Ukaji Deebiru Tamagusuku Ryu Benefit ••••••••••••••• Page 14 2011 Uchinanchu Taikai Caravan/Uchinaaguchi ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 15

www.huoa.org September/October 2010 Issue #128 Circulation 11,000 Making A Connection To The Homeland Reflections of the Virtual Leadership Study Tour By Courtney Takara n Friday, August 6, the first Virtual Leadership Study Tour was held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. Twelve participants, representing Oeight clubs, stayed overnight at HOC to get a taste of Okinawa. Their itinerary was packed full of educational as well as hands-on activities allowing them to learn more about their homeland. The purpose of this event was to spark interest in the participants to actually go to Okinawa in the near future, then come back inspired to become a leader with their respective clubs and/or HUOA. Some of the highlights of the virtual tour included Mo-Ashibi (an informal get-together held at night, to enjoy fellowship, impromptu sharing of music and dancing, etc.) featuring the musical talents of Derek Ichiro Shiroma and a few members from his Urizun Minyo Group. The participants learned Leadership participants joyfully display their creativity in the painting of their own shisaa. how to Kachashi and sang various Okinawan Folk songs such to make this event a success, especially as “Tinsagunu Hana” and “Asadoya HUOA Virtual Leadership Study Tour Experience those from the Club Development and Yunta.” Throughout the evening By Raina Goo, Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai Sustainment Committee and past leader- they heard testimonials and inter- aving relatives that are very much involved in the HUOA, I decided to help ship tour participants. Thank you also goes esting stories from past leadership them out and participate in the first HUOA Virtual Leadership Tour. I must out to all those who made monetary and/or participants. H admit that at first I was a little hesitant, but figured it wouldn’t hurt to just give in-kind donations! On Saturday, participants it a try. Arriving at the HOC Friday evening after work, I wasn’t sure how things learned to cook and made their Tour Participants: were going to turn out and sleeping over at the HOC didn’t seem like the most own lunch, including jushime, appealing way to spend the night. • Raina Goo – Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai goya champuru, and andagi! They Much to my relief, after a little small talk at the table, I think everyone there • Doreen Miyasato – Aza Yogi Doshi Kai watched a video taking them on had the same feelings going into this event. We all tried to make the best of this • Donna Komagome – Ginowan Shijin Kai a virtual tour of Okinawa, which event. Of course a little food, awamori, and Orion beer helped us all enjoy our • Lauren Suekawa – Ginowan Shijin Kai stopped off at many of the impor- first night a little more. In fact, the whole sleepover portion of the event turned tant historical sites such as the into a night of very little sleep, since a lot of the group actually stayed up and • Ryan Namaka – Hawai‘i Shuri-Naha Club Peace Memorial, Shuri Castle, talked story for a good portion of the night. From there on out, time seemed to • Caroline Okazaki – Hawai‘i Shuri-Naha etc. Many of them were also very fly by faster than we thought. Club touched after watching a video We all learned something new and participated in various cultural activities • Jean Moku – Hui O Laulima about the history of Hawaii- that made us all feel an appreciation for not only being Okinawan, but also a • Ellen Shimabukuro – Hui O Laulima Okinawa ties and how it led to the feeling for what our ancestors had gone through to make our lives a little easier creation of HUOA. today. Even though I had visited Okinawa before, it was nice to go along with • Roy Hokama – Hui Okinawa Thank you to all the clubs who this virtual tour and learn a little more. It also reminded me of some of the places • Lloyd Sanborn – Hui Okinawa sent representatives to participate I had visited and left me wanting to visit Okinawa again in the future. All in all, I • Derek Kobayashi – Kochinda Chojin Kai in the Virtual Leadership Study think that this was a good experience. I had an opportunity to learn a little more • Denise Liu – Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai Tour. We would also like to thank about my culture and also get to know some awesome people involved in other all the volunteers who came out Okinawan clubs from different islands. Inside This Issue Making A Connection/HUOA Virtual Leadership Study Tour •••••••••••••• Page 1 President’s Message ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 2

