Report

The FY2025 Short-term Intensive Study Program took place in Hawaiʻi. Eight students from the University of the Ryukyus, selected from different faculties, participated in the program. Accompanied by faculty and staff members, the students engaged in a variety of educational activities on Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu. Through on-site lectures and fieldwork, participants gained broad knowledge and practical experience related to island regions.

This year marked the third Hawaiʻi program. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, one of the program’s partner institutions, served as the main destination. Students learned about the history, culture, and language revitalization efforts of Hawaiʻi.

During the program, they observed and participated in a Hula class conducted entirely in the Hawaiian language and visited the Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Center, which develops Hawaiian-language textbooks and picture books. These experiences deepened their understanding of Hawaiian-language education and highlighted the importance of collaboration between local communities and educational institutions in preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages.

In addition, the students organized an Okinawan food-related workshop that they had originally presented during the Intensive Study Program in Okinawa, and shared it with local students while engaging in discussions about Okinawan food culture. The final karuta (Japanese card game) match brought great excitement among the students and created a lively and memorable moment.

During their stay in Honolulu, the students also participated in the Okinawan Festival and gained internship experience at the University of the Ryukyus’ promotional booth. They contributed to the event in various ways, including carrying flags in the opening parade, providing interpretation at the Koryuu Kai gathering, and joining the Bon Dance.

This year marked the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaiʻi, and many municipalities from Okinawa participated in the festival, making it more vibrant than ever. Through this experience, the students were able to feel firsthand the strong ties between Okinawa and Hawaiʻi, as well as the deep appreciation for Okinawan culture among the Okinawan diaspora in Hawaiʻi.

The students also visited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where they reflected on the historical background of Okinawa and Hawaiʻi and reconsidered the significance of World War II history and peace education.

In addition, the students observed Hawaiian-language classes at a local public elementary school and engaged in discussions with teachers about language preservation and revitalization in both Okinawa and Hawaiʻi. They also had the opportunity to attend a lecture on oral history at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported and contributed to the successful implementation of this summer program.

Program Overview

【Program Period】August 26 – September 4, 2025 (10 days)
【Locations】University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island) and various locations on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
【Program Activities】
・Campus tour at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo; observation of a Historical Linguistics class, participation in a Hula class, and observation of Hawaiian language classes.
・Student exchange meeting hosted by the Center for Global Education and Exchange at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
・Field visit to the College of Agriculture at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo; visit to the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center to view an exhibition on loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds); visit to the Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Center, which develops Hawaiian-language learning materials.
・Student-led workshop on the theme of “Okinawan Food.”
・Exchange with alumni of the University of the Ryukyus.
・Participation in the Okinawan Festival and internship experience at the University of the Ryukyus promotional booth.
・Carrying flags in the opening parade and providing interpretation at the Koryuu Kai gathering.
・Educational visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
・Observation of Hawaiian language classes at a local elementary school.
・Visit and lecture at the Center for Oral History at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa.

Voice of Participants

・Learned about a wide range of topics including education, language revitalization, tourism, and military presence, and realized that perspectives and levels of awareness in Hawaiʻi differ from those in Okinawa and Japan. The visit to a local elementary school was particularly memorable, where Hawaiian was used in everyday communication and students from diverse backgrounds learned together. This experience helped place my own values in perspective and highlighted the importance of viewing issues from multiple angles.

・Visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial left a strong impression regarding how memories of war are preserved in the United States. Through the D-Tour, it was possible to understand the site while learning about the history and lives of Native Hawaiians. The experience also reinforced the importance of the spirit of lasting peace represented by the Cornerstone of Peace in Okinawa and provided an opportunity to reflect on how peace education and historical memory should be passed on in the future.

・The Hula class experienced at a school in Hawaiʻi was the most memorable activity. Dancing barefoot outdoors created a strong sense of connection with the land and nature, making it a valuable experience of learning culture through the body. It also provided insight into an educational approach that respects local culture and environment, and inspired ideas for future learning and teaching.