huoa_08 sep_oct newsltr.indd - Hawaii United Okinawa Association

www.huoa.org
September/October 2008 Issue #116 Circulation 11,477
2008 OKINAWAN FESTIVAL – MAHALO TO ALL!
By Ford Chinen, President-elect and Festival Chair
T
he 2008 Okinawan Festival was
great! Do you know why? It’s the
little things, like a 7-year-old boy
who was able to share a plate of yakisoba
with his grandfather; it’s the Australian
tourists who were encouraged to, and then
joined in their first Bon Dance; it’s the
family who sat in the audience in respect
for their grandmother who recently passed
away and always came to the festival to
enjoy the entertainment. These are the
things that make this a great festival and
why we do this year after year.
As the Festival Chair, there are many thanks that are owed by me
and by all of us as a community. Thanks to leadership of the HUOA,
“These are the things that
make this a great festival...
year after year.”
President, Jon Itomura for overall guidance and support; Vice Presidents
Paul Komeiji, Howard (Jr.) Eguchi and Norman Nakasone, who were
all over the place managing Security/Transportation, Food, Programs
respectively; our Executive Director, Jane
Serikaku and the HUOA staff, without
whose continued support we would not be
able to do what we do; to the general festival committee chairs and the food committee chairs/booth leaders, all too numerous
to name in this short article; to the individual volunteers (approximately 2,000 in
all); and finally to those who support the
Festival simply by your attendance.
Ippee Nifee Deebiru…. Mahalo Nui Loa…..
Thank you very much.
Permit No. 659
Honolulu, HI
U.S. Postage Paid
Inside This Issue
Hawaii United Okinawa Association
94-587 Ukee Street
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
Nonprofit Org.
All photos credited to Reid Shimabukuro.
2008 Okinawan Festival Mahalo •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 1
President’s Message ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 2
Festival Photo Contest Winners ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 3
Okinawan Restaurants •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 4
Uchinanchu Spotlight/Preserving Our Legacy •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 5
Okinawa Day at KCC/Autumn Okinawa Dance Matsuri •••••••••••••••• Page 6
Kimutaka no Amawari/100th Anniversary Brazil/Argentina ••••••••••• Page 7
Ikuyu Madin: Capital Campaign •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pages 8 & 9
Ikuyu Madin: Golf Tournament •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 10
8•8•08: A Special Time to Donate/Konkuuru Awardees ••••••••••••••••• Pages 11 & 13
Club News/Uchinaaguchi ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 14
HUOA Sports Corner/Junior Study Tour •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 15
HUOA Schedule of Events/HOT Schedule ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 16
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Uchinanchu
September/October 2008
President’s Message
UCHINANCHU
I ee Nifee Deebiru... Mahalo!
By Jon Itomura
Hai Sai!
Shinai Gukuru – “Hearts in Harmony”
Okinawan Festival Reflection
I
s the Okinawa Festival a reflection of the Uchinanchu community
here in Hawaii? Reflection, meaning an introspective inquiry into
our awareness, consciousness and philosophies related to our idea of
perpetuating and preserving the Okinawa culture here in Hawaii.
The 26th Okinawan Festival was indeed yet another example of
the fellowship and dedication that exists within and throughout our
community of HUOA members, family and friends. Every year that I have
been involved with the Okinawan Festival, I marvel at how the complexities
of planning and organizing such an elaborate event seem to just flow and
ebb together so smoothly like the tide rising and falling at its own rhythm.
So many hours of discussion and laborious effort. So many hours of
personal sacrifice. So much for nothing in return, typically the defi nition
of a “volunteer” but for the Okinawan Festival, perhaps something more
significant.
Recently, I read a copy of Toshimitsu Matayoshi’s thesis for his Master
of Arts in American Studies degree from the University of Hawaii. The title
for his thesis paper was “Festival, Community, Continuity: The History of
Okinawa Festivals In Hawai’i.”
In his paper he observes how the Okinawa Festival has evolved through
the philosophies of its organizers based upon their status as “nisei” or
“sansei.” He states that the nisei connection with Okinawa was “functional”
in that they felt the responsibility to recognize the “traditional” aspects of
being Okinawan as offered by the issei but were also tasked to create a new
identity to reflect their own evolving ethnic identity and give the Okinawan
organization a new role in the local ethnically diverse community to
ensure continuity. The sansei were “emotional” and they sought to reinvent
their identity based on their own experiences and direct relationships in
Okinawa.
While reading his thesis, I recalled the question that I always ask
myself - whether it is more effective for future generations to “perpetuate
the culture in order to preserve its traditions” or to “perpetuate the culture
by steadfastly preserving its traditions”? The answer to that somewhat
subtle distinction still eludes me. In practice, the difference between the
two is anything but subtle. I do agree, however, with Matayoshi-san’s
observation that the sansei, such as myself, are seeking to establish
their cultural identity based upon their own diverse experiences and
exposure to Okinawan culture. He concluded with the thought that the
Okinawan Festival provides yonsei, gosei, and rokusei generations with the
opportunity to use the festival’s annual vast appeal to provide a foundation
for the Hawaii United Okinawa Association.
Matayoshi-san came to Hawaii seeking a Masters degree in American
Studies and returned to Okinawa as a new student of Okinawan dance
under Eric Wada. I do not doubt that he returned to Okinawa with a
renewed sense of cultural appreciation gained from observing our successes
and failures to perpetuate and preserve traditions and culture brought to
Hawaii over 100 years ago. He is currently a journalist with the Okinawa
Times newspaper.
In a few days I will have the opportunity to introduce a majority of
the members of the 2008 HUOA Study Tour to their first experiences of
Okinawa including the Naha Matsuri, which served as the inspiration
for the HUOA Okinawan Festival. Through their experience on this trip,
maybe they will be able to determine whether it is more effective for future
generations to “perpetuate the culture in order to preserve its traditions” or
to “perpetuate the culture by steadfastly preserving its traditions.”
Maybe, because of their experiences during their first glimpse of Okinawa
new and old, they will toss the pebble that will ripple through the reflection
of the Okinawan Festival in the years to come.
Shinai Gukuru–Hearts In Harmony
SAVE THIS DATE
Hawaii United Okinawa Association
59th Installation Banquet and
Uchinanchu of the Year Recognition
Saturday, January 17, 2009
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hawaii Okinawa Center
Cost: $30
Tickets will be distributed to club presidents
at the November 18 Board of Directors’ meeting.
Uchinanchu is our voice — the voice of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association,
its members, and the “home” we all built together, the Hawaii Okinawa Center.
By sharing information and experiences, Uchinanchu keeps us connected as
a family, dedicated to preserving, sharing and perpetuating our Okinawan
cultural heritage.
Every dollar donated — along with the valuable income from advertising
- helps offset the cost of publishing Uchinanchu. HUOA sends a sincere ippee
nifee deebiru to the following donors. Mahalo for keeping Uchinanchu alive
and thriving.
Uchinanchu Donors July 19 – September 26, 2008
Susumu Agena
Thomas Arakaki
Vivian M. Arakawa
Takeo Azama
Yoshio & Doris Chinen
Diane & Arthur Fong
The Senczakowicz & Gibo Family
Samie Goya
Betsy S. Han
Raymond & Gwen I. Harada
Raymond Higa
Shizuko Higa
Matsue S. Higa
Grace M. Higa
Nanette Hiraoka
Anonymous
Maizy O. Howell
Kimie Isa
Kimiko Ishiki
James Itamura
June Kakazu
George K. Kamimura
Masashi & Margaret Kamiya
Roy Kaneshiro
Robert Kataoka
Richard & Hatsue Kina
Kunie Kiyabu
Seizen & Helen Maeshiro
Rick Medina
Diana Mijo
June Doolin
George & Norma Nakasone
Richard Nakasone
Michael Nohara
Mr & Mrs. Bob Okuda
Yukie Oshiro
Mitsuru Owara
Jane F. Serikaku
Edith E. Shimabuku
Dennis Shinsato
Seiko & Doris Shiroma
Mr. & Mrs. Joe R. Shiroma
Walter & Yoshie Taira
Barbara M. Takata
Seihan Tamashiro
Kimiko Tengan
Harue Uechi
Mark & Ethel Uehara
Milton & Ethel Uehara
Yuki Uyehara
James T. Uyehara
Aaron Uyema
Walter Wauke
Shigeru Yamauchi
Linda Yara
Kiyoshi Yoshimura
Please Kokua
Production costs for Uchinanchu have escalated due to increases in
circulation, labeling expenses and postage. Your contribution to help defray
some of the expenses is greatly appreciated.
Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss
First Name
Last Name
Address
Enclosed is my donation of $
Home Tel:
Please include this form with your donation and send to:
HUOA Newsletter Fund, 94-587 Ukee Street, Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
This is Your Newsletter
Please send us your club news items, member spotlights, and
photos. Email us at info@huoa.org Mahalo!
UCHINANCHU
Uchinanchu is the newsletter of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. Although
subject to change, issues will be published bi-monthly. Volunteer writers are welcome. Send your name, address and telephone number to Uchinanchu Newsletter,
Hawaii United Okinawa Association, 94-587 Ukee St., Waipahu, Hawaii 96797. Email articles to huoa@huoa.org. Uchinanchu reserves the right to edit all material
for clarity and accuracy.
HUOA President• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jon Itomura
Jane F. Serikaku• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Executive Director
Editorial/Production Services • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MBFT Media
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Uchinanchu reaches over 11,000 households. For advertising rates and more
information, contact us at:
Tel: (808) 676-5400 – Email: huoa@huoa.org – www.huoa.org
26TH OKINAWAN FESTIVAL
PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
Thank you to all who submitted photos to the Okinawan Festival Photo Contest. We had over
140 entrants this year. The photos capture much of the essence, spirit and fun of the Okinawan
Festival. With some pictures, you could almost smell the food in the picture or hear the music
in the background. With all the special moments captured for the photo contests, the committee had a difficult time selecting the winners. However, after much deliberation they came to
decision on the winning pictures. Congratulations to our talented winners!
We will archive the pictures to help us document the 26th Okinawan Festival.
To fully appreciate the photos, check out the full color pictures online at www.huoa.org or
www.okinawanfestival.com.
GRAND PRIZE - $100
Title: Matsuri Daiko 2
Photo by: Warren Au
Description: Ryukyukoku
Matsuri Daiko Hawaii performer
CULTURE & ARTS
FIRST PLACE - $40
Title: Alone with sanshin
Photo by: Taro Nobusawa
Description: Amid the bustle
of the festival, this man finds
some alone time with his
sanshin
CULTURE & ARTS
SECOND PLACE - $10
Title: Taiko Pose
Photo by: Derek Young
Description: A young member of Ryukyukoku Matsuri
Daiko demonstrates some
martial art components of
the RMD Style.