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Honolulu, HI Permit No. 659 Mahalo to All Okinawan Festival Volunteers •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 3 Okinawan Festival Photo Contest ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 4 Uchinanchu Spotlight •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 5 Issei Garden: Kin Gardeners •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 6 Okinawa Prefectural Assemblymen Photos •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 7 Ikuyu Madin Donors/Ikuyu Madin SDD/Star Challenge ••••••••••••••• Pages 8 & 9 Hawaii’s Fastest Texter •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 10 Taste of Marukai/HOT Update ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 11 Overnight on U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 12 Club News •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 13 Ryufuuan Project/Ukaji Deebiru Tamagusuku Ryu Benefit ••••••••••••••• Page 14 2011 Uchinanchu Taikai Caravan/Uchinaaguchi ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 15

Hawaii United Okinawa Association 94-587 Ukee Street Waipahu, Hawaii 96797 HUOA Schedule of Events/HOT Schedule ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 16 2 Uchinanchu September/October 2010 President’s Message By Paul Komeiji UCHINANCHU Ippee Nifee Deebiru... Mahalo!

Uchinanchu is our voice — the voice of the Hawaii United Okinawa Okage Sama De – Because of you, Association, its members, and the “home” we all built together, the Hawaii Okinawa Center. By sharing information and experiences, Uchinanchu keeps the past, present and future. us connected as a family, dedicated to preserving, sharing and perpetuating our Okinawan cultural heritage. uring the past couple of months, we’ve held events that have Every dollar donated — along with the valuable income from advertising exemplified this year’s theme of Okage Sama De – Because of you, - helps offset the cost of publishing Uchinanchu. HUOA sends a sincere the past, present and future. D ippee nifee deebiru to the following donors. Mahalo for keeping Uchinanchu This year, 12 potential HUOA leaders went on the fifth Leadership alive and thriving. Study Tour. As you may know, the Leadership Study Tour was based on the idea of developing “young” leaders for individual Club and HUOA Uchinanchu Donors July 16 to September 15, 2010. leadership roles in the future. By visiting Okinawa, one would gain a sense of his/her past and heritage, and then be inspired to help their Club and Herbert T. Asato Yukisada Oshiro HUOA perpetuate the culture for future generations. Yoshio Awakuni Mitsuru Owara Because of the current economic times, however, the cost of a Jane Fujii Edith E. Shimabuku trip to Okinawa may be unaffordable to many individuals. In order to accommodate as many people as we could, HUOA decided to create a Frederick Higa Linyei Shimabukuro virtual trip to Okinawa. You may be asking yourself, what is a virtual Fukuchi Higa Hideki Shiroma trip? With the help of many volunteers, including many past Leadership Karen Higashi Raymond & JoAnn Shito Study Tour participants, HUOA attempted to share the “essence” of the Anonymous Hanayo Suma Leadership Tour. With an overnight sleepover at HOC, the participants got a chance to meet and bond with members from other clubs while tasting Brian Isa Walter & Yoshie Taira Orion and awamori, listening to Okinawan music, kachashi dancing, Patsy Isagawa Misao Takara andagi dropping, cooking champuru, creating shiisa artworks, learning Miyoko Ishimaru Akira & Ruth Tamanaha about the Okinawa’s rich culture and history, and even learning the proper Alan Kamida Clifford & Elaine Tamanaha pronunciation of “Ippee Nihee Deebiru.” What an experience for the George Kamimura Stanley Tamashiro participants and the volunteers! Thank you to everyone who participated or volunteered. Masato Katekaru Richard K. Tome This year, we celebrated the 28th Okinawan Festival. As you may Miyoko Kitamura Sunny Tominaga know, the Okinawan Festival was developed when the first Leadership Tour Kunie Kiyabu Milton & Ethel Uehara participants returned from Okinawa. These individuals wanted a way to Julie K. Kobashigawa Randy Uyehara share the culture with the community, and, 28 festivals later, the Festival is going strong and continues to perpetuate the culture. Besides promoting Jane Koki Aaron Uyema the culture, the Festival brings together Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu at Apolonio & Emily Lasquete Katsuo Yamashiro Heart in Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha. Grover Miyasato James Yoshida Over the years, everyone has contributed to the success of the Festival. Lillian Nakagawa Evelyn Yoza Because of the helping hands of everyone, the Festival has been such a great event in the past and will continue to showcase the Okinawan culture and spirit in the future. Thank you to everyone for continuing to share the Uchinanchu spirit. Additionally, I would