Haisai OAA News 北米沖縄県人会四季報 March 2013 ● No. 78 2013年3月 ● No. 78

In This Issue: OAA New Years Party President’s Corner 2 by Joseph Kamiya Martial Arts Committee 3 The Okinawa Association of America hiro. Edward and Joan were both selected celebrated the New Year with our annual for their contributions as 2012 OAA Board Natsukashi no Kohakuˉ Uta 3 Shinnen Enkai (New Year’s Party) at the Members, their volunteerism at all of our Gassen beautiful Quiet Cannon Banquet Room in events, and their dedication to our Com- The Legend of Hagoromo 3 Montebello. Nearly 670 OAA members, puter Class (Joan is the chairperson and relatives, and friends gathered to enjoy Edward acts as the technical advisor). 語やびらウチナーグチ 4 a delicious lunch and welcome our new They received Certificates of Recognition 国吉信義さんを選出 4 board members, officers, chairpersons, by Gardena Councilman Ronald K. Ikejiri and president. As always, talented per- and special volunteer awards were given 次期北米沖縄県人会会長 formers from the Geino-bu (Performing to Haruo Ishihara, Joseph Yoshimasu 国吉体制がスタート 北米沖縄県 5 Arts Committee), Martial Arts Committee Kamiya, and Richiko Nakashima. (MAC), and independent groups provided Steve Awakuni, the OAA’s Legal Advi- 人会新役員就任式 a rich showcase of Okinawan, Japanese, sor, led the official installation of our 2013 忘年会・カラオケ ナイトで会員 6 and Hawai’ian cultural arts. To add icing on board members, officers, chairpersons, の親睦と融和を図る the cake, we had a number of raffle prizes and president (see pages 2~3). 15 board to give away including the coveted round- members and 23 officers and chairper- Bunka-bu Lecture 7 trip tickets to Tokyo (each donated by IACE sons were introduced and welcomed, fol- Travel and Uyehara Travel) and an Apple lowed by an acceptance speech by our iPad Mini (donated by Kamiya Insurance 2013 President Shingi Kuniyoshi, who Agency). expressed great optimism for the future Calling all overdue items from the Charles & Yoshiko Kamiya Library! The OAA Kamiya The event began with a message from of the OAA. Honored guests Hisamori Library volunteers would like to remind folks 2012 OAA President Kimiko Goya and the Iwashita (president of the Nanka Kenjinkai to return any overdue books and videos Kaimaku (opening classical music perfor- Kyogikai/Japanese Prefectural Associa- as soon as possible. Contact Yuko for any mance). 22 sanshin, koto, and taiko musi- tion of Southern California) and Yoshio questions. cians and singers shared the stage to play Aoki (president of the Japanese Chamber 神谷図書館の係りからのお願いです。 “Bashi nu Tui,” “Esa Bushi,” and “Yuratiku of Commerce of Southern California) were 借 り た 本 、ビ デ オ、Ｄ Ｖ Ｄ な ど の 返 品 の 期 Bushi,” three songs linked by common also invited onstage to speak and led the 限を切れている場合、早めにお返しお themes of celebration and good fortune. Sake Barrel Ceremony. To top off the cer- 願い致します。ご質問がありましたら、県 Next, awards were given to our 2013 Man emonial portion of the afternoon, all Year 人会事務所までご連絡ください。 and Woman of the Year, Edward Kiyoshi of the Snake audience members (born in Kamiya and Joan Sumiko Kaneshiro Os- Continued on page 6 President’s Corner Shingi Kuniyoshi We kicked women. We have planned a variety of programs off the new I think our vitality comes from Okinawa’s for this year. Our Haisai News and online year with the historical and geographical backgrounds. newsletter Jigami-gwa list many weekly Shinnen Enkai There is an Okinawan word “Yuimaaru” and monthly events. In addition to annual and Officers meaning a cooperative spirit. The spirit events such as the picnic and scholarship Installation. comes from the agricultural village days presentation, Keiro Kansha, and golf and As always, where villagers pitched in labor and mate- bowling tournaments, we will have Utaya- we filled the rials for the benefit of their neighbors. We bira Wuduyabira performance by our Gei- Quiet Cannon have also an Okinawan word “Chimugu- no-bu in May (held every two years). In banquet room kuru”, meaning kindness for each other. July, we will host the second World Youth with over 600 We have carried on the spirit of Yuimaaru Uchinanchu Taikai. About 150 young Oki- attendees. All appeared to have enjoyed