I’m so happy for my second cousin Chloe Suzuki who graduated from Punahou School, Class of 2018 last night at Stan Sheriff Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is the oldest of the 6th generation on my mom’s side of the family (Sakai). Chloe will be attending Georgetown University this Fall.
#secondcousin #family #punahouschool #graduation #classof2018 #2018 #mindful #happy #joyful #honolulu #hawaii
No matter what challenges we have, there are always many things that are good in our lives. Hard to say goodbye. My niece and I.
#niece #sister #family #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Motivation
My 4-month-old niece and I. 5th and 6th generation. Love and peace.
#niece #baby #family #mindfulness #gratitude #love #peace
Filed under Uncategorized
My dad, mom, sisters, baby niece and I at Jodo Shu Hawaii after a service for my Karamatsu grandparents.
#family #grandparents #jodoshuhawaii #jodomissionofhawaii #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Buddhism, Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Dinner with my mom, dad, sisters, niece, and brother-in-law at Fete in Honolulu, Hawaii.
#family #dinner #fête #restaurant #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
My mom, dad, sisters, baby niece, brother-in-law, and extended family attended my cousin Jill and Nathan’s wedding at Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii on Saturday April 28, 2018.
#cousin #family #wedding #kualoaranch #oahu #hawaii
Filed under Events, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness
Last night, Sunday March 18, 2018, for my family’s weekly video conference with my sister Mia and her family, my dad made corned beef cabbage with a slow cooker.
#cornedbeefandcabbage #slowcooker #cooking #dad #family #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Cooking, Family, Food, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Filed under Compassion, Empathy, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Influencer, Life, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Peace, Positive Living, Positivity
Happy 3rd birthday to my niece Sophie! Here we are on January 11, 2018 in San Mateo, California.
#birthday #3rdbirthday #march7 #niece #family #love #grateful
Thinking of my loved ones who passed away, and those of you facing life threatening illnesses. If I spent five days in prison in order to have them back for a moment or to take away your suffering from killer diseases . . . I look within myself to find clarity. Love you all.
#loveones #family #friends #death #lifethreatening #illnesses #diseases #health #quote #quotes #peace #empathy #compassion #innerpeace #love #mindfulness
Filed under Compassion, Empathy, Family, Friends, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Quotes
This afternoon of Monday February 19, 2018, I attended two funerals. The first was at 5:00 P.M. for Mrs. Miyono Shimoda held at Jodo Mission of Hawaii where she was an active member. My mom and I greeted the family. As President of Jodo Mission, I represented the organization in placing incense in the incense holder to pay respect to Mrs Shimono as Bishop Yubun Narashiba and Rev. Kanjun Nakano chanted. My grandparents Maurice and Bessie Karamatsu were friends with her and her late husband Robert “Bob” Shimoda. I got the opportunity to spend time with Mrs. Shimoda when we volunteered at Jodo Mission of Hawaii, who was always very nice. She passed away at age 96, and will be missed. It saddens me to see the friends of late my grandparents leave.
At 6:00 P.M., my mom and I joined my dad to attend the funeral of Thomas Yukio Okubo at Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary, my dad’s cousin on my grandma Bessie Karamatsu’s side of the family. He was a construction manager for Mitsunaga Associates, and passed away at 65 years old, a young age for our time period.
I feel vulnerable. The impermanence of my existence and those I know becomes more and more real with each passing day.
#memorialservice #funeralservice #memorial #funeral #friend #miyonoshimoda #family #thomasokubo #peace #love
Celebrated my dad Richard and brother-in-law Ross’ birthday at Fete with my mom Laraine and sister Lara in Honolulu, Hawaii.
