Tag Archives: Hawaii

2019 Opening Day of the Hawaii State Legislature


I attended the Opening Day of the 2019 Hawaii State Legislature on Wednesday January 16, 2019. This is a photo I took from the third floor of the Hawaii State Capitol. 🏛

My business partners and I are working to build facilities, infrastructure, and services for private jets at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (“KOA”), which will create jobs and revenue for Hawaii island and the State of Hawaii. Further, our entities are helping the State on improvements they want in their KOA master plan. 🛫

Further, my other business partner and I passed out coupon fliers for our client Minori Craft Japanese Tavern @minorihawaii , a Japanese restaurant located near the Hawaii Convention Center at 1731 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. 🥢

It was nice to see old friends and colleagues when I served in the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010. I also got to meet recently elected politicians and new friends. 😊

Even though I’ve been trying to live quietly and alone for about 3.75 years, I still have the passion and love for playing a small role in Hawaii’s future, now entirely through the private and nonprofit sectors. To all my friends I saw hustling to make Hawaii better, thank you! 🤗

#hawaiistatelegislature #hawaiistatecapitol #politics #politicians #representatives #senators #colleagues #friends #oldfriends #newfriends #business #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #aviation #jets #privatejets #fixedbaseoperator #kona #airport #restaurant #japaneserestaurant #honolulu #hawaii #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #grateful #thankful #optimistic #lovehawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Goals, Law, Restaurant

January 8, 2019 Soft Opening of Minori Craft Japanese Tavern


Minori Craft Japanese Tavern’s Soft Opening is today, Tuesday January, 8, 2019!!! 🎆😊 Soft Opening business hours for 1/8/19 to 1/31/19 are as follows:

Mondays — Closed.

Tuesdays to Sundays from 5pm-12am.

Happy Hours from 5pm-6pm & 10pm-12am. 🥢

Reservations can be made at (808) 951-4444.

Take-out bento reservation – 1 day advance notice. Bento pick-up time is from 11am to 3pm. 🥢

10% discount when you bring the restaurant’s flyer or ad in the Nikkan Sun.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern is located at 1731 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, which is on the Westside/Ewa of Kalakaua Ave. & North/Mauka or mountainside of the Hawaii Convention Center & Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii. There’s parking in front of the restaurant. Also, 2-hour parking validation is available at Century Center Condominium at 1750 Kalakaua Ave., East/Diamondhead of Minori Craft Japanese Tavern. 🥢

The restaurant serves various dishes such as nabe/hot cooking pot with chicken, pork, beef, and assorted vegetables; yakiniku or BBQ chicken, beef, & pork; sashimi; tempura; sushi; curry; other popular Japanese cuisine; & dessert.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern has 2 floors & a bar, a great place for dining for lunch & dinner. They will be able to accommodate business & private events as well.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern restaurant is on Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, & Pinterest, & its website is at http://www.minorihawaii.com.
Tsukada Nojo was its former brand.

Mahalo!

#japanesecuisine #japaneserestaurant #hawaiirestaurant #hawaiirestaurants #entrepreneur #hawaiibusiness #hawaiibestkitchens #oahueats #yelphawaii #japanesefood #japanesefoodie #localkinegrindz #hawaiifoodie #hawaiitravel #hawaiifood #hawaiieats #hawaiigrinds #onogrinds #hawaiifoodporn #eatinghawaii #hawaiifoodfinds #eathawaii #bestfoodhawaii #honolulu #visithawaii #hawaiiinstagram #honolulueats #izakaya #happyhour

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Dinner with Friends on 12/23/2018 at Minori Craft Japanese Tavern


My friends and I at Minori Craft Japanese Tavern @minorihawaii on December 23, 2018. Three of us are December babies: Brandon, Ellen, and I. If you’re interested in checking the restaurant out, their business hours for 12/25/18 to 1/7/19 are as follows:

Mondays & 1/1/19 New Year’s Day — Closed.

Tues. to Sun. from 5pm-12am (Open on Christmas, Dec. 25, 2018). 🥢

Reservations at (808) 951-4444.

Take-out bento reservation – one day advance notice. Bento pick-up time is from 11am-3pm.

10% discount when you bring their flyer or Nikkan Sun ad.

