The Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu honored the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s (CJS) and our with the Commendation of the Consul General, recognizing the lasting impact they contribute to Japan-Â鶹´«Ã½ relations and cultural understanding.
CJS, founded in 1986, has been a driving force in advancing Japanese studies across UH. The Center has grown out of more than a century of Japanese language and culture instruction at the university. Today, it connects 29 full-time faculty members and 11 language instructors, and supports the offering of more than 100 courses each year that explore Japan through disciplines ranging from sociology and law to theatre and history.
“We study and teach about Japan in order to prepare the next generation for their futures spending time in Japan, working with Japan, helping us understand Japan, and for that, especially drawing upon UH¡¯s remarkable strength in language and cultural instruction,” said Mark Levin, director of CJS and a professor at UH¡¯s Richardson Law School.
Former CJS directors attended the special ceremony, including Patricia Steinhoff, Robert Huey and Mary McDonald, alongside former associate director Gay Satsuma. Their decades of leadership have helped shape the program¡¯s national reputation and global reach.
Preserving Chad¨
The UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ Way of Tea Club was also recognized for its work preserving and teaching the Urasenke Chad¨ tradition, a refined practice of preparing and serving Japanese tea. Beyond its ritual, Chad¨ embodies the values of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility that have influenced Japanese art, architecture, philosophy and business.
Consul General Yoshinori Kodama praised the Center and the club for its dedication to bridging Japan and Â鶹´«Ã½. He also paid tribute to the late Dais¨sh¨ Genshitsu Sen, the 15th-generation Grand Master of Urasenke, whose guidance deeply shaped both organizations.
Accepting the commendation on behalf of the club was UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ lecturer and Way of Tea instructor Akiko Ono, who continues to share the spirit of Chad¨ with a new generation of students.
