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www.huoa.org November/December 2017 Issue #171 Circulation 9,820

Inside This IssueThe 2017 Legacy Awards Banquet ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• President’s Message ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 2Pau Hana Concert, II ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 3The Legacy Awards (continued from pg 1) •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 4Uchinanchu no Hi /Uchinanchu Essay •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 5Hooge Mankai Recital/Konkuru Artists/Megan Higa–Youth on the Rise ••••• Page 6Aloha Denon/Hooge Mankai (continued from pg 6) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 7Ikuyu Madin/Preserving Our Legacy •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pages 8 & 9Preserving Our Legacy (POL) continued from pg 9 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 10Okinawa Geijutsu Cultural Exchange Program/POL/HUOA Donors •••••••• Page 11Club News •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pages 12 & 13Mensore •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 14Jimami Tofu/Post Battle of Okinawa/Okinawan Proverbs/Uchinaaguchi •••• Page 15HUOA Schedule of Events/HOT Schedule •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 16

An intimate gathering of 400 family, friends and supporters came together at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom

on November 12 to honor five very special individuals: Dr. Shinye Gima, Governor David Ige, Jake Shimabukuro, Hidehito Uki and Herbert Yanamura. The Legacy Awards Banquet recog-nized these honorees for their out-standing achievements and significant contributions to the Okinawan com-munity. Video interviews of the honor-ees, family and friends coordinated by the Hawaii Okinawa Today crew were shown at the banquet and a beautiful program book described their stories and achievements.

Attendees were treated to a very special program where, for the first time in the history of the 10-year event, two honorees took the stage to person-ally entertain the audience. Governor

Ige and Jake Shimabukuro played an ukulele duet, strumming the song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Jake, along with his brother Bruce, played

Bashofu and Hana, accompanied by their mom Carol who sang so beautifully.

Entertainment also included young shishimai of Hawaii Okinawa Creative Arts, Okinawan music and dance by Afuso Ryu Hawaii and Charlene Gima, Chinagu Eisa Hawaii’s energetic numbers, and a

Continued on Page 4

The 2017 Legacy Awards Banquet

2 Uchinanchu November/December 2017

President’s MessageBy Vince Watabu

Muteei Sakeei – Thriving Prosperity

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.

UCHINANCHUIppee Nifee Deebiru... Mahalo!

Uchinanchu Donors September 16 to November 20, 2017.Lillian OshiroNancy OshiroGrace SakumotoJudith SheldonHarriet TakaesuKen TakemotoJune TakenoShirley TamamotoDouglas TokusatoJo Ann TomeAmy TsuruJanet UmemotoWalter WongKatsuo Yamashiro

E. AgenaSatoshi AjifuHarold Asato Hatsue AsatoRuth AsatoErnest AzamaFlo FernandezClifford & Judith GusukumaAl HigaFrederick HigaLenore KozoharaArlene MiyamotoMae OgomoriJoyce OnoBetty Oshiro

2017 Calendar of EventsThe year at a glance!

Jan 20 Uchinanchu of the Year Honorees & Installation Banquet

Feb 17- Hawaii-Okinawa High School Student Exchange, Phase I Mar 3

Mar 11 Honolulu Festival Parade

May 4, 5 Kauai Okinawa Dance Festival

May 26-27 HUOA Goodwill Golf Tournament

June 5-8 Children’s Cultural Day Camp

June 10 Pan Pacific Festival Parade

June 15 Senior Health & Wellness Fair

Note: for future dates, please check www.huoa.orgCheck HUOA website – www.huoa.org for more information.

Hasai,I can remember when I had to write my first message for the Uchinanchu

newsletter. It has been a really busy year filled with a lot of memorable events, which now brings me to my last president’ message.

Picking up where I left off in my last message, my study tour depart-ed in early October. I would like to thank Sumie from Naka’s Travel for making the trip an unforgettable one. From the moment we arrived in Okinawa, we were surprised by the greeting by the Okinawa Hawaii Kyokai led by Mr. Takayama and Mr. Ginoza. A special thank you for Ms. Kaneshi for setting up our visit to Kencho, where we were met by Vice Governor Tomikawa, Mr. Kadekaru, Ms. Kawakami and Kimi. After a short speech by the vice governor we headed to the observation deck of the Kencho building then we had a surprise meeting with Governor Onaga. After our visit at the Okinawa Prefectural Government we headed to Ginoza Village and had lunch with Mayor Toma. We then headed to Kin to see Toyama Kyuzo’s statue and was greeted by Mayor Nakama of Kin. What a day!

Of course our tour’s main attraction was the Naha Matsuri and the Tsunahiki event. I was one of thousands who pulled the rope and in the end got a couple of strands for good luck.

After I got back from Okinawa, everything just became a blur. Besides meetings, I attended Nakasone Dance Academy’s 61st Anniversary recital—a fantastic show that showcased students with decades of being part of the Academy.

I then met an extraordinary group of young students from the 2017 Global Leader Development Overseas Training project who put on a great show at the Okinawan Center on October 23. I had dinner with Mayor Sakima of Ginowan and members of the Ginowan Shinjin Kai on the 27th. Mayor Sakima was on his way back from Washington, D.C.

The final event for October was the World Uchinanchu Day or Uchinanchu no Hi. Governor Onaga declared October 30 as World Uchinanchu Day and Jon Itomura took video clips at the Okinawan Festival of people explaining what it meant to be Uchinanchu and parts

of the Okinawan Festival. The students from Kalaheo High School put the video together and it was shown on October 30 at a potluck dinner. People enjoyed it so much that many said that next year it will be bigger and better.

November proved to be just as busy as October. We attended a view-ing of Jimami Tofu and a reception at Aloha Tofu Town where Jimami tofu was served along with champaru, rafute and of course awamori. This was followed by our Legacy Awards luncheon, where we honored five extraor-dinary individuals: Governor David Ige, Shinye Gima, Jake Shimabukuro, Hidehito Uki and Herbert Yanamura. I want to thank all those involved who put such a moving and touching event, which the honorees will never forget.

The following week was the OGSH’s bonenkai. The OGSH had a busy year meeting and working with the Okinawa Prefectural Library, shar-ing databases to help people find families in Okinawa as well as finding locals for people in Okinawa. The next day, I attended the “Aloha Den-On Presentation in Hawaii” presented by the Ryukyu Classical Music – The Nomura School of Traditional Music Association, celebrating their 35th Anniversary. I want to thank all those involved to help making this a recit-al a reality, with the proceeds going to the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza.

December is right around the corner and the Young Okinawans will be having their Senior Luncheon and Hui O’ Laulima will be having their annual installation banquet. And don’t forget that the Uchinanchu of the Year and Installation banquet is right around the corner. Ippee Nifee Deebiru!

Vince and his study tour group meet Governor Onaga in his reception area.

UCHINANCHUUchinanchu is the newsletter of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. Although subject to change, issues will be published bi-monthly. Volunteer writ-ers are welcome. Send your name, address and telephone number to Uchinanchu Newsletter, Hawaii United Okinawa Association, 94-587 Ukee St., Waipahu, Hawaii 96797. E-mail articles to [email protected]. Uchinanchu reserves the right to edit all material for clarity and accuracy.

HUOA President •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Vince WatabuExecutive Director ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jane F. SerikakuEditorial/Production Services •••••••••••• MBFT Media: Arnold Hiura, Eloise Hiura and Hilma Fujimoto

ADVERTISING INFORMATIONUchinanchu reaches over 9,700 households. For advertising rates and more infor-mation, contact us at: Tel: (808) 676-5400 – Email: [email protected] – www.huoa.org

3UchinanchuNovember/December 2017

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association is always excited and proud to share our heritage with other communities, and we are equally thrilled to invite other cultures to share and interact with our community and organization. With that, we were fortunate to have had the perfect blend of artists at the Pau Hana Concert that exemplified that true sharing of cultures.

In addition to our performers and fabulous emcee, Mele Apana, this remarkable evening could not have been possible without the many vol-unteers who helped to coordinate ticket, wristband, food and beverage concession sales, cook and sell andagi, direct traffic in the parking lot, and prepare and transform the Legacy Hall into a spectacular venue for the Pau Hana Concert.