Soft Opening business hours on 1/8/19 & for the rest of the month of January 2019 are as follows:
Mondays — Closed.
Tuesdays to Sundays 5 pm to 12 am.
Happy Hours from 5 pm to 6 pm & 10 pm to 12 am.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern is located at 1731 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, which is on the Westside/Ewa of Kalakaua Ave. & North/Mauka or mountainside of the Hawaii Convention Center & Kapiolani Blvd. There’s parking in front of the restaurant. 2-hour parking validation is available at Century Center Condo. at 1750 Kalakaua Ave., East/Diamondhead of Minori Craft Japanese Tavern.

The restaurant serves dishes such as nabe/hot cooking pot; yakiniku/BBQ; sashimi; tempura; sushi; curry; other popular Japanese cuisine; & dessert.

They’re on Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, & Pinterest, & its website is at http://www.minorihawaii.com.
Tsukada Nojo was its former brand. Mahalo!

#japaneserestaurant #hawaiirestaurant #japanesefoodlover #japanesefoodie #foodie #foodies #dining #hawaiieats #hawaiidinner #hawaiidining #hawaiirestaurants #japanesecuisine #cuisine #yelphawaii #grinds #hawaiitravel #travelhawaii #eathawaii #hawaiibestkitchen #honolulu #hawaii #hawaiifoodfinds #pauhana #happyhour #placestoeat #eatout #hawaiisbestkitchens #hawaiistagram #hawaiifoodie #hawaiifood

Leave a comment

Filed under Food, Restaurant

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern Open Christmas & New Business Hours


Wishing you & your loved ones a wonderful holiday season! Minori Craft Japanese Tavern is open tonight, if you want to go out for a Christmas dinner.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern’s business hours from 12/25/18 to 1/7/19 are as follows:
Mondays & 1/1/19 New Year’s Day — Closed.
Tuesdays to Sundays from 5 pm to 10 pm.
 
Call to make reservations at (808) 951-4444.
 
Take-out bento reservation — One day advance notice. Bento pick-up time is from 11 am to 3 pm.
 
10% discount when you bring our flyer or ad in the Nikkan Sun.
 
Soft Opening business hours on 1/8/19 & for the rest of the month of January 2019 are as follows:
Mondays — Closed.
Tuesdays to Sundays from 5 pm to 12 am.
Happy Hours from 5 pm to 6 pm & 10 pm to 12 am.

 

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern is located at 1731 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, which is on the Westside/Ewa of Kalakaua Ave. & North/Mauka or mountainside of the Hawaii Convention Center & Kapiolani Blvd. There’s parking in front of the restaurant. 2-hour parking validation is available at Century Center Condo. at 1750 Kalakaua Ave., East/Diamondhead of Minori Craft Japanese Tavern.

The restaurant serves dishes such as nabe/hot cooking pot; yakiniku/BBQ; sashimi; tempura; sushi; curry; other popular Japanese cuisine; & dessert.

They’re on Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, & Pinterest, & its website is at http://www.minorihawaii.com.
Tsukada Nojo was its former brand. Mahalo! #japaneserestaurant #hawaiirestaurant #japanesefood #honolulu #hawaii #christmas

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Food

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern’s 2nd Floor


Hi Everyone!

Here’s a view of Minori Craft Japanese Tavern’s second floor lounge and dining area that’s great for company meetings or gatherings, or a birthday celebration or get-together with friends! Check it out when you dine there.

The restaurant is now open to the public for its December 2018 special business hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, from 5 PM to 10 PM! Call to make reservations at (808) 951-4444.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern is located at 1731 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, which is on the Westside/Ewa of Kalakaua Avenue and North/Mauka or mountainside of the Hawaii Convention Center and Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii. There’s parking in front of the restaurant. Also, 2-hour parking validation is available at Century Center Condominium at 1750 Kalakaua Avenue, East/Diamondhead of Minori Craft Japanese Tavern.

The restaurant will be serving various dishes such as nabe or hot cooking pot with chicken, pork, beef, and assorted vegetables; yakiniku or BBQ chicken, beef, and pork; sashimi; tempura; sushi; curry; other popular Japanese cuisine; and dessert. They also have take-out bentos available.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern has two floors and a bar, a great place for dining for lunch and dinner. They will be able to accommodate business and private events as well.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern restaurant is on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and its website is at http://www.minorihawaii.com.
Tsukada Nojo was its former brand.

Mahalo!