like to send a special thank you to Legacy Award recipient, Victor “Mr. Festival” Yamashiroya for all of his efforts in supporting the Festival. Over the years, Victor has taken care of infrastructure (otherwise known as all the things that you don’t think about), so that the clubs could focus on running their booths. This year, Festival Chairman Norman Nakasone and his team did their best to fill in Victor’s large shoes. Congratulations on a job well done. You may notice that our theme of Okage Sama De – Because of you, the past, present and future has a couple of commas. To me, the commas signify transitions. As new generations become more active and older generations pass on wisdom, there are times when we are in between generations. As we can see with the Leadership Study Tour and the Okinawan Festival, transitions are taking place and the spirit and culture is being passed from generation to generation. Let’s appreciate the change and continue to support those that help with the transition between the past, present and future. 61st Installation Banquet Recognition of 2010 Uchinanchu of the Year UCHINANCHU Uchinanchu is the newsletter of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. Saturday, December 11, 2010 Although subject to change, issues will be published bi-monthly. Volunteer writ- Hawaii Okinawa Center ers are welcome. Send your name, address and telephone number to Uchinanchu 9:30 a.m. Registration Newsletter, Hawaii United Okinawa Association, 94-587 Ukee St., Waipahu, Hawaii 96797. E-mail articles to [email protected]. Uchinanchu reserves the right 10:00 a.m. Call to Celebration to edit all material for clarity and accuracy. HUOA President ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Paul Komeiji 5 Executive Director •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jane F. Serikaku Join us as President-elect, Norman Nakasone Editorial/Production Services ••••••••••••••••••••• MBFT Media and his 2011 officers are installed and ADVERTISING INFORMATION Uchinanchu reaches over 11,000 households. For advertising rates and more the Uchinanchu of the Year Club Honorees are recognized. information, contact us at: Please call your Club President for tickets ($30.00) each Tel: (808) 676-5400 – Email: [email protected] – www.huoa.org or call HUOA at 676-5400 or email: [email protected] September/October 2010 Uchinanchu 3 Mahalo to All Okinawan Festival Volunteers By Norman Nakasone, Festival Chair wo days of absolutely magnificent weather, hundreds Tof people anxiously waiting to order their favorite Okinawan foods, many others watching in delight at the entertaining performances taking place on the Kapiolani Bandstand stage, a huge crowd at the Bon Dance Saturday night, and the many positive comments we’ve received about the wonderful weekend. If any of this means anything, I think it’s fair to say that the 28th Okinawan Festival was a rousing success. Words cannot adequately express the appreciation and gratitude I feel in my heart for all who helped plan and coordinate this magnificent event and for all of the volunteers that helped make it possible. Speaking of volunteers, a special note of thanks goes out to those who work diligently behind the scenes through the week leading up to festival weekend laying down the necessary infrastructure and the day after to undo all of the hard work they did the week before. People like Masa Shiroma and his construction crew, Matt Volunteers unload a container during set-up. Arashiro and his plumbing team, Juan Viloria and his bunch of electricians, and Larry and Carol Yamamoto and their friends for taking such good care of these volunteers with delicious lunches and refreshments throughout the week. Dedicated, committed, and loyal. These adjectives fittingly describe the 100+ volunteers that give from their hearts and often go unrecognized as they lay the foundation for things to come during the weekend. And one last very special thank you to Mr. Okinawan Festival, Victor Yamashiroya, who served as chair of the festival Logistics Committee for the past 20-plus years. People who have observed him in action say Victor did the job of 3-4 people by him- self. After walking in one of his shoes (Paul Komeiji walked in the other), I know firsthand how accurate that statement is. I don’t know how he did the job that he did, but Victor managed to do it with such grace and diplomacy that he made the job seem so much easier than it truly was. Victor, if you’re out there reading this article, on behalf of HUOA, I’d like to say, “Thank you so very much for pouring your heart and soul into what has become the state’s largest cultural event for the past 20-plus years. We miss you tremendously!” Congratulations to all on another very successful festival! I look forward to work- ing with you again next year when we start planning the 29th Okinawan Festival. For those of you who may be counting, it’s just 11 months away! Volunteers set-up the background for the main stage.