FOOD
FIRST PLACE - $40
Title: Shave ice
Photo by: Katsue Sakihara
Description: My Boys
eating shave ice
FOOD
SECOND PLACE - $10
Title: Oooo That Smell
Photo by: Brenda Nagle
Description: This gentleman
was kind enough to raise
the lid and allow all of the
smelly steam of the hot pig’s
feet soup roll out in front of
him when I asked. Thank you
kind sir!
OHANA
SECOND PLACE - $10
Title: Sharing the Obon
OHANA
FIRST PLACE - $40
Title: Ohana Delight
Photo by: Brenda Nagle
Description: This family was enjoying their time
together. Enjoying and savoring the taste of
Okinawan Culture and the love of their ohana.
Photo by: Sunshine Fye Choe
Description: A Japanese
woman shows a young boy
how to dance at the Bon
Dance
September/October 2008
Uchinanchu
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4
Uchinanchu
September/October 2008
Can You Identify These
Okinawan Restaurants?
T
he Hawaii Okinawan Restaurant Project (HORP) committee is working to
assemble a list of all Okinawan restaurants, past and present, on a statewide
basis. The project originated in 2002, documenting 74 restaurants owned by individuals from Oroku Village. To date, over 200 restaurants (not including 74 Oroku
restaurants) have been identified.
The list below names restaurants associated with 23 HUOA member clubs, along
with 100 other restaurants without any club affiliation identified. Because this
information is still incomplete, we are asking for kokua from HUOA members to
fill the holes in our database.
For the restaurants listed below, the HORP committee is seeking information
regarding the restaurant’s location, name of owner(s), owner’s club affiliation,
opening/closing dates, or if it is still active today. Also, knowing that the list is not
complete, we ask for any additional restaurants that can be added to our list below.
Should you have any information, please kokua by sending your information
to one of the following persons: Laverne Higa, shinasaki@hawaii.rr.com, Gene
Kaneshiro, genekane@aol.com, or Howard Takara orokuaza@gmail.com. Or, you
may call Howard Takara 988-3201 (home phone), Gene Kaneshiro 225-8485 (cell
phone), or Brian Niiya, 945-7633, ext. 32 (JCCH staff).
Awase/Misato
River Side Cafe
Aza Gushikawa
Ala Moana Poi Bowl
Blue Ocean Inn
Café Skylark
Market Cafe
New Kukui Cafe
Waikiki Diner
Z’s Coffee House
Chatan
Mamo Chop Suey
Shima’s Cafe
The Ground Floor
Gaza Yonagusuku
Elizabeth Sandwich Shop
Ginowan
Manoa Grill
Palace Inn
Shinsato Saimin
Shiroma Saimin
Sue’s Place
Tawata Saimin Stand
Ginoza Sonjin Kai
Highway Inn
Night Owl
Gushichan
Aiea Saimin Shiten
Eddy’s Drive-In
Kamakee Coffee Shop
New Kukui Cafe
Violet’s Coffee Shop
Haneji
Garden Island Grill
King’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
Kuhio Grill
Liliha Cafe
Lilly Cafe
Myogaya
Hui Okinawa
Kau Kau Kitchen
Kin/Kunigami
Liberty Cafe
New Uptown Fountain
Kochinda
McKinley Grill
Mawashi (Naha)
Evergreen Cafe
Hale Nanea Cafe
Kewalo Inn
Sun Rise Cafe
Times Grill
Nago
Arthur’s
Café Flamingo
Central Cafe
Flamingo Chuckwagon
Flamingo Downtown and Coffee Shop
Flamingo Kapiolani
Flamingo Pearl City
Flamingo Royal Lanai
Flamingo Waipahu
Flamingo Windward
Zippy’s (Multi-branch)
Nakagusuku
Donald Duck Drive Inn
George’s Cafe
Hilo Grill
KC Drive Inn
KC Coffee Shop
KC Manoa Family Restaurant
KC Snack Shop
Star Chop Sui
Wisteria
Wisteria II
Nishihara
College Walk Inn
Elsie’s Palace
Green Lite Inn
Miller Cafe
Union Cafe
Uptown Fountain
Victory Grill
Okinawa City-Goeku Son
Club Serina
Ichiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant
Ishikawa
Aiea Grill
Aloha Hotdog Stand
Jane’s Fountain
Kewalo Restaurant
Mollie’s Cafe
Violet’s Grill
Itoman
Aloha Saimin Stand
BWS Cafeteria
Café Mahimahi
Pier 8 Lunch Room
Kanegusuku
Pawaa Grill
Rainbow Fountain
Katsuren
Asahi Grill
Kapiolani Coffee Shop
Osato Son
Cafe 100
Tom’s Grill
Tomigusuku
Dains Inn
Denver Grill
Skippy’s Inn
Yonagusuku/Kochinda
H & R Cafeteria
H & R Lunch Wagon
Kaukau Center
S & T Lunch Wagon
Restaurants Without Club Affiliation
Ala Hawaii Kitchen
Aloha Grill
Bea’s Drive In
Café Bon Bon
Central YMCA Cafeteria
Chinese Restaurant
Club Yoshiko
Clyde’s Cafe
Crow’s Nest
Dennis’ Place
Eagle Cafe
Ethel’s Grill, Bento & catering
Evelyn’s Lunch Service
Foodland Beretania Restaurant
Ginza Cafe; WWII name changed to
Hilo Grill
Green Garden Restaurant
Gushi’s Lunch Wagon
Hall Saimin
Hanagasa
Hatsune-ya (formerly Restaurant
Kariyushi)
Havana Bar
Helen’s Coffee Shop
Hide-Chan
Honolulu Cafe
Ige’s Lunch & Catering
Ige’s Restaurant
Islander Coffee House
Jack’s Burger
Jimmy’s Drive Inn
Kamehameha Grill
Kapiolani Grill
KC Coffee Shop
Kenny’s
Kenny’s Concsssion, Wailua Golf
Course
Kuhio Cafe
Larry’s Restaurant
Like Like Drive Inn Restaurant
Liliha Cafe
Makaha Drive Inn
Makalena Golf Course
Mamo Cafe
Manoa Grill
Maru Bar and Grill
Masa’s Cafeteria
May Flower Restaurant
May’s Fountain & May’s Lunch Shop
Mollie’s Cafe
Mr. Ojisan
Naalehu Coffee Shop
Naomi’s
New Aala Cafe
New Eagle Cafe
New Emma Cafe
New Hanagasa Restaurant & Bar
New Violet’s Grill
Nori’s Saimin Stand
Nuuanu Okazuya
Nuuanu YMCA
Off The Wall
Olomana Inn
Olympia Cafe
Ono Hawaiian Foods
Palama Inn
Palama Saimin
Pawaa Cafe
People’s Cafe
Purple Inn
Rainbow Drive-In
Restaurant Kuni
Saint Louis Drive Inn
Sampan Inn
Sei’s Restaurant
Service Cafe
Sunrise Restaurant
Sushi & Saimin Shop
Sushi Tei
Sweet Cafe
The Buccaneer Restaurant & Cocktail
Lounge
The Jolly Roger
The Jolly Roger Drive-Inn
the Rigger
Tokiwa
Tokyo-an and Beer Hall; WWII name
changed to Service Cafe
Uptown Cafe
Utage Restaurant & Lounge (Serves
Okinawan Food)
Victoria Inn
Wailua Marina Restaurant (concession)
Wikiwiki Coffee House
September/October 2008
Uchinanchu
5
UCHINANCHU SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight: Hideo Kaneshiro
T
he first immigrants from Okinawa arrived in
Hawaii on January 8, 1900. What compelled these
pioneers to become contract laborers in Hawaii’s sugar
industry? A fire burned in the hearts of visionary leaders of the time such as Noboru Jahana of Kochinda and
Kyuzo Toyama of Kin who truly believed that sending
Okinawans abroad to Hawaii was an opportunity to
save the impoverished people of Okinawa of that era.
It was a time in Okinawa when children of destitute
families were sold to wealthier families as maids and
topshell divers. Life was understandably harsh and
cruel. Hideo Kaneshiro of Itoman Shijin Kai is a kibei-nisei who survived his plight
as a child growing up in Okinawa during the 1920s and ’30s.
Due to his family’s circumstances, Hideo and his elder brother – both born in
Hawaii – were taken to Okinawa by their mother in 1923, when Hideo was only
2 years old. Both brothers attended Itoman Elementary School. However, when
they were old enough, Hideo’s brother was sent to work at a relative’s hospital. As a
young boy, Hideo was sent to Kuroshima of Yaeyama to join other boys as topshell
divers. These were the days before air tanks and protection from predators of the
sea. Although Hideo’s time as a topshell diver was short, luck and an iron will to
live were virtually the only shields of protection that ensured one’s survival from
the valleys of hell as it was called. Hideo is a survivor.
By the time Hideo returned to the main island, his father feared that war would
soon start in Okinawa and traveled to Okinawa to escort his sons back to Hawaii.
Hideo worked at a variety of jobs, including dishwashing, pantry cook, construction, etc. During his defense work in construction, Hideo responded candidly in an
interview conducted by the U.S. military. Unfortunately, this led to his internment
on Sand Island, in Utah and Tule Lake.
While in the camp in Tule Lake, Hideo learned to paint from Hiroshi Honda
and it became Hideo’s lifelong hobby. Throughout his incarceration, Hideo was
well-known for his optimistic and exuberant personality. Hideo is a survivor.
Impervious of his circumstances, he made the best of his situation. Attesting
to this are the countless numbers of friends who entered their thoughts of their
cheerful, optimistic comrade in a sign book that Hideo keeps as a precious treasure that is near and dear to his heart. Also, underscoring Hideo’s optimism are
the design and beautiful, bright colors that are characteristic of his paintings.
Hideo also learned to play the guitar and displayed his talent for music in the
camps. This carried over later to his enjoyment of Okinawan shima uta and utasanshin. Hideo loves the kachaashi and he will be the first to spring to his feet and
begin waving his arms to the rhythm of the Okinawan songs. You can be sure that
his enthusiasm and energy draws others to join him in the impromptu dances.
From his relative, Papa Kaneshiro, the master of bonsai, Hideo also learned to
cultivate the priceless miniature trees.
Hideo finally returned to Hawaii from the mainland internment camps in 1947.
Upon completing his GED, he worked as a cook for Pan-American Airlines that
had just increased their fl ights to Australia to accommodate the International
Olympics being held there.