#japanesecuisine #cuisine #japaneserestaurant #japaneserestaurants #restaurants #restaurant #hawaiirestaurant #hawaiirestaurants #japanesefood #japanesefoods #japanesefoodie #japanesefoodporn #partyvenue #partylocation #hawaiiparty #businessdinner #foods #foodie #foodies #foodsofinstagram #foodlover #foodlovers #hawaiifood #hawaiieats #hawaiigrinds #pauhana #happyhour #hawaiifoodporn #honolulu #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Food, Restaurant

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern


Dear Friends,

I’m excited for Minori Craft Japanese Tavern, a Japanese restaurant that will launch in the first quarter of 2019 at 1731 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, which is on the Ewa-side or Westside of Kalakaua Avenue & Mauka or North of the Hawaii Convention Center & Kapiolani Boulevard.

The restaurant will be serving various dishes such as but not limited to assorted sashimi; assorted tempura; sushi; nabe or hot cooking pot with chicken, pork, beef, & assorted vegetables; yakiniku or BBQ chicken, beef, & pork; other popular Japanese cuisine; a number of different appetizer dishes; & some dessert choices. There will also be take-out bentos available for people & organizations.

Minori Craft Japanese Tavern has two floors & a bar, a great place for dining & pau hana or after work gatherings to unwind. It will be able to accommodate business & private events as well.

The restaurant is on Facebook & Instagram, & its website is at https://www.minorihawaii.com Minori Craft Japanese Tavern. Have a great day!

With Warmest Aloha,
Jon

#japanesecuisine #cuisine #japaneserestaurant #japaneserestaurants #restaurant #restaurants #japanesefood #hawaiifood #food #foodie #foodies #hawaiirestaurant #honolulurestaurant #dining #nabe #yakiniku #tempura #sashimi #sushi #honolulu #hawaii

The restaurant will be serving various dishes such as but not limited to assorted sashimi; assorted tempura; sushi; nabe or hot cooking pot with chicken, pork, beef, & assorted vegetables; yakiniku or BBQ chicken, beef, & pork; other popular Japanese cuisine; a number of different appetizer dishes; & some dessert choices.

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Food, Restaurant

Farewell Richard Minatoya


I’m saddened by the passing of my friend Richard Minatoya, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of Maui County and former Councilman of the Kauai County Council. He is pictured in the middle. Richard passed away on Sunday November 18, 2018. He was 51. We worked together when I was serving as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Legislative Liaison of the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu. In addition to work, I enjoyed socializing with him and our mutual friends. I will cherish the memories I had with him.

Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar, Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth, Maui Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Richard Minatoya, Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Riki Karamatsu, and Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu .

The Team: Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar, Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth, Maui Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Richard Minatoya, Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Riki Karamatsu, and Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu at Hawaii Legislative Opening Day on 1/21/2015.

Deputy Prosecutor Richard Minatoya addresses the Hawaii Supreme Court in the Baldwin Auditorium in Wailuku in August 2017,

Leave a comment

Filed under Death, Friends

My Mom’s Birthday Dinner at MW


Celebrated my mom’s birthday tonight at MW with my dad, sister, and brother-in-law. The owner of MW is my mom’s high school friend’s daughter. It was a great night!

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Happiness

A smile to a stranger goes a long way.


I ran 5 miles in Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii on Monday October 29, 2018 at about 2:00 P.M. I ran up the hill to the upper part of Waikele. At the top, I smiled and waved to a female professional groundskeeper who was working on the front area of a house on the main street with her co-workers, a man and another woman. Their white van was parked on the driveway that stuck out onto the sidewalk. A little surprised, her serious face turned into a smile, and she waved back.

When I reached the house again on my second lap, I had slowed down into a walk, resulting from me being out of shape and the heat from the intense humidity. The same lady went out of the way to meet me on the street. “Did you run around? she asked with a beaming smile.

“Yes,” I answered.

“How many miles is it?”

“It’s about 2 miles.” The neighborhood block contains several planned communities within Waikele and about 40% of the Waikele Premium Outlets, which is about 2.5 miles to go around.

“Have a good one!” she cheered.

“Thank you!” Her happy energy pumped me up to get back into a run.

I stopped by the Waikele Community Park to drink water from a water faucet near the swimming pool. As I walked out into the parking lot, I saw the lady again in the driver seat of a the white van with her colleagues inside. They were parked in a stall near the grass of the park.

Upon eye contact, we enthusiastically waved at each other with laughter.

I put my hand by my mouth like it was half of a megaphone. “I’m following you!” I joked.

