaven. Our parlors are special and quaint, room enough for you and one or two of your best friends or associates to speak heart to heart while sipping tea on tufted sofas and generously stuffed wingback chairs. For larger parties, we have appointed Mary’s Garden, our main English tea room which may seat up to thirty, in charming décor that celebrates the beauty of nature through an array of glorious florals. We hope to see you often, keeping alive the fine English tradition of taking time away from the bustle and scurry of everyday life to enjoy good times with those we cherish. Located in the Four Seasons Tower, Downtown Hilo directly across Grand Boulevard from Central Station, Hilo 51 Ryu per person including tax and gratuity, by reservation only {The establishment is of course popular with the social elite, tea enthusiasts and connoisseurs, but also with soccer moms, girls social gatherings, and bridal parties but especially with the business, and intelligence communities} Mr. Frederick ‘Duke’ Bosch, Lt. General retired Mr. Arkady Borosakov Tai-i Neville Rhodes Mr. Isamu Kawai Tai-i Kono Kalakaua Kapten Marius Bjornsen Captain Quintin Bonano Major Crash Cranson Major Kiah Lorrian Rosen Franks Colonel Euron Greyjoy Dr. Kira Musashi Receive by messenger in the second week of April a twenty eight centimeter by five centimeter by five centimeter hand carved, hand painted silk lined cypress box with sakura and ume blossoms both on the box and silk. It contains several azurite and ochre tie-dyed silk wrapped scrolls adorned in ribbons of vermillion and reseda sealed by a wax mon with three individually marked koi circling each other in a triskele pattern. The scrolls contain sheets of watermarked Four Treasures thousand year paper with hand brushed kanji and calligraphy in your native language… Amalaa Sugai joyfully requests your presence on the second Sunday in May of this year to celebrate Hanami. This glad meeting to occur at two pm on the receiving line of the Garden Party at Shizuka Teien {serene gardens} of Honeystone Manor in Fountain Hills, Nemora {woodlands, grove}, Hilo. The party begins with selections of sake, savory canapés, and cocktails at three. This will be followed by Afternoon Tea on the Tree Court Lawn at five. Afterward there will be leisure and mingling accompanied by The Nightingale Ensemble, Mariachi Artistico, and Modern Hogaku with selections of sake, sweet canapés, and cocktails. The festivities will conclude after sunset with the launch of floating lantern wishes. Friends are like flowers in the garden of life. It is preferred that gentlemen wear Lounge Suits, Morning Attire, a Service Dress Uniform, or Kimono. It is also preferred that ladies wear a Day Dress with hat or fascinator, a Service Dress Uniform, or Houmongi. It is recommended that wedge heels or geta are worn and that you bring a parasol. You will understand that security is vital, please do make sure to bring all relevant documents and that all weapons are properly peace bound. Chef Tomasz Skowronski, Chef Daniela Soto, and Patissier Nik Nakayama respectfully request to be informed of any dietary concerns. Included is a map with directions to Honeystone Manor via road and public transportation, with instructions for where to park. There are also instructions for where drivers should let off passengers, where to wait with their vehicles, and where to pick up their passengers. Kindly Reply by April Thirty First Luxury Standard by Deaqon James The outermost moon of Jovian, Hebe is a dense rocky airless spheroid 6794 kilometers in diameter, with a gravity of 4.711 meters per second squared outside the geodesic transmetal domes. The first houses the most exclusive yacht club for Nejiro’s wealthiest adventurers, The Corinthian Yacht Club located on a hill overlooking the other dome, its five hundred ha grounds include the expansive clubhouse and a private marina of one hundred thirty airlocked elevator berths with maintenance and repair facilities. Membership of this exclusive, private club extends to over seven hundred resident and nonresident members. The clubhouse boasts a fine display of memorabilia – trophies, exhibition models, paintings, and photographs compete for the attention of the curious visitor. The successful applicant is welcomed with an ice breaking cocktail party and a gala dinner in their honor. The clubhouse was recently redesigned by renowned architect Foster Norman and stands out as a distinctive building in its own right. The elegant futuristic façade looks out over Port Fortuna with phenomenal views of Jovian, its rings and moons. Included in the clubhouse is a sumptuous shopping arcade overflowing with designer boutiques, and state of the art function and conference rooms large enough to accommodate a wedding party, business meeting, or anniversary bash. Possibly all three at once should you wish. Quiet private member lounges, cartography suites, cigar, and billiards rooms round off the convivial social experience in a sleek and effortlessly comfortable manner. Ship captains and crews have access to free wifi and media, laundrey and shower facilities, crew quarters, kitchens, and all the docking services you might expect, including secure and controlled marina access, guest rooms, and access to the Corinthian Terrace Restaurant and Bar. The private marina has a full service staff to cater for all your bespoke requirements and a fully equipped ships chandlery to supply all your inventory needs. Members may charter the club vessels Cleopatra, Athena, and Sheba for private cruises, and corporate functions, so whatever rocks your boat the Corinthian clubhouse has it covered. If you can tear yourself away from the lavish clubhouse, Port Fortuna covers nine hundred ha, with a three hundred berth marina, it has much to offer and boasts a coterie of the rich and famous. An impressive array of upscale shops, bars, clubs, salons, pleasure quarters, bistros, theaters, concert halls, stadia, fine cuisine, casinos, luxury resort hotels, salons, and spas provide the epitome of the luxury travel experience. The sales offices of a number of prominent yacht chartering and yacht building companies are located nearby the marina should you fancy a cruise. The exclusive environs of the Casino Bellona regularly plays host to the star studded Izar Poker Tour in May, that in its most recent tournament awarded an eighty seven million c-bill prize, with eighteen million c-bills going to the winner Aaron Zang. The Bellona is also the exclusive host to the very popular, crowd pleasing Golden Cage MMA Tournament throughout the month of June, which is televised throughout the Izar Cluster. With over thirty percent of the population composed of multimillionaires, you could find yourself rubbing shoulders with some very influential folk indeed. And maybe a Bond villain or two, to boot. search stub: geisha A reviewer of “The Last Concubine” in the highly respected Literary Review wrote: ”The author, who lived