Hideo and his wife Fusako are generous supporters of the Hawaii United
Okinawa Association. Hideo continues to donate his beautiful paintings, which
are reduced and transformed into note cards and letter-size prints. The sale of
these Hideo originals benefits the HUOA. Additionally, their contributions and
support to their Itoman Shijin Kai and the HUOA’s Ikuyu Madin campaign are
multi-fold.
We applaud Hideo Kaneshiro’s undaunting spirit of survival. We are humbled by
his example of living with a positive attitude and applying the principle of yuimaaruu in all that he does. Ippee Nifee Deebiru to Hideo Kaneshiro!
Preserving Our Legacy
2008 Annual Drive
DONATIONS
Mahalo to the following individuals and organizations who have generously contributed towards the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and
its center.
The following donations were received between July 16, 2008, to
September 15, 2008.
HUOA DONATIONS:
GOLD ($500 AND ABOVE)
Willard Matsumoto
HUOA sends a sincere ippee nifee deebiru to the following donors.
SILVER ($250 AND ABOVE)
AON Foundation Matching Gifts Program
July 20-September 26, 2008
Shizuko Akamine In Memory of
Eric Akamine
Ritsuo & Kuniko Ashitomi
Arlene Brennan In Memory of
Toshiko Higa
Ginowan Club In Memory of
Hatsumi Higa
Haebaru Club In Memory of
Evelyn Oshiro
Hui O Laulima In Memory of
June Arakawa
Yoroku Ito
Ron Kaneshiro
Richard T.Maruyama
Mike Nakamura Ace Appliance Service
Marleen Nishimiya
Marian K. Ohta
Herb Okemura
Lynn Owan In Memory of
Harumi Shibata
Keith Schultz
Jane F. Serikaku
Masatoshi Shimabukuro
Ray Tengan
Alan Totoki
Clarence Uehara
Ukwanshin Club (Eric Wada)
Warren Yamamoto
Roy Yamashiroya
Raymond & Myrtle Zukeran
CONTRIBUTOR ($100 AND ABOVE)
George Y. Asato
Mamo & Emi Kuniyoshi
Jack S. Nakamura
In Memory of Wayne Miyahira by Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii, Inc.
In Memory of Mr. Tokusuke & Mrs. Otome Nakasone by Mark T. Nakasone
SUPPORTER ($50 AND ABOVE)
Anonymous
FRIEND ($25 AND ABOVE)
James S. Miyashiro
Tadashi Robert Uyechi, Ruth Uyechi and Kathy Gomes
In Memory of Mary L. Miyashiro by Richard S. Miyashiro
6
Uchinanchu
September/October 2008
Okinawan Celebration At KCC
By Shari Tamashiro
K
apiolani Community College (KCC) hosted Celebrate Okinawan Food &
Culture Day! – a celebration of Okinawan food and culture on July 26.
The event was part of the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition, Key
Ingredients: America by Food, being displayed at KCC’s Lama Library.
The Okinawan community turned out in force! Although the event didn’t begin
until 11 a.m., people began lining up at the door from 9:30 a.m. The enthusiastic
crowd, estimated to be around 400 people, overwhelmed organizers and the andagi, anda-dogs and nantu were sold out by 1 p.m.
After KCC Chancellor Dr.
Leon Richards and HUOA
President Jon Itomura welcomed
the crowd, Dr. Brad Willcox, a
nationally recognized expert on
healthy aging, spoke about the
Okinawan Diet. The audience
was riveted and lined up to purchase copies of the book and get
them signed immediately following Dr. Wilcox’s talk.
In conjunction with the
Oroku Restaurant exhibition, which was also on display, a special panel discussed
Okinawan-owned restaurants in Hawaii. The panel was moderated by Howard
Takara and featured Jean Shimabukuro, Bob Nakasone, Laverne Higa and Michiko
Kodama-Nishimoto.
HUOA to Sponsor First
Seniors’ Fair in Waipio
T
he HUOA will be holding its first ever Seniors’ Fair in Waipio. This Senior
Fair is dedicated to our shiijakata (elders). There is so much information to be
shared about what services and products are available to and cater specifically to
seniors in the Uchinanchu as well as other local communities all over Oahu.
HUOA acknowledges that education is key to making the right decisions about
the health and welfare of our kupuna. Therefore, because the purpose of the
Hawaii Okinawa Center includes serving as a legacy of those who came before us
to serve the Uchinanchu community and beyond, it is only fitting that the Hawaii
Okinawa Center also host a clearinghouse of information vital to the senior community and their families.
Please support our first annual Seniors’ Fair in Waipio! There will be booths
filled with helpful staff with lots of information about health, personal finance,
food products, live seminars, and lots of wonderful gifts.
Randy Kuba provided background information on awamori, the alcohol
unique to Okinawa. Harriet Takaesu provided fascinating information about
Okinawan food on the plantation. Bobbie Kuba introduced Hui O Laulima’s new
book, Chimugukuru. KCC Chef Grant Sato also shared his expertise on cooking
Okinawan dishes and gave
great advice on cooking bittermelon.
On the cultural side, there
was an enthusiastic eisa performance by Ryukyukoku
Matsuri Daiko. June Nakama,
Calvin Nakama and Nadine
Nakamatsu led a sanshin
performance and lessons on
Okinawan music, whistling
and kachashi. The four whistlers (three of whom were women!) were a lovely ending to the program.
Kapiolani Community College has many strong ties with the Okinawan community and strives to be a gathering place where Hawaii’s cultural diversity is
celebrated and championed. KCC is considering the possibility of hosting a second
Okinawan celebration in 2009.
Autumn Okinawa Dance
Matsuri Held
I
n late September, crowds dressed in kimono, happi coats and eisa outfits gathered at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. Young and old, newbies and pros, danced
to the beat of taiko, swayed to the sounds of sanshin and cheered, “Iya sassa-ha
iyaa!” into the night. Traditional Okinawan numbers were combined with timehonored and contemporary Japanese favorites for an evening of culture, food and
fellowship. Leading groups for the Autumn Okinawa Dance Matsuri included the
Yamada Dance Group, Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai, Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai, Oahu
District Hongwanji, Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi and Young Okinawans of Hawaii
(YOH).
Along with great music and dancing, Matsuri goers enjoyed onolicious andagi
and its special variations of cinnamon and chocolate, fried noodles, beef stew,
chicken plate, Zippy’s famous chili, shave ice and more! HUOA provided bus transportation from Kaimuki and the downtown areas (be sure to reserve your seat
early next year).
This year’s Matsuri was coordinated by the efforts of many people. Special ippee
nifee deebiru to Joel Hijirida, President of Young Okinawans of Hawaii, for chairing the event. Heartfelt thanks to Junior Eguchi and Calvin Nakama of Ryukyu
Kobudo Taiko, Brian Canubida of Hawaii Taiko Kai, and David Tokuda of the
HUOA Leadership Group for their hard work and support!
Save the Date!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hawaii Okinawa Center, 94-587 Ukee Street, Waipio, Hawaii
· Admission is Free
· Health, Cultural, & Financial Education Booths and Workshops
· New Products and Services for Seniors
· Fun, Door Prizes, Games, Giveaways
Convenient Drop off & Pick Up site to be provided at the Hawaii
Okinawa Center Legacy Hall Entrance
*Parking is limited
(Interested Exhibitors: Call HUOA 676-5400 by10/30/08 for general information
and also information on early booth registration discounts.)
(Volunteers Needed: Please call HUOA.)
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Dancers fill the Hawaii Okinawa Center ballroom for the annual Autumn Okinawa Dance Matsuri.
September/October 2008
Uchinanchu
7
Special 10th Anniversary
Celebration of Kimutaka No
Amawari
Brazil and Argentina
Centennial Okinawa
Immigration Tour
he play unfolds with two teens, curious to see whether a rumor of being
able to see a “mystical village festival” is true, wander around the site of
the Katsuren Castle ruins late one night. Out of nowhere, a historical spirit
appears and gives them an ancient scroll that holds the truth of “Amawari no Ran
(Amawari’s Revolt).” The children of Kimutaka
read through the scroll and slowly reveal the truth
of Amawari, a king who fought for his people but
was wrongly portrayed in the darkness of the history as a tyrannical enemy seeking to overthrow
neighboring kingdoms. The stage will be set for
unveiling of the story of Katsuren 1460 years ago,
a story of a hero who lived in the age of disorder.
This play was dramatized by Tsuyoshi Shima
and is directed by Daiichi Hirata. You may recall
that Daiichi Hirata also directed the Toyama
Kyuzo play that was presented as part of HUOA’s
25th Okinawan Festival celebration.
The story of Amawari was originally performed
in an open theater and was reformed as a theatrical drama. The junior and
senior high school students in the Yokatsu/Katsuren area have been performing this play in impressive fashion all over Okinawa and in mainland Japan. If
you saw the “Grand Finale” at the 2006 Uchinanchu Worldwide Festival at the
Ginowan Convention Center, you witnessed a small portion of this production
and enjoyed the talents of the students who are eager to travel to Hawaii.
They are very excited to be presenting this play, the celebration of the play’s
10th anniversary, here in Hawaii. Daiichi Hirata had a dream to bring this play
to Hawaii and hopes to use this play as springboard for a new play incorporating
the similarities in history and culture between Hawaii and Okinawa using students from Hawaii and Okinawa.
Please support over 80 students coming to Hawaii from Katsuren this coming November 23rd. There will be two shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets will
be limited and seating will be first-come, first-served so plan ahead and reserve
your seat early! Ticket sales will begin in the middle of October so please call the
Hawaii United Okinawa Association office (676-5400) if you have any questions
or seek to reserve your seat.
About 200 people from Hawaii participated in the Brazil and Argentina
Centennial Okinawan Immigration Tour last month. Four travel agencies booked
sightseeing tours to various South America countries, varying in length from
10–18 days. The participants
also attended a welcome reception party, a memorial service, a
commemoration ceremony, and
a parade in both countries to
celebrate their centennial with
other participants from Okinawa,
Japan, Peru, Bolivia and North
America.
At the centennial ceremonies
in both Brazil and Argentina,
HUOA past presidents, Gladys Tokunaga-Asao, Rodney Kohagura, Ed Kuba and
HUOA Japanese secretary Chikako Nago presented a plaque with a message from
HUOA President Jon Itomura to the Kenjinkai presidents. The Hawaii group participated in a parade and proudly carried our HUOA banner and WUB banners in
the area called Vila Carrao in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and in Argentina in the center of
Buenos Aires on the Avenida de Mayo. At the parades in both countries, we were
given a warm welcome from the huge throng of local people lining the parade
route.