She laughed and made a running motion with her arms and upper body. “I want to run like you,” she said.

“Have a good day!” I told her. Happy, I was again motivated to run the last part of the way home.

This was one of only three people I spoke to that day and it made my day!

When I got home, I was even more happier when I found out entrepreneur James Altucher liked one of my haiku pictures I posted about going within ourselves to build, explore, and create. Plus, earlier that day, a business partner of mine from Kona, Hawaii emailed my a nice message, following up on a great meeting we had last Thursday at Starbucks in Waikele. All this positive energy is motivating me to finish my 3rd edits/4th draft of my 2nd novel, a historical, suspense, and romance based in Baghdad, Iraq during the U.S. occupation.

Everyday we can spread love through a smile!

#exercise #run #running #training #marathon #honolulumarathon #smile #greet #stranger #groundskeeper #entrepreneur #jamesaltucher #business #aviation #partner #writing #novel #book #honolulumarathonshirt #asics #asicskayano #bose #bosesoundsport #waikele #oahu #hawaii #happy #happiness #joy #mindful #mindfulness #gratitude #love

Leave a comment

Filed under Compassion, Gratitude, Happiness, Positive Living, Writing

Huge Sweet Potatoe From My Dad’s Garden!


My dad and I replanted a citrus tree and picked sweet potatoes from the same pot of the tree from my dad’s garden. This is the big one rinsed off.

#sweetpotatoes #garden #vegetables #pearlcity #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Food, Garden, Gratitude, Mindfulness

You Are So Precious


You are so precious.

Don’t ever think otherwise.

Flowers bloom from dirt.

– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #157, 9/18/2018 –

I dedicate this poem to all of you. Keep your heads up!!! The flowers are from the farmers market in Hilo, Hawaii on 9/22/2018.

#haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #poem #poetry #quote #quotes #art #creativewriting #writing #books #novels #nonfiction #love #life #positivemindset #mentalhealth #positivelife #positiveliving #joy #happiness #mindfulness #gratitude #flowers #orchids #hilo #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Gratitude, Haiku, Happiness, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness, Poems, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing

Music Plays A Huge Role In My Life!


Music plays a huge role in my life. I listen to songs with happy hooks and beats, especially electronic dance music to keep my myself happy and positive and when exercising. Classical and relaxing instrumental music is what I listen to when writing legal documents and researching laws. I like fun music when researching and writing business documents and nonfiction projects. When I write my novels and poems, I enjoy romantic and sad songs so I can bring out the emotions in the characters and dramatic scenes, then I switch to uplifting songs for the happy scenes. Here, I’m wearing my wireless Beats headset from my friend Ryan Sanada in my office with the plumeria flowers in the background. There’s also coconut trees behind the plumeria tree, all very relaxing to look at while I work!

#music #songs #edm #electronicdancemusic #beats #beatsheadphones #headset #headphones #work #law #business #writing #research #fiction #novels #poems #nonfiction #entrepreneurship #office #plumeria #flowers #coconuttrees #oahu #hawaii #mindfulness

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Creative Writing, Electronic Dance Music, Mindfulness, Music, Poems, Pop Music, Writing

Children of a Neverending Summer


The children of a neverending summer jumping off a stepladder into the ocean. As adults, life can come at us hard. Children remind us to live in the present moment. They clearly define mindfulness by the way they live. Beautiful Haleiwa, Hawaii with my friend Mike who added comments on the moment. We reminisced when we were children. We could relate on how these children felt, not wanting the moment to end, playing until the last drop of sunlight.

#children #beach #ocean #sunset #clouds #mindfulness #gratitude #haleiwa #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Happiness, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living

Consistency is Key to Our Goals!


Consistency is key to writing, exercise, and any goal that we have. On some days we rock it, while other times, we struggle. We progress by just doing it. My friend who I met at Starbucks is walking behind me. She looks like a ghost because of her movement.

#consistency #daily #habits #practice #productivity #goals #starbucks #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Business, Consistency, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Goals, Life Coach, Productivity, Writing

No Hurricane, Back in the Groove!


Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Gratitude, Hawaii, Mindfulness, Motivation, Writing

Hurricane Lane Reporting by Justin Cruz


News reporter Justin Cruz’s knowledge and reports on weather in Hawaii has been amazing! I’m super proud of him! Here he is reporting on Hurricane Lane with Dr. Alison Nugent of the Atmospheric Science Faculty at the Univeristy of Hawaii. Their analysis of the hurricane has been very educational.