in Japan for many years, has published nonfiction accounts of the lives of the geishas, and capitalizes on recent western interest in their esoteric vanished world with her detailed depiction of Sachi’s life in the rarefied harem.” I am very grateful for the review, but I have to point out that my book has nothing to do with geishas. Another journalist also wrote to me: “Your book ‘Madame Sadayakko’ was a success. Now you return to the topic of the geishas. Why are you so fascinated about this world? And How was the life of a geisha in the Palace of the Women?” Geishas and concubines have absolutely nothing in common other than being Japanese women. ‘The Last Concubine’ is about the concubines of the Shogun, who were usually aristocratic ladies chosen to be the Shogun’s ‘second wife’ or ‘third wife’ and hopefully to bear a son for him to be the future shogun. To be a concubine was a highly coveted honor and concubines were formally recognized in a ceremony much like a marriage. Geisha and courtesans on the other hand were (and are) part of the demi monde. Geisha are entertainers – the word means artistes – who performed dances and songs to private gatherings, usually of men. In old Japan they were at the very bottom of the social system (like actresses in the Victorian west – think ‘Don’t put your daughter on the stage Mrs. Worthington’). Traditionally they were not supposed to sell sex. That was the courtesans job and they were prohibited from stealing the courtesans clients. If they married they had to stop being geishas – geishas and wives were like opposite sides of the coin. In other words geishas, concubines, and courtesans were entirely different, not just a catch all term for Japanese women, and not to be confused. Lesley Downer Nejiroan Banker Market Analysis Up and coming technology firm Beacon Advanced Industries with a wide base of research and products ranging from computer software, advanced avionics, telecommunications, materials research, robotics, and molecular science has raised their EPS by twenty six percent according to their recently released quarterly earnings report; ten percent higher than projected; which includes the successful launch of the NightNight Gun. Lightweight and versatile, basically a miracle born of engineering and biochemistry. These custom tranquilizer weapons are the perfect tools for stopping someone without killing them. Constructed of new proprietary compounds the weapon weighs just under one kilogram. The weapons fire nonlethal ‘bullets’ with heavy stopping power. The pistol utilizes eight forty five caliber cartridges in a semiautomatic firing mode that break up under the subcutaneous tissue releasing a therapeutic dose of the proprietary formula of the GMO dendrotoxin of one hundred nanoliters, incapacitating the target long enough for them to be secured without any harmful side effects in the process. >>>continue reading>>> Quotable A properly balanced sword is the most versatile weapon for close quarters ever devised. Pistols and guns are all offense, no defense, close on him fast and a man with a gun can’t shoot, he has to stop you before you reach him. Close on a man carrying a blade and you’ll be spitted like a roast pigeon – unless you have a blade and can use it better than he can. A sword never jams, never has to be reloaded, is always ready. Its worst shortcoming is that it takes great skill and patient, loving practice to gain that skill; it can’t be taught to new recruits in weeks, nor even months. Robert Heinlein Hilo Herald Society Pages Aimi Song [picture of the Tree Court Lawn framed by sakura trees in full blossom, the foreground has low tables surrounded by tufted couches, tailored chesterfields, and plush wingback, and club chairs in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures] [close-up picture of some of the low tables containing fine china teaware, each table with a different style] [a montage of pictures featuring various noteworthy personages from previous years parties wearing trendy fashions] [an aerial photo of the spanish style Honeystone Manor with its gardens and lawns] One of the most anticipated and coveted invitations of the Hilo Social Season goes out this week by private messenger, Madame Sugai’s annual Garden Party in celebration of Hanami. A maximum of three hundred exclusive invitations are sent out. Madame Sugai has cultivated a large number of contacts through her duties as Matrona of the Sugai Dai Ichizoku, voting board member of the Sugai Zaibatsu, seated member of the Advisory Council to the Hilo City Council, Hilo Guildhall Syndic, and board seats on a number of charity, arts, and education foundations; and therefore attendees are an eclectic mix of corporate innovators, cultural icons, celebrities, politicians, diplomats, traders, entrepreneurs, scholars, scientists, students, artists, dignitaries, armed forces, business executives, and ambassadors. Madame Sugai has stated she enjoys the opportunity to mingle in a slightly less formal setting with individuals of public interest, and people who interest her, as well as recognize and promote people who make notable contributions to the community. The public however, eagerly awaits the release of the reception line photos that set the tone for the upcoming seasons fashions. Already confirmed is that Madame Sugai and her Courtesan Reynard Jorlan will be wearing attire by designers Denma Gvasalia and Nicolas Ghesquiere respectively. Parabellum Izar Cluster Joint Military Studies Conference and Trade Show May 24 3068 thru May 31 3068 Full Conference Pass 1375 Ryu per person Day passes and event passes are available thru the ticket office For press passes please contact our media relations department at sen-mainohanabira.co.njo/media relations {one thousand petals} Chrysanthemum Expo Center, Hilo Special Guest Speakers: Professor Melissa Boels, EngD, PhD; Aitutaki Academy (doctor of engineering, doctorate in applied mechanics and materials) Sho-sa Cosmo Choi, retired; University of Prosperina (instructor battle armor courses) Professor Oliver Graeme, Military Economist PhD, Doons School Of Business Professor Mattias Wells, Military History - Tactics and Strategy PhD, Sakhara Academy Serafina Wong, PhD, PhD, PhD; Beacon Advanced Industries Research Scientist (doctorates in engineering/applied mechanics, biochemistry, and materials science) Dr. Wyatt Kinunui, MD, DO, ChM; Sakamura Rescue PMC Emergency Medicine/Trauma Specialist (doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathic medicine, master of surgery) Tai-sa Sebastian Taka, Commander Devil Dogs PMC The exhibition and demonstrators will have ninety three thousand sq. meters across five halls to display weapons, technology, products, services, and includes simulators, ranges, live demonstrations, and master classes. An additional three halls will host panels, ceremonies, presentations, and discussions that are confirmed to include: Military Contractor – Contracts: A Guide