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CG Kamo’s Remarks

At the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce Installation Banquet

July 10, 2010

Good Evening.

It is great to see so many people came out. It is with great to be here this evening. Thank you for including me in this festivity.

 But, to be honest, I don’t like to perform the role of toaster at banquets in Hawaii, for it would happen at the end of the program. By that time, people would lose attention by drinking too much or begin worrying about getting parking validation.

 In Japan, we toast first. Or should I say, you are not supposed to begin eating before toasting. Japanese banquets are sometimes very formal, toasters can never get relaxed and they want to get it done as soon as possible so they can be relieved of anxiety of making mistakes. It’s a cultural difference.

 On behalf of all guests here this evening, I would like to thank and commend the outgoing Chairman Sydney Hamada and his officers for their dedicated services in the past year.

 They say that it is a long tradition at the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce that greatness of the Chairmanship would be judged by how well he has done with the Kabuki play, Shiranami Gonin Otoko at the new year’s banquet. By that criteria, the outgoing chairman did a great job and received very high marks, I imagine. He has set a high standard for his successor both in play and more importantly, in leadership.

 To the incoming Chairman Wayne Kato and his officers, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and wish all of them the best of luck for their future endeavors as they embark on a new term. We are counting on you.

 On this note I would like to propose a kanpai toast to all of you, members of the Chamber for your continued health and success. KAMPAI!