The Japanese term “Nisei” means “second generation” and refers to the children of people who have immigrated.  It gets harder and harder for each generation to keep to the traditions of their parents or grandparents.  But foundational cultural teaching is very important to every individual, and it is stronger and deeper than people realize.  The beauty of this little girl in her very perfect kimono and traditional hair piece shows how well it suits not just her image, but her being.

One of my daughter’s friends from school arrived at my house on the morning of her 12^th birthday.  She was a favorite model for both me and my mother.  Beautiful Serena was dressed in her best mumu and wore a splendid “lei po’o” in the “haku” style.