Military Economics PMC’s – Risks and Misconduct Military Studies: Leadership – Methods and Principles Military Vehicle Engineering Technology Geopolitical and Interstellar Intelligence Military Strategic Studies: at home: abroad Civil – Military Relations Threat Perception: Analysis & Strategy Weapon Engineering and Design Combat Logistics Military Supply Chain, Logistics Systems, Procurement Military Science: Education and Training Risk, Military Ethics, and Irregular Warfare Understanding Military Sociology and Culture Wounded Warrior: Physiological and Psychological Therapies Disaster and Military Medicine: Advances in Trauma Care Robotics, Unmanned Remote Vehicles, and Autonomous Systems Protective Textiles and Performance Clothing Military Theory versus Proven Strategy and Tactics Defense, Diplomacy, and Military Operations Military Joint Tactical Networks and Strategy Information Science, Electronic Warfare, and Communications Financial and Operational Effective Practices War Dogs, Working Dogs, and Therapy Dogs Sleep Deprivation, Fatigue, and Biphasic Sleep Training and Schedules Social Networking and Maintaining Information Advantage Urban Safety and Security Innovation: The Warfighters Edge Situational Awareness Increasing Platform Capability Intelligence Analytics Precision Engagements: Concepts and Technology Defense Training: Simulation, and Education Corrosion: Issues and Control Security and Counter Terror: Technology and Threat Mitigation Nuclear & Space Radiation Effects: Variability in Environments, Devices, and Effects Maritime Policy Shipbuilding Technology Forum: Blue Water Shipbuilding Technology Forum: Space Workshops Town Hall Discussions and Q&A Symposiums For more than one hundred thirty years the Selosse Champagne House has hosted The Selosse Polo Classic at Bronze Arch Meadow Polo Grounds, Hilo on the last Saturday of May. The annual event is comprised of two matches, the first a speed match between two teams of three, and the next is a regulation match between two all star teams. The event is often sold out, attracting more than five thousand spectators to watch world renowned polo players. In addition to sipping champagne and watching an exciting polo match, spectators are encouraged to socialize at the event. The venue is always well appointed with soft lawns for lounging and picnics, salons, food and alcohol stations, vendor stations, fan zone stations, regulation and exhibition pitches, jumbo video monitors and scoreboards, turnout paddocks, two stick and ball grass fields, access to bridle trails, and charging stations. The Polo Classic is part of a series called the Selosse Season, who also sponsors ski events, golf events, pop up lounges, and other exciting social and high profile events. The emphasis is as much social as sporting and has a daytime cocktail dress code. Tickets are sold to the general public through your local ticketing agents, but many of the attendees are celebrities and prominent individuals invited by the match and team sponsors. field side tickets include a champagne brunch general admission includes a champagne brunch and asado {argentinian bbq} deluxe veranda admission includes a champagne brunch, asado, and pictures and autographs with the polo players between matches VIP admission includes champagne brunch and asado in The Pavilion with pictures and autographs with the polo players before the matches, and introductions and socializing with the polo players following the matches [light text over a photo of a forest path in autumn colored leaves] As temperatures dip the colors of the leaves change into vibrant shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown. It is a magnificent sight which has inspired poets and artists for centuries. The natural phenomenon is called koyo or momiji meaning red leaf. The activity of searching for the most striking shades of leaf is known as Momijigari, red leaf hunting. According to Shinto beliefs, spirits - including spirits who live in trees and the earth - all call nature their home, for most going to view the maple trees is a form of communion with Nature and the spirits who live in it. The viewer on a proper leaf viewing excursion should try to achieve a personal communion with the leaves, in a bond akin to the private communication between man and god at the heart of many religions. As Prince Genji once wrote to a lover ”A sheaf of autumn leaves admired in solitude is like damasks worn in the darkness of the night.” By entering nature one hopes to internalize the beauty of the leaves in one’s heart. Man enters nature, and nature in turn, enters man. For Buddhists momijigari is a moment which is important both spiritually and symbolically as it reminds us life is ephemeral. The maple leaf symbolizes fall in Nejiroan culture and its use is widespread. It is typical to find screens, dishes, kimono, and other fabrics bearing the symbol of the maple leaf. Maple shaped cakes are typical during the fall and the leaves themselves are often eaten as tempura, a delicious deep fried, sweet snack often accompanied by a cup of tea. Witnessing koyo is a moment of the year which Nejiroans spend time anticipating. There are no shortages of stunning places to enjoy. Momijigari may be enjoyed in many ways including hikes, picnics, rides, and camping trips. Like many regions Hoshizora peaks in November, but some areas change as early as September or as late as December. The type of maple tree determines whether the leaves are red {koyo}, yellow {oyo}, or brown {katsuyo}. Likely, you already plan to travel from place to place using your rail pass. Between stations you will see the countryside in all its autumn glory. For a truly unique koyo experience at a relaxed pace consider a ride on the Hoshizora Scenic Railway. Quotable Kachi ni Fushigi no Kachi Ari. Make ni Fushigi no Make Nashi. There are mysterious victories. There are no mysterious losses. Kendo saying search stub: Nejiroan sexual mores Flower Leader {courtesan} – a person for whom the art of dignified etiquette is the means of attracting wealthy, powerful, or influential clients. Clients expect Oiran to be well read, able to converse and write with wit and elegance, and able to match them in intellectual conversation. A courtesans prestige is based on their own beauty, character, education, and artistic ability. Consort – a secondary or tertiary spouse Concubine – is maintained exclusively by a wealthy patron for their own gratification and/or for the purpose of producing heirs Quotable Purpose To mold the mind and body To cultivate a vigorous spirit And through correct and structured training To strive for improvement in the art of kendo To hold in esteem courtesy and honor To associate with others with sincerity And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself Thus will one be able To love one’s country and society To contribute to the development of culture And to promote peace and prosperity among all people All Nejiro Kendo Federation Kendo For Life The Cyber Dojo Kendo Guide Kendo Wisdom - Masahiro Imafuji Issho Kenmei a phrase from the samurai world Some Nejiroan say Isshou Kenmei and some say Issho Kenmei. What are they anyway? Issho Kenmei is not a kendo term, but more common in Japanese. Basically what they mean is ‘to work hard.’ But let’s analyze the words more for us, kendoists. Let me analyze the kanji for Issho Kenmei. [kanji characters] Isshou is a life time [kanji characters] Kenmei is to devote one’s life to accomplish something. However, it is said that the origin of the phrase is Issho Kenmei. The kanji for Issho means one place. [kanji characters] The kanji for Kenmei is the same as previously mentioned. So what Issho Kenmei means is to devote one’s life to protect a land inherited from ancestors. It was considered to be a samurai term. Both kanji are considered to be correct. However I would like to see Issho Kenmei a bit differently. Issho is written as one place. It can also mean a moment as well. I always tell my students to devote themselves into each cut. What I mean is that they should execute each cut with all they have got without being afraid of getting hit or not hitting their opponent. I, myself, try to commit myself into each cut and each moment. This can be applied to daily life too. When you are working devote yourself into the work. When you are studying, devote yourself into the study. When you are playing a game, you should devote yourself into the game. Devote yourself into whatever you are doing at that moment. Many kendo sensei also say that in a real battle situation, we don’t have another moment. Therefore, we should value each moment of our lives. That is why we should work hard as if we devote our lives into whatever we want to accomplish. Hope this helps you as well as it helps me. Hilo Public Library – Local Voices Network Public Safety: A Community Conversation Let’s build and better our community through conversation. As critical decisions are being made about resources, and public safety, it is more important than ever for journalists, and policymakers to hear personal stories from our lived experiences. Join us for a conversation on Public Safety as it relates to initiatives, community groups, organizations, schools, businesses, individuals, and more. Members of the Hilo City Council, the Hilo City Council Advisory Board, and City Commissioners will lead a town hall style discussion at the Civic Center Station Branch of the Hilo Public Library on Wednesday May 17th at six pm. Hilo Public Library – Talks and Readings Master Class in Leadership with Tai-sho (Ret.) David Petras Moderated by Dr. (Tai-sa, Ret.) Simon Mansur ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,’ That’s Tai-sho David Petras recalling the words of the Roman philosopher Seneca. During his forty year military career, Tai-sho Petras was widely recognized for his leadership of the organization that redefined and produced the DCMS counter insurgency manual and overhauled all aspects of preparing leaders and units for deployment in combat. He culminated his military career with six consecutive commands as a general officer, five of which were in combat. He is now a Partner with interstellar investment firm KKR, where he is also Chairman of the firm’s Universal Institute. Tai-sho Petras spent a lifetime preparing for the commands he held, including forays into academia earning a PhD, and distilled lessons on leadership in the years after leaving government service , which he will discuss during the interview. The interview will cover the four core tasks that a strategic leader has to perform correctly Get the big ideas right Communicate the big ideas effectively throughout the breadth and depth of the organization Oversea the implementation of the big ideas Determine how the big ideas need to be refined – and then repeat the cycle The interview will also address: What makes a great leader? Who can rise to the occasion? What can we learn from military strategic thinking to inform todays decision making? How should leaders prepare for the next crisis, whatever it might be? What is the ‘surge’ of new ideas needed to confront the current crisis? Join us for this unique opportunity to hear from two distinguished former combat leaders on military lessons and their applications in leading large organizations at the Civic Station Branch of the Hilo Public Library Auditorium Theater, on Monday May 15th at six pm, tickets begin at twenty ryu. The 207th Wonders Festival and Street Faire is sponsored by the city Guildhalls, the Hypatia Park Trustees, the Yousai Arts Council, the Buzoku Kyoju Koi Association {clan house residency row}, and the Diamond Ward Partnership. The festival takes place in Yousai during the last week of August, Monday thru Sunday, annually to celebrate The Arts and to support ethnic art and artisanal traditions from more than twenty cultures. Passion Avenue between the Theatre and Arts Byoto {wards} from Strada dei Mestieri {street of master craftsmen} to Atelier Boulevard is lined on both sides; leaving only two lanes in the middle of the avenue for pedestrian traffic and parades; with booths showcasing exhibits and goods from visual and performing arts, crafts, and cuisine. Here you may find a variety of crafters and their works from musical compositions, to illustrated fairytales, to period and ethnic costumes, to traditionally crafted instruments, to iconography, to quilts and rugs, to ethnic street food, to fine arts, to handcrafted jewelry, to buskers and troubadours. Momonoki Hiroba {peach tree square} holds the submissions for the festival’s juried visual art show competition, winners across several categories receive cash prizes and inclusion in the Convergence Exhibition at the Bijutsukan Yousai {museum of art} in October. Shoji Entertainment and Paper Lantern Studios sponsor a writing contest, the winners, chosen during the festival, will have their words adapted to the screen and shown in the Wonders Short Film Showcase, these films, from previous winners, run continuously through the festival at the Saracen Pavilion, the Rambles, Hypatia Park. The south lawn of Hypatia Park, from the entrance on Atelier Boulevard to the Rambles, is filled with tents, booths, grandstands, stages, lists, combat arenas, and outdoor dojo for competitions, workshops, performances, and demonstrations of skilled masters in many crafts from storytelling, to smithing, to weaving, to baking – don’t miss the bubbly pies, to glassblowing, to period and culture authentic martial competitions. There will be Knightly Jousts and tourney games, cavalry maneuvers, fencing (from sabre, to mensur dueling, and kendo), Celtic Games (hurling, pipe bands, step dancing, caber toss, tug of war), combat Hopak, karate, wushu, grappling, and other unarmed combat arts, sword dances, wild and urban parkour, Gladiatorial Games, schutzhund trials, archery (foot and mounted), live Battle Chess, mock