Today would prove to be a rigorous day to say the least. We had a full action packed agenda and were going to be touring around Uwa Jima.

One of the most important missions however while here would be a visit to the school of the nine children who died tragically aboard the Ehime Maru. The tragedy occurred 6 years ago, and since then there has been a link between the town of Uwa Jima and Hawaii, to help build bridges and allow for the healing process to begin. After the tragedy had happened a group from Hawaii wanted to send their deepest regrets that such a travesty could happen, and had asked anyone who wanted to give a flower to bring it to Hokule’a, and that the voyaging canoe would bring those flowers out to sea in remembrance of those 9 children. Apparently the families of those children were so touched by the jester that they asked when Hokule’a sailed to Japan that they also bring the souls of their children back to them.

Today, we traveled to the school and met the family of the nine children. It probably was one of the hardest things to do. You can still see the pain in each parents’ eyes, yet the resilience that they are able to exude is unimaginable. Mr. Mizuguchi, the spokesperson for the families, would also be in attendance. They then took us outside in front of the school and showed us a monument for the children. 7 balls stacked on top of each other representing 7 ocean, with 9 surrounding pillars supporting the ball, representing each of the children. We would present to the families kahili made by Kaleinani Brown, and a stand made by Jeryy Ongais. Each stand was placed in front of the family one by one, then each kahili one by one was placed into the stand to the families. Each crew member then present flowers to the memorial. The families expressed their gratitude and stated that they were touched by the gesture that was made.

After the ceremony we left the school and headed over to one of the more well known traditions here, bull fighting. Yes, I know it does not seem real, but nothing does seem so here, I am going to watch a bull fight in Japan. Apparently, the story goes that there was a group of Dutch sailors who ran aground in Uwa Jima, and were taken in and cared for by the locals here. Later the sailors returned home to Holland, and sent bulls as gifts to the city for helping them out. Hence, the tradition of bull fighting had been started. I am not sure if some of the story was lost in translation, but that is what I got. The arena was a big round circle, with a huge tent like roof, with colorful benches encircling the central arena. The bulls are made to touch heads and then basically push against each other, in a rather gentle manner. We were told that they just wanted to give us an idea of bull fighting but not go all out. They had set this demonstration just for us that day, usually the event only occurs 5 times per year.

After the bullfight, we were whisked away to the Date (pronounced Dahtay) Museum. The was the family name of Uwajima’s diamyo (feudal lord). Here we would see the Palanquin that carried Princess Yoshi, a beautiful box with gold detail and a large long rod that extends over the top to carry her around town. There were several samurai uniforms, bows and arrow, masks for plays, and various ceramics. I feel like I should have taken a Japanese Art/History course before coming, there is just so much to see and learn here.

The day continued now, with a visit to Uwa Jima castle. This castle is beautiful, and takes about 20 minutes of climbing up stairs. On your way up you are surrounded by giant trees, which allow bits of light to stream through. The steps are made of stone, with some moss surrounding them. At the top of the steps, there is a grand lawn, with a picturesque view of the city all around. You can see why the samurai would have chosen this spot as place of defense against attack. If any one were to come they would be exhausted by the climb up for sure. Inside the castle, which was three tiers tall, you could see a completely wooden architecture. There were no furniture in it now, but I could imagine how regal it must have been if it were all decked out.

We then traveled on, yes the day still went on. We made it to a pearl farm, and had a demonstration of how pearls are made, and harvested. Then we headed up to the pearl shop, which was just like letting loose children in a candy store.

Finally, we headed back to the hotel, got cleaned up and treated to a dinner by Mr. Mizuguchi. It was a beautiful set up, with tatami mat seating, and a long table full of food fit for a king. There was sashmi overflowing the platter, vegetables, soups, fried chicken, katsu and fresh fruits. It was a truly nice way to end a beautiful day.