and Chimugukuru. nawans from around the world are expect- the day. I have been visiting the OAA of- The Okinawan spirit is abundantly ed come to Los Angeles and share their fice frequently and observed first hand shown in members’ volunteerism. At our concerns and strengthen their solidarity. that hundreds of man-hours are spent for bazaar last October, about 200 members So, we will be very busy this year. each OAA event. Thank you very much, donated materials, labor and money. And The OAA exists primarily for the benefit New Year’s Party Chair Mieko Shima and we netted $12,290 in profit, the most profit of the members, and the OAA is where volunteers. in our bazaar history. The first Tuesday you feel home. Attend our events, come We are said to be the most active and of each month is designated as a volun- to our center, check out books and CDs largest Kenjinkai in Los Angeles. Our teer day and about 15 volunteers regularly from our library, and meet your friends. membership counts 904 households as come to help clean our facilities. Every Tell us your opinions, proposals and even of November 2012, up 42 from the previ- day 3-5 volunteers come to our office to monku. Our monthly board meetings are ous year. I think that many factors con- help our staff. Our volunteers are moti- open to the members, and come see how tribute to our success. Our Geinobu cer- vated by love of Okinawan values. The the OAA is managed. Of course, we have tainly attracts many people, particularly strong sense of belonging and caring a lot of work ahead of us to improve and young people, and traditional Okinawan binds us and distinguishes us from other carry on our legacy. With your help, we women’s power sustains us. Out of 15 organizations. I feel I am fortunate for I can do a lot more. I truly believe that for board of directors, 11 are women, and out am surrounded by dedicated volunteers the Okinawa Association of America, the of 21 officers and chairpersons, 13 are and my job will be easy and rewarding. best is yet to come.

2013 Okinawa Association of America, Inc. Utayabira Board of Directors Wuduyabira Board of Directors Corresponding Secre- Karaoke Co-Chairperson Held on May 5th in Torrance, Tomiko Akamine, Ethel tary and Computer Class Setsuko Fujimoto CA, Utayabira Wuduyabira (which Asato, Setsuko Fujimoto, Chairperson Library Chairperson means, 'let's sing, let's dance' in Edward Kamiya, Shingi Joan Oshiro Junko Kawate the Okinawan dialect) is the Oki- Kuniyoshi, Nosho Miyagi, Treasurer Seisonen-Bu (Activities) nawa Association of America's Yoneko Nakamura, Vicky Ethel Asato Chairperson Performing Arts Committee (Gei- Oshiro Nishiuchi, Michiko Auditors Gen Kinjo no-bu) showcase of local Oki- Numata, Joan Oshiro, Mieko Aiko Tokunaga History Chairperson nawan musicians and dancers. Shima, Helene Shimane, Hiroshi Yamauchi Yukikazu Nagashima Sadao Tome, Yoshihiro Advisor and Uchinaaguchi Kajimaya Seniors Club Cost: $20 Tome, Yuko Yamauchi Class Chairperson Chairperson Chogi Higa Yoneko Nakamura President Advisor Karaoke Co-Chairperson Tickets can be purchased Shingi Kuniyoshi Sadao Tome Shoji Numata through the OAA office. Stop by Vice President and Build- Hospitality Martial Arts Chairperson during office hours or send your ing Chairperson Tomiko Akamine Eihachi Ota check (made payable to: OAA Edward Kamiya Scholarship Chairperson Fujinbu Women’s Associa- - Geinobu) and self-addressed Vice President and Chief Chairperson tion Chairperson stamped envelope to: Financial Officer Noriko Chung Mieko Shima Okinawa Association of America 16500 S. Western Avenue #203 Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi Bunka-bu (Cultural Com- Geino-bu Performing Arts Recording Secretary mitee) Chairperson Chairperson Gardena, CA 90247 Helene Shimane Noriko Cuaron Yoshimichi David Shinjo Membership Chairperson (checks made payable to: OAA Yuko Yamauchi - Geinobu)