battles, and more. Medals, modelled and cast by Vulcan Josef of Dalia Nonpareil and produced by the Crown Mint, are awarded to the winners of all martial competitions in gold, silver, and bronze. There are also musical, theatrical, and dance performances, competitions, and showcases – everything from canine freestyle to quartets and symphonies, from folk to filk, from ballet to hula, from puppetry to noh. Especially popular are the open participation amateur ballroom, salsa, country, group, and swing competitions, for both musicians and dancers. There will also be several auctions supporting charities and foundations such as the Imagination Library, the Idyllwild Arts Academy, Exploring the Arts, Art and Culture Heritage Foundation, Sekijujisha {the red cross}, the Performing Arts Community Council, and CHIRP (community heritage independent radio project). Demonstrator, Workshop, Performance, Vendor, Competitor, and Exhibitor application deadline is May 31 Parade Participation application deadline is August 1 Exhibitor and Vendor booths begin at 1250 Ryu Host hotels include Sadachiyo, Crown Plaza Hotel, Peachtree Plaza Hotel, Chaton Fidele, Knights Inn, Pagoda Towers, Grace Note Suites, and the Continental Marquis Hilo Herald Society Pages Aimi Song [Elisheba Laffon and Mikhail Belaya Vorona, the companies principle dancers pose Grand Pas Classique in costume] One of the most glittery events of the social calendar occurs the first Saturday of May, The Hilo Ballet’s Opening Night Gala, makes the most of its spectacular setting in City Hall, a Beaux-Arts beauty built in 3015. Patrons enjoy a black tie cocktail reception and dinner under its elegant dome, then cross the street to a one night only performance of ‘Spellbound’ in the equally elegant, modern undulating form that wraps two concert halls and a public plaza, The Hilo Opera House on the banks of the Waikoto River {flowing water}. As an encore patrons return to City Hall for an opportunity to mingle with the dancers and a vivacious after party with live music, sweets and savories, champagne and dancing – no toe shoes necessary. The gala raises funds for a variety of the Hilo Ballet companies artistic initiatives, including new works, apprenticeships, scholarships for the Grace Ballet School and the Sunhwa Arts High School, and community arts education programs for all ages. Tickets for the ballet begin at 500 Ryu, and Patron Sponsorships begin at 1500 Ryu. Golden Week is several consecutive national holidays that take place in the same week, with many festivals and religious observances. Many businesses and government offices are closed at this time, and people use this time to socialize and travel, beaches and cruises are especially popular. Takomatsuri: {kite festival} on May 1 – a celebration of clear skies, in honor of the sky that shelters and nurtures Midori no hi: {greenery day} on May 3 – a day to commune with nature and be thankful for its blessings Umo no hi: {ocean day} on May 4 – a day to give thanks for the bounty of the oceans Kodomo no hi: {children’s day} on May 5 – when families celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of children and raise the koinbori {carp windsock-symbolizing strength and success} for each member of the family Yama no hi: {mountain day} on May 6 – a day to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains The Grand Military Tattoo and Assault at Arms, the largest Military Tattoo and Pageant on Nejiro, always takes place the year before The Ichizoku Martial Olympiad (which takes place every six years for sixteen plus two days in August), as standings from the Tattoo affect standings at the start of The Ichizoku Martial Olympiad. The Tattoo is a series of ancient, traditional, and modern martial competitions, contested by the officers and soldiers of the regular and auxiliary units of the Nejiroan Armed Forces, who compete for the honor of their units, budgetary considerations for their units morale, welfare, and recreation services section, challenge coins, and preferred leave days. Over one thousand performers are recruited from every Nejiroan Armed Force unit and includes personnel from the Akai Yoake Military Academy, the Nejiro Defense Troop, all Ichizoku Militias, several PMC’s, ROTC units from various military schools and colleges, the Nejiro Fire Brigade Wildland units, select law enforcement organizations, and the NPO. The term originates from an early Terran phrase ‘doe den tap toe’ {turn off the tap} – a signal sounded by drummers or trumpeters to instruct innkeepers near military garrisons to stop serving beer and for soldiers to return to their barracks. The show is highly choreographed and intensely rehearsed, it includes theatrics, costumes, and several different ethnic and cultural styles of traditional military music consisting of brass, drums, horns, pipes, symbols, and gongs. There are drill teams, hippika gymnasia, gymkhanas, furusiyya, and other cavalry maneuvers, display teams, mock battles, bugle corps, drumline battles, staged assaults, historic re-enactments, displays of unarmed combat styles from around the globe, celtic and other ethnic dancers and dance teams, aircraft flyovers, choirs, and military bands and orchestras from around the globe. There will be a Musical Ride conducted by assorted units of Cavalry, and a Musical Drive conducted by artillery. The event also includes fireworks, projection mapping across the façade of The Castle, fanfares, and massed Pipe & Drums from each of Nejiro’s major ethnic cultures. The Tattoo occurs across five days of performances and competitions, with both an opening and closing ceremony. The competitions are judged by military, professional, and celebrity judges at each venue of the tour, with winners announced at the end of the tour. Each show always closes with the Top Secret Drum Corps, the only ‘civilian’ performers in the show, and consists of a color guard and twenty five highly dedicated drummers from every corner of Nejiro. They use the Basel drumming style which is militaristic and derived from the military drumming drills of swiss soldiers in the middle ages of Terra, but at a much faster rate that is more upbeat and playful, segments of the routine feature a rhumba, a drummers duel, drumstick juggling, fire sticks, and exploding flagpoles. Thirty percent of the proceeds of the tour will enrich several military, arts, and civilian charitable organizations including the Nejiro Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, Freedom Service Dogs, the USO, and Operation Homefront. 