Finding Home on the Mat and Through Leis: Exploring AAPI Traditions in Las Vegas
Moving to Las Vegas to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) ignited a spark of longing within me. It wasn’t just for the familiar faces and places back home; it was a yearning for the traditions and cultural connections that felt a world away. This longing led me to discover vibrant communities practicing judo and lei-making, two captivating art forms that immediately resonated with my AAPI heritage.
This semester, through the Neon Pacific Initiative (NPI), a project spearheaded by UNLV’s Department of History to amplify the stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Southern Nevada, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in these communities. I listened intently as judokas and lei-makers shared their personal journeys, unveiling the profound joys, challenges, and meaning woven into their practices.
The Strength of Tradition: Judo‘s Enduring Legacy
Judo, the “gentle way,” is more than just a martial art; it’s a philosophy intertwined with discipline, respect, and self-discovery. The judokas I met spoke of its transformative power, the sense of community it fosters, and the invaluable lessons it teaches both on and off the mat.
“Judo deserves more recognition,” one judoka confessed. “It’s not just about fighting; it’s about discipline, mental strength, and building resilience.”
His words echoed the sentiments of many in the judo community, who shared a deep-seated passion for their art and a desire to see it celebrated more widely.
To help shed light on this often-overlooked tradition, I am creating an online feature that will be shared on the Nevada Humanities website next year. It will offer a glimpse into the lives of judokas here in Southern Nevada, highlighting their stories and showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of judo.
Celebrating Aloha Far From Home: The Spirit of Lei Making
The fragrant scent of plumeria and vibrant colors of tropical flowers evoke a sense of aloha, a spirit of love, kindness, and community deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. In Las Vegas, a surprising distance from Hawaii’s sun-kissed shores, I discovered a group of talented lei-makers who are bravely carrying on this treasured tradition.
“The Hawaiian culture is so rich; lei making preserves this culture and allows people in Las Vegas to feel that aloha spirit,” one lei-maker shared.
For them, lei-making is more than just crafting beautiful adornments; it’s a tactile expression of love, respect, and connection to their heritage. Each meticulously crafted lei tells a story, conveying emotions and honoring traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Weaving Connections: A Festive Invitation to Celebrate
Join us for a unique opportunity to delve into the world of lei making on December 7, 2024, at the Clark County Library in Las Vegas.
Lindsey Nacapuy-Oshiro and Tyra Ha’o , experienced lei makers, will share their personal journeys and the captivating stories behind this traditional Hawaiian art. The event will be followed by a hands-on lei-making workshop led by Nacapuy-Oshiro, allowing you to create your own beautiful keepsake and experience the joy of this time-honored craft.
These events are free to the public; however, workshop seats are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot here.
The Humanities Bridge: Building Community Through Shared Stories
My time with Nevada Humanities has been an invaluable learning experience. It has illuminated the power of the humanities to connect people, bridge cultural divides, and foster understanding. Through the Neon Pacific Initiative, I’ve witnessed firsthand how storytelling can shed light on hidden histories, empower marginalized voices, and bring communities closer together.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such passionate individuals and to have learned from the AAPI communities in Las Vegas. My hope is that by sharing these stories, I can help foster a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of our city.
What role does the Neon Pacific Initiative play in preserving and celebrating AAPI traditions in Southern Nevada?
## Finding Home on the Mat and Through Leis: An Interview about AAPI Traditions in Las Vegas
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) traditions right here in Las Vegas. I’m joined by [**Alex Reed Name**], a student at UNLV who recently embarked on a fascinating journey exploring judo and lei-making communities through the Neon Pacific Initiative. [**Alex Reed Name**], welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** So, tell us about your experience. What led you to explore these specific traditions?
**Alex Reed:** Moving to Las Vegas, I felt a strong longing for the cultural connections I left behind. I wanted to find a sense of belonging and rediscover my AAPI heritage. Judo and lei-making immediately resonated with me, offering a glimpse into that world.
**Host:** You mentioned the Neon Pacific Initiative helped facilitate your exploration. Can you tell us more about that?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! The Neon Pacific Initiative, spearheaded by UNLV’s Department of History, aims to amplify the stories of AAPI individuals in Southern Nevada. It provided me with the opportunity to connect with judokas and lei-makers, learn about their personal journeys, and document their experiences.
**Host:** That’s wonderful. What struck you most about the judo community?
**Alex Reed:** The profound sense of community and discipline stood out. Judo isn’t just a martial art; it’s a philosophy that fosters mental strength, resilience, and respect. As one judoka put it, “Judo deserves more recognition. It’s about so much more than fighting.” [[1](https://www.ktnv.com/news/aapi-chamber-helps-small-businesses-run-by-asian-americans-pacific-islanders-grow-in-las-vegas-area)]
**Host:** Fascinating. And what about the lei-making community? What insights did you gain there?
**Alex Reed:** I was captivated by their dedication to preserving Hawaiian culture. For them, lei-making is a tangible expression of aloha, love, kindness, and community. Each lei tells a story and evokes a sense of connection to their heritage.
**Host:** It sounds like these traditions provide a powerful connection to home and heritage, even far from where they originated.
**Alex Reed:** Exactly! They offer a sense of belonging and a way to celebrate cultural identity.
**Host:** your work will also be available online. Can you tell us more about that?
**Alex Reed:** Yes! I’m creating an online feature that will be shared on the Nevada Humanities website next year. It will highlight the stories of judokas in Southern Nevada and showcase the rich history and cultural significance of judo.
**Host:** [**Alex Reed Name**], thank you so much for sharing your insights and for shining a light on these important traditions. We look forward to seeing your work online next year.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me!
