By Reagan Paz

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MHS Alumna Ruth Jarman Shiraishi, who was born in North Carolina and raised in Hawaii, has made a career out of the Japanese language even though she was only exposed to it while she attended MHS. Since she graduated in 1984, she has become the CEO of her own company, Jarman International KK, which is located in Japan, and has written a book entirely in Japanese titled “33 More Reasons to be Proud”.

“I was working for 12 years in a real estate company called Space Design Inc. where I was the first Western female to achieve the Japanese real estate license,” Jarman Shiraishi explained, “Before that I was a freelance translator and interpreter and then before that and what brought me to Japan was being hired out of college by Recruit Company (Limited).” She currently resides in Kanagawa, Japan and has lived and worked there for 25 years.

“33 More Reasons to be Proud” is a compilation of stories from her time in Japan that show her appreciation for its culture and people. Before she published the book, she wrote articles for a magazine called Bigaku under the topic ‘good things about Japanese people’. “A publisher found the articles and felt Japanese people could really benefit from and be encouraged by what I wrote,” she said, “I was just hoping my experience and all the good I see in Japan could be recognized and that it would help them see they have such a unique and valuable point of view in terms of globalization.”

Jarman Shiraishi’s interest in the Japanese language and culture dates back to her time living in Hawaii. “I was exposed to Japanese all along in Hawaii. I particularly remember my friends at MHS studying kanji and now I am happy to know I can actually read those and know their meaning,” she said, “I really think the wonderful culture of Japan (that is) so present in Hawaii life made me particularly feel comfortable with the language.”

Jarman Shiraishi feels that her time at MHS has been a major contributor to her success. “Being at MHS and living in Hawaii gave me a very broad view on people and life,” she expressed, “Life is so exciting and I believe the start and support I received from MHS has helped me along the entire time. I am so grateful to MHS and its wonderful teachers and leadership.”

Although she was not born and raised in Japan, Jarman Shiraishi has truly connected with the country. “(Jarman Shiraishi) has become so Japanese. When I first met her, I believe it was her first time there. Since then, (Jarman Shiraishi) definitely studied the language and culture, and by living there was able to absorb everything, live a Japanese lifestyle,” said Lyle Fujikawa, who met Jarman Shiraishi in an abroad study program, “She definitely loves Japan as her new home and is taking action as a positive change agent with (her) book.”

Many of Jarman Shiraishi’s friends and family members are surprised at her ability to understand Japan as a country so well in her book. “Natives of a country sometimes cannot see the beauty and strengths of their own culture. So for an outsider to understand and encourage their culture so well is a blessing to most nationals who have responded to the book,” said Jarman Shiraishi’s mother, Mary Fisher. Fujikawa added, “She understands so much about Japan. She is qualified to write this book.”

Much of what Jarman Shiraishi brings to her work is a positive and energetic attitude, which she is admired for. “(Jarman Shiraishi) is one of the most active people I know, inspiring and energizing,” said Fujikawa, “As a person, she is one of the most humble people I know, but always positive. Every morning she posts on Facebook what a great day it is and, ‘Let’s all get to work!'”

As a successful businesswoman, Jarman Shiraishi has come a long way from her time at MHS. “(Jarman Shiraishi) has always been bright and active and fun loving since childhood.  She was always curious and interested in learning new things,” Fisher expressed, “I am very proud of her. It amazes me how much energy she has.”

In order to connect with more people, Fisher hopes that Jarman Shiraishi will be able to visit Hawaii to do a seminar that explains her book in English. Jarman Shiraishi continues to live and work in Japan.