A special mahalo goes out to the organizations and vendors for their contributions, especially to Janet Maduli of Mt. Kalihi Productions for overseeing the production of the concert, Randy Kuba of Lotus Spirits for donating his products, Paradise Beverages for donating their products, and Tamura’s for their contribution of poke. Finally, much gratitude goes out to the Pau Hana Concert committee who were all part of the planning and preparation for this event. We hope to continue our series of concerts so we can promote sharing of cultures throughout our communities!

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By Tom Yamamoto

On August 3, 2017 the Hawaii Okinawa Center opened its doors to the community for the HUOA-sponsored Pau Hana Concert Part

II, another amazing blend of music and dance showcasing the charis-matic Grammy and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Kalani Pe’a, the invigorating Okinawan eisa drumming of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko of Hawaii, and the graceful hula of the Ladies of Halau Kaulakahi.

The celebration began with Kumu Hula Nalani Keale of Halau Kaulakahi delivering a heartwarming ‘oli to bless the occasion. As the chanting slowly faded, the thunderous beat of the taiko drums cut into the silence as Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko of Hawaii stunned the audience with their presentation of traditional and contemporary Okinawan eisa.

Immediately follow-ing the powerful taiko performance was Halau Kaulakahi who took the stage with the same energy with their pow-erful Kahiko (traditional) segment.

The highlight of the evening, of course was the dazzling Kalani Pe’a, who featured songs from his album, E Walea, and other nostalgic tunes that were part of his humble story of grow-ing up with the love for

music. The emotion that he expressed truly connected with the audience, as he shared personal memories of his grandmother and how much of an inspiration she was to Kalani. The Ladies of Halau Kaulakahi graced the stage in their beautiful red gowns as they performed Ku’u Poliahu and Wehi Aloha live with Kalani Pe’a and his band.

A Blend of Cultures on Stage at HOCka

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The lovely ladies of Halau Kaulakahi under the direction of Kumu Hula Nalani Keale.

Our star attraction: Kalani Pe’a with his team - Mark Vaught (left) and Henry Aiau Koa (right).


the Children’s Summer Day Camp, Senior Fair, Okinawan Festival, and vari-ous other cultural events and classes offered at the Hawaii Okinawa Center.

As with many HUOA events, this banquet could not be possible without the help of the numerous volunteers who came to make this a memorable celebration for the 2017 honorees. To each of you, ippee nifee deebiru. For those of you who missed this annual HUOA Legacy Awards Banquet, you can catch it next year!

beautiful duet rendition of “The Prayer” by Stacie and Laurie Shimabukuro on violins—all tributes to their respective honorees.

The program was emceed by Cyrus Tamashiro and Moanike’ala Nabarro. Donations from local businesses and individuals contributed to a successful silent auction.

The annual awards banquet is a fundraiser to help support numerous HUOA activities, such as the Hawaii Okinawa Student Exchange program,

2017 Legacy Awards... continued from Page 1


When asked the question what does it mean to be Uchinanchu, I ini-tially think about the rich culture that Okinawans have, like the Hawaiian culture. That led me to think about my genealogy. The koihonua (gene-alogical chant) above tells a story of where I originate

from. Genealogy is important in the Hawaiian culture just as much it is in the Okinawan culture. A part of being Okinawan means coming from a great line of ancestors, and I am proud to show that in my genealogy. A part of being Uchinanchu means being fortunate to be a part of a special unique cul-ture. I did nothing to be Uchinanchu. But yet here I am an Uchinanchu. I am Uchinanchu because of my ancestors if nothing else. I have great apprecia-tion for them, specifically my grandmother Hatsuko Toyama. She is an Issei (first generation immigrant) from Kin, Okinawa.

I asked my grandmother why does she like being Okinawan? She responded by telling me that Okinawan people are honest, hard workers, and kind. My grandmother had a hard life in Okinawa, she was the oldest of seven and worked in the farm to help put her siblings through school. She was a farmer when she came to Hawaii.

One year for the Okinawan Festival she and my late grandfather donat-ed a large amount Tougan (winter melon) from their vegetable farm. In my opinion being Uchinanchu means we are fortunate enough to be from a place where people are kind, honest and are proud of their heritage. In today’s society many people are afraid to be who they truly are. Okinawans are fear-less and embrace their culture and traditions with open arms. To end with that thought, I will close with a haiku.

I’m UchinanchuCome from a line of farmersKind, honest and proud

Uchinanchu EssayIn preparation for our Uchinanchu no Hi celebration, we asked HUOA

members to write essays on “What it means to be Uchinanchu?” There was no right or wrong answer to this question, of course. The only require-ment was that the essay not exceed 500 words. Of those submitted, we have selected Kanoelehua Nakata’s essay to share with you. Kanoe was very cre-ative in incorporating a Hawaiian genealogical chant along with a haiku in her essay. As you read Kanoe’s beautiful essay, we hope that you are also inspired to think about what it means to be Uchinanchu.

An Okinawan by Kanoelehua NakataKoihonua o NakataʻO kēia ka moʻokūauhau o ka ʻohana NakataHuli ma ka ʻaoʻao makuakāne ma ka lālani o Ralph Makoto NakataʻO Shinsei Nakata ke kāne o ʻĀina ʻOkinawaʻO Goze Ige ka wahine o ʻĀina ʻOkinawaNoho pū lāua a ua hānau ʻia ʻo Edward Hitoshi Nakata, he kāne.

ʻO Edward Hitoshi Nakata ke kāne ʻO Hatsuko Toyama ka wahineNoho pū lāua a ua hānau ʻia ʻo Ralph Makoto Nakata he kāne.

ʻO Ralph Makoto Nakata ke kāneʻO Carlene Hokulani Pai ka wahineNoho pū lāua a ua hānau ʻia ʻo Kanoelehua Joanne Megumi Nakata, he wahine.

Genealogy of Nakata This is the genealogical chant of the Nakata family.Turn to the paternal side in the line of Ralph Makoto NakataShinsei Nakata the man from OkinawaGoze Igei the woman from OkinawaThey lived together and gave birth to Edward Hitoshi Nakata a male.Edward Hitoshi Nakata the manHatsuko Toyama the womanThey lived together and gave birth to Ralph Makoto Nakata a male.Ralph Makoto Nakata the manCarlene Hokulani Pai the womanThey lived together and gave birth to Kanoelehua Joanne Megumi Nakata a female.

ebrate Uchinanchu no Hi and we sure went out with a bang! A wonderful group of Uchinanchu arrived at the Hawaii Okinawa Center with their pot-luck dishes to yuntaku for a most informal and enjoyable evening. The essay submissions, as well as a message to Okinawa from Governor Ige, were displayed for all to read. After watching a clip of Governor Onaga’s dec-laration in 2016, we premiered our Uchinanchu no Hi video. Then, Ryukyu

Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai took to the stage and engaged the audi-ence in a sing-along to three Uchinanchu songs (Tingsagunu Hana, Ashimiji Bushi and Asadoya Yunta). Not only did the audience sing, but they also danced! Ainoa Miyashiro of Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Hawaii, provided a “how to kachashi” les-son, which was

followed by everyone kachashi-ing all around the ballroom. Both new friends and old friends, everyone had fun and you could truly feel the spirit of ichariba chōde.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate our first Uchinanchu no Hi in Hawaii and to all our volunteers and performers who contributed to this successful event. For those of you who missed it, you can watch the Uchinanchu no Hi video online, visit our website or Facebook page for the link. And, don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s Uchinanchu no Hi celebration!

By Jo Ige & Courtney Takara

W annee Shikee Nu Uchinanchu – I am Uchinanchu of the World, a theme shared this past October 30 throughout the various countries

that are home to many Uchinanchu. In 2016 at the worldwide Taikai held in Okinawa, a most invigorating and emotional closing ceremony was held, at which time Governor Onaga and two Niseta from South America declared October 30 Uchinanchu no Hi or World Uchinanchu Day…until we meet again in 2021.