As a result of this trip, many in our group learned of the history of immigration
in both countries and witnessed
other Okinawan communities
in which people have been helping one another and perpetuating
Okinawan culture as did our own
Issei and Nisei. Some of the participants enjoyed meeting relatives
and found out more family history
while others discovered relatives
08-ACS-0568A Uchinanchu 06/18/08 2:28 PM Page
1 never knew existed.
they
T
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Date: 6/18/08
Job #:08-ACS-0568A
Run: July/August
Film/Specs: PDF-X/1a
Ikuyu Madin
8
Uchinanchu
September/October 2008
Bridging from Generation to Generation
A Capital Campaign of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association
W
hen the first 26 Okinawan immigrants set foot in Hawaii, they carried their
Okinawan homeland within their hearts, bridging the gulf between the
two island states with a sense of community that would eventually be woven into the
fabric of Hawaii’s society. Their pride and determination were instrumental in helping
to lay the foundation of a uniquely Okinawan community in Hawaii, one of which
would, nearly a half century later, give birth to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association.
IKUYU MADIN … Capital Campaign Update
Alan Chinen, Chair
Thank you–Thank you–Thank you!
T
he past few months have been a great challenge. In July, we had the Natsumero Festival and Ikuyu Madin Golf
Tournament. Then, in August and September, it was the 8-8-08 donation campaign as well as the Okinawan
Festival at Kapiolani Park. We would like to thank the many volunteers that helped to make these fundraisers hugely
successful.
A very big mahalo to the 2006 Legislators and our HUOA Capital Campaign committee!
On September 15, 2008, the Hawaii United Okinawa Association received the long-awaited grant-in-aid of
$1.6 million. Appropriated in 2006 by the State Legislature, it has been two years in waiting for the release of the
funds.
The arduous process started in 2005, when HUOA’s Ikuyu Madin committee applied for Grants-in-Aid to help
HUOA. With the assistance and encouragement from Representatives Michael Magaoay, Dwight Takamine, Marcus
Oshiro, Ryan Yamane and Bob Nakasone, as well as Senator Brian Taniguchi and Okinawan friendly legislators,
the 2006 Legislature appropriated these funds to assist us in our quest to ensure the future of the Hawaii Okinawa
Center and its mission.
This award is not only significant in terms of its dollar amount, it also represents the commitment of Governor
Linda Lingle and Legislators that Hawaii’s diverse heritage must be perpetuated and shared amongst its people.
It was a lot of work, but gratifying, and we need to thank many individuals within our community and legislators
who helped in the days before the release was granted. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Representatives Michael
Magaoay and Marcus Oshiro, members of the staff from the Attorney General’s Office and Department of Accounting
and General Services. This is only a beginning for us. Please understand we still have a lot of work to do. But, it is
a nice feeling to know that others feel the importance of what we do. We should all be thankful to each other for
never giving up the dream.
“Chibariyo! (Let’s go for it!)”
When you are ready to assist us in our Capital Campaign, please call us at 676-5400.
Ippee nifee deebiru.
Our Supporters
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and companies who
have donated or pledged to our Capital Campaign. We are grateful for your support and the confidence you have displayed through
your generous donation. Magukuru kara ippee nifee deebiru – from our hearts, thank you very much.
Donations listed were received from July 16, 2008 to September 15, 2008.
Anonymous(2)
F. Akamine
Shannon Akamine
Kenneth & Nancy Chen
Nancy F. Edmonds
Nancy E. Hayashida
Shigeo & Yoshiko Higa
Kenneth Hokama
Hosoi Gardern Mortuary, Inc.
Carole Inamine
Continued on Page 9
Our Supporters
September/October 2008
Uchinanchu
Continued from Page 8
In Memory of Seikichi & Ushi Arakaki and Jiro & Ushi Kikuyama by Amy
Takiguchi
In Memory of Clara Chinen Awakuni by Aidan Awakuni
In Memory of Barney K. Gushiken by Samuel K. Gushiken
In Memory of Francis T. Higa by Charles & Helen Higa
In Memory of Henry Shiyei Higa by Gladys M. Higa
In Memory of the late Mrs. Nancy Kameko Higa
In Memory of Mr. Naosuke Higa by Members of Kita Nakagusuku Sonjin
Kai
In Memory of Kamato & Kameye Iha
In Memory of Carol Kinjo
In Memory of Seijin & Kame Kiyuna and Seibu & Masako Kiyuna by Daniel
& Isabelle Matsumoto
In Memory of Warren Miyahira by Lorraine & Leonard Nehl
In Memory of Wayne Miyahira by Harold and Sophie Nakamura
In Memory of the Miyasato Family by Keith Omizo
In Memory of Jiro Muramoto & Tsutomu “Stone” Ishii by Tara Rojas
In Memory of Roy Nago
In Memory of Robert Nakama
In Memory of Ted Oshiro by Judy Onaga
In Memory of Kenei Oshiro by Ken T. Oshiro
In Memory of Brother Stanley Owan by M/M Rick Medina
In Memory of the Shimabukuro, Kame Family by Leslie Palmer
In Memory of Alika Simpson by Larry & Danice Yamamoto
In Memory of Edward Tamanaha by Emily K. Tamanaha
In Loving Memory of Ernest Tamashiro by Members of Nago Club
In Memory of David M. Toyama by Kimi Toyama
In Memory of Lily (Serikaku) Uyeshiro by the Senczakowicz-Gibo Family
In Memory of Mrs. Chiyo Yahiku by Members of Hawaii Sashiki Chinen
Doshikai
In Memory of Kogoro & Kana Yonamine by Harold & Elsie Yonamine
On Behalf of George & Jenny Nakasone by Garry Van Osdol
In Memory of Richard & Ethel Jitchaku by Nanette Hiraoka
Susumu & Kazuko Kakazu
Akiko Kaneshiro
Kamu Kaneshiro
Shigeru & Dorothy S. Kaneshiro
Shirley M. H. Kaneshiro
Shomei Kaneshiro
Richard & Hatsue Kina
Charles S. & Kaneko Kubota
Cindy Lau
Richard T. Maruyama
Jiro & Mabel Mitsuyasu
James S. & Evelyn H. Miyashiro
Morris S. Moribe
Jack S. Nakamura
George & Norma Nakasone
Dr. & Mrs. John Pearson
Daniel & Annette M. Platt
Yoshiko Rabe
Takeo & Betty Y. Shimabukuro
Walter J. & Yoshie Taira
Michiko Takara
Barbara M. Takata
Akira & Karin Tamashiro
Seihan Tamashiro
Patrick S. & Jeannette Tamayori
Dick S. Tawata
Barbara M. Toguchi
Harriet Y. Tsuhako
Robert T. Uehara
Glenn Uesugi
Katsuo & Jean Yamashiro
Harold M. & Elsie A. Yonamine
Fumiko Yoshimoto
In Memory of George Abe by David & Yoko Abe
In Memory of Eric Akamine by Al Uyehara
In Memory of Haruko Arakaki by Vicki Hirano
Ready to make your Contribution to our future, please use the pledge form below. Your tax deductible donation will ensure the perpetuation of
our Okinawan culture for generations to come.
A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OF
THE HAWAII UNITED OKINAWA ASSOCIATION
Name
Club Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
Email
My gift to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association Capital Campaign of: $
Is enclosed.
Please charge my:
Please bill me:
Visa
Quarterly
Bi-annually
MasterCard
Card number
Card holder name
�
BUILDING FROM
GENERATION TO GENERATION
�
IKUYU MADIN
Annually
For a period of
1 year
2 years
3 years
Expiration date
Card holder signature
My gift is in memory of
My gift is on behalf of
My gift will be matched by
(Please enclose your matching gift form)
Please make checks payable to HUOA Capital Campaign Fund. For more information please contact Karen Kuba Hori
by phone: 808-676-5400 by fax: 808-676-7811 by email: huoa@hawaii.rr.com or by mail: Hawaii United Okinawa
Association 94-587 Ukee Street Waipahu, Hawaii 96797-4214.
9
10
Uchinanchu
September/October 2008
Ikuyu Madin Golf Tournament a Huge Success
O
First Place Golf Team: Andy Yamauchi,
John Yamada, and Kenneth Sakihama
(holding new Taylor Made Drivers),
L to R: Gladys Asao, Cliff Tamura,
Andy, John, Kenneth, Mark Teruya,
Alan Chinen, Kaaren Takara.
ne hundred ninety-three golfers (and “wannabes”) teed off on a beautiful Wednesday
afternoon at Pearl Country Club on July 23 to start the extremely successful golf tournament. The event raised a whopping $52,400 for the Ikuyu Madin Capital Campaign, contributing substantially to the goal of raising funds to develop the property across the street
from the Hawaii Okinawa Center. In addition to raising funds, the tournament was fun,
provided excellent prizes, and instilled in the participants a sense of togetherness in achieving the ultimate goal of perpetuating the Okinawan culture in Hawaii and the world.
The success of the event was the result of many hardworking volunteers and committee
members, as well as generous donations from Title Sponsors, Hole Sponsors, firms and individuals. The Hawaii United Okinawa Association acknowledges the following companies,
organizations, and individuals who supported this very successful golf tournament.
TITLE SPONSORS
Volunteers Rodney Kohagura and
James Nakasone setting Aza banners.
(L-R): HUOA President Jon Itomura,
Co-chairs: Maurice Yamasato & Gladys
Asao, Title Sponsors: Alan Chinen,
Mark Teruya and Cliff Tamura
HOLE SPONSORS
Ameron International
C&S Whole Sale Grocers
Cost Engineering of Hawaii
Dennis Enomoto
First Hawaiian Bank
Itomura, Frank & Eleanor
Kraft Foods Global
Koha Foods
Matson Navigation Co., Inc.
Kula Produce Co., Ltd
Pepsi Bottling Group
MB Services, Inc.
SSFM International
Ryukyu Kobudo Taiko Hawaii Shibu
Trans Pacific Tours, Inc.
Hawaii Operating Engineers, Local 3
TNWRE
Hawaii Operating Engineers Industry Stabilization Fund
Yamasato, Fujiwara, Higa & Assoc., Inc.
DONORS
Aloha Shoyu, Co., Ltd.
Alton Kamiya
American Mutual
Anheuser-Busch
Armstrong Produce
Atom Yamaki
Amy Miyamoto
Belt Collins Hawaii, Ltd.
Better Brands
Bonded Construction
Brian Chong
Carl & Jane Nakamura
Central Pacific Bank
Certified Management, Inc.