2 Haisai OAA News No 78 www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America Martial Arts Committee (MAC) 2013 Committee OAA Annual Chairperson Treasurer Scholarship Sensei Eihachi Ota Sensei Michael DeDonado Vice Chairperson Secretary The OAA announces that appli- Sensei Michael George Sensei Nurys Saldana cations for the annual scholarship awards for the 2013 high school grad- Upcoming Events uates will be available soon. Applicant • March 10th: MAC Seminar at Centro School, 6950 Harrison Avenue, requirements include: De Ninios, 2010 Martin Luther King Eastvale, CA 92880. 1. Must be graduating high school Blvd., Riverside, CA 92507. It is at • June 2nd: Sensei Ota is hosting the in 2013 Bordwell Park behind the Baptist Okinawan Shorin Ryu Tournament. 2. Must be of Okinawan-descent Church. Rush Gymnasium, 1651 W 162nd 3. Parents or applicant must be • April 27th: Sensei Maria Evans and Street, Gardena. For more informa- OAA member(s) Sensei Michael George are hosting tion, please call (310) 217-0677. 4. Minimum 2.75 GPA the Callifornia State Karate Champi- onship for the USKK/USKA (United For additional information, please con- The awards will be based primarily States Karate do Kai/ United States tact the Martial Arts Committee at on academic accomplishments with Karate Alliance) at Ramirez Middle [email protected] due consideration given to extra-cur- ricular and community activities and financial needs. Ship of the Ryukyu's "The Legend of Hagoromo" by Joseph Kamiya The scholarship awards will be pre- sented at the OAA's Annual Picnic at – who made her theatre debut in a 1985 Whittier Narrows Recreation Park on rendition of “The Legend of Hagoromo” Sunday, July 7, 2013. (Haiyuza Theatre Company) – stated that the choreography and acting for this 2013 production was geared toward Western Deadline: June 3, 2013 audiences, thus having a more expressive element compared to the subtleties of tra- ditional Okinawan theatre. Even though Grateful Crane the dialogue and lyrics were all spoken in Ensemble’s “Natsukashi Uchinaaguchi (the Okinawan language), the elaborate acting style combined with no Kohakuˉ Uta Gassen” video projections of English subtitles by Joseph Kamiya helped the audience to connect with the characters on a much deeper level. The Grateful Crane Ensemble, a Japa- The musical drama was preceded by a nese American theatre troupe based in The Celestial Goddess (Aki Chinen) returns to her set of traditional and popular Ryukyuan Los Angeles, brought back their popular true form in Ship of the Ryukyu's "The Legend of Hagoromo" drama. (photo by Joseph Kamiya) dances. The 7 intricate dances were per- “Natsukashi no Kōhaku Uta Gassen” pro- duction. The OAA gathered a group of 27 Right before the Lunar New Year, we formed by a group of 5 young women and members to attend the February 2nd per- had the pleasure of welcoming a perform- accompanied by a quartet of musicians. formance at the James R. Armstrong The- ing arts group from Okinawa called Ship of Everybody displayed a level of profes- atre in Torrance. Debuting in 2010 at the the Ryukyu. On February 9th, the James sionalism that went beyond artistic skill; Japanese American National Museum’s R. Armstrong Theatre in Torrance was the 5 dancers also had to quickly switch Democracy Center, this production is best filled with approximately 320 Uchinanchu between costumes, usually with only 2-to- described as a spoof on Japan’s annual and Uchinanchu-at-heart for a kageki (op- 3 minute introductions separating each “Red and White Song Battle,” chronicling era) rendition of “The Legend of Hagoro- dance number. It was amazing how the 62 years worth of Japanese singers and mo.” Based on a popular folk story about program ran so seamlessly, one dance celebrities into a compact 3-hour show. a goddess’s marriage to a mortal man, the after another without a single lagging mo- The Grateful Crane’s cast of 13 per- young cast and musicians from Okinawa ment. formers portrayed a variety of different put on an emotionally moving production, Pictures from the performances are personalities, ranging from veteran sing- available on our Facebook page as well ers like Hibari Misora and Hiroshi Itsuki complete with gorgeous make-up, cos- tume, and backdrop designs. as our website (oaamensore.org) with vid- Continued on page 7 The 31-year-old director Sayuki Iraha eos coming soon.