#justincruz #newsreporter #weatherreporter #khon2 #news #hurricanelane #hurricane #storm #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Hawaii

Hurricane Lane


I helped my dad board up the windows of my parents’ house in preparation of Hurricane Lane in Hawaii.

#hurricanelane #hurricane #oahu #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Hawaii

2018 Jodo Mission of Hawaii Bon Dance


Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s bon dance is today Friday August 17 and tomorrow Saturday August 18, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Food booths starts at 4:30 PM, Jizo bon prayer is at 5:45 PM, Taiko performance by Dragon Beat is at 6:00 PM, and bon dancing begins at 6:30 PM. Jodo Mission of Hawaii is located at 1429 Makiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.

#jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodomission #jodoshu #bondance #obon #buddhism #honolulu #hawaii #event #events #food #dance #japaneseculture #culture

Leave a comment

Filed under Buddhism, Dance, Events, Food

2018 Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s Bon Dance


Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s bon dance is today Friday August 17 and tomorrow Saturday August 18, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Food booths starts at 4:30 PM, Jizo bon prayer is at 5:45 PM, Taiko performance by Dragon Beat is at 6:00 PM, and bon dancing begins at 6:30 PM. Jodo Mission of Hawaii is located at 1429 Makiki Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.

Here, I’m with Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro at Jodo Mission of Hawaii’s bon dance in 2012.

 

456638_10151040807662732_2081350028_o
#jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodomission #jodoshu #bondance #obon #buddhism #honolulu #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Buddhism, Events, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Nonprofit

Running Outdoors


No pill can pack all the health benefits of exercise. It’s good for our mind and body. My favorite is running outdoors. I’ve enjoyed running since my days playing soccer.

#exercise #running #run #outdoors #health #mind #body #waikele #hawaii #mindfulness

Leave a comment

Filed under Exercise, Health, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living

Gratitude + Anything Is Possible


I learned gratitude from my mom. She has also encouraged me to try new things since I was a child. Anything is possible is what my mom instilled in me. I share with her and my dad every plan I have.

Here’s my mom and my baby niece at Pearl Ridge Center, Aiea, Hawaii on 8/2/2018.

#mom #niece #baby #family #influencer #pearlridge #pearlridgemall #aiea #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude #anythingispossible

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Influencer, Mindfulness, Motivational

What’s Up!


What’s up! One of my favorite pictures of my niece sitting on grandpa’s lap.

#niece #family #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Love, Mindfulness, Motivational

Kauai Style Smoked Pork


Smoked pork Kauai style out in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

#smokedpork #smokedmeat #kaneohe #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Dinner with my Friend


Dinner with my friend Brandon Mitsuda on Saturday July 22, 2018 at Coco Ichibanya Curry House. We talked about our times in politics, current political elections, my business projects, positive living, friends who have passed away, and our dreams.

#dinner #friend #curry
#cocoichibanya #aiea
#hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude

Leave a comment

Filed under Friends, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Meeting & Working at Waikele Country Club


Working after a breakfast meeting at Waikele Country Club. Such a relaxing location!

20180718_095422.jpg

#work #business #law #macbookpro #macbook #laptop #waikelecountryclub #waikele #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Career, Gratitude, Mindfulness

This is how to work around the clock at Starbucks!!!


To keep working around the clock at Starbucks, this is how we do it. Rotisserie chicken, salad, and inside the Starbucks cup is instant Miso soup made by Amano from my friend who I met at Starbucks. Someday, I’m going to write a “thank you letter” to the founder of Starbucks! Have a Happy 4th of July!!!

#work #hustle #grind #productivity #entrepreneurship #business #starbucks #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Career, Consistency, Entrepreneurship, Motivation, Productivity

Work


After an awesome meeting, I changed into comfortable clothes, and got to work at one of my favorite offices, Starbucks.

#starbucks #entrepreneurship #business #development #grind #tenacity #momentum #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Motivation

Jodo Shu Hawaii Otoba


This morning of Sunday July 1, 2018 we put up the Otoba for obon services for Jodo Mission of Hawaii, which are wooden boards with names of all the former members and their families who passed away. I’ve been serving on the board of directors since 2006, and as president since 2011.

#jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodomission #jodoshu #obon #obon #honolulu #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Buddhism, Community

Wakaba Network’s 5th Annual Installation and Membership Meeting


I spoke and read Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s commemoration and well wishes at Wakaba Network’s 5th Annual Installation and Membership Meeting on Saturday June 16, 2018 at Park Lane Ala Moana in Honolulu, Hawaii. The organization supports Japanese speaking people in Hawaii who are victims of crime. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard made a nice speech on how she rose in the ranks as a woman and the plans she has for our community. There were also enjoyable entertainment, food, prizes, and goodie bags. Here, I’m with my friend Itoko Uchikura.

#wakabanetworkhawaii #community #communityservice #parklanealamoana #honolulu #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Community

Love is the way to go.


Love is the way to go.

#love #peace #innerpeace #hawaii #mindset #positivemindset #mindfulness

Leave a comment

Filed under Love, Peace, Positive Living

My Sister Lara’s Birthday


Celebrated my sister Lara’s birthday on June 12, 2018 at Eating House 1849 at Waikiki, Hawaii.

#sister #birthday #family #eatinghouse1849 #restaurant #food #waikiki #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Food, Gratitude

My Second Cousin Chloe’s Graduation from Punahou School.


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

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Family, Happiness

Moonlit Walk in Waikele, Hawaii


My moonlit walk home last night after working on a bunch of business agreements and documents.

#business #entrepreneurship #law #transactionallaw #aviation #walking #waikele #oahu #hawaii #exercise #mindfulness #gratitude

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Enjoying My Walks


Enjoying my walks.

#walking #exercise #bose #bosesoundsport #earbuds #rei #bookpackerplus #backpack #samuraiumbrella #macbookpro #mindfulness #gratitude #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Exercise, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Happy Offices!


Sometimes it’s hard to work at an office so that’s why we have our happy offices. I get pumped up with good energy at coffee shops. Gotta do anything that helps us to keep moving forward. Have a great Saturday!

#happyplaces #happyoffices #office #business #work #writing #dailypractices #stepbystep #goals #starbucks #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Business, Career, Consistency, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Motivation, Productivity, Writing

You Paint My Blues Pink


You paint my blues pink.

And shelter me from my pain.

Art from your kind heart.

– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #133, 5/23/2018 –

#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #sky #pink #blue #waikele #oahu #hawaii #love #mindfulness #gratitude #peace #innerpeace #kindness

Leave a comment

Filed under Compassion, Creative Writing, Haiku, Happiness, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Poems, Positive Living, Writing

Moonlight Wedding


Moonlight wedding.

#beautiful #peaceful #serene #picture #photo #photography #kualoaranch #moonlight #wedding #mindfulness #gratitude #oahu #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Aloha Funwear! May the force be with you!


Funny picture I participated in a year ago for a model shoot for Aloha Funwear in Hawaii. Check the clothes and products at http://alohafunwear.com, my mentor when I had an Internet retail business between 2002 to 2012. May the force be with you!!!

#alohafunwear #hawaiianshirts #hawaiianclothing #hawaiianproducts #alohashirts #clothing #products #business #entrepreneurship #internetretail #ecommerce #retail #fashion #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Business, Clothing, Entrepreneurship

Memorial service for my grandparents.


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

Leave a comment

Filed under Buddhism, Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Family Dinner at Fete in Honolulu, Hawaii


Dinner with my mom, dad, sisters, niece, and brother-in-law at Fete in Honolulu, Hawaii.

#family #dinner #fête #restaurant #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Just My Fish and I


Just my fish and I.

#fish #neontetras #tetras #pets #aquarium #peace #innerpeace #mindfulness #gratitude

Leave a comment

Filed under Pets, Uncategorized

Go dance by yourself!


Go dance by yourself!

Move that energy in you.

Turn it up a notch!

– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #132, 4/25/2018 –

#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #peace #innerpeace #mind #mindset #positivemindset #positivethinking #positivity #happiness #dance #music #dancemusic

Leave a comment

Filed under Dance, Dance Music, Happiness, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Positive Living

I work on what I can today


To distract me from worrying about tomorrow, I work on what I can today.

At times we decline opportunities to pursue our dreams, which causes us stress. I’ve been through it with my political and legal career, and now I’m going through it with my recent goals in the private sector. Focusing on what I can work on now has helped me move forward on my journey, even through the roughest parts. I wish you the best in your journey. I’m feeling you and cheering for you!

