Kapiolani Community College
Horizons 2002

Acknowledgements

The editors would like to thank all the contributors. They also wish to extend their gratitude to the faculty members who encouraged their students to submit their works for inclusion in our publication. Lastly, a huge Mahalo to Wini Au whose guidance and assistance proved invaluable for the completion of this edition of Horizons.

Emma Neff, Senior Editor
Agnes Chun, Editor
Peirre Asselin, Faculty Advisor

Editors' Note

The articles selected for this edition of Horizons offer insight into a wide spectrum of issues related to the history and culture of the Asia-Pacific region. Christopher Brantley discusses the life and legacy of Mongkut, one of Thailand's most influential monarchs. Brantley reveals the instrumental role that Mongkut played in the creation of a modern and sovereign Thai state. Much as the Thai did under King Mongkut, the people of Mongolia are redefining themselves in the context of the modern world. Yumi Heltzel's timely piece considers the challenges facing Mongolia and her people as they enter the twenty-first century. Heltzel introduces us to the traditions of the region, and describes life in Mongolia under communism and in the post-communist era.

China produced one of the world's richest and most dynamic civilizations. Five papers featured in this volume help us understand that reality. Frank Bing provides a fascinating look into the martial arts culture of China in his study of the Shaolin Temple, its monks, and its traditions. Yi-Jia Chen presents a history of the "opening" of China by the West. Hers is a successful attempt at explaining the causes for the so-called "Opium Wars." In their articles, Ginger Youmans and Zhao Lin Li focus on defining two important elements of Chinese culture: jade and medicine. Apiece by Michael Feliciani provides revealing glimpses into the controversial one-child policy, implemented in 1979 in the People's Republic of China at the urging of the Communist Party.The nations of Korea and Japan have also left their mark on East Asia. The wealth of their cultures is reflected in papers by Anna Alcon,'Jina Mm, and Jeff Willard, who respectively elaborate on Korean funerary traditions, Korean dance, and Japanese archery. Besides effectively relating the aforementioned practices, the authors offer interesting glimpses into the spirituality of the region.

Overcoming geographical challenges, Pacific islanders created societies as dynamic vibrant, and colorful as anywhere else on earth. That is made explicit in the last paper by Shannon Bucasas, who examines fish farming, a revolutionary practice of the early Hawaiians. This concise yet remarkably comprehensive study provides important details about the construction of and uses for Hawaiian fishponds.These articles reflect the diversity and vibrance of the world in which we live. They provide a glimpse into the history and tradition of a variety of cultures. It is our hope that in reading them, you will expand your own horizons.

The Editors