3068 Grand Military Tattoo and Assault at Arms Tour Dates Stadio del Leone D’oro, Bridges, Tairiku April 27-31 {golden lion} Olympia Grand Spektrum, Yousai, Tairiku May 10-15 Koshien Dome, Samar, Shinrin May 24-28 Marakana Stadium, Rainbow, Shinrin June 6-11 {red star} Mosaic Stadium, Hilo, Tairiku June 21-25 Nautilus Arena, Leyte, Tairiku July 11-15 Allianz Arena, Quezon Tairiku July 25-29 Legion Fields, Tarawa, Caoyuen August 8-12 Heroes Field Stadia, Lanikai, Tairiku August 22-26 Arrowhead Stampede Grounds, Kamloops, Tairiku September 12-16 Siniy Sports Complex (the Blue Bowl), Siniy, Caoyuen September 26-30 New Field Arena, Port, Tairiku October 9-13 ** Minpei Toride Parade Grounds, Tairiku October 23-27: this is an invitation only command performance for military dependents and families of the performers, high ranked armed forces commanders, ichizoku hierarchy, Ministers and Members of Parliament, the Governor and her staff, diplomats, ambassadors and other VIP’s Tickets begin at 50 Ryu, multi day passes and VIP packages begin at 200 Ryu For Press Passes please contact our public relations department at thegrandtattoo@defenceminister/MWR.njo.gov Culture Trip Toro Nagashi = Flowing Lanterns Dave Afshar Second in importance to New Year’s is Obon – the lantern festival or the festival of the dead. The annual lunar event is a national holiday celebrated in honor of ones ancestors and to show reverence to those who came before you, during August on the thirteenth through the sixteenth. During Obon it is believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors return to their homes. Toro Nagashi officially begins at the moment the ancestors commence their return to the spirit world. First a mukae bi - a welcoming fire is lit, traditionally lanterns are hung in front of houses, so the ancestors can easily find their way home, talk of the years happenings such as births or new jobs is then shared with the ancestors by visiting their graves, altars, shrines, and temples and leaving offerings of food and flowers. Families then come together to guide the spirits down to the sea using traditional candle lit lanterns lining the paths to the water, then once reaching the water floating lanterns with lit candles and senko incense are launched to guide the spirits return to the spirit world. As all humans originally came from the water, the lanterns visually represent the spirits return to the elements. In places without rivers, seas, or lakes the lanterns are released into the sky, to eventually return to the water. These lanterns are designed to ignite after reaching a certain height and then slowly burn away like flickering candles. Toro Nagashi sees thousands of lanterns set afloat at dusk to commemorate the souls of the dead, a spectacular display of light and dark as the lanterns glow slowly fades into the distance. Its easy for visitors to take part, you can bring your own lanterns or buy them ready made for around fifteen ryu. At most major festivals you will find tables set up where you can decorate your lantern with pictures and wishes. The festivals are free to watch, although it is best to arrive as early as possible – the riverbanks tend to get very crowded, those wishing to release a lantern may need to wait in line as long as an hour. You will also be treated to live music and traditional Obon dancing. The Bon Odori was originally choreographed to be performed in Yukata, and most often still is. It’s a dance that is as mesmerizing as the lanterns, with movements and gestures that express wishes for a good harvest and good fortune. The moves are easy to learn and master, making it a very accessible traditional performance. Please make your travel arrangements early, as most companies close down operations during this period, so travel will be especially crowded at this time. It is an important family gathering time as most return to their hometowns to pray together with their extended family and await for their ancestors spirits to return. JustLuxe City Guide Nicoelle Monaco When Yousai politicians, socialites, and high profile community leaders get together in ornate gowns, and perfectly tailored suits with cocktails in hand, significant changes are sure to follow. Each year the city holds some of the best galas, balls, and events that bring a community of world changers together to fundraise in lavish ways. While the main goal of the evening is to boost funds, no expense is spared at these functions. The list of prominent fundraising events is extensive and attending one of these illustrious galas is held in high esteem. Those in the know realize it’s not if you’ll attend but rather which you’ll attend. Here’s a look inside some of Yousai’s most prestigious balls and galas whose efforts continue to raise millions for charities and causes each year. CharityWorks’ black tie event in the spring, the Dream Ball, is held at The National Building Museum and helps to create changes in the community to break the cycle of poverty by uniting corporate leaders, donors, and volunteers. CharityWorks is a major philanthropic organization, in Yousai and other Nejiroan and Izar Cluster metropolitan areas, distributing millions in high impact grants. Each year the organization partners with two non-profits – one military and one non-military. Last year CharityWorks transformed the building into an ‘Absinthe Dream’ with décor by Hargrove. Guests enjoyed a four course dinner in the midst of green decorations and lighting. Free Spirit performed to over seven hundred guests during the evening. Sponsorships begin at 1500 Ryu for this year’s ‘Smoke & Mirrors: The Art of Illusion event on May 26, benefitting Blue Star Families and Hope for the Warriors. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Yousai’s premiere fundraising event Fight Night created by Fight for Children brings together over two thousand prominent social, business, sports, and media figures together for food, drinks and professional mixed martial arts bouts. The night raises funds for the organization that funds over seventy million ryu annually on pediatric disease research, trauma care, education, and patient services. Tickets for the 3068 June 4 event begin at one thousand ryu and sponsorships begin at thirty five thousand ryu. Attendees will have the opportunity to partake of a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and watch fighting legends duke it out in the ring. The Yousai Ballet Annual Spring Gala is a great event choice for those who enjoy the arts. Each year, the ballet raises funds through an extravagant production filled with whimsical themes and an impressive list of dancers. Single purchase tickets begin at twelve hundred ryu and continue to fifty thousand ryu for a Grand Benefactor sponsorship. This year’s spring event, Feathers, will be held the last Saturday of May at The Reach Performing Arts Center featuring tableaux from The Firebird, Sylphs, The Nightingale, and Wild Swans. Proceeds will benefit the Yousai Ballet Community Engagement programs. Champagne flutes will be passed out as guests arrive and wistful ballerinas will dance among the crowds. The United Service Organization is a non profit charitable foundation that provides entertainment, recreation services, social facilities, care packages, and other morale boosting efforts in service to the uniformed personnel of Nejiro. Recognizing honorees