Congratulations to the Hawaii Okinawa Center on its 20th Anniversary!

Leadership for a New day Who can resolve the complex challenges of improving our economy, education, environment and quality of life for all?

Neil Can! Brian Can, too!

IPPEI NIHEI DEBIRU! We humbly ask for your continued support in the General Election.

Paid for by Abercrombie for Governor | 1050 Ala Moana Boulevard | Suite 2150, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 | www.NeilAbercrombie.com Paid for by Friends of Brian Schatz | P.O. Box 3828 | Honolulu, HI 96812 4 Uchinanchu September/October 2010 Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha Photo Contest Winners Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Okinawan Festival Photo Contest! We want to thank the talented photographers who submitted over 100 entries! To view all of the entries in color, visit the Okinawan Festival website at www.okinawanfestival.com.

GRAND PRIZE - $100 Title: 3 generations Description: Three generations of Okinawan women, our Grandmother, 98 years old (and proud to be Uchinanchu), her granddaughter, and her great granddaughter. Our little baby is saying, “I present to you, my Great Grandma!” Photo by: Clinton Mikami

CULTURE & ARTS – HONORABLE CULTURE & ARTS – FIRST PLACE - $50 MENTION Title: Hat Tip Title: Okinawan Dancer Description: A performer strikes a pose. Description: This dancer dressed in tradi- Photo by: Derek Young tional Okinawan villager attire waits for her group to perform. Her colorful cos- tume caught my eye. Photo by: Shun Wah Wong OHANA – HONORABLE MENTION Title: You Can Do The Kachashi Too Description: Mother teaching daughter to do the Kachashi at this year’s Okinawan Festival. Photo by: Stephen Claro

FOOD – HONORABLE MENTION Title: Got Andagi? Description: Still Early. Andagi is almost ready. Photo by: Stephen Claro

FOOD – FIRST PLACE - $50 OHANA – FIRST PLACE - $50 Title: Yummy Title: Unexpected Star Description: This girl was dancing and eat- Description: Grandson ran up stage to ing andagi at the same time. It was so cute. join in. Photo by: Erick Tsukiyama Photo by: Derek Young September/October 2010 Uchinanchu 5 Uchinanchu Spotlight Spotlight: James Iha