#birthday #dad #ross #family #fete #dowtown #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Since April 7, 2015, I’ve been working quietly on a few start-up companies and taking in business clients once in a while that need legal or government affairs services. I often joke to my friends or acquaintances who wonder what I’m up to, by telling them that I’m training quietly at a planet in the outer rim called Tatooine where Obiwan Kenobi and Luke Sywalker were in hiding, and rebuilding the way of the Jedi. On the eve of 2018, I reflect on the things I’ve done in 2017 such as spending time with my family on 83 occasions or days; being with my sister Mia and her family who lives in the Bay Area, California for 12 days, and when apart, video conferencing them 27x with my parents and sister Lara; exercising (running, lifting weights, and swimming) 144x; running 550 miles; finishing the Honolulu Marathon and Great Aloha Run; writing 68,979 words for my 2nd novel; receiving a finalized land deal just before the end of the year that I will sign on behalf of one of the companies I’m building; working on 3 other start-up projects in the preliminary stages that’s slated for launch in 2018; and traveling to Beverly Hills, California in February 2017 for work and San Mateo, California in December 2017 to share the Holiday Season with my immediate family. Excited for 2018!!!
Here, I’m pictured in San Mateo, California as I enjoy my time with my family. I wish you a happy, healthy, and succesful 2018!!!
#newyear #happynewyear #2018 #newyear2018 #family #business #entrepreneurship #law #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Family, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Law, Life, Mindfulness, Motivational, Positive Living, Productivity, Success, Writing
Celebrated my birthday with my immediate family: my mom, dad, younger sister Lara Karamatsu and brother-in-law Ross Kohara at Alan Wong’s in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 21, 2017. My younger sister Mia, brother-in-law Mike, 5-year-old niece Elyse, 2-year-old niece Sophie, and 2-day old Adalei are in the Bay Area, California.
#birthday #family #alanwong #restaurant #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Feeling good this morning! My younger sister Mia, second of 3 siblings had a baby girl, her third daughter! Mia and her family lives in the Bay Area, California. I have tears of joy forming as I write this, amongst all the work I’m doing for my business projects. I can’t wait to see them soon!
#baby #niece #sister #family #love #joy #happiness #peace #mindfulness #gratitude
Ready to do some work!!! Daily practice on my little goals!!!
#business #law #entrepreneurship #aviation #construction #entertainment #concerts #writing #novels #books #exercise #love #romance #friends #family #life #peace #hawaii #world
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Concerts, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Events, Exercise, Friends, Goals, Gratitude, Law, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Novels, Peace, Poems, Positive Living, Romance, Success, Writing
Keep writing the story of your life!!! Next chapter!!!
#business #law #entrepreneurship #aviation #construction #entertainment #concerts #writing #novels #books #exercise #love #romance #friends #family #life #peace #hawaii #world #quote #quotes
Filed under Business, Career, Concerts, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Events, Exercise, Family, Fiction, Friends, Goals, Gratitude, Health, Journal, Law, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Movie, Music, Nonprofit, Peace, Politics, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
Yesterday, my mom dropped off turkey jook (turkey and rice soup) at my home. I’m super grateful for the thoughtfulness of my mom. I love her! Today, my energy is low, and I’m feeling mentally down even though I received good news early this morning on one of my projects, got a nice email from a new friend and potential business partner, and glad for a couple of decisions I made on two stocks. Yet, I feel down. Strange how we can have these mixed emotions. Thus, my mom’s soup really gave me some comfort today. I will attempt to do some work tonight to lift my spirit! May peace be with you, and cheers to all of your moms for all they do for you!
#turkeyjook #turkeysoup #soup #mom #mother #family #love #business #entrepreneurship #law #mindfulness #gratitude #honolulu #hawaii
Stretch or Stretchy Boy as we like to call him is slowly fading out. He’s more relaxed now compared to earlier so he’s spending his last moments at home. I’ve been sitting by him this afternoon and this evening. I don’t want him to go, but I know it is near. Through him, I appreciate life, and make an effort to be mindful of all the good things I have in my life, especially the simple pleasures of life like being around those you love. For Stretch, he was always so happy to see us, enjoyed walks, going to the beach, and his favorite foods. He reminds me of the importance of loving others in the purest form as he demonstrated it towards us. I love Stretch with all of my heart.
Our family dog Stretch isn’t doing too well. Today may be his last day with us since my dad is planning to take him to the veterinarian. He’s been coughing out blood, threw up his food last night, hasn’t eaten today, and his breathing is getting worse. The cancer has taken its toll. The blood might be filling in his lungs. Through it all, he never complains. Stretch is 14 human years old so he is on the older side for a dog. It’s so hard to see him suffer. Stretch has such an unconditional love.
