Danny Yamashiro

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Danny Yamashiro
Yamashiro in Brookline, Massachusetts, 2021
Born (1967-12-05) December 5, 1967 (age 56)
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Alma materBiola University (BA, MA)
Harvard University (ALM)
Trinity International University (PhD)
Occupation(s)Radio host, podcaster, evangelist, pastor, author, researcher, chaplain
SpouseJamie Yamashiro (m. 1993)
Children3
WebsiteDrDanny.live

Daniel Keauhou Matsu Yamashiro (born December 5, 1967), also known as D. K. M. Yamashiro, is an American clergyman, author, radio and podcast host, researcher, Christian media personality, and a chaplain at MIT who survived a 400-foot (120-meter) fall from the ridge of the Nuʻuanu Pali in Honolulu, Hawaii, at 18.[1][2] He is the first researcher to present aggregate data on childhood trauma as it relates to American presidents.[3] Yamashiro also produced the first comprehensive study on American presidents that investigates the influence of religious development from a lens of trauma.[3]

Survival story[edit]

On December 22, 1985, while attempting to rescue his stranded girlfriend from a 20-foot (6.1-meter) mountain-climbing fall, Danny Yamashiro slipped and fell head first 300 feet (91 meters) and later another 100 feet (30 meters).[4] The second fall took place during a rescue effort and was captured on film. It aired on newscasts throughout Hawaii. He suffered severe head injuries, skull fractures, multiple tears in his scalp, a shattered ankle, damaged organs, extensive lacerations, and became comatose.[5]

On May 25, 2017, Yamashiro delivered Harvard Extension School's commencement address, titled "Falling 400 Feet."[6]

Early life[edit]

Danny Yamashiro was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to Evangeline (née Lee Kwai) and David T. Yamashiro, Sr. His father was influenced by Father Kenneth A. Bray, a noted sports hero in the islands.[7] Yamashiro had "a lonely childhood" as the youngest of four children in Moanalua, a residential area nestled between Fort Shafter and Tripler Army Medical Center.[8] An American of Hawaiian, Okinawan, and Chinese ancestry,[9] he is the great-grandson of Honolulu detective Chang Apana, inspiration of the Hollywood character Charlie Chan by Earl Derr Biggers. Yamashiro graduated from Iolani School, an institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church of the United States, in 1986.[10]

Education[edit]

Yamashiro matriculated at Harvard Extension School and earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in Government from Harvard University. He graduated on May 25, 2017, at Harvard's 366th commencement.[11] An interview by Harvard described Yamashiro's journey to Cambridge from Honolulu.[12] His thesis, Religious Influences on Crisis Presidential Decision-Making: A New Belief in the Operational Code Analysis of George W. Bush (2017),[13] under the direction of David F. Holland from Harvard Divinity School,[14] was featured at Harvard's annual ALM Thesis Symposium.[15]

He attended the University of Oxford Theology Summer School at Christ Church, Oxford, England (2018, 2019), conducted research at ten presidential library archives (NARA),[3] and earned his Doctor of Philosophy from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois (2020) under the guidance of Donald C. Guthrie. His dissertation is titled, American Presidents and Childhood Trauma: Intersecting Religious Education from Franklin Roosevelt to Donald Trump.[16][3]

Yamashiro studied at Chaminade University (1987) in Honolulu, Hawaii, before transferring to Biola University and Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Theology (1991) and Master of Arts in Bible Exposition (1993). His thesis, Jesus Christ in Every Biblical Book (1992), directed by A. Boyd Luter, explored types, symbols, prophecies and pictures of Christ in all 66 books of the Bible.[17]

Career[edit]

Chaplain[edit]

In 2021, Danny Yamashiro became a chaplain at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).[18] He is also co-chairperson of the Cambridge Roundtable on Science and Religion. The John Templeton Foundation sponsored program hosts meals each semester at the Harvard Faculty Club for MIT and Harvard faculty and colleagues from nearby schools and colleges to discuss topics on science, philosophy, and religion.[19]

Researcher[edit]

