My dream is to take you by the hand and dance with you on stage in front of tens of thousands of people as my friend DJ G-Spot and I play a set. This fun song “Recess” by Golden Coast would be one of the songs in my set. I’m not sure who you’ll be but I got a target date of 2017 or 2018!
Picture of the high technology and special effects stage at the 16th Annual Love Festival Hawaii on 9/27/2014.
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Here’s a song for you to dance into the new year called “Physical” by St. Lucia. This band produces that feel good music that I love, which reminds me of the songs of my childhood…
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Because it’s true, I’ll only play this game with you.
“Game 4 U” by St. Lucia.
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Here’s a song for you to dance into the new year called “Physical” by St. Lucia. This band produces that feel good music that I love, which reminds me of the songs of my childhood in the 1980s, and it has that electronic sound in what we now call EDM or Electronic Dance Music, an area I’ve been involved in through my friend DJ G-Spot, my friend since college at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. To have that 80s and EDM sound is awesome! Hmm, I have some ideas as I’m writing this entry.
For those of you still preparing for 2017, enjoy and make the most of your last day of 2016! For the rest of you, Happy New Year! I have a very good feeling that we can do great things in 2017!
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On 12/15/2016, I won the civil side of my DUI case and got my driver’s license returned because law enforcement violated statutory law and case law. I was hurt by false and inaccurate statements by law enforcement officers. Moreover, harsher actions are taken against you if you’re considered “high publicity.” You can be guilty for just being there. The criminal side of the case has been filed for appeal. There will always be critics and opponents on your success and failures. I definitely have my weaknesses, but I will keep learning and do my best to live with love and compassion. It feels so liberating to have a more private life.
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If I were ever so lucky to get my first novel published and made into a movie, a paranormal romance and suspense based in Hawaii, my top choice for the lead female role would be actress Vanessa Hudgens because the lead female character in my novel is Asian and Caucasian like her. Moreover, she would play the personality of the character nicely who is loosely based off of someone who was once a small part of my life.
To change popular culture in the United States to be more reflective of its diversity, it is very important for writers, producers, and entrepreneurs to develop stories, novels, movies, products, and services that share the unique cultural and ethnic diversity in our country rather than what we mainly see in popular culture in the United States today. It has gotten better, but it still isn’t truly reflective. I’m optimistic that commercialized story-telling will become much broader.
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Guns make it easy.
Anger can pull the trigger.
It can’t kill your love.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/27/2016, Haiku #52 –
I always go home,
leaving flowers to wither.
Love frozen in time.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/27/2016, Haiku #51 –
“Echo (Let Go)” by Breathe Carolina & IZII.
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The sign says, “Escape.”
So I work like I’m running.
It can’t numb my love.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/24/2016, Haiku #50 –
This morning I learned of the passing of my friend Spencer Ueda last night in a three-car accident. He and I became friends when I worked at DFS Hawaii between 1992 to 1996. Spencer was always smiling and full of laughter.
“Picture your eyes as I fall asleep.
Tell myself it’s all right, as the tears go by.
I wish I could feel your face.”
Nice song “Oceans Away” by Arizona.
To my loved ones, friends, and all of you,
I wish you a wonderful journey, the good and bad, as you progress on your work towards your dreams and visions. Below is a song I dedicate to you, “Visions” by Jaytech ft. Judah, remixed by Sedi.
With Warmest Aloha,
Jon Riki Karamatsu
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Music – I love you.
You draw out my emotions.
My thoughts – born from you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #49 –
Their false statements hurt.
The truth will sometimes prevail.
People equals law.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #48 –
How can I love you?
You live only in my words.
Yet you are so real.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #47 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Haiku, Love, Writing
Wherever you are,
Do you think of the unknown?
Let’s talk when we meet.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/17/2016, Haiku #46 –
Red roses are fake.
They don’t know the messenger.
Seek the gardener.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/6/2016, Haiku #45 –
You need me to help.
I walk with you in the storm.
Raindrops hide the tears.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/6/2016, Haiku #44 –
A blue ball of light.
She grabbed my hand and kissed me.
“It will be alright.”
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 12/6/2016, Haiku #43 –
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My breaths may be shorter,
but my dreams with you are longer.
You see, either way, you’re still with me.
Soon it’ll be my time to go,
but my memories of you will come with me,
so even though I’m not here, you will always be with me.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, December 6, 2016 –
[My friend Michael Oasay and his love for his wife Yvonne inspired me to write this poem. She told me how he was loving and supportive of her and her children for five years before they started dating. I thought that was so romantic, so I put it into writing in just a few minutes early this morning after I visited Mike at the hospital the night before. I knew Mike since I was in elementary school and Boy Scouts. His family and my family have been friends since our childhood. Mike is battling cancer, which is in a bad stage right now. Even though I know what’s before us, I’m hoping for a miracle. Mike’s such a wonderful person demonstrated by his unconditional love for others. I strive to be more like him. Please be kind to one another. I love you all. Love, Jon]
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Just found this song, “With Every Heartbeat” by Son of 8 & Phats & Small.
Nice beat – though the meaning behind the song and its music video can make your heart ache:
So I don’t look back.
Still I’m dying with every step I take.
But I don’t look back.
And it hurts with every heartbeat.
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In my low black car.
Sped by painful memories.
I will pick you up.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/28/2016, Haiku #42 –
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Those magnetic eyes
pulled me into emptiness.
Please launch my spaceship.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/28/2016, Haiku #41 –
Below is one of my favorite songs “Spaceship” by Comet Blue to go with my Haiku poem:
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Lying still at night.
That’s when it enters my head.
I stay up and work.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/28/2016, Haiku #40 –
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It’s better to try and know, than to never have tried and wonder.
