Aloha mai kakou!

It is a very exciting time for my `ohana and I here in Hawai`i. The opening of our Halau Na Mamo O Tulipa Iapana in Shinjyuku, Japan, is a dream that was never imagined. I am truly happy and hope that we have a great turnout and that the people of Japan can have a halau that can teach them the true Hawaiian culture and spirit of Aloha.

Kawahine`olu`oluokala`ula`ula “Etsuko” Sekiya, has been a strong member of our Hawai`i branch and a student of mine for the past three years. She has shown a great spirit of Aloha, and a great strength in her ability to operate classes, workshops, and demonstrations. Her love and passion of hula and Hawaiian culture is very strong and evident in everything that she does. She will serve as the alaka`i or leader of our Halau Na Mamo O Tulipa Iapana classes. I know that she will represent me well when I am not there.

My main goal for Halau Na Mamo O Tulipa Iapana will be the same goal I have when I offer workshops is Japan, and that is to close the gap between Japan hula and Hawai`i hula. Like I always say, there is a difference and it is noticeable. I want to close that gap by passing on my mana`o to those who are willing to open their minds and are willing to take that step forward to help close that gap as well. I do everything with good intentions and it is my hope that everyone can be a part of these steps forward.

I offer a congratulations to all who will participate in our halau and I encourage all of you to stop by, check us out, and see if this will be something that you are interested in. I hope that we can all share the same love and passion of hula and the Hawaiian culture together for many many more years to come! I look forward to meeting all of you in my upcoming visits to Japan. Until then, take care and always remember, “Many in Body, One in Mind!”

Me Ka Paulele Palena `Ole,
(With Never Ending Faith,)

Kumu Leato S. Savini, Director/Founder
Halau Na Mamo O Tulipa, Leeward O`ahu