This is one stylish senior…
I just HAD to write a post about my grandpa’s pad — a gorgeous condo in Honolulu, Hawaii with an amazing 180 degree view from Diamond Head (Waikiki) to Ala Moana Beach Park. He and my grandmother bought it in 1973, and since she passed away two years ago (the week after my daughter’s birth…tear) it’s been kind of his hobby to redecorate…and he’s done such a great job, I asked him to send me some photos!
[ view to Diamond Head ]
His humble beginnings included immigrant parents from Japan (his mother a picture bride), and growing up in Waikiki as sort of a rough and tumble guy and avid surfer. As a teenager, he joined the 33,000 other Japanese-Americans that volunteered to fight in WWII serving in the Army’s Military Intelligence Service (MIS), later joining the National Guard, serving as Hawaii’s Director of Civil Defense and the state’s Adjutant General, and earning the honor of being the first Japanese-American two-star General.
Quite a resume yes, but he has always had an artistic eye, his design sensibility clearly evident in what he’s done with his home! Each piece has been carefully selected and placed, and he spares no expense: Italian hand-stitched leather furniture, Hawaiian koa wood tables, Japanese cloisonné, Swarovski and Waterford crystal figurines, and of course, antiques and mementos from his travels with my grandma. His next project? New bathroom lighting.
[ living room ]
[ entry bookshelf ]
[ entertainment center ]
[ view to Ala Moana Beach Park ]
[ bedroom entry with bonsai ]
But what I think I love most is that even though it’s got to be unbearably difficult to lose your partner of 60+ years, he’s been able to push through the daily pain and really turn out some lovely spaces for himself. I love that he has worked so hard his entire life and is treating himself to surroundings he so deserves (because HE enjoys it, and not for others to see — how novel!).
Let me end by saying that he — along with the other Japanese-Americans that fought with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) in WWII — will be receiving the Congressional Gold Medal this fall. Such an honor, and we hope to join him in D.C. for the ceremonies!!
Wow Erika. I really enjoyed reading about your Grandpa and seeing these pictures! That decorator talent certainly runs through both of you (and your mom of course!). I liked being reminded of everything he has accomplished in his life, and am really happy to see that he has taken up this hobby — he did such an amazing job! I hope you guys are able to join him in D.C.!
Thanks Mary, it’s been fun to see all of his improvements over the past two years. Of course I wish I could be there with him in person. ;o(
Impressive, all of it! He obviously has good taste and a great eye! What a neat story too. It’s nice to hear someone taking their “second” life into their own hands. Thank you for sharing these lovely photos!
And impressive that he took all the photos himself! He is quite the photographer as well.
Lovely home, tribute and history lesson. Thanks for sharing. It is a far cry from my little brother’s bachelors pad in HI :)
Ha, well when are bachelor pads ever nice? At least he is in Hawaii!
So impressive and touching. He certainly has an eye for decorating – I can see where you get it! What a great tribute to such a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you xo
This is so neat! I’m so pleased you did this. Too often our aging generations get ignored as if they are not worth our attention. We forget that they were able to accomplish so much more than us — we are so spoiled these days. Your grandfather is still going strong! So wonderful to hear and see.
So true! Why is that, when they have so much knowledge that we can benefit from?
I love your Grandaddy – and I love that he is decorating his home. I just lost mine at Christmas (he also fought in WWII). So happy that you still have him and hope you can make the ceremony!
-e (modern24seven.blogspot.com)
Thank you. Big hug.
Amazing! His service to the country and his design talent. What a special man ♥
I agree! ;o)
How amazing is your grandps!! Thanks for sharing a piece of this special man.
He’s lived a full life, as he says he has nine lives!