Yamashiro's scholarly work on American presidents and childhood trauma utilizes an interdisciplinary approach in the social sciences that involves educational psychology, presidential history, and religious education in exploring influences on children's developmental trajectory toward leadership formation. His investigations are theoretically grounded in the writings of Lev Vygotsky.[3] American presidents in his research sample include Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Yamashiro's earlier research in religious influences on presidential decision-making was built on the work of Herbert A. Simon, Albert Bandura, and Nathan Leites.[13]

Radio and podcast host[edit]

In 2022, Yamashiro began hosting the talk show The Good Life with Dr. Danny weekdays on WEZE and WROL, two Christian stations in Boston that are owned by Salem Communications reaching New England.[20] His podcasts are heard on major podcast platforms. Yamashiro also hosts A Slice of The Good Life which airs daily throughout the United States, internationally in Ontario, Canada; Kent, England; and Malaybalay City, Philippines and formerly aired in Greater Los Angeles on Salem Communications 99.5 KKLA-FM.[21] Since 2008 Yamashiro has hosted Hawaii's only locally based daily Christian radio talk show, The Good Life Hawaii, on Salem Communications 99.5 KGU-FM,[22]

Evangelist and pastor[edit]

In 1993, he founded Jesus Christ Is Calling You Evangelistic Ministry, Inc. (JCCY) and launched a series of large-scale revival tent meetings throughout Hawaii. Since 1998, his organization formed Paradise Global Mission and expanded to reach several countries worldwide with medical and dental clinics, sports clinics and numerous forms of humanitarian aid by supporting the work of Christian churches in rural locations.[23]

He was the founding pastor of Christ's Church at Kapolei, affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America, and served as senior pastor for nine years (1998–2007).

Danny Yamashiro speaking

Awards and associations[edit]

Yamashiro won the Harvard Extension School Commencement Speaker Prize (2017).[24] He was awarded Biola University's Young Alumni Award (2000)[25] and has received numerous certificates of recognition from the Hawaii Senate, Hawaii House of Representatives, Honolulu City Council and the Mayor of Honolulu, Jeremy Harris. Yamashiro was selected for the Pacific Century Fellows and offered a prayer at a celebratory dinner hosted by the Governor of Hawaii, Benjamin Cayetano at the historic "Washington Place" (1999).[26]

Danny Yamashiro is ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America.

Family[edit]

Yamashiro is married to Jamie (née Tokuda) Yamashiro.[27] They have three children: Allie, Hugh and Luke.[28]

Works[edit]

Books[edit]

Yamashiro has authored the following books:

  • Yamashiro, Danny (1997). Paradise Calls: Spellbinding Story of Hawaii's Evangelist. Jesus Christ Is Calling You, Inc. ISBN 1-890312-00-2.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (1998). Know Your Future Today. Jesus Christ Is Calling You, Inc. ISBN 1-890312-01-0.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2000). Spiritual Reshaping of a Christian Hawaii. Keauhou Press. ISBN 1-890312-02-9.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2003). The Good Life: Encouragement You Need When You Need It. Kerygma Publishing. ISBN 1-890312-05-3.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2004). Building Blocks for Better Living. Kerygma Publishing. ISBN 1-890312-06-1.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2007). Discover the Champion in You. Kerygma Publishing. ISBN 978-1890312-04-6.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2008). Successful Evangelism 100% of the Time. Kerygma Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815219-0-9.[1]
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2011). Paradise Calls: A Spellbinding Story of Survival and Hope from Hawaii's Evangelist. White Mountain Castle Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-0-9815219-3-0.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2012). Winner's Edge. White Mountain Castle Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-0-9847027-0-1.
  • Yamashiro, Danny (2016). Unleashing The Greatness in You. White Mountain Castle Publishing, LLC.