www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America Haisai OAA News No 78 3 語やびらウチナーグチ・比嘉朝儀 Let’s talk in the Okinawan language by Instructor Chogi Higa ウチナーグチクラス開講十周年発表会並びに祝賀昼餐会 国吉信義さんを選出 Uchinaaguchi 10th Anniversary Celebration 次期北米沖縄県人会会長 発 表 会 は、各生徒 当銘貞夫 記 が作成した シ ナリオを 11月11日北米沖縄県人会は年次 比 嘉 講 師 総会を開催、呉屋君子さんの会長2011 が 英 語 を 年－12年満期に伴い会長選挙を実 沖 縄 語 施、2013年－14年の県人会長に国吉信 に翻訳し、 義さんを選出した。国吉さんは97、98年 修正や校 に会長経験があり、2度目となる。当日は会 正をしたも 長の外に7人の理事も選出された。 The Uchinaaguchi class with a whole roasted pig at their 10th Anniversary celebration の に 基 づ 沖縄県人会は来年創立104年を迎え held at the Yamauchi Building. (photo provided by Chogi Higa) い て進め 「沖縄の心を育てるには、沖縄の精神 ることになる。名実共に北米大陸に存在 られ た 。在 ロ サ ンゼルス日本国総領 する30余の沖縄県人会のリーダー的存 文化をまず理解してもらう。各地域や島々 事館勤務のジュリア ン・イーリーさんが日 の精神文化を織り成しているのは、その 在で、全国都道府県人会のロール・モデ 本語、英語、ウチナー グチの三つの言葉 ルと な って い る 。3 つ の ビル が あ り 、２ ，３ ，４ 土地に伝わる言葉。だから、この１０年間、 で司会を担当。プロジ ェクターを駆使し ウチナーグチをしっかりと生徒らに伝えて 世の会員も多く、会長には日英両語に精 て、生徒らのあいさつ、「 語やびら島くとぅ 通した人が要求される。来年1月に開催さ きた。言葉は一度失ったら簡単には復活 ば」、寸劇では、那覇の公 設市場の“マチ できない。絶やしてはいけない。先祖から れる「新年宴会及び役員就任式」をもっ ヤグァー”や“スムチ”、“ヤ ンメー”、“ジョン て正式に就任する。 受け継がれてきた島々の言葉を北米で 万次郎”や紙芝居などが 大きなスクリー 広めよう、そして沖縄の肝心を北米で育て 次期会長を引き受けることに対し国 ンに映し出され次々と発表 されると、会場 吉さんは、「沖縄県人会は１００年以上に よう」と、２００２年の比嘉朝儀会長がウチ は熱気に包まれ、聴衆から出演者に大き ナーグチクラスを開講して１０年目、１１月２ わたって、先輩たちが築き上げた遺産が な声援と拍手が送られた。 会場は沖縄 あ る か ら 、こ れ を 継 承 して 発 展 さ せ て い き ５日沖縄センター内の山内ビル（宴会場） 一色に染まり沖縄の雰囲気が溢れプロ にて「ウチナーグチ開講１０周年記念発 たい。幸いに、沖縄のすばらしい芸能・文 グラムは最高潮に達した。 化に引かれて、若い人たちも県人会活動 表会並びに祝賀昼餐会が盛大に催され プログラムは順調に進行し、比嘉講 た。駆けつけた聴衆は約１３０人余。その に参加するようになっている。これから、 師 から２０１２年度のクラスを終えた１０名 若い人たちがりーダーになっていくように 中には文化人や元政治家の顔ぶれもあ の 生徒らに受講証書が贈られ、受講生 った。沖縄から応援に馳せ参じた前田ち 育成したい。２０１３年には若いウチナー は 満面の笑みを浮かべた。生徒一同か ンチュの世界大会がロスであるから、これ か子・舞踊家や、２０１３年度の國吉信義 ら 比嘉講師に１０年間のたゆまぬ努力を 県人会会長、高齢者クラブの山内繁子前 を全面的に援助して、次世代への沖縄文 ね ぎらい記念感謝の盾と記念品、呉屋 化の継承へとつなぎたい。私たちの過去 部長らが飛び入りでプログラムに華を添 君子 県人会会長から感謝状が贈呈され えた。その後、各自が持ち寄った沖縄料 も振 り返りつ つ、大きく前進して い き たい。 た。 多くのボランティアの人たちが県人会を支 理やブタ丸焼きなどを舌鼓うちながら生 続いて仲井眞弘多沖縄県知事から 徒らの発表に耳を傾けた。 えてくれている。県人会は昔から、相互扶 寄せられた祝辞を当銘貞夫元県人会会 助の精神がある。会員みんなのためにな 長が 代読し、生徒ら るような県人会にしていくことができれば に希望と勇気を与え と 思う 。沖 縄 県 や 他 県 人 会 と の 交 流 を 緊 た。余興では、朝一会 密にしていきたい」と、抱負を述べた。 の若者ら、琉球民謡 国吉さんは那覇市久 米出身、カリフォ 協 会北 米支 部の民 ルニア州立大学ロサンゼルス校（ＵＣＬＡ） 謡の先生方の賛助出 で博士課程地質学部を修了、米連邦政 演があり、最後は 民 府に1976 から勤務。地質調査所 や森林 謡 、「 安 里 屋 ユ ン タ 」 と 局 に勤めた後、1993年から 2007年に引 カチャーシーを会場 退するまで, 米国空軍に勤めた。最後の の全員が賑やかに踊 職場は嘉手納空軍基地の環境保全部 り 、祝 賀 ムー ド で プ ロ で あ った 。7 6 歳 。 グ ラムを 閉めくくった 。 Chogi Higa Shinshii (teacher) and the Uchinaaguchi class cutting cake at their 10th Anniversary celebration. (photo provided by Chogi Higa)