Fast forward to 2017. As October 30 crept clos-er, HUOA had to decide how it would celebrate Uchinanchu no Hi. With every-one’s focus on preparing for our Okinawan Festival, we strug-gled with the ques-tion of “What do we do?” Then, it dawned on us…the Okinawan Festival is how we celebrate being Uchinanchu. We decided to create a video montage showcasing the Uchinanchu spirit in Hawaii. Jon Itomura walked around the Festival interviewing attendees about what it means to be Uchinanchu. The Hawaii Okinawa Today (HOT TV) video crew provided their footage of some of the Festival perfor-mances. Then, Kathy Shigemura, a teacher at Kalaheo High School and Kin Chojin Kai member, worked with her Media Team students, Ami Kinnamon and Salvador Savillo, to create the video. In addition to the video, we invited HUOA members to submit essays explaining what it means to be Uchinanchu.

On October 30, due to the time difference, Hawaii was the last to cel-

Enthusiastic Uchinanchu gather together to celebrate Worldwide Uchinanchu Day on October 30 and send their ALOHA to fellow Uchinanchu around the world!

Uchinanchu no Hi, Haisai-Aloha!

Kanoe and Grandma Hatsuko Toyama


< Cherry Blossom Festival contestants pose with the shishi and their shishimai instructors Jon Itomura, Eric Nitta, and Amanda Nitta.

The HUOA congratulates the following musicians and dancers from Hawaii for their sterling konkūru achievements at the Ryuykyu

Shimpo Newspaper Company’s competition in Okinawa this summer.Uta-sanshin: Ryūkyū Koten Ongaku Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai: -Sean Sadaoka (Saikōsho; Grant Murata Sensei) -John Hewitt (Yūshūsho; Kenton Odo Sensei) -Calvin Umetsu (Shinjinsho; Grant Murata Sensei)Kūchō (Kokyū): Ryūkyū Koten Ongaku Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai: -Kenton Odo (Saikōsho;Terukina Choichi Sensei) Nomura Ryu Dentō Ongaku Kyokai: -Yukiko Pierce (Shinjinsho; Allison Yanagi Sensei)Fwanso (Fue): Ryūkyū Koten Ongaku Afuso Ryu Owan Kiyoyuki Kenkyusho: -Lynn Miyashiro Masuda (Saikōsho; Kiyoyuki Owan Sensei)Ryūkyū Buyō (Dance): Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai, Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo -Megan Higa (Shinjinsho; Frances Nakachi Sensei)Cary Oshiro—who is originally from Hawaii but currently residing in

Okinawa—also received the Shinjinsho Award in Uta-sanshin (Ryūkyū Koten Ongaku Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai: Terukina Choichi Sensei).

Congratulations to all of you! The HUOA extends its heartiest best wishes for your continued success as you and your respective sensei pursue higher goals of achievements to preserve, perpetuate and promote the beautiful aes-thetic culture of our beloved Uchinā – Omedetō gozaimasu!!

Megan Higa–Youth on the RiseMegan Higa is one of HUOA’s

With Love From Lorraine 2017 grant recipients. The grant enabled her to study and compete in this year’s Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper Company’s performing arts konkuru (competition).

Megan has trained under Frances Nakachi Kuba Sensei of Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai Hawaii since the age of 3 in preparation for the competition in Okinawa. She had a wonderful opportunity to study Okinawan dance under the auspices of the Iemoto or Founding Masters of the Senju Kai School in Okinawa, Yoshiko Tanita Sensei and Mieko Kinjo Sensei.

With the support and encour-agement of her family and countless enthusiasts in Hawaii and Okinawa, she garnered the Shinjinsho or Newcomers Award in the competition. Megan’s star shines brightly as our hope for future generations.

Inaugural Okinawan Cultural Class for Cherry Blossom FestivalThe 66th Cherry Blossom Festival is underway in Hawaii with 15

young women vying to be crowned Cherry Blossom Queen in the spring of 2018. The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the longest continually running ethnic festivals in the state of Hawaii and is presented by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. Contestants immerse them-selves in various cultural class-es and training, such as taiko, ikebana, calligraphy, sushi making, and more.

For the first time in the Festival’s history, HUOA pro-

Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy led by Grandmaster and

Director Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone held its 61st anniversary recital, “Hooge Mankai,” on October 21, 2017 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Concert Hall.

The theme, “Hooge Mankai,” describes a tree in its spectacular state with thousands of blossom-ing flowers adorning its massive trunk. Like the tree, Nakasone Yoshiko Sensei’s glorious 61 years of teaching Okinawan dance in Hawaii is, “In Full Bloom.” Sensei is now teaching dance to a third generation of students from the same family. Her original students have their children, and then they in turn have brought their children to learn dance.

The recital was balanced with classical and traditional numbers such as Kazadihuu, Udui Kwadisa, Kashikaki, Shundo, and Shochikubai, as well as popular upbeat numbers such as Yuimaaru,

‘Hooge Mankai’ Recital Marks Nakasone Dance Academy’s 61st Anniversary

vided an Okinawan Cultural Class. Contestants came to the Hawaii Okinawa Center and learned how to dance shishimai, make andagi and had a quick

introduction on Okinawan history. Thank you to instruc-tor Jon Itomura and assistants Eric Nitta and Amanda Nitta of Hawaii Okinawa Creative Arts (HOCA) for volunteering. HUOA looks forward to con-tinuing to share the Okinawan culture with contestants for years to come.

Congratulations to Konkuru Artists

Continued on page 7


80 years old this year. These seniors who have learned from Sensei for 40 years are still actively dancing and enjoying the culture. Dancing keeps them youthful and in good health.

Our dance academy would like to thank all of our supporters, family and friends who encouraged us and made this recital a success. Ukazi deebiru, because of you, we are able to carry on the Okinawan performing arts and culture. We feel that Iemoto Nakasone Yoshiko Sensei is a master of the Okinawan dance, and we would like her legacy to live on forever. With your continued support, more branches will grow on the Hooge Kai tree, and flowers will bloom endlessly. Ippei Nihwee Deebiru!

in Hawaii before. Dancers from Miyagi Ryu Minoru Kai, led by Miyagi Sonomi Sensei and

Miyagi Sanae Sensei, performed “Chou no Unufwe,” a dance production that enacts the water rituals in the royal castle in Shuri on the first day of

the New Year, as well as perform a series of excit-ing and joyous dances fea-turing karate and upbeat “Kurushima Kuduchi.” Matayoshi Shizue Sensei and Tamaki Chie Sensei danced their ever-popular “Kanayo Amaka” featuring Chie Sensei’s “duck walk” to the audience’s delight.

More highlights of the day included the award-ing of Konkuru certifi-cates and plaques to Hawaii performers who passed tests, sponsored by Ryukyu Shimpo. It was a tremendous honor to see

Shimpo President, Tomita Junichi, present the awards in person and declare that, “Okinawan traditional performing arts is our treasure to behold and preserve.”

Another very unique element of the concert was the strong musical per-formance of Denon’s women musicians, who not only played sanshin, koto, taiko, kucho, fue, all of the instruments in the Okinawan musical orchestra, but also performed solos and provided dance music, which is rarely seen in Hawaii. I was especially proud of such an appropriate display, considering that the newly established chapter president of Denon in Hawaii is also a woman.

With another successful concert under our belt, we continue to strength-en Okinawan performing arts in Hawaii. We have also strengthened ties and friendships across oceans and across organizational lines and musical schools. We also continue the tradition of Hawaii and Okinawa working together to mutually support each other at all times. More importantly, this event gives us the opportunity to look to the future, to strengthen the foun-dation that we have built for our community and build on sharing our music and culture with the world.

On November 19, 2017, the members of Nomura Ryu Dento Ongaku Kyokai (Denon for short) played their first ever concert outside of

Okinawa. This was a pivotal moment for their 35-year-old organization, as leaders of the group looked to the future, considering what is in store for both Hawaii and Okinawa. Denon’s concert, “Aloha Denon,” did much to fur-ther establish Denon’s place in classical Ryukyu music in Okinawa and expand their reach out-side to Hawaii. The event also did much to cement ties between Hawaii and Okinawa, as the concert was designated a charity event to raise funds for the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza.

As the only foreign member of Denon, I felt privileged and honored to be able to help my organi-zation manifest this goal of a concert outside of Okinawa. I knew that it would mean lots of hard work, complex coordination over long distances and multiple languages, but there was no doubt that this labor of love would help to expose people to the beauty and treasure that is traditional Ryukyu performing arts.