hroughout the art of Asia, symbolisms abound. president with dignity and integrity. TOne object stands out (above all) because it Jimmy also served as the Kyoyu Kai’s president as well as another HUOA club, the encompasses timeless virtues and representations. Chatan Sonjin Kai (now, Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai)’s president in separate years. The bamboo is represented in each season of the He served as the chairman of HOC’s Board of Trustees and numerous HUOA com- year, flexible, yet balanced with grace and great mittees. Mostly under Jimmy’s leadership, the members of the Wahiawa Kyoyu Kai strength. Steadfast even in adverse weather of have been relied upon as the Okinawan Festival’s transportation crew since the late stormy winds, the bamboo bends to accommodate 80’s. With the exception of a short change of duty to cook rice for the Festival in the the circumstance but its roots have strongly embed- early 1990’s, the Kyoyu Kai has been in charge of transporting several loads of equip- ded itself in the earth beneath enabling it to be ment and supplies from the HOC to the Okinawan Festival site and returning loads immobile. In people, these characteristics compare of the same on clean-up Monday after the Festival. to one who lives with dignity, integrity and honesty. Under Jimmy’s leadership Younger bamboo leaves and branches grow at dif- and inspiration, new bam- ferent angles without overshadowing older coun- boo branches and bamboo terparts beneath in a representation of respect for shoots of the next genera- the larger, older leaves and branches at the lower sections. New bamboo shoots grow tion of Kyoyu Kai mem- beneath the mature branches and leaves. This is also considered a show of respect bers are actively rendering for the mature leaves above it. In people, these representations can be interpreted as their services to assist Uncle respect for parents and seniors. Jimmy and other senior/sea- The bamboo is without the adornment of blossoms that are pollinated by bees soned members of their club and butterflies. It is independent and the hollowed insides of the bamboo are clean to tackle the transportation and pure and symbolic of strength and humility. duties of the Okinawan The bamboo grows rapidly and is likened to one with a disciplined mind who is Festival and other events. ready to render services when called upon. Currently, as he has HUOA’s spotlight shines on a volunteer who more than amply incorporates every served on previous occa- aspect of the symbolisms associated with the bamboo. That individual is James Y. sions, Jimmy continues to Iha or “Jimmy” as he is warmly known to his family and friends. First Row (L-R): Aki Kakazu, Hideo Agena, Ralph Ige, Rodney provide his wisdom and Jimmy is the 10th and youngest child Agena, Richard Nakasone, George Nakasone. Second Row guidance to the organiza- (L-R): Robert Agena, James Iha, George Tamashiro, Maurice born to issei parents¸ Sonkyu (Yara, tion as an HUOA Advisor. Yonamine, Rosei Shinsato, George Nakasato, Gagi Kogachi. Kadena) and Kame (Nagahama, Yomitan) Wahiawa Okinawa Thank you to Marian and Iha who immigrated to Hawaii from Kyoyu Kai the entire Iha Family for your support of Jimmy’s participation in HUOA’s activi- Okinawa in 1905. Jimmy credits his par- members have ties. We are grateful to Jimmy for all he has contributed to our HUOA community ents for exposing him to the Uchinanchu and look forward to his valuable leadership and good counsel as his brilliance con- culture, arts and community service from been in charge of tinues to outshine the spotlight beamed on him. a young age. His father was the second Pre/Post Festival Ippee Nifee Deebiru, Jimmy! president of the Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Transportation Kai in 1936 and an avid sanshin musician who regularly performed at his club’s gath- for more than 20 erings. Jimmy has a twinkle in his eye when years. This photo To learn about the choices mentioned that he also performed dance was taken in the on stage in his younger years. you have in Medicare, Just like the tallest bamboo, Jimmy has year 2000. Mahalo many nodes in his resume which repre- to these men and sent his countless leadership achievements all the others who call your local licensed Humana agent. and milestone advancements in his profes- have since joined sional career in education from 1955 as a teacher and administrator, retiring from the Wahiawa the State’s Department of Education in Transportation 1996 after assignments on the