4 Haisai OAA News No 78 www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America 国吉体制がスタート 北米沖縄県人会新役員就任式 当銘貞夫 記

Above: Installation of new board members. Bottom Left: Incoming OAA President, Shingi Kuniyoshi and outgoing president Kimiko Goya. (photo by Sadao Tome) Bottom Right: Man and Woman of the Year, Edward Kamiya and Joan Oshiro with outgoing president Kimiko Goya, Steven Awakuni, and Gardena Mayor Pro Tem Ronald Ikejiri (photo by Stuart Yamashiro)

２０１３年度北米沖縄県人会の役員就 市より表彰状が授与された。ボランティア した。続いて巳年生まれの会員、新旧両 任式が１月２０にロサンゼルスの隣接都 に励んだとして３人が表彰された。その後 会 長と 来 賓 が 鏡 割 りし 、泡 盛 で 乾 杯 を し 市モンテベロー・ゴルフコースのクワイエッ ２０１３年の役員・理事・各部の部長約３０ た。 トキャノンレストランで６００人が参加、盛大 人が紹介され、アワクニ弁護士のリードで 第２部はノリコ・チャングさんとジュリア に 行 わ れ た 。ロ サ ン ゼ ルス の ほ と ん どの 県 宣誓した。 ン・イーリーさんが司会、琉球舞踊、民謡、 人会や日系団体は１１月に会員総会を開 国吉信義新会長が就任の挨拶で、「 空手、カラオケ、フラダンス、バイオリン演 いて新役員を選出し、１月か２月に役員就 沖縄県人会は北米本土で最大の県人会 奏 、日 本 舞 踊 、く じ 引 き 抽 選 な ど の 余 興 、 任式を行う。 組織で活発であること、ユイマール（相互 カチャーシーに興じ、最後は参加者全員 新役員就任式第１部の司会をフルヤ・ 扶助）精神にたけ、沖縄の文化・芸能の継 芭蕉布を輪になって合唱、散会した。 ハリエットさんが担当、先亡者に黙祷を捧 承 と 普及 に 努力、ウ チ ナ ーン チ ュ・アイ デ 写真 げた後、呉屋君子会長が挨拶。２０１２年 ン ティティーを重視して今日の北米沖縄 １：新役員の宣誓式 の理事・役員に感謝の意を述べ、続いて 県人会を築き上げた。その努力は今後も ２：国吉信義新会長より感謝状を授与さ 表彰式がおこなわれた。マンオブザイヤ 継続していきたい」と、強調した。 れた呉屋君子前会長（右）。 ーにエドワード・神谷さん、ウーマンオブザ 過去の沖縄県人会長の紹介があり、 ３：マン＆ウーマン オブザエヤー賞授 イヤーにジョーン・大城さんが選出され沖 来賓の南加県人会協議会岩下寿盛会 賞式。 縄 県 人 会 、ロ サ ン ゼ ル ス 市 及 び ガ ー デ ナ 長と南加日商の青木会長が代表挨拶を

www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America Haisai OAA News No 78 5 忘年会・カラオケ ナイトで会員の親睦と融和を図る 電話で確認され のヒット曲、「まつり」を歌い始めると、婦人 てから足を運ん の皆さんがのぼりをふりかざし、まつりの で下さい）。 シーンを彷彿させた。つづいて沖縄民謡 忘年会当日の のリズミカルな「月夜の恋」を呉屋茂夫さん 晩には、カラオケ と矢野好子さんのコンビで賑やかに歌い 愛好家が集まり、 上げ、会場は沖縄ムードが漂い、参加者 沖縄民謡や演 の中には踊りだす者もいた。 歌 、ポ ップ ス 、ラ テ 休憩時には、婦人たちの手油（ティア ン、、ハワイ ア ン、 ンダ）の入った沖縄料理に舌鼓を打ちな アメリカン ソング がら、思いをふる里に馳せ、ユンタクが弾 などの世界の数 み、参加者は満面の笑みを浮かべてカラ 知れない歌で喉 オケナイトを楽しんだ。食後には、歌の数 を競い合った。 々が 披 露 され 、最後に全員で「お富さん」 Vicky Nishiuchi, Setsuko Fujimoto, Shigeko Yamauchi, Mr. Koki Nagashima, Set- カラオケのプロ を 歌 い、プ ログ ラム を 閉 めた 。 