Theses[edit]

  • Yamashiro, Daniel K. M. (1992). Jesus Christ in Every Biblical Book (MA thesis). La Mirada: Biola University.
  • Yamashiro, Daniel K. M. (2017). Religious Influences on Crisis Presidential Decision-Making: A New Belief in the Operational Code Analysis of George W. Bush (ALM thesis). Cambridge: Harvard University.[29]
  • Yamashiro, Daniel K. M. (2020). American Presidents and Childhood Trauma: Intersecting Religious Education from Franklin Roosevelt to Donald Trump (PhD thesis). Deerfield: Trinity International University.[30]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Donnelly, Dave (March 20, 1997). "After the fall". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
  2. ^ "Iolani Bull_spring 2002_04" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e "ProQuest » American Presidents and Childhood Trauma: Intersecting Religious Education from Franklin Roosevelt to Donald Trump". ProQuest 2509228232. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via ProQuest.
  4. ^ Yamashiro, Danny, Paradise Calls: A Spellbinding Story of Survival and Hope from Hawaii's Evangelist, (2011), 30-34 ISBN 978-0-9815219-3-0
  5. ^ Honolulu Star Bulletin, December 22, 1993 Pali fall puts youth in Christ's hands
  6. ^ "Danny Yamashiro Receives Standing Ovation at Harvard Commencement for 'Falling 400 Feet' » NRB Christian Communicators Impacting The World". nrb.org. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  7. ^ Yamashiro, Danny, Paradise Calls: A Spellbinding Story of Survival and Hope from Hawaii's Evangelist, (2011), 24 ISBN 978-0-9815219-3-0
  8. ^ Yamashiro, Danny, Paradise Calls: A Spellbinding Story of Survival and Hope from Hawaii's Evangelist, (2011), 18-19 ISBN 978-0-9815219-3-0
  9. ^ "Paradise Calls"
  10. ^ "Iolani Bulletin: The Summer Break of a Lifetime". www.iolanibulletin.org. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  11. ^ "Harvard Gazette » Harvard Awards 10 Honorary Degrees: Recognizes Principal Speaker Mark Zuckerberg Among Others Top in Their Field". news.harvard.edu. May 25, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  12. ^ "Harvard Extension School » Daniel Yamashiro: Student Spotlight". Harvard Extension School. extension.harvard.edu. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  13. ^ a b "Digital Access To Scholarship At Harvard » Religious Influences on Crisis Presidential Decision-Making: A New Belief in the Operational Code Analysis of George W. Bush" (PDF). dash.harvard.edu. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  14. ^ "Harvard Extension School » Daniel Yamashiro: Student Spotlight". extension.harvard.edu. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  15. ^ "Harvard College » ALM Thesis Symposium". college.harvard.edu. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  16. ^ "Danny Yamashiro". 995theword.com. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  17. ^ Jesus Christ in every biblical book. OCLC World Cat. OCLC 27409715.
  18. ^ "Point of View Radio Talk Show » Wednesday August 18, 2021 Kerby Anderson with Dr. Danny Yamashiro and Rev. Dave Thom". pointofview.net. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  19. ^ "Who We Are »". mit.edu. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  20. ^ "590AM The Word WEZE – Boston, MA – Program Guide". wezeradio.com. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  21. ^ "Welcome to KKLA 99.5fm - Los Angeles". Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
  22. ^ "KGU-FM – Honolulu, HI – Life Changing Christian Radio broadcasts, Programs, Ministries and stations – Listen Online to Christian Teaching and Talk". Kguradio.com. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  23. ^ "The Summer Break of a Lifetime". Iolani Bulletin. July 24, 2009. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  24. ^ "isites.harvard.edu » Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences 2016-2017 Student Prize Recipients" (PDF). Retrieved June 20, 2017.[permanent dead link]
  25. ^ "Biola Magazine » Where Are They Now?". magazine.biola.edu. May 30, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  26. ^ "ALUMNI 1997 – present". Pacific Century Fellows. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  27. ^ Yamashiro, Danny, Paradise Calls: A Spellbinding Story of Survival and Hope from Hawaii's Evangelist, (2011), 58 ISBN 978-0-9815219-3-0
  28. ^ ""Goodbye Danny" - Kalihi Union Church". Kalihi Union Church. July 13, 2015. Archived from the original on April 24, 2018. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  29. ^ "Digital Access To Scholarship At Harvard » Religious Influences on Crisis Presidential Decision-Making: A New Belief in the Operational Code Analysis of George W. Bush" (PDF). dash.harvard.edu. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  30. ^ "ProQuest » American Presidents and Childhood Trauma: Intersecting Religious Education from Franklin Roosevelt to Donald Trump". ProQuest 2509228232. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via ProQuest.

External links[edit]

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