Maui's cultural scene is set to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Melanie Agrabante and Karen M. Wasano at the upcoming Nihon Bunka Awards cere...
Maui’s cultural scene is set to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Melanie Agrabante and Karen M. Wasano at the upcoming Nihon Bunka Awards ceremony during Shinnenkai. This prestigious event, hosted by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, will take place on Jan. 24 at the Maui Beach Hotel.
Melanie Agrabante
Originally from Maui, Melanie Agrabante has dedicated her life to preserving the heritage of Japanese arts and culture. Serving as the archive director at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, Agrabante’s commitment to history dates back to her volunteering days in 2008. She has been instrumental in documenting the stories of Maui’s Nisei veterans and sharing them through various mediums.
Aside from her archival work, Agrabante is a talented photographer whose images support the NVMC’s publications and social media. Her ability to present history with compassion and dignity has fostered meaningful cross-cultural dialogues.
With a lifelong passion for Japanese culture, Agrabante has delved into traditional practices like hula, Japanese dance, ikebana, and tea ceremony. Her dedication to these arts showcases her deep-rooted connection to Japanese traditions.
Karen M. Wasano
Known professionally as Fujima Saemitsu, Karen M. Wasano has dedicated over four decades to the art of Nihon Buyo, traditional Japanese dance. Her expertise and teaching skills have nurtured generations of dancers on Maui, ensuring the continuity of Japanese dance culture.
Despite health challenges limiting her formal teaching, Wasano continues to mentor former students and remains an influential figure in the dance community. She has choreographed innovative works blending tradition with contemporary expression, keeping Japanese dance relevant for new audiences.
As the principal instructor of Mika Shin Buyo Kai of Wailuku, Wasano has led her students to showcase Japanese culture at community events and annual recitals. Many of her pupils have gone on to achieve successful careers in the dance world.
For those interested in attending Shinnenkai and witnessing the honoring of these remarkable individuals, tickets can be purchased at jcsmaui.org. For further details, inquiries can be directed to jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.
Source of the article: www.mauinews.com