Kachikan Values
An Excerpt from Haley's Farming and Cultural Journey
Farming has ignited a deep ancestral knowing and led me to a greater sense of self and others. If I was still on my scientific path, ie. in graduate school or working as a chemical engineer, I don’t think I’d be on my current pursuit of indigenous knowledge and cultural identity.
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi is working on engaging more with the community and came to our farm yesterday to interview me for a video series (video below!) on young entrepreneurs in Hawaii. The goal of the video series is to inspire the younger generation to stay in Hawaii or return, like I did. They left me with a book of Kachikan values that the Issei (first generation Japanese immigrants) pioneers brought with them from Japan .Over the generations, these values have been passed down in our community and ties us to the shared values of our neighbors, regardless of ethnicity. Below I highlight some of these Kachikan and how they have influenced my ancestors as well as myself.
Gisei “Sacrifice” and Ganbari “Persistence”
My Grandma Adachi moved to Hawaii with her (ex)husband and son for a better life. She worked at a bar and later as a waitress at Ala Wai Golf Course where she met my Grandpa Miyaoka. My (great) Grandpa and Grandma Miyaoka also came to Hawaii in search for a better life. They worked on the plantation, enduring hard work, poor working conditions, low pay, poor housing and sanitation, and harsh treatment. These values of sacrifice and persistence trickled down to my father, who tirelessly provides for my family. I am so grateful for the sacrifices of my ancestors, who’ve allowed me the freedom to pursue my own dreams and live a comfortable life.
Gaman “Quiet Endurance”
My (great, great) Grandma Shinhara came to Hawaii as a picture bride from Hiroshima. When she arrived on the plantation on the Big Island, she was shocked to meet her husband who was as old as her father. She suffered in silence being married to a stranger, living in a new land, and working on the plantation. She had 7 daughters, and one of those daughters is my (great) Grandma Shinhara who met my (great) Grandpa Mizuta on the plantation. This spirit of quiet endurance has been passed down and is strongly exhibited by my mother, who deals with life’s adversities with diligence and perseverance, while maintaining dignity and honor. I call my mom our “rock” because she is patient and bears our everyday trials quietly and calmly. As a business owner and leader (and future mother?) I strive to uphold this value (but honestly, Matt is the rock).
Chūgi “Loyalty” and Meiiyo “Honor”
My (great) Grandpa Mizuta attended the University of Hawaii on an ROTC scholarship, studied agriculture, and moved to the Big Island as a teacher. When the war broke out, he enlisted in the army and was a Sargent in the 100th infantry battalion. Despite being a second-generation Japanese immigrant, regarded with suspicion and prejudice, he proved his loyalty to America. After getting injured at the Battle of Casino in Italy, he spent four years at a military hospital on the mainland before returning home to his family. The 100thinfantry battalion attained every one of their military objectives. Their determination and ferocity earned them the name of the “purple heart battalion”. My (great) Grandpa Mizuta’s demonstration of honor inspires me to always fulfill my obligations, specifically my obligation to serve my community.
Sekinin “Responsibility”
After returning from the war, many veterans were not educated so they pursued farming. My (great) Grandpa Mizuta was hired by the DOE to help lead a young farmer program. This passion for teaching continued with my Papa, who taught auto mechanics and woodshop at Stevenson Middle School. Papa has inspired my love for education and continues to teach me new things every day. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to teach and inspire others whether it’s through farming or even storytelling. By sharing knowledge and experience I think we can build better community and move towards a better world.
On “Debt of Gratitude” and Kansha “Gratitude”
I am forever indebted to the sacrifice, persistence, quiet endurance, loyalty, honor, and responsibility of my ancestors. Farming is an expression of my gratitude to those who came before me and a gift to those who come after me. My Japanese ancestors came as immigrants and became Kamaʻāina, children of the land. After graduating from high school I flew 5,000 miles away in “search for a better life”. 4 years later, I was called back to Hawaiʻi and have discovered that THIS is my best life.