PUHI — The visitors made quite an impression. Six students from the Shukutoki University in Chiba, Japan, stopped by Wednesday to perform one last act for the residents at Regency at Puakea before the interactive song and dance group caught a
PUHI — The visitors made quite an impression.
Six students from the Shukutoki University in Chiba, Japan, stopped by Wednesday to perform one last act for the residents at Regency at Puakea before the interactive song and dance group caught a flight back home today.
Arriving Sunday, the group spent three days visiting and performing at care homes and schools, culminating with the performance at the Regency.
“I’ve been to all of their performances and they are all different,” said Rev. Kosen Ishikawa of the Koloa Jodo Mission, who introduced the Denden Mushi Panel Theater.
The students sang songs using illustrations with artwork they created themselves.
Ishikawa said one of the goals for the students is to learn English. The performances are done primarily in English with interactive lessons involving some Japanese.
The group, called the “Denden Mushi Panel Theater” crew, surprised the Regency residents by visiting and presenting them with an origami gift.
“We want them to come back,” said Eunice Burgonia, Regency’s activities coordinator. “The residents are really happy to see them and enjoyed the presentation.”
Denden Mushi, translated into English means “snail.”
Seiya Matsuzaki, one of the performers, said this was his first visit to Kauai.
“I love the ice cream,” he said of the island. “Especially, the chocolate ice cream.”
Judy Segawa, Regency at Puakea resident, said seeing the students reminded her of being in school.
“Their school is similar to where I went to school,” said Segawa, a former teacher. “Their school is Shukutoki. The school I went to was Seitoki, a Buddhist mission school.”
