I remember the first time I watched Kristine Wada ’02 perform the Japanese tea ceremony. There’s something mesmerizing about the deliberate, graceful movements — the way she turns the bowl, arranges the table, and even positions her guests. Kristine calls it ichigo ichie, a Japanese phrase that roughly translates to “one chance, one moment.” And watching her, I realized how she applies that philosophy to her life beyond the tea room.
Ichigo ichie reminds me to savor each moment because some experiences come only once. For Kristine, it meant embracing challenges like participating in a pageant, connecting with her culture, and stepping out of her comfort zone. It’s a lesson in mindfulness and courage — a reminder that life’s opportunities are fleeting.
Back when she was a student at ‘Iolani, Kristine was shy and reserved. Public speaking? It made her feel physically ill. I can still picture her quietly navigating the halls, always polite, always thoughtful, but avoiding the spotlight. Fast forward a few years, and that same girl has blossomed into a queen — the 2009 Cherry Blossom Queen, no less.
Kristine’s journey took her across the globe. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English and Japanese from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 2006, she taught in Japan through the JETT program for two years. Living in Japan deepened her appreciation for her heritage and inspired her to participate in cultural programs and events. When preparing for the pageant, she didn’t just practice walking and speaking — she learned taiko drumming, crafted manju, and mastered the art of the tea ceremony.
As queen, Kristine represented Hawai‘i at festivals in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Later, she led a goodwill tour with the Cherry Blossom Court to Hawai‘i’s sister cities in Japan. And in a moment I can only imagine as surreal, she met Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during their visit to Hawai‘i. Through it all, her guiding principle remains the same: “Whatever you do, be true to yourself and you’ll be happy in the end.”
Yet, even with all the accolades and experiences, Kristine has kept her humility and sweetness intact. I think about her walking into school with her parents, Ronald and Li Ann Wada — who still teaches math at ‘Iolani — and her brother Scott Wada ’07. That same quiet, kind presence now carries wisdom and grace beyond her years.
Her connection to Shakespeare still shines too. As a founding member of the ‘Iolani Shakespeare Club, she lived by Hamlet’s advice: “To thine own self be true.” It’s a phrase she embodies daily, whether writing for the Kapiolani Community College newspaper or pursuing graduate studies in special education at UH Mānoa.
Watching Kristine, I see how one person can embrace life fully, with curiosity, courage, and kindness. She reminds me that each moment is precious, each opportunity unique, and each experience worth cherishing. Ichigo ichie — indeed.