from the uniformed and armed services for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty, and heroism, as well as special volunteers, the annual USO Gala pays tribute to our men and women in uniform. In attendance each year are Yousai dignitaries, Members of Parliament, military leadership, public health, and safety leadership, members of the USO Board of Governors, USO corporate sponsors, and the media. Individual tickets for the June 10 event begin at one thousand ryu with sponsorship packages starting at fifteen thousand ryu. The 3068 black tie or military equivalent gala will be held at the Walter Harriman Convention Center and will boast performances by Akai Plutonium, Sazan, and Wildwood Roses, with actress/comedian Yuko Matsuoka as emcee for the evening. Attended by diplomats, military leaders, scholars, civic leaders, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ichizoku hierarchy, and the interstellar business community, the Shigosen Zaiden Ball {meridian foundation} is considered one of Yousai’s most distinguished events. Held at Shigosen Hausu {meridian house}, in the Taishikan Byoto {embassy ward}, the black tie, or military attire, affair brings together public and private sector leaders to celebrate the Shigosen Zaiden ongoing efforts to prepare leaders for a complex future through the exchange of ideas, people, and culture. Shigosen Zaiden is a non-profit, non-partisan diplomacy center that connects leaders through culture and collaboration to drive solutions for global and universal changes. Shigosen Zaiden works with governments, the private sector, and the diplomatic community to develop and exchange training, culture, and convening programs to help leaders better address challenges and opportunities. This years event takes place June 24, individual tickets may be purchased for one thousand ryu and sponsorships start at five thousand ryu with the proceeds supporting Shigosen Zaiden leadership exchanges, cultural activities, conferences, and seminars. Yousai’s most elite and powerful are in attendance, each enjoying the evening’s festivities and mingling with VIP’s. Yabai Takomatsuri and Kite Fighting: A History Kites have been around for quite some time now, having purportedly been invented in China during the fifth century. This statement is disputed by historians who insist that flying kites is something people have done for over two millennia. Initially, the Chinese used a fine article like silk, which was plentiful in that region, lined with bamboo. The men who supposedly invented it are named Lu Ban (or Gongshu Ban) and Mozi (sometimes pronounced Mo Di). Others say that a kite was used by a Chinese General named Has Hsin in 200 BC, to aid him to surprise attack an oppressive Emperor in a rebel raid. As time went on, and ancient civilizations traded with each other, the invention of kites made their way to different nations – initially those in Asia. Thailand, Korea, Japan, and India among other Asian nations, established their own styles of kites, as western countries caught on the trend as well. China heavily influenced Japan during its infant years, so that’s how kites were introduced to Japan. Buddhist monks who would travel fro China to Japan would bring all sorts of cultural factors that would play major roles in Japan’s society, such as language, religion, and inventions – and one of those was the kite. In Japanese ‘kite’ is pronounced as ‘tako’ and written as kanji symbol. Kites were made to aid in the construction of buildings, lifting carpentry materials up to rooftops. They were also used in religious practices and were incorporated in many mythological legends. Some of these legends are very grandiose, telling stories of men who would ride kites to visit their lonely sons in faraway islands, while others spoke of a thief who flew up to the roof of Nagoya Castle to steal the golden scales of the statue of a dolphin perched on top. The story does not have a happy conclusion – he was caught because he had been boasting about this act, and his entire family was boiled in oil. Ever-progressing technology has aided in developing the kite to fly more efficiently and to be used for purposes both important and recreational. Kites have so far been used as a lift to carry people off the ground, signals for the military, tools to test winds, a means of rescuing people, as a distance measurer, and so much more. As for recreational purposes, aside from the fun with simply stringing a kite along, there are several competitions that involve the creation of kites, and the mastery of manipulating kites. There’s aerial ballet, for example, where sports kites are made to follow certain patterns of movement simultaneously to put up a show. A more aggressive recreational kite sport that is famous and often celebrated is kite fighting. The kite fighting sport originates in India. These fighting kites are called ’patang’ and were used in competitions during festivals and celebrations. Indian kite fighting then made its way to other Asian countries through trade. Dutch traders are believed to be the one who brought the sport to Japan and then to western nations. Unlike the usual, traditional kites which can be large, graceful, and colorful, kites used for fighting are lightweight, volatile, and quick to follow each calculated tug. The point of this competition is for one kite to successfully wrap around the other, and cut the string off the opponents kite. The strings that hoist the flags up have glass that coats their lines, making it easier to slice the opponents string off compared to normal kites. Aside from cutting the string itself, another kite fighting competition involves dragging the entire kite down with yours. The kites used here are much bigger, though, with each large kite being maneuvered by an entire team of people. One fighter kite, traditionally formed, constructed with washi paper and bamboo, and possesses six sides is the Rokkaku Dako. The Rokkaku Dako is shaped as a hexagon, vertically upright, that bends with the wind. Its bridle has four points, while a spar runs down vertically, crossed by two more spars; somewhat forming the letter I. There are three strings that hold each end (amounting to six in total), shortly joining together to form the tail. The kite usually has designs and paintings on them, commonly of well known samurai. The Nagasaki Hata kite resembles the more popular idea of what a kite looks like. It is diamond shaped and easy to fly. This is the kite that historians suspect was influenced to the Japanese by Dutch traders. These kites come in many different colors, patterns, and illustrations. The Buka kite, which is less popular, is made from bamboo spars and lightweight washi, has a two point bridle and is rectangularly shaped. There is no design that is native to the Buka kite, so it encompasses many. Takomatsuri is a national holiday and occurs annually on May 1, it is the first festival of Golden Week. In Hilo there