Japanese Girl’s Day (Hawaii Tradition)

Hello Kitty

(Although I have written about Girl’s Day on some other Asian website posts of ours, I wanted to create one specifically dedicated to the celebration.)

Happy Hinamatsuri!

Hinamatsuri originated from a Chinese doll festival where people would send dolls down river to take away bad luck and misfortunes.

It came to be known as Girl’s Day in Japan.

We learned of Girl’s Day during our many years of living in Hawaii. Hawaii has a very large Japanese population. Many of my daughter Veronica’s teachers were of Japanese origin. She also had friends of Japanese culture. Girl’s Day, and Boy’s Day are celebrated in Hawaii. Girl’s Day being March 3rd., and Boy’s Day observed on May 5th.

I’m sure that these occasions are observed differently in Japan than Hawaii, which is why I only wanted to focus on our Hawaii Girl’s Day celebrations.

Ohayo, Pronounced Ohio, (Good Morning)

The Lucky Cat seen above on my tea set, is also a staple in Asian cultures although it’s origins are Japanese.

You will always see them in Asian restaurants, business’s and homes. It’s named Manekineko, which means ‘beckoning cat.’ Which is why you will always see them in public. It is hoped that the cat will beckon you in.

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SPAM and Hawaii

SPAM is very popular in Hawaii. It is incorporated into many local dishes, SPAM Musubi is a favorite of ours. I even grew up eating SPAM in my southern family home. The Hawaii history of SPAM comes from WWII. America shipped over tons of it to feed the military as well as the locals during the war. It lasts a long time and keeps very well. Now there are many flavors of SPAM to choose from. Here is Teriyaki that we love.

If you would like to learn how to make SPAM Musubi….

Click Here For: Weekend Spamin SPAM Musubi

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Peanuku’s First Girl’s Day, 2024

Lantern Lights and Hello Kitty

In Japan it is traditional to wear your Kimono for the day.

In Hawaii it is traditional to surround yourself with your dolls and have a tea party.

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Peanuku’s Tea Set

Someday, she and I will have our Tea Party. 🙂

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Japanese Crate Snacks

I actually found these at our Commissary on base and immediately snatched them up for Girl’s Day.

Usually I have to shop at the local Asian Supermarkets to find such treasures.

I Bought These For Me, Veronica, and Isabelle

Some Sweets We Are Familiar With, Others Are New To Us

(Which means that we are being introduced to new food items to try.)

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Girl’s Day Dinner

Fried Rice, Kimchi, Vegetable Egg Rolls, Flat Pot Stickers, Manapua, and Dipping Sauces

I suppose there is nothing particularly specific relating to Girl’s Day in the foods that I have above, they are only some favorites that we enjoy eating, especially around a holiday. It just makes celebrating Girl’s Day more fun!

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Manapua/Siopao

This has been a favorite since we lived in Hawaii and our kids were very young.

They were always easy to make and delicious to eat.

You would just wrap a damp paper towel around them and place into a Microwave for about 1 minutes or so. Our kids loved them and felt so independent that they could make them themselves.

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Japanese Carp Paintings

I found these paintings in our garage a few months ago. I had forgotten about them. I thought that I had painted them but I wasn’t sure so I asked my daughter Veronica if she had painted them? She then looked at me with sheer horror on her face, became very animated and almost shouted at me, “NO! YOU painted them!”

Geez, I didn’t think they were that ugly! For her not to want to be associated with them? 🙁

I always remember Veronica every Girl’s Day because she loved the holiday so much from our time in Hawaii. She also had the nicest Japanese teachers that Veronica was close to.

And now, I have Peanuku to spoil!

I always buy some old favorites that we love to eat from the Asian Supermarket.

These marshmallow stuffed goodies are a favorite.

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Every Girl’s Day I Love to Buy Sushi and Other Goodies From the Asian Supermarkets

The Giant Sushi top, are Sushi Dog Toys

(I also love to include them as well.)

Dog Sushi and Tea Towels

Great Dinner

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More Sweets

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I Love the Matcha!

I always like to try new things. This was one of them. YUCK! They had the consistency of my dogs heart worm medicine. No thank you! But to be fair, I’m sure they are disgusted by some of our foods as well. 🙂

In hopes of celebrating many more Girl’s Day’s with my Girls!

Sayonara,

Julie

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If you would like to view our other Asian pages:

Click Here For: Whann Way Asian

AND,

Click Here For: Whann Way Asian, E Ho ‘Omau (Continues)

AND,

Click Here For: Julie Loves Asian

AND,

Click Here For: Asian Edible Gifts

AND,

Edible Gifts of the Asian Variety

(Note: Edible Gifts of the Asian Variety is the same post as Asian Edible Gifts. I have both listed here for accuracy, but one is a Page and the other is considered a Post. Confusing, I know.)

AND,

Click Here For: Our Asian Easter