(Just thoughts going through my head)
– Jon Riki Karamatsu –
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I feel you in me.
Take the paths built by my words.
In time, we will meet.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #39, 11/25/2016 –
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for many things, here are some of them:
Like many of you, I’ve lost a number of loved ones, and I’m thinking of them today. Have a great day and keep living life to your fullest!
Love, Jon
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Amazon (AMZN) has created a very heartwarming commercial that shows how multi-religions can live together harmoniously, especially between Christians and Muslims where there has been conflict between leaders and members of the two religions for hundreds of years. This positive message can be applied to unify all conflicting groups. We can all make a difference in making our world peaceful by spreading love and compassion to everyone we interact with.
The commercial features a priest and imam having a pleasant conversation over tea. As the the imam prepares to leave, both men remark at their sore knees, share a hug, and part ways. Afterward, they both take out their smartphones and buy the other knee braces through Amazon Prime.
The commercial ends with both the priest and the imam kneeling to pray while wearing the knee braces they received from the other via Amazon Prime.
I love this. So touching. Wonderful work Amazon!
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Spring will soon arrive.
Like seasons, we will evolve.
Plant our seeds now.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #38 –
Filed under Career, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Life, Love, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
Flowers bloom and die.
This may be our last chance.
Absorb its beauty.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #37 –
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I can’t stop crying.
Tears are my fuel for my art.
I hope it heals you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #36 –
[I hope my Haiku poems and my novels when they go public, can help you to heal the pain in your soul and inspire you.]
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You exist in dreams.
You seem so real – Is it so?
I sleep to seek you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #35 –
[This Haiku poem was inspired by my first novel, which I’m still pitching to agencies.]
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It hurts to know you.
Everything has its reasons.
Learn from good and bad.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #34 –
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War tore me apart.
Anger took over my heart,
until I met you.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #33 –
[My 2nd novel that I’m working on inspired me to write this Haiku poem.]
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Running and writing.
My medicine, my escape.
Visions come to me.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #32 –
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Haiku, Journal, Life, Love, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
Death and broken hearts.
We all experience them.
Upside down feeling.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, 11/19/2016, Haiku #31 –
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I’m crying as I type this entry in dedication to my friend Clift Tsuji, Hawaii State Representative from Hilo, Hawaii. He passed away today, November 15, 2016. He had an amazing life as a politician, banker, and businessman. Below, you will see a picture of pink clouds among blues skies that I took yesterday, just after I found out Rep. Tsuji was taken to the hospital. I also dedicate the song below to Rep. Tsuji, “Shelter” by Porter Robinson & Madeon. The lyrics touches my heart: “It’s a long way forward, trust in me. I’ll give them shelter, like you’ve done for me. And I know I’m not alone, you’ll be watching over us until you’re gone.”
I will continue to seek your guidance as I carry on forward.
Rep. Clift. Tsuji & Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu during conferences.
I will miss my dear friend Clift Tsuji, Hawaii State Representative from Hilo, Hawaii. This is one of my favorite pictures of Representative Clift Tsuji and I – caught candidly as we were in the middle of conference hearings while I was serving as a Hawaii State Representative. I enjoyed my time with him, our travels to Japan, and collaborating with him in creating laws and programs. When I ran for Lt. Governor, he had me sleep at his house in Hilo, Hawaii. After I left politics, Rep. Tsuji supported my private sector projects and gave me valuable encouragement. We regularly hung out or had meals with friends. One of my funniest moments with him was when he tried to introduce me to a girl in a shopping mall in Japan, and I literally ran away. He would always tell everyone how I sprinted and leaped away in the busy mall. It’s hard to believe that I can’t talk with him anymore, but I know he will still be with me as I proceed forward.
Rep. Clift Tsuji, Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
At Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Bon Dance
Rep. Clift Tsuji, Kazue Uehara, Rep. Jerry L. Chang, and Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu
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Such a moving song and nice video. “I Would Do anything For Love” written by Jim Steinman and sang by Meatloaf with Lorraine Crosby. Michael Bay directed the music video.
Romantic lyrics:
Woman:
Will you make me some magic with your own two hands?
Can you build an emerald city with these grains of sand?
Can you give me something I can take home?
Man:
I can do that!
With Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro at his campaign headquarters on election day, Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
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Please vote my friends Rep. Kyle Yamashita, Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro, Rep. Ken Ito, and Rep. Clift Tsuji.
Please vote for my friends Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say. In 2006-2007, Kirk was House Majority Leader and I was House Vice Speaker under Speaker Calvin K.Y. Say.
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You don’t know, you don’t know, know.
Your eyes glow in the dark, they glow.
You got friends all around, around.
It’s just you and me, you and me are going down.
Baby if you follow me home, I’ll follow you forever.
If you’re not going out in the cold, I’ll wait for better weather.
If you’re tired of walking alone, I’ll walk with you and watch the sky.
No matter where you are, no matter where you are, I wanna hear your footsteps in the night.
“Footsteps In The Night” by Lost Frequencies
With my friend and mentor Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro at his fundraiser at Bishop Museum on the evening of October 19, 2016.
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Jodo Shu Hawaii Bazaar today, October 16, 2016 at 1429 Makiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Clothes, products, and food.
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It’s better to be loved than hated. A common saying, but a good reminder for our daily practice in our interactions with others.
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Will you feel
the sparks after the sunset
and stay close
to see the fire burn?
Will you stay
and wrap your arms around me?
Stay close
to see the fire burn.
“Sparks After The Sunset” by Cosmic Gate and Sarah Lynn, and remixed by Rafael Frost.
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Cute as a bunny.
You run circles around them.
Even a tiger.
-Haiku #30, Jon Riki Karamatsu, 10/10/2016-
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Uncategorized, Writing