Charles & Gladys Asao
Cherry Company
Cheryl Tanaka
Chinen Arinaga Financial Group, Inc. (Alan Chinen)
Chinen Arinaga Financial Group, Inc. (Florence Chinen)
Chinen Arinaga Financial Group, Inc. (Martin Arinaga)
Coca Cola Bottling Co.
Commercial Enterprises (Cory Chun)
Control Point Surveying, Inc.
Cost Engineering of Hawaii, Inc.
David Arakawa
Diamond Bakery
Edwin Hayashi
Ed Kuba
Eggs Hawaii, Inc.
Electech Hawaii, Inc.
Floors of Hawaii
Ford Chinen
Frito-Lay
Fukuhara, Harry Mark
G. Investment Properties (Tosh Hosoda)
Gee Ebano
General Mills
Gentry Homes (Tosh Hosoda)
George Oishi
George S. Soranaka Construction, Inc. LKS
Ginowan Shi Jin Kai
Glenn Goya
Guy Miyashiro & Co., Inc.
H. Masaoka Contracting, Inc.
H&T Burgers
Hawaii Air Cargo
Hawaii Food Products
Hawaii Iron Workers Union Local 625
Hawaii United Okinawa Association
Hawaii State Teachers Association
Hawaiian Sun Products, Inc.
Herbert Akase
Honolulu Country Club
Horizon Lines
Imanaka, Kudo & Fujimoto
Innovative Foods, LLC
Inspection Services (Teishin Kai)
Ironworkers Union Local 625 Stabilization Fund
Island Air (Les Murashige)
Ito-En
J. Kadowaki, Inc.
Japan Airlines
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (Lenny Yajima Andrew)
Johnson Brothers
Kahua Beef
Lawrence Kobashigawa
Koha Foods
Kraft Foods Global
KTM Services
Kula Produce
Larry Nishihara
Loves Bakery (Brian Chong)
Manoa Consulting Group (Steven & Linda Kunihisa)
Marshall McCormick
Maruhana Hawaii
Marukai Corporation
MB Services, Inc. (Darren Akiyama)
MB Services, Inc. (Harry Akiyama)
Malcolm Miyashiro & Assoc., Inc.
Melanie Nakashima
Michael Chinen
Mid-Pacific Country
Norman Nakasone
Nestle
Oahu Country Club
Oahu Sales, Inc.
P&E Foods
Pacific Guardian Life (Mike Magata)
Pacific Signs & Graphics, Inc.
Paradise Beverages
Patrick Miyashiro
Pearl Country Club
Penske
Pepsi Bottling Company
Pro Am Golf
Pyramid Insurance (Brian Yamada)
Realty Laua LLC (Robert Faleafine)
Realty Laua LLC (Lui Faleafine)
Richard Kiyabu, Jr.
Roy & Jane Asato
Ruyukyu Kobudo Taiko
SN Golf Enterprise
S&M Sakamoto
Shimaya
Shoten, Ltd.
Southern Wines
Steve Miyashiro
Suzanne S. Kishimori
Tamashiro Market
Tamura Super Market
Tosh & Dot Hosoda
Travel Ways
Valerie Kato
Warren Hiromoto
Y. Yamada Distributors, Inc
Yamaki Construction, LLC
Yamasato, Fujiwara, Higa & Assoc. (Lloyd Higa)
Yamasato, Fujiwara, Higa & Assoc. (Maurice Yamasato)
Yamasato, Fujiwara, Higa & Assoc. (Jarrett Miyaji)
VOLUNTEERS
Charles Asao
Chinen & Arinaga Financial Group Staff
Howard & Leanne Eguchi
Katsuko Kamanao
George Kaneshiro
Patrick Miyashiro
Kenneth Miyazono
Alice & Larry Morisako
Calvin Nakama
Shirley Kaneshiro
Ethel Kawahara
Tom Nago
Jane Nakamura
George Nakasone
Eric Nitta
Helen Oh
Stan Onaga
Nobu Takeno
Cyrus Tamashiro
John Tasato
Naoto Tateyama
Takashi Tsuhako
Laverne Tokunaga-Tarumoto
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Honorary Chairpersons:
Mark Teruya, Armstrong Produce
Cliff Tamura, Tamura Super Market
Alan Chinen, General Chairperson Ikuyu Madin Capital
Campaign
IKUYU MADIN GOLF TOURNAMENT COCHAIRPERSONS:
Gladys Tokunaga-Asao
Maurice Yamasato
Jane Tateyama, Secretary/Treasurer
Jon Itomura, President, Hawaii United Okinawa Association
Jane Serikaku, Executive Director, Hawaii United Okinawa
Association
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
David Arakawa
Ford Chinen
Lloyd Higa
HUOA Staff
George Kaneshiro
Rodney Kohagura
Gainor Miyashiro
Carl Nakamura
James Nakasone
Scott Nishimura
Wes Sakamoto
Kaaren Takara
Sandy Yanagi
YFH Staff
September/October 2008
Uchinanchu
11
A
ugust 8, 2008, is a date filled with prosperity and promise. It is an auspicious once in a century event that the number “8” will appear in the month, day and year,
8-8-08. Like the number “8,” that has no beginning or end, 8-8-08, is a number that symbolizes good fortune and longevity.
In August 2008, our members were asked to join in the good fortune by donating $88.88 to Ikuyu Madin, HUOA’s capital campaign and, for added luck, date their
check August 8, 2008. To date, over 600 donors representing every HUOA member club have shared in our good fortune by contributing to our 8-8-08 campaign.
From $8.88 to $2,000, members have raised over $60,000.
You might question whether “8’s,” “mystic knots,” and “numerology” are lucky or just coincidence. As a donor you will know. What is certain is that we will be able
to perpetuate our Okinawan culture for future generations. I do know, the State of Hawaii in September released our $1,600,000.00 appropriated 2006 grant. I do
know, we are blessed with committed and generous members.
It is not too late. If you want to share in the good fortune, send in your check full of 8’s, and don’t forget to date your check August 8, 2008.
(A special thank you to the Capital Club Committee, especially Pat Miyashiro for the idea, Val Kato for the design, Gainor Miyashiro, Vince Watabu and Alan Chinen for production.)
Anonymous
Shirley Afuso
J. M. Agena
Thomas K. & Mildred M. Agena
Susan Y. Ajifu
Laura Ajimine
M/M David Y. Aka
James M. Akamine
M/M James Akamine
Roy Y. Aka
Gladys Akasaki
Cornell & Shirley Alos
Lenny Andrew
Morris S. & Gertrude Aniya
Carolynne Aragaki
Gilbert & Dorothy Aragaki
Takashi & Mieno Aragaki
Doris M. Arakaki
George Arakaki
James E. Arakaki
Paul & Darlene Arakaki
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Arakaki
Elbert G. Arakawa
Goro Arakawa
Hideo & Aiko Arakawa
Robert N. Arakawa
Satsuko Arakawa
Vivian M. Arakawa
Yasuyuki Arakawa
Yukio Arashiro
Nancy Arizumi
Bob & June Asato
Earl K Asato
Ed & May Asato
Haruko & Irene Asato
Hatsue Asato
Herbert & Ruth Asato
Howard Asato
H.T. Asato
Ken Asato
Shigeo & Sumiko Asasto
Roy C. Ashitomi
Jane Tamanaha Au
Howard & Grace Awakuni
Ernest Azama
Duke & Jennifer Bainum
Lucille Kuwaye Biven
Elaine Cachero
Marni Canubida
Jane Taira Chang
Jeanette K. Y. Chang
Larry Y. Chinen
Masasuke Chinen
Melvin Chinen
Raymond T. Chinen
Yoshio & Doris Chinen
Amy Chow
Steven & Rae Chow
Clinton & Karen Chung
Mae Chung
Irene Y. Chun
James & Takeko Cox
Will Crowley
Yasuko Eastland
Harry & Sylvia Ehara
Yogi Kwong Engineers
Mike Fallau
Mark & Maureen Farineau
Shigeko Ferrer
Nolan T. Fong
Toshiko Fortuna
Mr. & Mrs. Muneo Fujimoto
M/M Edwin Fukuji
Francis Funakoshi
Warren & Elva Furuya
Elaine Ganeko
Betty T. Ganeku
Gayle Y. Gilbert
Kay K. Ginoza
Daryl Goto
Ruby M. Goto
Grace Goya
Hatsuko Gushiken
Ronald Gushiken
Shigeru Gushikuma
Patricia K. Hansen
Portia (Shimabukuro) Hara
Shigeko Hata
Eddie & Amy Hayashi
Yeichi & Kikue Henna
Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Herrick
Douglas Higa
Ellen Higa
Frederick T. Higa
Glen T. Higa
Grant Higa
Hatsue Higa
Hisayo Higa
Jack & Kay Higa
Jane S. Higa
Laverne T. Higa
Lyman Higa
Mildred Higa
Mildred M. Higa
Mitsuko Higa
Raymond Higa
Robert J. & Sally N. Higa
Roy I. Higa
Roy S. Higa
Shizuko Higa
Stanley & Christine Higa
Terry T. Higa
Tomie Higa
Toshio & Jeane Higa
Yoshiaki Higa
Kyoko Hijirida
Thomas & Eva Hirano
Harold & Nancy Hokama
Tom Hokama
Jessie Hori
Nicole Hori
Lily Horio
Hui Uruma
Gregory & Susan Hunt
Fred M. Ige
Janet & Philip Ige
Jon Ige
Ralph & Jean Ige
Garrett & Susan Iha
Larry & Peggy Iha
Owen & Helen Iha
George H. Ikehara
Marian Y. Ikehara
Shizuye Ikehara
Norman T. Ikei
Donald Inamine
Kyle A. Inamine
Ann Inouye
Esther Inouye
Brian S. Isa
Richard T. & Leilani Isa
Susan S. Isa
Morris M. Ishihara
Harry & Arlene Ishikawa
George Ishiki
James & Gladys Itamura
Geroge & Shirley Ito
Kelli T. Iwai
Charles & Ruby Jitchaku
Jeannette Goya Johnson-Capps
Neal & Gerri Kabei
Harold & Ellen Kameya
Gentoku & Kay Kamiya
Mr. & Mrs. George S. Kamiya
Ken Kamiya
Kimiko Kamiya
Masashi Kamiya
Ardis Kaneshiro
Masanobu & Betsy Kaneshiro
D.B. Kaneshiro
Fred M. Kaneshiro
Gary Kaneshiro
George & Shirley Kaneshiro
Harry Kaneshiro
Isamu Kaneshiro
Nancy Kaneshiro
Nancy M. Kaneshiro
Ron Kaneshiro
Daniel & Kelly Kanja
Richard Kashiwabara
Masato & Haruye Katekaru
Valerie Kato
Elsie Kawahara
Haruo & Nobuko Kida
Robert Kinjo
M/M Edward K. Kino
George M. Kino
Roy K. Kino
Shizue Kino
Naoko Kirihara
Satoki Kisaba
Robert & Yoko Kishaba
Troy & Joyce Kishaba
Miyoko Kitamura
Harry S. Kiyabu
Charles Kobashigawa
Harriet H. Kobashigawa
Irene Kobashigawa
Julie K. Kobashigawa
