Download Francis Zanami – summary by Jack Yoshitami Tasaka Source: East

Francis Zanami – summary by Jack Yoshitami Tasaka
Source: East-West Journal November 2003 p. 22
Face to face with Myles Yutaka Fukunaga’s “Ingazuka.” There stands the tomb and
“music” monument of Francis Zanami, who composed the importal song “Wakare no
Isochidori” (Parting Song).
Francis Zanami was a music composer who contributed to the development of
Japanese music in Hawaii. He wrote and composed many Japanese songs. He also
organized and directed several Japanese orchestras in Hawaii. He died young at the
age of 34 in February 1949.
His friends and students organized a huge music memorial service and concert in
his memory. In addition, a big three-day music festival was held at McKinley High
School auditorium in April 1950 so that his friends could acquire a space and build a
“music” monument at the Moiliili Japanese Cemetery.
The English inscription reads “ Hawaii Shochiku Music Group built this with aid
from Hanayagi Mitsuaki Dance Troupe, Kyuyo Music Group, Kotobuki Orchestra,
and Girl Orchestra.” In addition, a song created by his composer friend Raymond is
written on the front the front of the tomb.
The Moiliili Japanese Cemetery was selected because Zanami’s best friend, Masaji
Uehara had his family tomb there. There are many family tombs of immigrants from
Okinawa along the mauka, ewa and makai sides of Section A and Section B. The
Uehara’s family tomb stands outs prominently.
Some believe that a tomb should be as splendid as possible in order to express an
intimate recollection of the deceased. Okinawa’s “Gyokuryo” tombs are those of
royal families of Okinawa and are palaces where living souls of the departed live
there comfortably. Some tombs are in the shape of houses, some with “turtle-back”
roofs. Many Okinawans believe faith in the spirits of the dead govern their daily
lives.
Accordingly, Masaji Uehara, Nisei from Okinawa, wanted the soul of his best friend
Francis Zanami to rest in a splendid tomb at the Moiliili Japanese Cemetery.