neighbor crew. islands and Oahu at the elementary, middle and high school grade levels. While maintaining his professional career, Jimmy remained active in the U. S. Army Reserve until his retirement as a Colonel. While in the Hawaii Army National Guard he also served in Vietnam for 10 months. He was also the first director of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Jimmy’s work in the community has been long and wide. Amidst his busy professional career on the neighbor islands, the year was 1972 and Jimmy, wife, Marian and family returned home to Wahiawa where Jimmy continued his professional career. This was also the year that he began actively volunteering in the community. He began his participation in the activities of the Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Kai, an HUOA member club, and the Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission. Jimmy followed in his Steven Arakawa father’s footsteps and served as the president of the Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Kai in 1978 and was frequently encouraged by his brother, the late State Representative 808-222-8720 • (TTY 711) Peter Iha, to become involved in the United Okinawan Association, the organization 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week that the older Iha served as president in 1975. However, Jimmy chose to be active in his hometown community. Although Jimmy has been involved in the Okinawa Prefecture-Hawaii State student exchange program since its inception in 1990, he constantly withheld from becoming more involved with HUOA activities insisting that he was too old and younger members of the community should be given the opportunity to participate in the organization. However, he chuckles to say that this all changed when Dr. Albert Miyasato asked Jimmy to serve on his HUOA team of officers in 2000 as the President-elect. He could A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. This is an advertisement. no longer give age as excuse because “Doc Al” was older than him. Jimmy expressed M0006_GHA02UTRR_09 his thankfulness with gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Miyasato for being his men- C0006_GHA02UTRR_09 tor while serving in the Department of Education and Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and HUOA. Both served as co-chairs for the Okinawan Festival that year. Like the steadfast but flexible bamboo, Jimmy fulfilled his eventful term as the 2001 HUOA 6 Uchinanchu September/October 2010 A Fresh Look At The Issei Garden n your next visit to the Hawaii Okinawa Center, spend a minute or two at Othe Issei Garden. You will be pleasantly surprised to find the Issei Garden looking as beautiful as ever. For the past six months, volunteer gardeners from Kin Chojin Kai and their friends have steadily enhanced the garden. You’ll find a wonderful assortment of purple and red themed flowers like agapanthus, lavender, society garlic, and red ginger, as well as rejuvenated sotetsu plants showing its deep green color. An effort of not one, but many, have helped at the garden, spearheaded by the energetic and dedicated Kenneth “Mamo” and Arlene “Emi” Kuniyoshi. Thanks to a new influx of dedicated volunteers, what was once a monthly task, tending the garden is now an almost daily activity. Enjoying each other’s company, watching the garden transform, and getting a little exercise to boot, volunteers are Robert Arakaki, Mary Arakawa, Tom Nakama, Evelyn Nakamura, Hatsuko Nakata, Sakae Nakata, Charles Nouchi, Cary Ono, Hawaii Taiko Kai members cheered on The Waipio Parade of Champions with their performance Stella Shinkoethe, on Ka Uka Blvd in front of the Hawaii Okinawa Center! James Shiroma, Caroline Toyama, Mary Toyama, Shige Toyama, Larry Yogi, and Cyrilla Yonehara. The addition of new plants, flowers, and walking stones were donated by several including Stanley Asato, Dwight Ikehara, Mamo and Emi Kuniyoshi, Evelyn Nakamura, Shige Toyama, and Paul Tamanaha of Kiso Store. The Okinawa Issei Garden was a gift from the people of Kin Town in Okinawa, the birthplace of the late Kyuzo Toyama whom our State recognizes at the Father Okinawan immigration. The design and contents of this garden convey the essence of our ethnic history and most importantly, the courage and spirit of our pioneer- ing issei. We invite you on your next visit to Hawaii Okinawa Center to venture into 909 Kapi’olani Boulevard 808.591.8080 the Issei Garden and enjoy its peace and beauty. A Teruya Family Company 1954 LH Couture.indd 1 9/21/10 10:53:43 AM