Mr. & Mrs. Kiichi Kobashigawa
L.J. & Karen K. Kobashigawa
Lois & Jack Kobashigawa
Ruth U. Kobashigawa
Gary Kobashikawa
Mildred K. Kobashikawa
Shigeji Kogachi
Richard & Irmgard Kogachi
Rodney & Carol Kohagura
Rikikchi Kohatsu
Lapaz Pat Koja
Paul Komeiji
Roy Chuichi Kouke
Karen Kuba-Hori
Mamo & Emi Kuniyoshi
Shinkiyo & Fumiko Kuniyoshi
Paula K.M. & Richard Kurashige
Henry R. Kuwaye
Yasuo Kuwaye
Asako Kuwazaki
Florence M. Lau
Shirley S. Long
Sakae Loo
Ben & Gerri Maeda
Shizuko Maeda
Yaeko Maeda
Yasumori Maeda
Ruby Maekawa
Seizen & Helen Maeshiro
Brian & Mitzi Maeshiro
Earnest G. Maeshiro
Hisako Maeshiro
Roy & Liz Maeshiro
Mr. & Mrs. Marcelino Magalianes
Clifford Makabe
Kiyomori & Akiko Makabe
Alice T. Maloney
Richard & Amy Maruyama
Amy Matano
Don Matsuda
Jean E. Matsuda
Kenneth & Mary Matsui
Claire Matsumoto
Daniel & Isabelle Matsumoto
Peter S. Mayeshiro
Debbie McKee
Hatsue & Kameichi Mento
Diana T. Mijo
Ethel Milner
Masahiro Minei
Stanley Mishima
Stephen & Carrie Miwa
Garret & Tamlyn Miyagawa
Robert & Betsy Miyahira
Continued on Page 12 -13
12
Uchinanchu
September/October 2008
Margaret Nohara
Roy & Catherine Miyahira
Michael T. & Flora H. Nohara
Eleanor Miyasaki
Koji & Sakaye Nomura
Jack Miyasato
Paul & Mary Nuha
Jack & Shizue Miyasato
Violet O. Ogawa
Lillian F. Miyasato
James Y. Okahara
Masayuki Miyasato
Earl & Toyoko Okawa
Robert & Sandra Miyasato
Kuniko Okazaki
Ronald Miyasato
Shoji Okazaki
Sam Miyasato
Edward & Haruko Okita
Seiichi & Vivian A. Miyasato
Bob & Nancy Okuda
Shigeru Miyasato
Raymond & Betty Okuhara
Stanley C. Miyasato
Henry & Haruko Okuma
Toshio & Colleen Miyasato
Hideo & Fusako Omine
Wilbert & Kay Miyasato
Edward & Leatrice Onaga
Evelyn Miyashiro
Emiko Onaga
Florence Miyashiro
Grant K. Onaga
Gainor Miyashiro
Toshio Onaga
Isaac & Mary K. Miyashiro
Theodore & June Nakata Onishi
James & Nancy Miyashiro
M/M Jitsuo Osaki
M/M Kiyoshi Miyashiro
Yoshiko Oschner
Mark Miyashiro
Noreen Oshima
Masako & Richard Miyashiro
Clement Oshiro
Mildred Miyashiro
Earl S. Oshiro
Mitzi Miyashiro
Edna T. Oshiro
Morris M. Miyashiro
Edwin & Yoshiko Oshiro
Patrick & Nona Miyashiro
Grace S. Oshiro
Seikichi Miyashiro
Grant M. Oshiro
Yoshiko Miyashiro
Haruko Oshiro
Hiroo & Janet Momohara
Henry S. & Theresa Y. Oshiro
James Muramoto
Howard M. Oshiro
Donald & Evelyn Nagamine
Kaname Oshiro
Helen Nagamine
Kenneth & Lynn Oshiro
Toyoko Nagamine
Kenneth K. Oshiro
Hiroko G. Nagata
Lillian Y. Oshiro
Hiramichi & Chikako Nago
Masaru & Kiyoko Oshiro
Maurice Nakachi
M/M Matthew Oshiro
Lillian Nakagawa
Michael H. Oshiro
Neil & Cassie Nakagawa
Milton & Maddie Oshiro
Thomas & Janet Nakai
Natsue Oshiro
Larry K. Nakama
Robert Oshiro
Rene Nakama
Robert N. Oshiro
Robert Y. & Barbara Y. Nakamatsu
Sadako Oshiro
Thomas & Charlotte Nakamatsu
Seishun & Fumie Oshiro
Yoshitaka Nakama
Seitoku Oshiro
Charles Nakamine
Wallace S. & Patsy K. Oshiro
Chiyo Nakamine
William T. Oshiro
Evelyn Nakamine
Yoshinobu Oshiro
Masayuki Nakamine
Yukisada Oshiro
Hatsuko Nakamoto
Thomas & Karen Otaguro
Manabu & Hannah Nakamoto
Priscilla Otsuji
Matsuye Nakamoto
Russell & Elaine T. Owens
T. Nakamoto
Roy Oyadomari
Carl Nakamura
Richard S. & Haruko Oyama
Creighton Nakamura
Leslie Palmer
Grace Nakamura
David & Kelly Pila
Kay K. Nakamura
John & Lily Ratliff
Kenton Nakamura
Rons Construction Corp.
Lee Nakamura
Yasuo Sadoyama
Lynn K. & Frances C. Nakamura
Nicholas A.Y. Sakai
Kelson Nakamura
Wini Sakai
Roy Y. Nakamura
M/M Howard Sakima
Russ Nakamura
Jane Sakima
Sachiko Nakamura
Kaoru Sakima
Shirley Nakamura
Kiyoshi & Irene Sakima
Stanley & Mitsuko Nakamura
Kogoro Sakima
Wayne & Karen Nakamura
Katsuji Sakuma
Yoshiharu Nakamura
Margot Sarae
George M. Nakasato
Charles H. Sawa
Walter Nakasato
Jane F. Serikaku
Isamu Nakasone
Michael M. Serikaku
James & Karen Nakasone
Richard H. Serikaku
James & Norma Nakasone
Toshio Shimabukuro
Joyce K. Nakasone
Edith E. Shimabuku
Lloyd M. Nakasone
Louis K. Shimabuku
Raymond S. Nakasone
Annie Shimabukuro
Richard M. & Nancy Y. Nakasone
George K. Shimabukuro
Thomas O. Nakasone
Herbert K. Shimabukuro
Naka’s Travel Service - Sumie Consillo
Irene M. Shimabukuro
Keiko Nakata
Katsuichi Shimabukuro
Gary Napuunoa
M/M Mitchell K. Shimabukuro
Natsuko F. Nightingale
Norman Shimabukuro
Gwen S. Niiya
Ralph Shimabukuro
Dora Nishihara
Richard & Geri Shimabukuro
Richard Nishihara
Shikako Shimabukuro
Wendy Nishikawa
Shuei Shimabukuro
Saburo Nishime
Sue T. Shimabukuro
Bessie Nitahara
Seisho & Rochelle Shimabuku
Carole Nohara
Fran Shima
Harry Seitoku Nohara
Helene & Sam Shimane
8-8-08 Donors - Continued from Page 11
Ben & Nancy Shimokawa
Dave S. Shinsato
Dawn Y. Shinsato
Fred Shinsato
R. Shinsato
For Brittney Shiroma, 8/8/93
Dennis Shiroma
Edward & Jane Shiroma
Eileen Shiroma
Jane S. Shiroma
Michael & Kotaro Shiroma
Shizue Shiroma
Nancy Sogawa
Stanley S. & Carol S. Sueyoshi
Kenneth & Billie Sugai
Karen Sugitaya
Mac & Agnes Sunabe
Charles Surridge
Lillian Suyama
Richard T. Taba
Kikue S. Tada
Richard M. Taira
George & Pat Takamiya
Helene Takamiya
Jin Takamiya
Frederick Takara
Kaaren Takara
Misao Takara
Seiichi Takara
Shigeko Takara
Susan H. Takara
Virginia Takara
Walter & Beatrice Takara
Richard & Jane Takayesu
Clifton & Joyce Takenaka
Nobuo & June Takeno
Cynthia F. Takeuchi
Mieko Takeuchi
Norman Takushi
Betty S. Tamanaha
Kei Tamanaha
Alan Tamashiro
Cyrus Tamashiro
Elaine & Richard Tamashiro
George & Emeline Tamashiro
Koki & Helen Tamashiro
Louise Y. Tamashiro
Pam Tamashiro
Tony Tamashiro
Keiko Tamayori
Lucille A. Tamayori
Thomas Tamayori
Alan Tamayose
Cliff H. Tamura
Cheryl Tanaka
Naoto & Jane Tateyama
James & Susan Tawata
Howard M. Tengan
Gertrude Terukina
Darrell Teruya
David K. Teruya
Ella Teruya
Kenyei & Pearl Teruya
Peggy Teruya
Stephanie M. Teruya
Thomas T. Teruya
Hilda & Robert Thomas
Nancy H. Toguchi
Mr. & Mrs. Yukio Toguchi
Yoshiko Tokeshi
David S. Tokuda
George & Janet Tokuda
James & Loretta Tokuda
Shizuo & Alice T. Tokuda
Wallace S. Tokuda
David & Nancy Tokuhara
Gladys K. Tokunaga
Mr. & Mrs. Edward K. Tomasu
Thomas & Nora Toma
Geraldine M. Tome
Ken & Nancy Tome
Lawrence & Nancy Tome
Betty Tominaga
Sunny Sane Tominaga
Ellen C. Tomisato
Yasumori & Dora Tomi
Carole Tomooka
Harry Y. & Frances H. Toyama
Kenny Toyama
Mary Louise Toyama
Masue Toyama
Nobukichi Toyama
Toki & Pat Toyama
Ronald T. Toyama
Bill & Clara Tsuhako
Takashi Tsuhako
Albert & Suzy Tsukuyama
Margaret Tsuma
Richard & Sarah Uchima
Harue Uechi
Koei & Arlene Uechi
Suewo Uechi
Ellen T. Uehara
M/M Frank Uehara
Joyce M. Uehara
Mark & Ethel Uehara
Sakae & Fumiko Uehara
Lyn A. Uesato
Grace M. Ueunten
Mr. & Mrs. Morris Umeno
Glenn N. Urata
Susan Ushijima
Amy Utterback
Janet Uyechi
Clayton S. Uyehara
Harry Y. Uyehara
Kazuo Uyehara
Melvin Uyehara
Shigeo Uyehara
Yuki Uyehara
Aaron & Terri Uyema
Cindy Uyema
Kevin Uyema
Ray & Fay Uyema
Alex Uyeshiro
Glenn & Nancy Uyeshiro
Mamoru Wakuta
Karrie Watanabe
Richard Watanabe
Motoku & Asano Yahiku
Jane C. Yamada
Kay M. Yamada
Marcia Yamada
Bert & Mitsuko Yamaguchi
Jean Yamaguchi
Kenneth Yamakawa
Carole Yamamoto
Dorothy H. Yamaoka
M/M Frank Yamashiro
Gordon & Beverly Yamashiro
James M. & Kathleen Yamashiro
Kenji & Doris Yamashiro
Rodney Yamashiro
Aiko M. Yamashita
Judy Yamauchi
Lynn Yamauchi
Marvin Yamauchi
Paul & Rachel Yamauchi
Carl & Sandra S. Yanagi
Carol Yanagita
Laraine & Roger Yasui
Frederick Yogi
Nancy Yogi
Seitei Yogi
Alice Yonamine
Mac & Patsy Yonamine
Masa & Mabel Yonemori
Ronald & Emiko Yonemoto
Raymond Yonesaki
Wendy N. Yoshimoto
Earl Zaan
George K. & Harriet Zakahi
Walter Zukemura
In Memory of My Parents, Richard Yeimei
& Fumi Inafuku Arakaki and my
Grandparents, Kichita & Kame Arakaki
by John Y. Arakaki
In Memory of Taru & Kamado Arakaki
In Memory of Kenneth & Nora Chibana by
Alvin & Karen Fuse
In Memory of Sylvia Katsuye Giesen &
Kame Shimabukuro by Bonnie Abe
In Memory of Alice O. Higa
In Memory of Wataru & Nancy Isa by
Cassandra Ikeda
In Memory of Mr. Frank S. Itomura by
Eleanor Itomura
Family of Jiro & Kame Kaneshiro by Ethelyn
K. Kaaihue
Continued on Page 13
September/October 2008
8-8-08 Donors - Continued from Page 12
In Memory of Jiro & Kame Kaneshiro by Barbara M. Takata
In Memory of Lorraine Kaneshiro by Art Kaneshiro
In Memory of Taro Kobashigawa by Kristine Sasaki
