I’d like to start with a wonderful memory of deep-fried Andagi bliss — the Okinawan donut was my favorite treat growing up in Hawaii at family gatherings we were invited to join at the Chinen family restaurant in downtown Honolulu’s Chinatown.
Being allowed to fill up on soda at the drink station and trying out the industrial dishwasher are also fond memories for me, but the highlight of each party was when the family’s eldest member, grandma Chinen, came out of the kitchen to where everyone was gathered to present the big party plate of the doughy, crispy, warm from the deep-fryer Andagi.
Ooooh, aaaaahhh we were all excited and appreciative of her hard work which made these Andagi taste so much more special.
Actually, I’ve had Andagi many times since in Hawaii, Japan, and even in Okinawa where these donuts were invented– but nothing comes close to replicating that beautiful childhood Andagi experience.
This is probably because, as you may have guessed, it wasn’t just about the donut– it was about being included, cared for and welcomed by a community of people outside my immediate family.
This month on my talkshow, I’ve talked with a few women who are great examples of community-builders. Although each is so unique in the specific focus of their work, projects and passions– there is a common thread which takes me back to my great childhood memories of gatherings in Hawaii.
Tiffany Rossdale is passionate about supporting people who are in need of guidance and support as they transition in the LGBTQ+ community. Tiffany is coaching individuals as well as helping the surrounding family and friends to understand and better support their loved ones who are changing.
Tokyo-based Tiffany Rossdale is a talented interviewer and podcaster which is such a great way for her to communicate ideas of inclusion and support. I love her interview with Kimono stylist legend Sheila Cliffe. Sheila and Tiffany both wear fabulous kimono from Sheila’s private collection while they talk about Sheila’s child who transitioned and Sheila shares her regrets about not being more supportive– encouraging other parents to be more accepting of a LGBTQ+ child.
Another stunning example of community building this month comes from Kyoto-based Australian long-time Japan resident, talented filmmaker Felicity Tillack. Felicity creating the stunning Japanese film “Impossible to Imagine”, set in the backstreets of Kyoto, about a young woman who feels isolated and confused about the best path forward. The characters are stuck between traditional Japan and the need to change and adapt to be more inclusive.
Felicity’s short documentaries are also about modern Kyoto’s diverse community and how international residents are creating cultural and traditional connections for local Japanese residents as well as international residents– finding common ground and mutual acceptance.
Tillack says she wants to portray a more accurate, modern sense of what it means to be Japanese in her films and I find her films as well as her point of view hopeful, inclusive and inspiring. Through her lens, the audience is given a glimpse of the types of communities we need to build more of across Japan.
I love the part of Felicity’s documentary about the Jam Jar cafe when the origami-sensei from the neighborhood talks about feeling so welcomed and comfortable in the cafe as he grew up seeing many of the traditional Minka buildings the cafe is in, but most of the other Minka have been torn down. So he shares an appreciation with the Australian owner to restore and remodel the traditional buildings to make a welcoming, inclusive and modern community space for Kyoto’s new mix of residents and visitors.
Hiroshima-based Eremi Rey Hermosilla, is also a champion of inclusion and community building as she supports same-sex couples coming to live together in Japan. Using her paralegal and research skills she provides visa advice and knowhow to her international and Japanese clients. She also helps international businesspeople navigate the complexities of government subsidies through her business Shacho-Bell.
Eremi is also an inspiration to many Japanese and international businesspeople as a career coach and mentor by sharing her insights, guidance and techniques to allow people to follow-through on their projects.
Like Tiffany is a life-coach, Eremi is a career-coach– these professional advisors are so important now as we are at the end of 2021 as so many of us are feeling lost and in such desperate need of life and career support. People with coaching skills who are able to listen to us, and can help us see and create a clearer path forward are so important.
On a spiritual level, Victoria Yoshimura is another great example of a community builder in Japan.
Originally from England, Victoria overcame resistance to marry into a Buddhist priest family and overcome linguistic hurdles to become a Buddhist priest herself. She is now well-known in her area for her beautiful song-like chanting.
Victoria’s story is amazing as she has powered through all sorts of barriers in her traditional community as a woman, foreigner, priest, business owner and mother.
As a lodge owner, she has also added a level of inclusiveness to a temple that might usually be intimidating, by welcoming international and Japanese visitors alike to take part in not only a spiritual journey at the temple, but also to enjoy a comfortable stay.
She has infused her own heritage into the design of her temple guesthouse– rescuing quality elements like the 100 year old wooden beams for floorboards, commissioning local artisans to create stained glass, and adding comfortable beds and English style BnB comforts. Many guests say it is like coming home when they stay at her temple-lodge.
Lisa Mimura is my final example. Lisa is a young, talented community builder based in Hiroshima. When I talked with Lisa Mimura of MyJapan about her background coming from an artisan family of fude-brush makers in the town of Kumano- it was heartwarming to hear that she is so grateful of her family legacy and heritage.
She grew up learning calligraphy, kimono, and traditional Japanese cultures, but adds that it was also her experience traveling abroad that gave her the confidence to launch her business. Lisa has launched innovative new events, tours and projects in Hiroshima over the last 3 years.
Lisa uses a wide network of collaborations with artists, entertainers and craftspeople, community activists and businesspeople. Her vision, coordination and management helps many young creatives bring their passion for art and traditional Japanese culture to the public stage.
Her projects give me hope for the future– forging a new way forward based on her ties to diverse communities. She has been successfully finding ways to balance the needs of people-planet-profits in creative, inclusive and surprising ways.
Thinking back on that warm welcome I was given as an outsider in Hawaii by a local family with ties to the local community, I’m so grateful.
Of course, it wasn’t just about the Andagi or other amazing food at the party– it’s not just about any 1, final product. Instead, it’s about the process of building community, by being more inclusive in purpose.
Now at the end of 2021, doesn’t it seem more difficult to connect and include one another this year as our smiles are covered by masks. Finding ways to show support for others by saying a kind word, writing a note, sending a holiday card with a thoughtful message, or sharing some yummy treats can really help support, connect and include people who are feeling lost.
I’d like to end with a little encouragement for you, please remind yourself:
You are capable, you are worthy and you are loved!
I look forward to connecting once again with you in 2022!