With Warmest Aloha, Jon

#today #present #now #mindfulness #stepbystep #daybyday #anxietyremedies #strategy #thoughts #philosophy #quote #quotes #starbucks #work #writing #goals #dreams #business #aviation #books #novels #fiction #nonfiction #entertainment #motivation #mindset #macbookpro #macbook #waikele #oahu #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Business, Career, Concerts, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Goals, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Positive Living, Productivity, Quotes, Writing

Omelette with Mushrooms, Onions, and Cheeses


Today, I made an omelette with Bunashimeji mushrooms, Enoki mushrooms, onion, green onion, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Asadero cheese, and Queso Quesadilla cheese. Served with brown rice with a sprinkle of furikake.

#omelette #bunashimeji #enoki #mushrooms #cheddar #montereyjack #asadero #quesoquesadilla #cheese #brownrice #furikake #cooking #breakfast #mindfulness #gratitude #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Cooking, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Happiness is fueled by a combination of positive practices.


Happiness is fueled by a combination of positive practices. I have 70. I’m going to write about this for one of my fun projects.

#happiness #happy #joy #howto #howtobehappy #practices #positivepractices #writing #starbucks #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Happiness, Life Coach, Mental Health, Positive Living, Uncategorized, Writing

Keep Going


Sometimes it’s hard to produce work. Forcing myself to keep going, and it becomes fun again as the momentum builds. Reading and writing this afternoon and evening of Saturday March 24, 2018.

#habits #tenacity #persistence #determination #goals #writing #reading #business #entrepreneurship #fiction #novels #creativewriting #starbucks #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Fiction, Motivation, Productivity, Writing

My Swiss Army Pocket Knife


My Swiss Army Knife from my parents when they visited Switzerland as they toured Europe some years ago. It has my first and middle name on it. I made the leather knife holder with my initials on it when I was a Cub Scout in Pack 75 of Pearl City, Hawaii and used it through Boy Scouts of Troop 75 and Team 75 of Pearl City, Hawaii and up to now. Scouting taught me about learning, teamwork, and perserverance. I had to use my knife’s scissors to open up a small package of snacks from Japan while I typed and read last night at Starbucks. Grateful for these useful items!

#swissarmyknife #switzerland #leatherknifeholder #cubscouts #pack75 #boyscouts #eaglescout #troop75 #team75 #scouting #learning #teamwork #perserverance #mindfulness #gratitude #macbookpro #starbucks #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Gratitude, Happiness, Life, Positive Living

Wrote 71,343 Words for My 2nd Novel


For one of my projects, my second novel, a historical, suspense and romance story, I have to do a lot of research and reading on Iraq from 2003 to 2011. I also got input from my female friend who was born and raised in Iraq and endured the war. I wrote 71,343 words so far. My goal is to have 80,000 to 100,000 words. It took me 8 years to finish my first story, a historical, suspense, paranormal and romance novel based in Honolulu, Hawaii and the spirit world, that received some interest but it hasn’t been picked up yet. This one is taking me 4+ years so far, much faster. Maybe I can finish my third fictional writing in 2 years? Here, I’m writing at McDonald’s in Waikele on the evening of March 20, 2018.

20180320_180000.jpg
#writing #research #reading #read #iraq #iraqwar #book #books #novel #novels #fiction #historical #suspense #romance #creativewriting #mcdonalds #waikeleoutlet #waikele #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Fiction, Love Story, Motivation, Novels, Study, Writing

My REI Backpack


Switched to my REI backpack today since my other backpack started to fall apart near one of the straps. This was my backpack during law school. Lugging too much stuff. Got R2D2 (my Macbook Pro) and my samurai umbrella. Ready to do some evening work!

29432589_10155744882072732_886163542573580288_o

#backpack #rei #walk #walking #exercise #work #writing #business #entrepreneurship #hustle#grind #tenacity #macbookpro #samuraiumbrella #mindfulness #gratitude #hawaii

Leave a comment

Filed under Consistency, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Gratitude, Motivation, Productivity, Writing

Habanero Chili Peppers From My Dad’s Garden


On Sunday March 18, 2018, I picked some Habanero chili peppers that my dad grew in his garden in Pearl City, Hawaii. Motivated to cook!

#habanero #habanerochili #habanerochilipeppers #chilipeppers #garden #gardening #homegarden #homegardening #farmtotable #gardentotable #dad #pearlcity #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude

Leave a comment

Filed under Family, Food, Garden, Gratitude, Mindfulness