Party at the Embassy!

“He’s checking names…are we on the list?” It was the moment of truth. Jess pulled through the gates of the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Honolulu and gave our names. The guard checked us off the list and waved us through. We were in. Embassy party time!

What exactly were we doing? We were wondering the same thing. “What can you tell us about this event?” we asked someone behind us in line for tasty super-genuine Japanese food at the buffet. “Yeah, this that and this organizations work together to showcase and improve Japan-US relations and stuff.” Ok, that’s about what we thought.

We found some seats, compared notes on what we were eating, and then the program began—a Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force band played Aloha Oe and classic American marches, followed by six very brief speeches in 20 minutes, then two taiko drum performances and a karate demonstration.

The evening cooled and soft breezes swayed the huge paper lanterns that glowed and swished overhead. Rainy season approaches. A frog hopped tentatively into the crowd, fleeing the booming of the drums  evoking the echoing call of the mountains. The taiko drummers’ group name means, “sign of happiness coming.” It was indeed a sign of happiness for us; maybe not for the frog.

“Although we are experiencing a lot of issues in the Asian Pacific, the Japan-US alliance is the closest it’s ever been,” said Consul General Koichi Ito.

Rear Admiral Hiroyuki Izumi spoke eloquently of the “significant and pleasant time.”

Much was made over several hundred new JMSDF sailors on their very first training cruise in attendance. They provided all the entertainment. We applauded them enthusiastically.

Everyone stood for a final kanpai—cheers to this night, this place, these guests, which can never again be recreated.

If it sounds like the end, it isn’t. Jess and I had formed a loose and ambitious to-do list. With just half an hour until the party ended, we set to work. First—photo with the Consul General and thank him for hosting us at his lovely residence. Next, we found Peter Kelley, who I first met at this event, and told him how much we’d enjoyed tonight’s event. Then we met 92-year-old George Ariyoshi, the third governor of Hawaii (1976-1984) and first American of Asian decent to become governor of a US state or territory. After that we complimented a new friend’s lovely dress and found out we’re practically neighbors, then skipped over to say hello to the Atsugi base chaplain we recognized from 2010 and his wife. She told us it was so fun to wear a nice dress because for formal events she usually wears a kimono. If anyone is wondering, wrap dresses with mixed floral patterns and fluttery kimono sleeves are so hot right now. Love! And of course we talked to several JMSDF sailors, who are happy to now be sailing home for Japan.

In the end, I still wasn’t totally sure what the whole point was, but I’ve always wanted to go to a party at an embassy. Life goal achieved! We sure had a nice time. Or rather, a significant and pleasant time!