I lived in Hawaii. I learned many things that only those who have lived there can understand. I met many wonderful local families, and they took care of me. I am truly grateful.
As you know, in terms of industry, it's tourism. We have to rely on external sources for many things. Even food comes from the mainland on large ships. So, it's naturally expensive. People from outside the island buy up land and do business. People from outside the island bring new things and ideas that match well with Hawaii from abroad and gain wealth... People in Hawaii buy things from outside the island... Children go to universities on the mainland.
Watching the situation, I thought, "What can I do as a resident?"... That's what I thought.
First, I wanted to learn more about Hawaii, and in a place called Waipahu http://www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org/There's something like a folk village and historical research facility, so I went to visit. You can learn from history how Hawaii's multi-ethnic culture was formed. It's quite interesting! Please visit! You can see the lifestyles of the Portuguese, Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, etc. at the time. The staff at the museum explain things, which makes it even more interesting. The origin of Hawaiian words is also connected to this era. It's very interesting! I'll talk about this again separately.
(By the way, the illustration at the beginning of this volume depicts people working in sugarcane fields at that time. The background is a supermarket flyer, all showing high prices. I donated such a painting to this facility.)
Anyway, at that time, everyone worked hard labor in sugarcane fields and plantations, and that's how they built the Hawaii of today. That's right, Hawaii used to be an island that was "created".
There was a time when Okinawa tried to focus on IT. Knowing that, I started thinking, "What about Design and Art in Hawaii?" I thought, "What if a creative community could be formed where people in Hawaii could deliver businesses to the world through design?" I started researching various things. People in Hawaii creating something on their own... I'd like to participate as an instructor too. As I researched and asked people, I realized, "This isn't something that can be achieved with superficial efforts."
Yes, it felt similar to how I felt back then. It was the same feeling I had when I was planning an art project for the Native American community in my home country.
No matter how I think about it, if the people involved don't think so, nothing can be done. And there are still many problems stemming from the deep parts of their history, politics, economy... etc. There are parts here that I can do nothing about. The more I learn, the more I feel like an "outsider." (Regarding Native Americans, I took university classes and studied Supreme Court cases to understand various issues, but... it became too much to handle in many ways.) Honestly, there were times when I felt my own powerlessness and inability to get involved.
However, I say this because I've tried my best. I'm glad I did it. When I donated my paintings, the people at the Hawaii Plantation Village were delighted, and I was truly happy from the bottom of my heart. I felt like I was able to convey a little bit of my gratitude to Hawaii.
Whatever it is, just give it your all. If it doesn't work out, try the next interesting thing. That's fine.
P.S. I'll write more about interesting things in Hawaii again.