The idea began two years ago when Tamaki Toshikazu Sensei, Vice President of Denon, felt that the organization was ready to spread its music beyond Okinawa. They had recently established a chapter of the organiza-tion in the Tokyo area, but Tamaki Sensei, being a man of great ideas and even greater motivation, kept looking across the ocean towards Hawaii.

Through his strong friendship with Grant “Sandaa” Murata, he was

able to contact Executive Director Jane Serikaku and meet HUOA President Vince Watabu at the Uchinanchu Taikai in 2016. Sandaa Sensei also alerted him to my membership and the fact that I was actively performing Kucho in Hawaii. The decision to do the concert was cemented in March of this year, when Tamaki Sensei and Nakamura Ichio Sensei, President of Denon, visited Hawaii and the HOC to finalize arrangements for the event. Sandaa Sensei and I agreed to facilitate and coordinate the planning on the Hawaii side while maintaining communication with Tamaki Sensei and preparations that would happen on the Okinawa end.

With the help of many people, including Kenton Odo, Brandon Nakasone, members of Afuso Ryu, MCs Jo Ige and Dazzman Toguchi, our hospitality crew led by Laura Ajimine, Okinawa and Hawaii were able to successfully produce this joint event and bring performances that have never been seen

‘Hooge Mankai’ Recital continued from Page 6

Aloha DenonBy Allison Yanagi, Chapter President, Nomura Ryu Dento Ongaku Kyokai Hawaii Shibu

Chibariyoo, and Ashibinaa. Children from age 7 danced to Miyarabi Yunta, Asadoya Yunta, and Hai

Niseta and dances that Iemoto Nakasone created many years ago such as Mura Ashibi and Shiki no Yorokobi were also presented. New choreogra-phies entitled Chiziri, Kurushima Bushi, Mensore, Hiyamikachi Bushi and Shimanchu nu Takara were introduced and highlighted the event.

The most memorable part of the program was during Iemoto Nakasone Sensei’s montage of her career with old photos and clips of her fine perfor-mances. Included in this montage were her favorites, Akatafu and Ichibigwa.

There were many people impressed with the enthusiasm and ability of the young children, but we were also proud of our four dancers who turned


In Memory of Herbert Higa by Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai/Tomari Doshi Kai

In Memory of Kenneth Higa by Ginowan Shijin Kai

In Memory of Roy Iha by Ginowan Shijin KaiIn Memory of Masao Masutani by Jane

NakamuraIn Memory of Ann Nakasone by Herbert &

Lillian ShimabukuroIn Memory of Alice Yoshiko Shimabukuro by

Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai/Tomari Doshi KaiIn Memory of Stanley Takamine by Hawaii

Shuri-Naha ClubIn Memory of Alyce Yogi by Hawaii Shuri-

Naha Club

(Listed Members have either donated or pledged $10,000 or more to our current campaign starting July 1, 2014.)Hawaii Okinawa Plaza Club Members Of The 200 For 2M Campaign

Bridging from Generation to Generation - For Our Children!

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association would like to acknowledge the following individuals, families, organizations and companies who have donated or pledged to our Campaign. Since our last report we received $14,422.30. The HUOA is truly grateful for your support and the confidence you have displayed through your generous donations and humbly ask for your continued support.

Magukuru Kara Ippee Nifee Deebiru – from our hearts, thank you very much.

A Capital Campaign of the Hawaii United Okinawa AssociationIkuyu Madin

In Memory of Melvin “Blackie” Iha and Benjamin “Blackie” & Violet Iha

Richard Iha, Jr.Yuriko InamineJon ItomuraArthur KaneshiroNobuko KidaKin Chojin KaiRodney & Carol KohaguraPaul Y. & Kristi KomeijiThe Family of Richard and Kiyoko Kuba

- Lui, Chung, Morikami, Kuba-HoriAsako KuwazakiJane Setsuko & Won Kuk LeeMiki & Brian MaeshiroMavis MasakiDwight T. MatsudaRobert T. MatsudaSally & Hisashi MatsumotoGuy MiyashiroFlorence Sueko, Patrick & Nona MiyashiroLawrence & Alice MorisakoCatherine MorishigeMark MugiishiRussell & Charlotte MukaiNago ClubNakagusuku Sonjin KaiCarol & Jackson NakasoneKaren NakasoneMitsuko Toguchi Nakasone

Aloha Tofu Inc., Paul UyeharaNancy Akamine Arizumi, Claire

Matsumoto, Wilma OgimiArashiro Ohana Charles & Gladys Tokunaga AsaoGeorge Bartels, Jr. & Doreen BartelsDr. Glenn M. & Lucille K. BivenFord & Daneil ChinenDr. Doris ChingAlton ChungFurugen Family Ltd. PartnershipGwen & Clayton FujieGaza Yonagusuku Doshi KaiGinowan ClubHawaii Shuri-Naha ClubChristine & Stanley HigaHenry Shiyei Higa & Gladys Matsue Higa

by co-trustees Jane Akiko Kamiya, Alice Etsuko Higa & Edward Shisei Higa

Laverne HigaMark & Hanae HigaMildred HigaDr. Kyoko HijiridaHui Alu, Inc.Hui MakaalaHui O LaulimaCarol & Stanley IgeJocelyn IgeRalph & Jean Ige

Our SupportersDonations listed below were received from September 21, 2017 to November 20, 2017.

Norman & Renette NakasoneOkinawa Genealogical Society of HawaiiThe Family of Shinichi & Utome OkuhamaOroku Azajin ClubRuth OshiroYoshimori OshiroYasuo and Chiyo SadoyamaThe Family of Akira & Jane SakimaJane SerikakuChris & Shiori ShimabukuroHerbert & Lillian ShimabukuroR.K. & C. ShimabukuroBob & Mimi ShiromaKaren Keiko Tamae & Akira Sugikawa;

Roy, Dawn & Makana Sugikawa; Janet & Neal Yamanouchi

Tamagusuku ClubCyrus & Ann TamashiroGeorge & Emeline TamashiroDaniel TenganMark & Joanie TeruyaCharles T. ToguchiLinda TorigoeDarryl UezuMaurice & Jean YamasatoKenneth & Helen YanamuraYomitan ClubBob YonaharaHarold & Elsie YonamineIn Memory of Kenneth K. &

Hazel C. Uehara

Karen Tooko Nakasone (2)Oroku Azajin Club by Stephen & Rosemarie LoveOroku Azajin Club by Howard & Jane TakaraTakeo & Betty Y. Shimabukuro (3)Harriet TakaesuChristine Taylor (2)Dr. Roy T. & Sally Y. TsudaRobert & Amy Tsuru (3)Mr. & Mrs. Bert YamanuhaYomitan Club by Bert & Hazel MaedoIn Memory of Chosei Arasaki by Hawaii Shuri-

Naha ClubIn Memory of Katy Arasaki by Hawaii Shuri-

Naha Club

Aloha Tofu Inc. (2)The Benevity Community Impact Fund on

behalf of Jason TokudaAlton W. ChungGaza Yonagusuku DoshikaiNora S. GoyaHawaii Shuri-Naha ClubNago Club by Harold M. HigaStanley & Christine Higa KimKin Chojin KaiDebra Kay McKeeMs. Janice M. MiyashiroLawrence & Alice MorisakoLois Nakagawa


On November 1, 2017, the HUOA launched its 19th Annual Giving campaign. Over 10,459 letters were mailed to our members and close friends. Our goal is to exceed our last year’s performance of having more than 758 individuals and organizations believe in our mission.

This year our association has strived to emulate the meaning of “muteei sakeei – thriving, prosperity,” our 2017 administrative theme. Continued programs such as our Okinawan Cultural Day Camp for Children, Hawaii-Okinawa Student Exchange Program, concerts featuring artists from Okinawa and our Hawaii Okinawa Plaza are designed to ensure the continuation our culture, association and center. But, we still need your help…

Please join us in helping our culture thrive and grow through your continued contribution for Hawaii United Okinawa Association’s many programs and the upkeep of our wonderful home – the Hawaii Okinawa Center.

In just a few days since our mailing we have received responses from 315 generous donors, representing $41,035.00. We truly appreciate your early support and the confidence you have shown in us. Ippee Nifee Deebiru! The following list of donors reflects contributions from September 16, 2017 to November 15, 2017. (Online donations will be listed in the next issue.)