suko Nakamura, enjoying a lively night at the Kaoroke Club held in the Yamauchi グラムのトップを 親睦と融和を目的に、２００４年１２月の Building. (photo by Joseph Kamiya) 切ったのは、藤 理事会でカラオケ・クラブの設立が承認さ 比嘉朝儀・記 本部長の沖縄民謡“さあー君は野中の れた。翌年の２００５年の３月に、わたし、比 いばらの花か、さあーゆいゆい”の「安里 嘉 朝 儀 、故 神 谷 ケ ン さん、安 慶 名ペ ド ロ さ カラオケクラブは、カラオケ音響装置が 屋ユンタ」、同じく民謡の「うんじゅが情ど ん、ジャコモ五美さんらが中心となり初カラ 完 備 されて い る山内ビル に 於 いて、２ ０１ ぅ頼まりる」を矢野好 子さんが歌い、続 い オケ・ナイ ト を 開 始 し た 。初 代 部 長 に 安 慶 ２年１２月１５日（土）、忘年会を兼ねたカラ て演歌の「君こそわが命」を沢岻安和さん 名ペドロさん（２００５－２００７年）、二代目 オケ・ナイ ト を 開 催 。準 備 委員の 藤 本 節 子 が、 に神谷ケンさん（２００８年）、三代目にジャ 部長、中村米子さん、沼田ショウジ・カラオ 同じく演歌「演歌みち」をベテランの中 コモ五美さん（２００９年５月まで、６月以降 ケ器具オパレーター、アシスタンスの西内 村 節 子 さ ん が 、そ して “ 男 度 胸 の 玄 海 育 休み）、四代目に比嘉朝儀（２０１０年）、５ 光男さんらが中心となって第三土曜日か ち、荒い啖呵の無法者”と歌い上げた桃 代目に藤本節子さん（２０１１年から２０１３ 第 四 土 曜 日 に 開 催 さ れ て い る 。（ 期 日 が 変 原昌夫さんの「無 法松 の一生、度 胸千両 年現在）らが部長を務めている。 更になることがありますので、あらかじめ 入り」、筆者の比嘉朝儀が北島三郎さん

OAA New Years Party...Continued from cover Kai (minyo), Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko complete without our singers Darrel Neal, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, Los Angeles (eisa/festival drums), and Machiko Shinzato, and Tatsuo Arakaki with or 2001) were invited onstage for a festive Tamagusukuryu Kansen-Kai (buyo). We his popular rendition of “Unchained Melo- “Kampai!” also had the pleasure of welcoming inde- dy.” The event was brought to a close with This year’s cultural entertainment pro- pendent performers such as Mickey Dok- the obligatory kachaashii dancing (led by gram featured an abundance of talent, tor (kayou buyo/popular Japanese dance), Ishihara Minyo) and the entire room sing- including members of Ishihara Haruo the young instrumental music duo Shigeru ing “Bashofu” together, hand-in-hand. Ryukyu Minyo (minyo/folk music), Majikina (violin) and William (piano) Logan, and the This year’s Shinnen Enkai would not have Honryu (buyo/dance), Okinawa Budokan even-younger Advantage Program Hula. been possible without the help of our M.C.s (Shorin-Ryu karate), Ryukyu Minyo Aikoh- Of course, no OAA program would be Continued on next page Uchinaaguchi 101 ウ チ ナ ー グ チ Dii fuka nji ashiba. Nuu shi ashibuga. Yakyu sana. Dialogue Practice Let's play outside. Taruu: Dii fuka nji ashiba. Taruu: Yakyu sana. What are you going to play? Let's play outside. Let's play baseball. Let's play baseball. Chiruu: Nuu shi ashibuga. What are you going to play?

