‘Building bridges that will last a lifetime’

A traveling exhibit fosters understanding of Asian culture for the young and old

Eight-year-old Akira Itai's recent visit to the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center made him feel right at home. Dressed in a happi coat and headband, he graciously served a group seated in the Japanese house. "I like serving tea and sushi. It reminds me of home," he said.

On exhibit 'Japan & Nature: Spirits of the Seasons' Place: Hawaii Children's Discovery Center Date: Through June 4 Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Admission: $8 adults; $6.75 children ages 2 to 17 Call: 524-KIDS

Akira was among a group of students from Liholiho Elementary School's English as a Second Language program who explored the seasons at the exhibit -- springtime in Fukuoka, summer at Lake Biwa, autumn in Kyoto and winter in Sapporo.

Cherry blossoms, shrines, calligraphy and Japanese New Year's games are all part of "Japan & Nature: Spirits of the Seasons" -- one of seven exhibits that travel the nation under the Freeman Foundation's Asian Exhibit Initiative.

The Kyoto section shared Shinto traditions and many children carried a portable shrine or took their turn at Taiko. At Lake Biwa, they caught fish, took in the sights, went tent camping and on bug hunts. These sections were among the favorites. Kimonos, jackets, headbands and shoes are also available to try on.

"We are studying all of the different cultures where the students come from," said Liholiho Elementary teacher Brandy Aylward. "Most of them are from Asia. We just celebrated Girls Day. It's good for them to see what we are learning about. And the kids really like Japan."

Nine-year-old Staci Tran enjoyed camping out and creating bug rubbings using paper and crayons. "I liked the tent best."

Thomas Luong liked making noise. "My favorite was the drum. It made a big boom."

THE EXHIBITS have drawn 1.2 million visitors in 25 different states, according to Houghton Freeman, the foundation's chairman.

"The Freeman Foundation believes that children's museums best convey cultural information to children by providing hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity and motivate learning," he said. "We want to get kids interested in Asia."

Freeman hopes that the children learn something -- "or find it is a cool country and that further spurs their interest." In 2002 the foundation distributed more than $89 million in grants for programs that strengthen understanding between Asia and the United States.

Loretta Yajima, president of the Discovery Center, noted the increasing number of intergenerational visits.

"I love seeing the seniors talking and interacting with the kids. They are passing on traditions and an understanding of cultural heritage," she said. "We take it for granted that they know these things because they live in Hawaii. We have mochi pounding, carp flying and Boys Day, but they may not know the origins of the traditions. The Japanese tourists also love the exhibit ... they feel stronger ties to Hawaii."

Freeman hopes to bring another traveling exhibits to the islands. Out of the seven, three focus on Japan, and one each on China, Korea, Laos and Vietnam.

"Children's museums represent a powerful and fun way to reach America's children and their families and teach them more about the culture, history and traditions of Asia," said Freeman. "With this initiative, we are building bridges that will last a lifetime."

Fun fest for keiki runs Sunday

In honor of Children's Day, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is holding its third annual "Kodomo no Hi: Keiki Fun Fest."

Keiki will have fun with the make-and-take crafts sessions, kimono dressing, Japanese dance performances, a mini-craft fair, animation drawing, an andagi-eating contest and, for the first time, a cultural scavenger hunt.

To replenish their energy, there will be a variety of foods available for purchase including waffle dogs, Waiola burgers and bentos.

The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the courtyard and on the fifth floor. Admission is free however there is a fee for the kimono dressing.