Preserving Our Legacy2017 to 2018–Annual Giving Program

In Memory of Jiro & Kama Yamauchi by Harold & Toyo Yamauchi

In Honor of Maurice & Jean Yamasato by Sidney & Aileen Fuke

CONTRIBUTOR ($249 - $100)Anonymous (13)Beatrice AdaniyaTerry AgenaHoward H. AkamineGilbert & Dorothy AragakiJean C. ArakawaShigeo AsatoRoy AshitomiJerry & Eva BohannonRichard & Karelyn DekayeJan Nakamoto DilleyJane Kochi EckenrodeYoneko EdmondsonMr. & Mrs. Edwin M. FukujiHarry GoyaJames & Sherie Gushikuma

GOLD ($2499 - $1000)Doris & Wilbert ChingAmy MiyamotoWilbert S. MiyasatoIn Memory of Yonega & Fujiko Arashiro by

Cyrilla YoneharaIn Memory of Sentei Ueunten by Grace M.

UeuntenIn Honor of Derek, Elise & Jeannine Miura by

Nancy M. Miura

SILVER ($999 - $500)Warren & Jane KotaniLloyd M. & Pamela A. NakasoneH.K. TakaraGeorge & Emeline TamashiroDr. Roy & Sally TsudaTakashi TsuhakoIn Memory of Taro & Kamado Arakaki by

Yukiko A. RossIn Memory of Eitai & Tsuruyo O. Asato by

Harold & Joyce Asato

In Memory of Tom T. Higa by Betty U. Higa

BRONZE ($499 - $250)Ruth H. AsatoStanley K. NakamuraKenneth & Myrna NishiharaAlice M. NishihiraMichael M. & Frances A. SerikakuGeorge K. & Peggy H. ShimabukuShigemasa TamanahaIn Memory of Seisuke Higa by Eugene K. HigaIn Memory of Isamu “Ponduce” & Tsuyako “Sue”

Hokama by Conrad HokamaIn Memory of Walter Jakahi by Juliet Y. JakahiIn Memory of Amy Nakahira by George NakahiraIn Memory of Beloved Masako Shimabukuro Stiver

by Robert H. StiverIn Memory of Dick Tawata by Daryl TawataIn Memory of Herbert M. & Barbara T. Teruya by

Stephanie M. TeruyaIn Memory of Carl T. Uyeunten by Arline Uyeunten

Continued on page 10


Clifford & Judith GusukumaKaren HaradaEsther HigaHarold & Corinne HigaJack & Kay HigaShirley T. HigaToshio & Jeane HigaNora Y. IgeFumio IhaFlorence IidaMr. & Mrs. Hitoshi IrinakaMr. & Mrs. Richard IsaKazuo & Emiko IshikawaYasu & Amy IshikawaSteve & Nancy IwamotoK. KamiyaNancy KaneshiroJean H. KawakoneLillian S. KeoneMasuo KinoEdward & Eileen KishabaJames H. KishabaHoward & Dora KitabataMiyako KitamuraKatsuhiro KobashigawaSally KobashigawaFred KobashikawaEmi & Mamo KuniyoshiAlisa KuwaharaRose Uchima LouiRichard T. MaedaGeorge M. MiyashiroRaymond & Stella MiyashiroSteven & Janyce MiyashiroHiroo & Janet MomoharaRoy K. & Doris H. NagamineSandra S. NagamineBertram H. & Lillian M. NakamaMildred S. NakamaPaul Y. NakamaPaul & Jan NakamaHannah NakamuraJulia NakamuraLynn NakamuraPeter NakanishiJune NakasoneMarleen NishimiyaHaruno NogamiGeorge N. NoharaWalter & Alice OhtaRandy & Joan OkumuraThomas T. OnagaClement & Beatrice OshiroEdna T. OshiroFrederic G. OshiroHaruko OshiroMr. & Mrs. Masaru OshiroYoshimori OshiroTom & Karen OtaguroGay Satsuma & Wayne MaromotoGeorge & Alyce SerikakuMasayuki (Joe) ShimabukuroHoward M. ShimaMr. & Mrs. Edward S. ShiromaYasuo TabaMr. & Mrs. Koji TairaFrederick & Virginia TakaraKaren TakaraMisao TakaraMildred TamayeAlice TamayoshiHoward TeruyaWilliam Teruya

James & Loretta TokudaJanet TokudaBev TomeiRalph Y. & Alice A. TomeiKen TomeEugene ToyamaJanet ToyamaShigeo & Sadako N. ToyamaStan & Sue ToyamaMildred T. UchimaClaude UeharaEugene S. UeharaDonald M. UesatoAlice UyeharaMarjorie M. UyeharaAlice Y. UyesatoChadwick & Gayle WongBert YamaguchiRichard & Karen YamaguchiKatsuo YamashiroElaine A. YamashitaMarvin YamauchiLarry & Nancy YogiHarriet YoshidaIn Memory of Herbert Apaka & Yuichi

Shimabukuro by Kimie ApakaIn Memory of Taketo Asato by Clara GotoIn Memory of Sanra & Kama Chinen by Robert

& Nancy OkudaIn Memory of Harriet Yeiko Gushikuma by

Shigeru GushikumaIn Memory of Claudia Higa by George T. HigaIn Memory of Seishu & Kami Higa by Betty F.

TomasuIn Memory of Seiyu & Fusae Higa by Ben &

Nancy Shimokawa In Memory of Tara & Ushiya Higa by Kathy

DaileyIn Memory of Yoshimori & Ernest Higa by

Frederick T. HigaIn Memory of Yoshimori & Ernest Higa by

Shizuko HigaIn Memory of Kwantsu Hirata by Janet M.

HirataIn Memory of Goji Ige by William & Loreen

LeongIn Memory of Raymond IsaIn Memory of Fumiko Ishikawa by Stanley

IshikawaIn Memory of Charles & Ruby Jitchaku by

Ronald TomasaIn Memory of Masaichi Kaneshiro by Mitsue

KaneshiroIn Memory of Toshio & Beatriced Kaneshiro by

Jennifer KaneshiroIn Memory of Kay K. by Shuei ShimabukuroIn Memory of Carol Kinjo In Memory of George Kisei Kobashigawa by

Harriet H. KobashigawaIn Memory of Mitsugi & Yoshiko Kobayashi by

Christine KobayashiIn Memory of Wallace T. Teruya by Stephen &

Rosemarie LoveIn Memory of Kashin & Taru Miyahira by

George & Lucille KuwayeIn Memory of Kiyoshi Miyashiro by Yoshiko

MiyashiroIn Memory of Zentaro, Ushi and Walter

Miyashiro by Nancy Miyashiro WestIn Memory of Harry Morita by Melvin EnriquesIn Memory of Mildred Moriyama by Ruth DickIn Memory of Thomas Nakahara by Scott

NakaharaIn Memory of Gensuke & Nabe Nakama by

Takeo Nakama

In Memory of Isamu & Harue NakamaIn Memory of Zenko & Matsaye Nakamoto by

June N. Higa In Memory of Mabel Nakasone by Raymond M.

NakasoneIn Memory of Masao & Shizue Nakasone by Mr.

& Mrs. James T. KuboIn Memory of Dr. Thomas Oshiro & Tom

Oshiro, Jr by Patricia A. OshiroIn Memory of Baiko & Yoshiko Owan by

Mildred O MedinaIn Memory of Lynn Kobashigawa Pagaragan by

Antoku & Kinue KobashigawaIn Memory of Roy, Wayne and Keith by Toyoko

NagamineIn Memory of Noboru & Yaeko Shimabuku by

Gary & Olga HayashiIn Memory of Iris Shimabukuro by Lyanne

Shimabukuro-HijiridaIn Memory of Irs S. Shimabukuro by Richard T.