6 Haisai OAA News No 78 www.oaamensore.org ● Okinawa Association of America Uchina Junior Bunka-bu (Culture Committee) invites you to an Study Program Okinawan Culture Lecture Series: Informal Talk (formerly Junior Study Tour) by Mr. Shinichi Maehara The Okinawa Prefectural Govern- By Noriko S. Cuaron, Bunka-bu Chair ment (OPG) is once again offering the Uchina Junior Study Program (for- Mr. Shinichi Maehara, re- orary Doctorate of Humane merly the Junior Study Tour), an an- tired Executive Director at Letters, the first Okinawan nual 10 day immersion program that Okinawa Television Broad- to receive this degree, from brings together 15 middle and high casting (OTV), will be giv- UH (University of Hawaii) school students to the islands of Oki- ing a talk on the "Okinawan last year. The honor was for nawa. This year's program will be July 移民のパ Heart and Spirit: his contributions to the un- 28 - August 12, 2013. イオニアたちが育んだウチ derstanding of Okinawans Selected students will study Oki- ナーンチュ・スピリット” on around the world. He trav- nawan history, culture, society, and Saturday, March 23, 2013 eled to South America, Diaspora, with an emphasis on na- at 3 PM in the OAA Center's North America, Hawaii, and ture, peace, and identity. Students will Yamauchi Building. East Asia, detailing the lives also be given the opportunity to inter- Due to limited seating, of Okinawans in a docu- act with Uchinanchu from around the please RSVP by calling or mentary series called Sekai world as well as students from Oki- e-mailing the OAA by Friday, March 15, Uchinanchu Kikō (Uchinanchu World- nawa. 2013 to reserve a seat. wide). The series ran from 1987 until 2004 The Bunka-bu (Culture Committee) is and won the National Association of Com- Application Requirements: planning a potluck gathering after the talk. mercial Broadcasters in Japan Award in • Applicants must be of Okinawan Please contact the OAA for more informa- 2002. Mr. Maehara’s work has contrib- descent tion. uted greatly to the worldwide Uchinanchu • Applicants or their parents must be Mr. Shinichi Maehara received an Hon- network and to Okinawan studies as well. current OAA members • Applicants must be enrolled in mid- "助けて! AYUDAR! Year-end Charity Drive dle or high school and between the AJUDAR! HELP!" The OAA participated in a year-end char- ages of 12 to 19 years old The OAA Wakamono Taikai Com- ity drive for Keiro Senior HealthCare, which • Applicants must have relatives or mittee is hosting a spring concert/rum- took place during the first 3 weekends of friends in Okinawa available for ap- mage sale with the OAA Computer December. The drive was to raise funds pri- plicant’s homestay Class! We're currently in the process of marily for Keiro Senior HealthCare and was promoting and fundraising for the 2013 sponsored by the Japanese Chamber of Necessary Documents for Applica- Commerce of Southern California (JCCSC). Wakamono Taikai. If you are interested tion: Please note that application does Many OAA members volunteered to stand in donating items for the rummage sale not guarantee participation. and ask shoppers for donations in front of • Application form or making a donation to the OAA Waka- Mitsuwa Marketplace in Torrance. We have mono Taikai Committee and Computer participated in this drive every year since • 2 copies of applicant’s passport Class, please 2002. The JCCSC collected donations to- picture (3cm x 2cm) contact Yuko at taling $12,183 (with $2,351 of that total col- • 1-page essay: “What I Want to Ex- the OAA office. lected by the OAA). 30 percent of our col- perience in the Junior Study Pro- Rummage items lection was donated to the OAA. gram” can be dropped off every Satur- Grateful Crane's Kōhaku...Continued from page 3 Each Kenjinkai may nominate one day between 10 candidate to the OPG for consider- AM - 12:30 PM. to modern acts like the Gospellers and S.M.A.P. They also had a set of songs ation to participate in the Uchina Ju- dedicated to Okinawan performers who nior Study Program. Please contact were featured on Kōhaku. Haruye Ioka the OAA office for an application or OAA New Years...Continued from previous page and Kurt Kuniyoshi sang great renditions more information. Harriet Harumi Furuya, Noriko Tokuyama of The Boom’s “Shima Uta” and Begin's Applications for a past Junior Study “Shimanchu nu Takara,” but the stand- Chung, and Julian Byron Ely, all of our tire- participant to serve as a group leader out was Keiko Kawashima’s portrayal of less volunteers, our 2013 New Year’s Party who can speak conversational Japa- Rimi Natsukawa with the hit single “Nada nese will also be accepted. Committee chairperson Mieko Shima, and Sousou.” One particularly nice touch was of course everybody who attended. Thank when Kawashima sang the final verse and APPLICATION DEADLINE: you for your support and let’s make 2013 chorus in Uchinaaguchi (the Okinawan Friday, April 5,2013 another memorable year! language)!

