Twitter • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube • Published 11/9/2023
Our November 2023 hybrid seminar, “I Learned Japanese in a Classroom”, was a success, and brought together Japanese language-learning and Japanese language-teaching enthusiasts in-person and online via Zoom to hear riveting stories and experiences from our fantastic panel of speakers, each with their own unique and compelling journey into the world of Japanese language learning.
Panelist Kati Vasconcellos
FaSST Coordinator and Study Abroad Advisor Kati Vasconcellos began her Japanese language journey at an early age, through interest in Japanese culture, including manga, anime, and cuisine. Kati began formally studying the language in the 8th grade, and remarked to her family with joy that she was really enjoying it. Kati later went on to complete a B.A. from University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Japanese Language, and even took courses from Dr. Dina Yoshimi, moderator of the event! Kati continued further and completed a M.A. in Japanese Linguistics, and has opportunities to use her Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge in her current position at UH Mānoa, advising students looking to study abroad, and coordinating with partner institutions in Japan.
Panelist Stephen Dyer
Attorney Stephen Dyer’s Japanese language journey began at Notre Dame, where at one point he had no choice but to enroll very late into a Japanese language course in order to keep him eligible to maintain his scholarship. Stephen had no exposure to Japanese at all growing up in Chicago, and he had to really study hard to catch up. Fast forward to later in his career, he was called upon to talk with the survivors of the 2001 Ehime Maru Incident in its immediate aftermath. Stephen’s strong language skills and understanding of the culture empowered him to show genuine compassion and solace to the survivors at a time they really needed it.
Panelist Walter Kirimitsu
Judge Walter Kirimitsu’s law career was propelled by his Japanese language skills, which began at home at a young age; Walter’s mother came to Hawaii from Hiroshima and spoke primarily Japanese in his formative years. When it came time to choose a second language for fulfillment of his UH Manoa degree requirements, he chose Japanese simply because it “made sense”; he had no experience with any of the other languages. He went on to major in Japanese Language & Literature, and later received a J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law school. Walter’s Japanese language skills and understanding of the culture helped him to excel in his storied career. Most importantly, he met his future wife in a Japanese language course!
Moderator Dina Yoshimi
A special thanks to our fantastic moderator, Dr. Dina Yoshimi, Director of the Hawai’i Language Roadmap Initiative and Associate Professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at UH Mānoa. The engaging dialogue from the panelists all flowed seamlessly thanks to Dr. Yoshimi’s exceptional preparation and skillful moderation. Dr. Yoshimi, through her well prepared questions, effortlessly drew out insightful anecdotes and valuable insights from the panelists, and our audience members came away more informed, more motivated, and well entertained. Thank you Dr. Yoshimi!
Thank you once again to all of our attendees in-person and online! Please stay tuned for more events from the Center for Japanese Studies!
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