In Memory of Yoshiko Kobayashi member of Urasoe by Christine Kobayashi
In Memory of Tokayei & Kimiko Koki by Jeanne Johnson
In Memory of Richard & Kiyoko Kuba by KKH
In Memory of Ushita & Kame Kubota and Kameko (Kubota) Tokumoto by
Ruby Goto
In Memory of Zentaro & Shizuko Miyashiro
In Memory of Ted Oshiro by Clarence & Jean Nakatsukasa
In Memory of Yuki Jane Oshiro by Henry Ryosuke Oshiro
In Memory of Shigeru & Soyo Serikaku by Stanley Matsuo
Hawaii Artists Excel in Konkuuru
Awards Competition
H
awaii’s artists in the traditional performing arts continue to excel in the Ryukyu
Shimpo Newspaper Company and the Okinawa Times Newspaper Company’s annual
“geinoo konkuuru*” performing arts competition. Here is a listing of those who successfully performed in their respective field of study and category levels:
Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper Company
Sanshin
Shinjin Shoo: Darcy Gibo
Buyoo
Yuushuu Shoo: Sandra Hayashi, Chikako Shimamura, Anna Lewis
Okinawa Times Newspaper Company
Koto
Shinjin Shoo: Chisato Sakaguchi
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association congratulates each geinoo konkuuru honoree
and their instructors for their efforts and sterling achievement. Best wishes for your continued success in carrying on the legacy of our Okinawan community. All of you are our
bright hope for the preservation and perpetuation of the Okinawan culture in Hawaii.
You’ve made all of us very proud!
* geinoo; performing arts
konkuuru; Romanization for and Japanese pronunciation of the French word, “concours,”
which means “competition” or “music contest.”
Uchinanchu
13
In Memory of Leatrice Haruko Shimabukuro on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Mark
Shimabukuro
In Memory of Gicho & Tsuru Takaesu and Yoshinobu Takaesu by Harriet
Takaesu
In Memory of Shizue Tawata by Hazel T. Shimabukuro
In Memory of Kenneth Tengan by Lillian Tengan
In Memory of brother, Seisuke “Red” Tokuda, sister, Helen Candilasa & nephew,
Castle Candilasa
On Behalf of Judy Mae Awakuni by Tina Awakuni
On Behalf of the Okinawa Culture
14
Uchinanchu
September/October 2008
Music & Dance of Okinawa
Celebrating 80 years of Okinawan Community on Maui
Hui Okinawa
By Patti Taira-Tokuuke, President
W
OW! That best describes
the last few months. What
a tremendous Haari Boat Festival!
After a six-year hiatus, the Haari
boats were taken out of dry dock,
cleaned up and readied to go. After
two years of planning, it’s hard to
believe the festival is over.
Nago City Mayor Yoshikazu
Shimabukuro and his delegation of
city officials, paddlers and student
eisa dancers made the trek all the
Nago Club wins first place in the HUOA Division.
way to Hilo just to participate in
our races. I am honored that they were able to make it so far for such a short, twoand-a-half-day stay. Mayor Shimabukuro was quite impressed with the Hawaiian
hospitality. Race results in the HUOA division: Nago Club with Betty Higa beating the gong took first place honors followed by Hui Okinawa’s Team Chibariyo
and Yomitan in third place. In the costume contest: Most Unusual went to Crew
Okuma Chu (mixed team made up of folks from Oahu, Okinawa, Maui and the
Big Island); Most Attractive – Hui O Laulima (Oahu); Most Uchinanchu – Yomitan
(Oahu) You can check out our website: haariboatfestival.com for pictures of the
races and all of the race results. Thank you to all teams and those who traveled
from the neighbor islands to paddle in our races. We hope it won’t be another 6
years for the next Haari boat races. Again, what an awesome event.
C
ome and join the celebration of Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai’s 80th Anniversary
and experience the rich and colorful traditions of the culture with first-class,
authentic Okinawan music and dance at the Maui Arts Cultural Center (MACC)
on Sunday, November 9 starting at 2 p.m. The captivating drum beats of the taiko,
mesmerizing odori (dance) and sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) performances, and a rare shishimai (lion-dog dance) make this an exciting show for all
ages! Tickets are on sale at the MACC box office Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets prices are $25, $20 and $15 in advance.
Okinawan groups from around the state will
perform. Including:
Young Okinawans of Hawaii perfecting the ShiShi Mai – lion-dog dance. The Shi-Shi Mai is the
live adaptation of the Shisa statutes that are usually found on the roofs of Okinawan homes and
businesses and are traditionally handmade with
woven rope or leaves. Looks much like the Chinese
Foo Dog and similar to the Chinese Lion dance in
its symbolic means for bringing good luck.
Hawaii Taiko Kai is the classical style (Koten) of Okinawan drumming. This
troupe was formed in 1987 to preserve the Okinawan culture and this special style of
drumming, which utilizes two different drums, is unique to Okinawan music. Terry
Higa, the group’s head instructor, is originally from Maui and received his teaching
certificate from Mitsufumi Ryu Taiko No Kai.
Jimpu Kai USA Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho - Okinawan Odori (dance)
under the instruction of Cheryl Yoshie Nakasone. Upon graduating from the
University of Hawaii, she went to Okinawa to study classical Ryukyuan performing arts and received her shihan (master’s teaching certificate) under the renowned
Master Ryosho Kin. After returning to Hawaii, Nakasone-sensei dedicated herself
to teaching, performing and continuing the legacy of Master Kin. She currently
teaches at the University of Hawaii. She has her studio in Honolulu and comes to
Maui to teach classes for the Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai.
Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii Shibu is a school on Oahu teaching Okinawan
Sanshin (samisen), a three-stringed instrument, in the Ryukyuan or classical style
of music (Afuso). The school is focused on perpetuating the Okinawan culture for
generations to come. The Artistic Director, Grant “Sandaa” Murata, has conducted
school recitals at many Okinawan Festivals throughout the state.
Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai brings together Hawaii’s renowned teachers and groups
for an afternoon of culturally enriching entertainment in their efforts to perpetuate and enhance the appreciation of Okinawan culture. For more information, call
242-1560.
Costume contest: Most Uchinanchu – Yomitan Club.
Ginowan Club News
By Patrick Miyashiro, President
A
big mahalo to all Ginowan members who helped at the Okinawan Festival.
Andagi cooking began at 8 a.m. on Saturday and continued until 8 p.m. that
evening. At 6:30 a.m. the next morning, our Ginowan mixing crew made up of
family, friends and students from Japan made 200 bags of andagi batter. Everyone
worked very hard, enjoyed the fellowship, and vowed to do it again next year!
After the mixing on Sunday, club members traveled to Kapiolani Park to cook the
andagi until closing time. Special thanks to those Farrington and Roosevelt High
School students who helped at our tent.
Ginowan’s next function is our annual Shinnen enkai, to be held at the HOC on
Sunday, March 8, for lunch. Please save the date and encourage your family members to attend.
Thank you also to those of who contributed to HUOA’s “8-8-08: A Special Time
to Donate” campaign. Remember, you can still make that special donation of
$88.88 and date your check 8-8-08 and have good fortune for your efforts. Every
contribution greatly helps the campaign. If you have not donated, please consider
making it by the end of the year.
Chondora Trio Make 2008 Okinawan Festival Debut: Dexter Teruya, Hachi Higa and Mel Gushiken.
Photo by Alan Isara
Uchinaa-guchi (Okinawan language)
Word of the Month
September
chuku•i-kata, n. [tsukurikata] How to make (something);
a recipe.
October
i-shoo, n. [ishoo] Clothes; clothing; dress; garments;
apparel; costume; a wardrobe. See also chin(3).
(Excerpted, with permission, from the Okinawan-English Wordbook, by
Mitsugu Sakihara, edited by Stewart Curry, University of Hawaii Press,
Honolulu, 2006)
Ginowan Club’s Andagi gang
The Okinawan-English Wordbook (softcover) can be purchased for $13 at
the HOC gift shop.