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]
Filed under Blog, Creative Writing, Creativity, Journal, Life, Love, Love Story, Poems, Writing
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
Filed under Blog, Journal, Uncategorized
Stretch is such a kind and loyal member of our family. My dad got him as a little puppy in 2001. He was recently diagnosed with cancer, but fortunately, his walk and appetite has gotten better, and my mom said he even barked recently. When I dog-sat him just about month and a half ago, he ran out of the gate and down the street, which forced me to take him for a walk. I think he knew that that moment was the last time he would be able to run like that. I love him so much.
When I was a baby, my mom would talk and read to me.
As a toddler, she made me do math and English workbooks by rewarding me with a penny for every page I accomplished.
As a kid, my mom drove me to soccer, baseball, Aikido, cub scouts, and many other activities until my dad could meet us after he finished work.
My mom and dad attended all my soccer games and watched me progress from an average player to one of the State’s highest scorers.
While I struggled to find out who I was during my teenage years, my mom helped me through it.
On the day I graduated from high school, my mom and dad that was there.
When I broke up with my first girlfriend and saw my college grade point average drop, my mom comforted me.
When I made my college comeback by raising my GPA and graduated from the University of Hawaii with a B.A. in Political Science my mom and dad was there.
My mom and dad flew to Washington State to see me graduate from Gonzaga University School of Law, and later that year they saw me sworn in as a lawyer under the Hawaii State Bar Association in the Hawaii State Senate.
A year later, my mom and dad witnessed me get sworn into the Hawaii State House of Representatives.
When I was in jail for DUI, my mom and dad was there to be bail me out.
When I got attacked by the media, political opponents, and haters, my mom and dad stood by me.
Every time I was feeling down from angry people, power hungry politicians, tyrant and tantrum-filled judges, and selfish business persons, my mom was there to listen.
With every plan and goal I came up with for my business and political endeavors, my mom always told me to give it a try.
Even now, my mom is alway there to cheer me on. Through her I’ve learned that when we strive for what we want, anything is possible, and that having empathy and compassion is the best way to live.
I dedicate this song “Be As You Are” by Mike Posner and remixed by Jordan XL to my mom and to all of you mothers out there.
Filed under Blog, Business, Career, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Journal, Life, Mindfulness, Music, Peace, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized, Writing
On Sunday July 24, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., I served as the MC for my Great Aunty May Fumiko Akimoto who is my mom’s baby sister’s mother-in-law. The service was held at Hosoi in Honolulu, Hawaii. My cousins Chelsea and Jill gave a nice remembrance speech, and it was touching to see the little ones, Tatum, Zoe, and Parker say their “Thank you” to the guests and “I love you” to their late great grandma, May Fumiko Akimoto. I will miss her.
With the latest wave of passing of my family and friends, including my cousin Brad Tanaka, great aunt May Akimoto, and Congressman K. Mark Takai, at times, my heart floats into a realm of nothingness. While there, I gain clarity, and then return here to keep trying my best to live with all I’ve got.
To all my friends, my heart is with you. There will never be anyone like you. Keep striving for your dreams. Most importantly, I wish you happiness. I dedicate this song “Surprise Yourself” by Jack Garratt & remixed by Griffin & Manila Killa.
Filed under Blog, Dance Music, Electronic Dance Music, Family, Happiness, Life, Love, Peace, Pop Music, Positive Living, Positivity, Uncategorized, Writing
I’m saddened of my cousin Brad Tanaka’s passing on June 29, 2016 from Type 1 Diabetes. He was only 46. The cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown. My cousin had it since he was about 9 years and from then on, he had to administer shots into himself every day in order to stay healthy. I really hope there will be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes in the near future. I pray to him in hope that he is happy and at peace. When I close my eyes, I can see him smiling.
This morning I found out one of my great aunties through marriage had passed away yesterday. I saw her at our many family gatherings on my mother’s side. I’m saddened and will miss her.
Filed under Blog, Family, Life, Uncategorized
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 