ShimabukuroIn Memory of Kame Shimabukuro by Sueko

MagalianesIn Memory of Seiei & Kame Shiroma by Nancy

S. ChenIn Memory of Teiki & Masako Shirota by

Wallace & Marion ShirotaIn Memory of Gicho, Tsuru & Yoshinobu

Takaesu by Harriet TakaesuIn Memory of Yeikichi & Ushi Tamanaha by

Karen TamanahaIn Memory of Matsue Tamashiro by Gregory &

Susan HuntIn Memory of Tsuneo “Tama” Tamashiro by

Janet K. TamashiroIn Memory of Masei & Matsuro Tengan by

Takie Tengan ToyookaIn Memory of Shigeo Teruya by Jane TeruyaIn Memory of Margaret Oshiro Tsuma by

Walter TsumaIn Memory of Kamado & Yoshiko Uyehara by

Alice MasutaniIn Memory of Charles & Haruko Yamashiro by

Ronald YamashiroIn Memory of Akira Yamauchi and Ushi, Yukiko

& Yoshiko Takara by Eleanor YamauchiIn Memory of Edith S. Yogi by Seitei YogiIn Memory of Yoshi by Joyce PattersonIn Honor of Ushi Kyutaro by Tsuneo YamashiroIn Honor of Kathy Takara by Seikichi “Chick”

TakaraIn Memory of Kenneth & Jean Zukeran by

Lorrin & Susan ZukeranIn Honor of Vince Watabu by Mr. & Mrs. James

Dote

FRIEND ($99 AND UNDER)Anonymous (11)Robert & Thelma AkagiJames K. AkamineMarion M. AkamineAudrey A. AllencastreHenry & Kazuko ArakakiGeorge & Janet ArakawaThelma ArakawaA. ArashiroNancy H. AsatoStephen ChinenSteven T. ChinenHaruko ChunRodney FunakoshiPaul M. & Takako GoyaGlenn & Veryl Ann GraceLois HanEthel HanzawaDouglas Higa


Continued from page 9

Continued on page 11


Margaret A. TakaraMichiko TakaraKen M. TakemotoKen M. TakemotoDaniel & Carolyn TenganFrances ToguchiYoshiko TokashikiSunny TominagaJon H. TonouchiMr. & Mrs. Stanley TonouchiBuster Y. ToyamaJean H. TsurudaEugene I. UeharaTaka UeharaSusan UshijimaAudrey M. UyeharaRandolph UyeharaKathleen YamashiroThomas & Joanne YamauchiEdward K. & Hanae YasudaKenneth YonamineTomeo YoshizawaIn Memory of Riyosei & Kamato

Arakaki by Morris A. ArakakiIn Memory of Kwanko & Kana Goya by

Betsy S. HanIn Memory of Sachio Isagawa by Patsy

IsagawaIn Memory of Shigemitsu Kaneshiro by

Jean H. KaneshiroIn Memory of Evelyn H. Miyashiro by

James S. MiyashiroIn Memory of Choko Oshiro by Jean

OshiroIn Memory of Harold K. Shimabuku by

Mae M. ShimabukuIn Memory of Tadashi Tamayose by

Kenneth T. GinozaIn Memory of Kenichi Tsuha by Agnes

Tsuha

Okinawan Cultural Workshops and Talks

by Geidai Faculty, March 23-25, 2018

Okinawa’s Geidai (Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts) will be holding workshops and talks in Hawaii for three days next year, March 23-25, 2018. Originally, these artists planned jikata and dance workshops for past Hawaii recipients of the Okinawa Prefectural Government scholarship. However, they will also be giving public talks on Ryukyuan history as well as on the Ryukyuan performing art form of kumiudui, or kumiodori. All workshops and talks will be presented by the faculty of Okinawa Geidai.

The workshops for the jikata and dance will be held in the early afternoon, following cultural lectures about ryūka in the mornings. These workshops will have very limited seating. The public lectures for wider audiences will be held in the evening on March 24 and 25 and will cover Ryukyuan history during the time of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, as well as the history of kumiudui and how to watch a kumiudui performance.

Please watch for future announcements regarding these events with more information to follow about specific locations and times.

George Y. HigaRoss & Lorna HigaDerek Hirao & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Michael HondaThelma HoJane InukaiPhyllis & Gary IshikawaStanley S. KiyunaJeanette M. KubaWalter Y. KuwasakiCarol LiuTsuneko MakabeJames & Yoshiko MayoKelli MiyahiraFlorence MiyasatoClyde S. MiyashiroMr. & Mrs. Melvin K. MurakamiWilfred K. NagamineNorman NagoDoris NakadaFusako K. NakagawaWayne F. NakagawaManabu & Hannah NakamotoMr. & Mrs. Harry M. NakasoneIris NakasoneRobert K. & Becky S. NakasoneMildred NakataSally S. NakataJean NishikawaHenry S. OkumaFlorence K. OsakiBetty T. OshiroRodney S. OshiroSadako OshiroYukie OshiroEdith E. ShimabukuGeorge & Gladys ShimabukuRuth M. ShimabukuroHiroshi Shima

Continued from page 10


HUOA DONATIONSSeptember 16 to November 20, 2017

HUOA sends a sincere ippee nifee deebiru to the following donors:

Shinye GimaFCH

Hawaii Katsuren Cho Jin KaiMargaret T. Ishihara

Mr. & Mrs. S. Kevin KuniyoshiNidaime Teishin Kai

June OmuraJean Sawa

Hideki TairaJo Ann O. Tome

Michelle A. Whaley

In Memory of Herbert Asato by Nakagusuku Sonjin KaiIn Memory of Ethel Isa by Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai

In Memory of Tadashi Sato by Nakagusuku Sonjin KaiIn Memory of Keith Tonaki by Sashiki Chinen Club

In Memory of Hiroshi, Edward & James Yamashiro by Tsuneo Yamashiro

AUTUMN DANCE FESTIVALYoung Okinawans of Hawaii

Okinawa Geijutsu Cultural Exchange Program

The exchange of cultural performances by both Hawaii and Okinawa groups was amazing. Mahalo to all at the Kapalama Campus and

Ford Chinen who made this exchange possible.

Okinawa high school students dressed in their performance attire had a truly meaningful exchange with Kamehameha’s Sensei

Masahiro Yamaguchi’s Japanese III Class.

Save The Dates!


Hawaii Okinawan Restaurant Project Recognized

The Hawaiian Historical Society designated Howard Takara and Gene Kaneshiro of

Oroku Azajin as Kahu ‘Ikena (Caretaker of Knowledge) for their work on the Hawaii Okinawan Restaurant Project. Family, friends and fellow Oroku-chu joined Howard and Gene at an awards ban-quet held at Kapiolani Community College on October 21. An expanded version of the project will be dis-played at Honolulu Hale January 22 through February 8, 2018. The exhibit will be open to the public during regular business hours at no charge. Photo courtesy of Cliff Kimura and the Hawaiian Historical Society

Reflecting on Aza Oroku-Tabaru Brazil CentennialBy Dexter Teruya and Howard Takara

We recently completed a 10-day tour of Sao Paulo, Brazil, where we joined their celebration of the Aza Oroku-Tabaru of Brazil

Centennial. Our group of eight consisted of Clarence Uehara, Yago Henanzato and companion Cheryl Okuma of Maui, Terrance and Ann Teruya, Yago Menunduchi, their cousin Cynthia (Teruya) Chun, Dexter Teruya, Yago Uyehajame and Howard and Jane Takara, Yago Miofuya. Although the Hawaii group was small, we were treated as VIP visitors from the moment we got off the airplane, as we were greeted with great fanfare by a welcome delegation. Later, upon departure, we were again met by a Brazil Aloha group and treated to coffee and snacks at a restaurant before we boarded the airplane to return home.

The centennial celebrated the arrival of 39 people who traveled to Brazil in 1917, mainly to work on coffee plantations. Today, the Aza Oroku-Tabaru

Association consists of some 1,000 families (5,000 members). Outside of Okinawa, Brazil has the largest Okinawan population of some 120,000 or 10 percent of the 1.2 million Japanese in Brazil. Like Hawaii, most of the young-er generation are in business, are professionals, or work in offices, not on the farms, and appear that they are doing well.