September/October 2008
Sport s
Corner
HUOA Kegler Bowls Perfect
Game!
E
veryone stopped bowling one Sunday at
Leeward Bowl ….quietly and anxiously
watching bowler, Edgardo Olegario make his
10th Strike, then his 11th and finally the last
strike making him the first ever 300 bowler
in the history of Hawaii United Okinawa
Association’s Mixed Handicap Bowling League.
Chaos followed, with everyone cheering,
clapping and shaking Ed’s hand. Wow, a 300
bowler in our midst!
Ed has been bowling in our HUOA Mixed
Handicap league for the past 20 years as a
member of the Aza Gushikawa Team. In between bowling his strikes, he retreats
to the back where he focuses on correcting math papers. A teacher for 15 years,
Ed teaches Algebra and Geometry at Waipahu High School. He also serves as the
advisor for WHS’ Ballroom Dancing and Guitar Club.
Ed sports his special ABC 300 ring as he bowls at Leeward Bowl on Sundays and
during his Friday night Ewa Community Bowling League. Congratulations, Ed!
Uchinanchu
15
a perfect example of how Okinawa is trying to promote peace among nations by
giving us the opportunity to make friends from around the world.
My most memorable experience of this study tour was making lifelong friendships with people from around the world. I definitely achieved my goal of broadening my horizons by befriending so many different people. Through these friendships I learned about the Uchinanchu spirit and the meaning behind the phrase,
“Ichariba Chode.” “Ichariba Chode” means once we meet we are family. During the
Junior Study Tour, it felt like we had created our own family. We created memories
that will be remembered forever, and we will always be there to support each other
through our ups and downs. I learned that even though we are Uchinanchu living
in different countries, we all have the Uchinanchu spirit inborn in us. For example,
even though there were language barriers, we all seemed to connect with one
another and form one large family. Another example is how everyone knew how to
dance kachaashi, and everyone joined in when the music started playing.
This Okinawa trip was a lot of firsts for me, it was the first time traveling by
myself and it was my first time meeting Uchinanchu from abroad. Both of these
firsts were learning experiences. I am now an independent traveler, brave enough to
visit my friends all over the world, and I have become a global citizen. This Study
Tour was such a great opportunity to expand my horizons and become a part of a
larger world community.
I greatly appreciate being able to participate in the Okinawa Junior Study Tour
for 2008. This trip to Okinawa was the trip of a lifetime for me. What could be better than to travel to find one’s roots, to study culture, and form friendships that
will last a lifetime? This trip has helped me to find my Uchinanchu Identity, and
has connected me with Uchinanchu all over the world. I am so grateful to the people of Okinawa and the Okinawan Government for giving me the chance to visit
Okinawa and learn about my heritage. My friends and I all appreciate the opportunity that we were given. We will never forget the lessons that we learned and the
memories we made together.
2008 Okinawa Junior Study Tour Youth Homestay Program in
By Marcie Miyuki Moribe
Okinawa
R
eceiving the Okinawa Junior Study Tour scholarship gave me the opportunity to learn about
Okinawan culture. During the study tour, we did
everything from attending lectures, to hiking, to
hands-on crafts. The first day of the tour was to
network and meet the other participants from the
different countries. I did not know that there were
Uchinanchu in places like Cuba, Malaysia and New
Caledonia. We had language lessons and learned
about each other’s countries. I was amazed to hear
Marcie Miyuki Moribe
Japanese, English, Spanish, Portuguese and French
all being spoken in the same room. It was so astonishing because they were all
Uchinanchu speaking those languages.
I really enjoyed the nature aspects of the study tour. It was my first experience
going to an Okinawan beach and going hiking in Okinawa. It was so breathtakingly beautiful to be surrounded by nature when we were hiking to Hiji Falls.
There was so much greenery; I could imagine what it must have been living in the
old days. We saw many kinds of lizards, and chameleons, and we also saw a snake.
I was so hot and sweaty by the time we got to the waterfall; it looked like I went
swimming. The waterfall was beautiful, it was so tall, and the sound was so relaxing. Dipping my feet in the water was so refreshing. It was such a wonderful experience to have gone hiking in Okinawa.
Learning about the history of one’s culture is an important part of discovering one’s identity. We toured Shuri Castle and learned about the glorious days of
the Ryukyu Kingdom. We also visited the Peace Park to learn about the Battle of
Okinawa. Learning about the history of war in Okinawa affected me the most.
Seeing the pictures of people suffering in war torn Okinawa was heartbreaking,
I could not help but cry. Hearing the first hand story of war from Mr. Nagata, I
could feel his pain. I could never imagine what it was like not being able to help
others to survive, or what it was like to have lost his friends and family. Mr. Nagata
said, “War makes human beings demons” because our morals disappear when
thinking about our own survival. Although I have not experienced war, I understand Okinawa’s peace message clearly. The Uchinanchu experienced so much suffering during the war that they do not want it to happen again. This study tour is
TOMMY S. TOMA
CONTRACTOR, INC.
LIC-B-171
General Repairs, Home Remodeling,
Apartments
New Dwelling and Commercial Interiors
Thomas Toma and Wilbert Toma
820 Iwilei Rd., Honolulu, HI 96817
Telephone 524-5143
T
he Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) has just announced the implementation of its Okinawan Youth Homestay Program in Okinawa. OPG
would like to recruit students of Okinawan ancestry from abroad to homestay in
Okinawa and learn about their ethnic culture and history while networking with
families and new friends in Okinawa. Here are the some of the basic qualifications
and conditions set forth by OPG:
1. Participants must have a strong desire to learn about their ethnic heritage
and be willing to participate in OPG’s planned activities;
2. Participant must be between 13-25 years of age and attending middle
school, high school or college and in good physical and mental health;
3. Pay for own round-trip airfare to and from Okinawa, medical expenses
and travel insurance;
4. Lodging and meals in Okinawa will be provided by host family;
5. OPG will provide a subsidy of 50,000 yen (approximately $500) to assist
in covering some of the participant’s travel expenses; and
6. Complete all documentation and essay and submit by the deadline of
November 7 (Japan time).
Please call the Hawaii United Okinawa Association at 676-5400 for details.
Eisa performers from Meio University in Nago delight the audience with their energetic performance.
October 2008
21
Executive Council mtg, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
26
Hui Makaala Luncheon and Fashion Show; Boutique-9am,
Lunch-Noon, Fashion Show-1pm
28
Administration Com. mtg, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
November 2008
4
Executive Council mtg, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
6
Communications & Information, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
Club Development mtg, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
9
Music & Dance of Okinawa, celebrating 80 years of Okinawan
Community by the Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai; Maui Arts &
Cultural Center; 2pm
16
Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai-Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo
10th anniversary recital~Udui Kahuu, A Gift for Eternity,
Hawaii Theatre Center, 2pm
18
Board of Directors mtg, Legacy Ballroom, 7pm
23
Kimutaka no Amawari--Daiichi Hirata, charity concerts to
benefit HUOA, Legacy Ballroom, 1pm & 6pm
25
Administration Com. mtg, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
27
THANKSGIVING DAY -- HOC Office Closed
29
HUOA Winter Craft Fair, Hawaii Okinawa Center; 9am-3pm
30
HUOA Winter Craft Fair; Hawaii Okinawa Center; 9am-2pm
December 2008
2
Executive Council mtg; Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
4
Seniors Fair, Hawaii Okinawa Center, 10am-3pm
4
Communications & Information, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
8
Club Development Com. mtg, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
10
Evening in Waipio Craft Fair, Hawaii Okinawa Center, 5:30-9pm
24
CHRISTMAS EVE--HOC open 8:30a-Noon
25
CHRISTMAS DAY--HOC Office Closed
30
Administration Com. mtg, Serikaku Chaya, 7pm
31
NEW YEAR’S EVE--HOC open 8:30a-Noon
Classes • Meetings at Hawaii Okinawa Center:
HUOA Sanshin: every Thursday, 7pm*/Ikebana: every third Wednesday, 7pm*
Karaoke nite: last Tuesday, 6:30pm*/Kobudo Taiko: every Monday, 7pm, contact Calvin Nakama 224-7374
Monday Crafters: every Monday, 8:30am*/Okinawan Genealogical Society
mtg: 3rd Saturday, 9am*/Uchinaaguchi: every 3rd Monday, 7pm*
*for more information, please call 676-5400
Watch “Hawaii Okinawa Today,” Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on ‘Olelo–Oceanic
Cable Channel 53. You can also view our shows on Olelonet – simultaneous Web
streaming. For updated information contact; hot@huoa.org or visit our website;
www.huoa.org for detailed information.
Nov 3
Okinawan Festival 2006 – Show #3: at Kapiolani Park, highlighting
Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai-Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo; Afuso Ryu
Gensei Kai Hawaii Shibu, and Wayne Takamine and the Two Ti Leaf Band
Nov 10
Unji Kumiti, From the Heart by Nidaime Teishin Kai Hawaii Shibu - Show
#3: a tribute to the late Kiyoshi Kinjo held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center
on November 3, 2007 (Premiere)
Nov 17
Okinawan Festival 2006 – Show #4: at Kapiolani Park, highlighting Radio
Okinawa-Miuta Taisho, Hooge Kai Nakasone Dance Academy, and
Nuuanu Okinawa Shorin-Ryu/Shinden Karate Association
Nov 24
Jikoen Hongwanji Mission First Annual Talent Show held on July 10, 2005
Dec 1
Okinawan Festival 2006 – Show #5: at Kapiolani Park, highlighting Royal
Hawaiian Band; Uta Sanshin Circle (Sanshin Ensemble), and Hawaii
Taiko Kai
Dec 8
An Evening of Okinawa Classical Dance by Jimpu Kai USA Kin Ryosho
Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho-Hawaii Shibu held at the Mission Memorial
Auditorium on August 5, 2006 (Premiere)
Dec 15
Okinawan Festival 2006 – Show #6: at Kapiolani Park, highlighting
Okinawa Buyo Club; Uta Sanshin Ensemble (HUOA Sanshin Class,
Nidaime Teishin Kai Hawaii and Hilo Shibu); and Calabash
Dec 22
Okinawan Festival 2007 – Show #12: at Kapiolani Park, featuring Rinken
Band – Part One (Premiere)
Dec 29
Okinawan Festival 2006 – Show #7: at Kapiolani Park, highlighting
Ryukyu Sokyoku Hozon Kai Hawaii Shibu-Sarina Sokyoku Kenkyusho,
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii, and Shinsato Shosei Kai
**Subject to Change** (entries as of 9/08)
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