are several different fight competitions and residents prepare for this exciting event long beforehand by making their own kites and designing them themselves. The first competition is a team competition that battles head to head on the banks of the Canawa River in Sunrise Meadows Park in the Downtown ward. These kites measure about seven meters by three meters large, and usually have a mascot or symbol painted on them to represent the team. Many of these teams are formed by students from local high schools and colleges, and also by members of law enforcement, militia, and public safety units that are taken very seriously. Because of the windy weather that accompanies May and the flow of the Canawa River, the direction that the wind blows aids in the heated entanglement of the kite strings. The tug of war thus ensues, as the winner of this competition is the team that successfully yanks the other kite towards a certain mark suspended over the river in their direction. The battle grounds for more traditional kite fighting, with string cutting and blow-by-blow commentary of the attacks, are across the river and during heated moments between participants in the competition, you might even see some of them walk into the river just to regain control of their kite, and steer it away from other players – or let it dive straight into theirs. These kites must measure 1.65 meters by 1.35 meters and have a gagari (sharp metal) on their kite string to aid in cutting off the opponents kite. The last competition is an aerial ballet competition between teams that is judged on choreography and synchronicity. There are giant kites filled with inscriptions of names of those newly born launched to bless them in the coming years. During the windiest part of the day kites measuring three and a half meters by three and a half meters are launched tightly together, here it’s a test of wire strength, as they rub against each other, trying to cut one another with friction. There are kites flown just for the pleasure of seeing them fly. Koinbori, carp streamers, are also flown to symbolize the strength the fish portray when they swim against the current in their day to day lives; a representation of how ideally strong and progressive a Nejiroan man should grow to be in all aspects of his life. There is a parade of one hundred yatai or floats at sundown, traditional festival music is audible everywhere, and people march with gusto around the streets. A festival is not complete without stalls of food that you can pick from for snacks or lunch; karaage and udon are especially popular at this time. There are many websites that teach you how to build a kite if you really want to get into it and create one yourself. It’s easy to order the parts, and get digital instruction sheets on how to go about them, depending on which kind of kite style you choose. Most seasons are ideal for flying kites – perhaps the time most difficult to fly is April because of the many rain showers across most of the continent. Summer; usually July, August, and September, with great visibility, and clear skies and air. December and January hold cooler temperatures, but if you can brave the cold when the sun is out, it’s a cool experience. Kite fighting can be fun and is a great cultural sport to bond with friends and family. There are dozens of kite flying and fighting school clubs, also amateur, and professional teams for those who become passionate. The Nikko {sunshine} Chiku Great Get Together, fair and exposition occurs the last two weeks of August every year in Harmony Meadows, (the five hundred acre nature preserve, fairgrounds, and campgrounds) just outside Hilo. It attracts more than one million visitors each year and celebrates the agriculture, craft, and industry of the chiku. It is the largest and oldest agricultural and industrial exposition on the planet. A salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment, and achievement of the chiku. National media frequently ranks the event as one of the top events globally and is always a top ten choice for summer fun. The Great Get Together opens with the Starlit Illumination Parade the evening before the fairgrounds open, that ends at the Grandstand with a fireworks show and a welcome ceremony, with the Illumination Sensation Parade running every night thereafter through the fairgrounds. Every night also features a unique fireworks display, each done by a different company at different venues. Agricultural contests are held for largest and best in breed for swine, sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits, horses, dogs, and llamas. There are also a wide selection of races, contests, and hobby exhibitions (e.g. rooster crowing, pie eating, ugly lamp, wheelbarrow racing, the moo-la-la, kite flying, arm wrestling, wood chopping, mud runs, flower arrangements, redneck relay, cheese carving, best produce, robot challenges, best flowers, tractor pulls, best quilt etc.). There are more than nine hundred classes of food and beverages judged, the Avenue of Breeds will hold more than two hundred representatives, and there will be more than five hundred exhibitors and concessions that include food (from cotton candy to takoyaki) with over seventy varieties on a stick, merchandise (from t-shirts to tools), craft exhibits (from smithing to brewing), and vendors (from farm machinery to hot tubs). The Fiddle & Drum holds musicians, craftspeople, and luthiers who make and repair instruments from fine violins to washboards, with daily demonstrations of their arts. Thrillville offers the newest, fastest, most jaw dropping, and hair raising adventure and thrill rides to be found on the planet, along with arcades, midway games, and street entertainers. The Grandstand will host a big name artist every evening and includes the bestselling acts Blue, Big Bang, H.O.T., Shinwa, Trick Pony, Shooters, Yasuno Mitsuda, Twice, Got 7, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Emma Shah, Baby Metal, Zayn Malik, and Darren Cross. The three free stages and the Fair Coliseum will host concerts, theater, debates, athletic and martial exhibitions and competitions, urban and celtic step contests, beauty pageants, and other events every day. There are puppet shows, storytimes, strolling minstrels, and comedians performing all around the fairgrounds. There will be bullfighting, a rodeo, horse races, pig races, and competitive hoedowns. The Fair Coliseum will host the Nikko Cup, a hotly contested invitational association football tournament of high school and college clubs. There are several trade shows on the fairgrounds for livestock, industrial and scientific advances, fashion, agricultural machinery and equipment, hearth and home goods, and automobiles. There are always a wide variety of interactive and educational exhibits from around the chiku and the world at large. Join us as we strive to celebrate Nikko through amazing events, hands on experiences, and educational opportunities.