The Centennial Celebration was held on the weekend of August 26-27, 2017. On Saturday, for lunch they BBQ’d a large pig and steer over an open flame, which complemented the other food brought by members. The food was very tasty and a lot like our local food: sushi, somen, namasu, salad, and so on. Some Brazilian dishes included pork, beef, chicken, beans, and more. The participants numbered about 400 people (note: many people work on Saturdays). The program was informal and Dexter Teruya performed sev-

Mahalo to Nago Club Volunteers

An energetic group of 16 Nago Club members arrived at the Hawaii Okinawa Center at 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 5, ready to clean

the restrooms, sweep and mop the stage and the mezzanine, clean the big windows and glass doors. These dedicated members did much more than what was written on their job cards. Mahalo to all who dedicated their time and energy to spiffy up our 27-year-old HOC! Front Row (L-R): Tori Miyagi, Jane Martin, Kathy Arakaki, and Cynthia de la Torre. Middle Row: Betty Higa, Helen Higa, Lorraine Lefton, Wilma Sato, Helen Ginoza, and Chani de la Torre. Back Row: Helene de la Torre, Sandy Antoque, Rod Martin, Gabe Preis, Clifford Antoque, and Jennifer Yamanuha.

Okinawa City-Goeku Son Makes HOC SparkleMahalo to the hardworking members of Okinawa City-Goeku Son

who arrived at HOC early one Saturday to take on the many HOC cleaning tasks: Melanie Simmons, Pat Simmons, Christine Talkington Chung, Tom Talkington, Karen Kuba-Hori, Mae Chung, Yvonne Lui, Janise Oshiro and Chloe Mae Talkington.

(L-R): Dexter Teruya, Clarence Uehara, Cheryl Okuma, Jane Takara, Howard Takara, Cynthia Chun, Ann Teruya, and Terence Teruya at the 100th anniversary celebration of Aza Oroku-

Tabaru do Brazil held at the Espaco Hakka in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

eral uta-sanshin numbers.On Sunday, the program was formal and structured. The stage was set as

an Otera (Chapel) and an elaborate memorial service for the pioneers who immigrated to Brazil was conducted by the Reverend and the church group. Upon completion of the service, the stage was rearranged for presentations, speeches and entertainment. This hall with an upper deck accommodated over 1,000 people.

The catered lunch included sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork, meat, and so forth. The Hawaii group had a reserved table front and center of the stage. We were continually thanked for coming to celebrate their Centennial and helping to cement our relationship with Brazil and Okinawa.

During the entertainment, the song “Ashimiji Bushi”was performed with singing and dance. In Hawaii, the dance motions reflect the hard work on sugar plantations. In Brazil, however, the motions reflect work on coffee plantations. We also visited Tozan Farm, a coffee farm owned by a Japanese executive of the Mitsubishi company before World War II. During our free day we were able to meet and visit with relatives and friends. We were all treated royally and learned a lot about our families and Brazil.

The group later visited Rio de Janeiro and the city of Santos where immi-grants arrived to work on coffee plantations. We all wished that the trip was longer, but we had to return for our Festival. Please consider attending the 110th year celebration of Okinawan immigration to Brazil to be held in Sao Paulo in 2018.

13UchinanchuNovember/December 2017the Maui Ryukyu Culture Group performed the Shisaa-Mo-I (Lion Dance) and Dragon Dance, and Sensei Robert Montgomery and his students of Komei Juku Maui shared the art of Iaido (Japanese swords-manship). Special guest performers included Maui Sensei Chihiro Irei of Majikina Honryu Ake No

Kai, as well as caretakers of our culture from Oahu, Sensei Cheryl Nakasone of Jimpu Kai USA Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho, Sensei Terry Higa of Hawaii Taiko Kai, Sensei Norman Kaneshiro, Eric Wada, and Keith Nakaganeku of Ukwanshin Kabudan, and Sensei Sandaa Murata, Kenton Odo, and Chikako Shimomura of Afuso-ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii Shibu.

Chinagu Eisa Hawaii, led by Devin Kawamura, headlined the event’s day of entertainment. A few years ago, their first performance at the Maui festi-val was filled with such energy, quality, and excitement, that it made a last-ing impression on the Maui crowd. We were lucky to have them return and share their incredible talent and radiant passion of being Uchinanchu with the Maui community once again. What a treat for us!

A big mahalo to Janet Miyahira and Christine Hondo, the gen-eral chairpersons of this year’s fes-tival (their third together), and the 200-plus per-formers and vol-unteers who made this festival a success once again. Special thanks to Nagamine Photo Studio for provid-ing the photography and David Nakama of Sounds Good Maui for provid-ing and running the sound system for the event. We look forward to Maui Okinawan Festival 2018!

Jeffrey Cenido Bowls 300 GameThe HUOA Mixed Handicap

Bowling League congratu-lates Jeffrey Cenido for bowling a perfect 300 game! Jeffrey started bowling when he was 12 years old and has been an avid bowler since. He started out as a junior bowler at the old Waialae bowling alley and was also a member of the Kaimuki High School Bowling Team.

Although Jeffrey has many accomplishments—including an 800 series and a scratch hand-icap—bowling a perfect game had eluded him until now. Jeffrey finally got this prized achieve-ment on October 22, 2017, while bowling as a member of Onna Sonjin Kai Club and for Team Nashiro-Kei. Congratulations Jeffrey on this rare and well-deserved accomplishment!

Note: The next HUOA Mixed Handicap Bowling League will start on January 7, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Leeward Bowl. Anyone interested in joining the league (individual or club team) please email: [email protected].

12th Maui Okinawan Festival Shares the Uchinanchu SpiritBy Jason Honda

For the past six years,

the Maui Mall in Kahului has served as the ideal venue for the Maui Okinawan Festival, which has attract-ed and accommo-dated large crowds. This year was no exception, as an estimated 6,000 people attended this year’s Festival on September 23.

Members of the Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai, along with other Maui community volunteers, created an excit-ing event showcasing what the Uchinanchu Spirit is all about. Appetites were satisfied with Ashitibichi (pigs feet soup), Rafute (Okinawan pork) plate lunch, taco rice, andagi, and chow fun among others.

The Country Store provided homemade goodies like takuan, brush dai-kon, and baked goods. Craft vendors lined the walkways fronting the mall’s shops. Festival-goers had the chance to try on traditional Okinawan dress as well as learn about Okinawan history at the cultural display room. Children also enjoyed playing games and winning prizes. It was a sight to see!

Of course, what would an Okinawan festi-val be without the sharing of our per-forming arts? The Maui Mall stage was kept busy with an incredible vari-ety of Uchinanchu music and dance throughout the day. Maui’s own cultural groups like

Afuso-Ryu Choichi Kai – Maui, Hawaii Taiko Kai – Maui, Jimpu Kai USA – Hawaii, Maui Ryukyu Culture Group, Maui Okinawa Taiko, Maui Okinawa Sanshin, and Maui Okinawa Ichi Go Ichi E all performed. Members of


Teruya Sensei and Karate Masters

Masakazu Teruya Sensei (fifth from left) arrived with Okinawa Prefectural Government officials and Karate Masters who are on their last leg of their North America trip promoting the 2018 International Karate

Tournament to be held in Okinawa.

Mensorewelcome!

Kanucha Resort Hotel

A surprise visit by Takeharu Shiraishi, President of Kanucha Resort Hotel in Okinawa, a great supporter of Hawaii Okinawa Center and

Hawaii Okinawa Plaza. (L-R): Satoshi Miyara, President Shiraishi, Ryokichi Higashionna, and Tadashi Toyama.

Aloha Dr. and Mrs. Nashiro

Okinawa Shogako Senior High Vice Principal Dr. Masaichi Nashiro and his wife Orie are joined by a Ph.D. candidate at UH and

graduate of Okinawa Shogako Madoka Nagado.

Okinawa Geijutsu Cultural Exchange Program

Talented performers were selected from various high schools in Okinawa to perform in Hawaii.

Meio University Medical Research Team

The Meio University Medical Research Team conducted a one-week survey of about 100 local Uchinanchu at the Hawaii Okinawa Center

for an important Alzheimer study. Apparently, our counterparts in Okinawa have a low rate of this disease compared to other

prefectures in Japan. It is hoped that interviews and DNA samples collected in Hawaii will help in their research. Ippee Nifee Deebiru

to all who generously spent their valuable time and efforts to add to the success of this project.

(L-R): Chisaki Irei, Jun Motomura, Dr. Masanori Sunagawa, Miwako Nagata, Ryoko Owshiro, and Dr. Takashi Tokashiki.


Season’s Greetings!