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Haisai OAA News Staff Upcoming Events & Activities (subject to change) EDITOR/LAYOUT March 23 Bunka-bu lecture: “Okinawan Heart July 7 OAA Picnic & Scholarship Awards, Kristin Yamauchi and Spirit” – an informal talk by Mr. Whittier Narrows Park 3月23日 Shinichi Maehara 沖縄 文化シリーズ： 7月7日 県人会ピクニック 元沖縄テレビ放送常務の前原信一に WRITERS July 18-21 2nd World Uchinanchu Wakamono よる講演「移民のパイオニアたちが育ん Noriko Cuaron, Michael George, Chogi Higa, Taikai, Torrance Cultural Arts Center Joseph Kamiya, Shingi Kuniyoshi, Sadao だウチナーンチュ・スピリット」 7月18日-21日 第2回世界ウチナーンチュ若者大会（ト Tome April 7 2013 Wakamono Taikai Information ーレンス市Cultural Arts Center） Session, OAA Room 103 4月7日 2013年度若者大会説明会 Denotes non-OAA event PROOFREADERS 当県人会以外の行事 Naomi Endow, Michael George, Kimiko Goya, フ April 13 Seisonenbu Bowling Tournament Weekly Activities (subject to change) Chogi Higa, Joseph Kamiya, Mieko Shima, 4月13日 ァミリー・ボーリング大会（青壮年部） POSTPONED • COMPUTER CLASS ($5/class): Every Sadao Tome, Doreen Watanabe, Yuko Ya- April 16 Pechanga Indian Casino Fundraiser Thursday 10 AM - 12PM & 1-3PM & Fri- mauchi 4月16日 (Fujinbu) ペチャンガ・カシノ day 1 - 3 PM; Saturday 10 AM - 12 PM （婦人部） コンピューター・クラス PHOTOGRAPHERS Chogi Higa, Joseph Kamiya, Sadao Tome, April 21 “Dii Tigane Sabira! (Let’s Help!)” Monthly Activities (subject to change) Spring Concert & Fundraiser for • VOLUNTEER DAY: 1st Tuesday of every Stuart Yamashiro Computer Class and Wakamono month 4月21日 Taikai 「ディーティガネーサビラ!」コンピ 第 1火 曜日：ボ ラ ン ティア・デ ー This is the official newsletter of the OAA, Inc. ュータークラスと世界ウチナーンチュ若 • HISTORY BOOK II MEETING: 1st Satur- Contributions are welcome. For newslet- 者大会・準備資金募集イベント day of every month ter committee approval, email your article to 第1土 曜日：歴 史部 会 議 [email protected] no later than May 5 “Utayabira Wuduyabira” – Perform- ing Arts Committee at Armstrong • UTA-SANSHIN CIRCLE: 2nd Sunday of May 6, 2013 for the next issue. 5月5日 Theatre 「謡やびら・踊やびら」アーム every month (subject to change) ストロング劇場（芸能部） 第2日曜日唄三線サークル May 26 Kajimaya Senior Citizens Club An- • UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS ($2/class): 2nd 5月26日 niversary Party カジマヤー・クラブ11 Friday of every month 周年記念パーティー 第2金曜日 ウチナーグチ クラス rd June 6 Bon Dance Practice – contact OAA • KARAOKE CLUB ($5/admission): 3 3月23日 for schedule 盆踊りのお稽古スケジュ Saturday of every month ールは事務所まで 第2金曜日 と第２土曜日：ウチナーグチ クラス

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