HUOA Evening Craft Fair members—Bito Doshi Kai, Haebaru Club and Haneji Club with Karen Kuba-Hori—combined their talents to decorate the two lovely Christmas

trees that liven up our Legacy Hall.

Ginowan Mayor Atsushi Sakima

Members of Hawaii’s Ginowan Shijin Kai treated their Ginowan Mayor Atsushi Sakima (fourth from right) and his team to a sumptuous local style potluck dinner at the Serikaku Chaya.

Jimami Tofu sold out its world premiere at the 37th Hawaii International Film Festival. More than 1,200 tick-

ets were sold over five screenings. Out of a pool of 160 films, Jimami Tofu won the Audience Choice Award at the con-clusion of the festival.

Executive produced by Singapore’s BananaMana Films, the film was shot in Okinawa, Japan and Singapore. Intertwining romance, food and the theme of homecoming, the film is an homage to Okinawa—in particular the rustic, village life and its traditional Ryukyu cuisine.

“Jimami Tofu” is a film that plunges you into Okinawa and makes you want to go there immediately to taste the food, visit the places, get to know the people, and experience the island… above all, to make a connection with Okinawa.

“It’s more than just a film about a place though, it’s a story about relation-ships and friendships told through the love of food and traditions. Beautifully shot and lovingly told, it’s a homage to Okinawa as much as it is to food, love and family.” - Yeoh Siew Hoon, CEO of Web in Travel

“This film has done something that few foodie films do: It made me think. My wife and I have been discussing the merit of this film for three days now, and every conversation results in a new perspective and a deeper insight into the characters and their motivations. This is a film that will stick with you like its namesake dish, if you let it, and that makes it well worth seeing at this year’s HIFF.”- Ed Morita, Frolic Hawaii

Christian Lee, Co-Writer/Director Jimami Tofu, Miyuki Hirakawa, Manager Okinawa Film Office, Chokei Taira, Chairman Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jason

Chan, Co-Writer/Director Jimami Tofu.

Uchinaa-guchi(Okinawan language)

Word of the MonthNovemberumu-da•chun, vi. [•tan, •tchi; omodatsu]To be outstanding; be chief; be important.

Decembersurii-jurii, n. Being together in harmony (of a group of people). [GSS](Excerpted, with permission, from the Okinawan-English Wordbook, by Mitsugu Sakihara, edited by Stewart Curry, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 2006)

September 2018 will mark the 70th anniversary of the “Pigs from the Sea” arriving at White Beach, Okinawa. HUOA is planning to use this milestone to bring awareness to

the entire post Battle of Okinawa relief effort from Hawaii. Besides the shipment of 550 pigs in 1948, clothing, shoes, books, school supplies, lanterns, non-perishable foods, milking goats and other goods were also sent.

A friend of HUOA, Dan Nakasone, recently went to Okinawa to research how the relief items were distributed. The information he discovered is quite remarkable. However, what is essential now is getting firsthand accounts (oral history) from those who were on the giving and receiving ends of the relief effort.

Documentation indicates that other ethnicities gave besides the Hawaii Okinawan com-munity. We are especially interested in finding individuals who can provide testimony to support that documentation. Oral history helps to bring the written word to life, and we would appreciate any leads. Please contact Dan Nakasone at: [email protected] or call: 808-285-1838.

Post Battle of Okinawa Relief Effort from Hawaii

Okinawan Proverb of the Month

(Chosen by the Uchinaaguchi Class Members)

Kii n oosaru eeda du tamirariru.

きーん　おーさる　えーだどぅ　たみらりる。

English: A tree is more bendable when young.(Like a sapling, people are more flexible when young.)

Jimami Tofu Premieres to Rave Reviews

Dan Nakasone meets with 88-year-old retired school teacher, Takaesu-san, who oversaw the distribution of school supplies at Bitō Elementary School,

where less fortunate students were given priority.

For 2018, ‘Olelo has granted us the same time slot as in 2017. Our new epi-sodes premiere on the first and third Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. and repeat the following Thursday at 5 p.m. on ‘Olelo Community Media Channel NATV 53. No HOT show is aired on the fifth Thursday of a month.All our shows are submitted in high definition format. ‘Olelo currently offers HD programming on Hawaiian Telcom’s channels 1049 and 1053.All ‘Olelo shows are streamed on the Internet at www.olelo.org. Our lat-est shows are available on-demand on the same ‘Olelo website at: What’s on; OleloNet Video On demand; then search for keyword “Okinawa”. The HUOA website www.huoa.org has links to the site. This TV schedule is also available on the HUOA website, which will be updated should any changes occur.Jan 4, 2018, Thurs, 5 pm Holiday Show featuring the 2017 Oahu Children’s Day Camp held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center in June. (Repeat)Jan 6, Sat, 7 pm, Jan 11 & 18, Thurs, 5 pm A New Year’s Special, ‘Memorable Singers’ and a video report on the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza.Jan 20, Sat, 7 pm, Jan 25 & Feb 1, Thurs, 5 pm 2017 Hui Makaala Scholarship Fund Luncheon and Fashion Show (Show One). The event was held on July 30 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Three Hawaii designers were featured - Allison Izu, Janice Tsujimura and Jeanie Chun. Cultural entertainment was provided by Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi No Kai Nakasone Dance Academy, Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Hawaii, and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii.Feb 3, Sat, 7 pm, Feb 8 & 15, Thurs, 5 pm 2017 Hui Makaala Scholarship Fund Luncheon and Fashion Show (Show Two). The event was held on July 30 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Three Hawaii designers were featured - Allison Izu, Janice Tsujimura and Jeanie Chun. Cultural entertainment was provided by Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi No Kai Nakasone Dance Academy, Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Hawaii, and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii.Feb 17, Sat, 7 pm, Feb 22 & Mar 1, Thurs, 5 pm 2017 Okinawan Festival (Show One) held on September 2 & 3 at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. This episode features Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu, Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyokai Hawaii Shibu, Hawaii Taiko Kai, and the Opening Procession (HUOA banners, shishimai, chondara)

Menus for all occasions - Weddings, Birthday Parties, Graduations, Anniversaries, Office Parties, Seminars and MeetingsPopular Hawaiian & Local Style menus • Prime Rib Buffets • Create your own menu • Party Platters for pick-up • Onsite deliveries

Discounts available for HUOA Club Members.

Celebrate in 2018As the exclusive caterers to the Legacy Ballroom at the Hawaii Okinawa Center,

we enhance the beauty of the venue with a diverse menu for your guests to enjoy.

Call 677-7744 or visit www.acateredexperience.com for menus and more information.Call 677-7744 or visit www.acateredexperience.com for menus and more information.

with

January 2018 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! HOC Office Closed10 Executive Council meeting, 7pm, HOC20 UOY Recognition & Installation Banquet,10am,HOC24 Board of Directors meeting, 7pm, HOC

February 201814 Executive Council meeting, HOC, 7pm17 Hawaii-Okinawa High School Student Exchange Program19 PRESIDENTS DAY-HOC Office Closed19 Student Exchange22 Student Exchange Leadership & Peace Workshop 9a-5p, HOC

Classes • Other Meetings at Hawaii Okinawa Center:HUOA Sanshin: every Thursday, 7pm* (first practice in 2018: 1/4/18)Ichigo Ichi E: 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 7pm* (first practice in 2018: 1/16/18)Ikebana: 1st Wednesday, 7pm* (first class in 2018: 1/3/18)Karaoke nite: 4th Tuesday, 6:30pm*Kobudo Taiko: every Monday, 7pm, contact Calvin Nakama 224-7374 (first practice in 2018: 1/8/18)Monday Crafters: every Monday, 9am* (first session in 2018: 1/8/18)Okinawan Genealogical Society meeting: 3rd Saturday, 9am* (January-only: 1/27/18)Uchinaaguchi: every 2nd Tuesday, 1pm*; every 4th Thursday, 7pm* (first session in 2018: 1/9/18)*for more information, please call 676-5400**Subject to Change** (entries as of 11/7/17)

The 2017 Legacy Awards Banquet - Hawaii United … · Governor David Ige, Jake Shimabukuro,...

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Transcript of The 2017 Legacy Awards Banquet - Hawaii United … · Governor David Ige, Jake Shimabukuro,...