Naha City’s Mayor Takeshi Onaga presents HUOA President Paul Komeiji with a Ryukyuan Doll of Classical Women’s dances: Yotsudake and Nuha Bushi.

Former HUOA Presidents Jon Itomura, Edward Kuba, Maurice Yamasato, Jane Serikaku, Ford Chinen, George Tamashiro and John Tasato join President Paul Komeiji and President-elect Norman Nakasone in welcoming the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly Group. 8 Uchinanchu September/October 2010 Bridging from Generation to Generation - For Our Children!

A Capital Campaign of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association 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, 2010 to September 15, 2010. kage Sama De, because of you - Throughout the history of our organization we are reminded of the sacrifices of many, those in our past – our Issei and Nisei and our present, Oour Sansei and Yonsei. The contributions of these generations to the Okinawan community were built on the ideal and commitment towards the success of their future generations. The Hawaii Okinawa Plaza will be built on those same ideals and dreams. It is our vision that our Okinawan culture will always remain strong and continue to be an integral part of Hawaii’s community and the Okinawan family. IkuyuAt Okinawan Festival 2010, we were ableMadin to view a prototype of our 2010 Donation Wall. Designed in koa and plexi-glass, donor names and family plaques were exhibited, allowing families to honor loved ones, past and present. When completed, The Wall will be housed in the Hawaii Okinawa Center’s Legacy Ballroom and will be a testament to those believing and investing in our future. Raising funds for the Plaza has been challenging for the HUOA, but it also has had its fun and competitive edge. Last year at the Okinawan Festival – teams of fundraisers went into the crowd collecting “loose change” from almost everyone on behalf of their favorite Okinawan symbol. Hanagasa won overwhelmingly. This year, we took the challenge to the stars, allowing clubs and organizations the opportunity to create a rainbow canopy of shooting stars in our Capital Campaign Tent. The 2010 Star Challenge was an astronomical success! We collected 2,250 star wishes, taking us that much closer to achieving our dream. The brightest stars were Live Yuimaru and Wahiawa Kyoyu Kai, with a very strong showing from Nago, Ginowan and Itoman. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who donated a star wish! As we look towards securing our future, we must never forget our past. Over the last several years, the Capital Campaign Tent has balanced looking to the future (the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza) with remembering and honoring the past (historical exhibits). This year, we had the privilege of hosting a special sneak preview of the new exhibits that will be opening at the National WWII Valor in the Pacific Monument at Pearl Harbor on December 7th of this year. National Park Service Rangers came to the festival on both days to talk story about these exciting new exhibits. The attack on Pearl Harbor 69 years ago greatly affected the Japanese and Okinawan communities in Hawaii and is an integral part of our community memory. And for the first time, a portion of the new exhibit will focus on the story of Japanese Americans in Hawaii. Next year, continuing the tradition of balancing the past and the future, we hope to work with JCCH and bring in their new exhibit on the Honouliuli Internment Camp, including a section on Okinawans incarcerated there. Okage Sama De – our past, we must always remember and honor; our present, we must sustain, promote and grow; and for our future, we must commit and believe. If you wish to view Donation Wall, please visit the Hawaii Okinawa Center, it is currently on display in the Serikaku Chaya. If you have any questions on your donation status or wish to make a donation, please contact us at the HUOA office at 676-5400. September/October 2010 Uchinanchu 9

Roichi Aka David, Diane, & Shea Nakasone and Brent & In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya Ameriprise Financial Erin Murakami by Sally Kamiya Tsuda Mr. & Mrs. George H. Arakaki George S. & Norma N. Nakasone In Memory of Mr. Winfred Lui by the member- David Z. & Bertha S. Arakawa Norman M. Nakasone ship of Hui O Laulima AXA Foundation Clayton E. & Dorene M. Niibu In Memory of Wayne & Patricia Miyahira by Ralph & Jean Ige Nancy S. Chen Daniel K. & Carolyn C. Okano In Memory of Gicho, Tsuru & Yoshinobu James M. Fukuda Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Okuhara Takaesu by Harriet Takaesu Our SupportersRoy M. & Frances F. Oshiro Hazel Ginoza Seisho Oshiro In Memory of Nabe & Matsuno Tengan by the Nora S. Goya Tengan Family John M. & Bette M. Gushiken Thomas T. Oyasato Hawaiian Telcom Inc. Volunteer Hours The Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts To our valued donors, due to a printing error Matching Program Program in our last issue of Uchinanchu, the fol- Kikuye Henna Eileen A. Sakai lowing names may not have been clearly Chris Shimabukuro legible in some copies of the paper. We are Ellen C. Higa reprinting the names that might have been Annie S. Shimabukuro Laverne T. Higa affected. Please accept our apology; you Stanley Y. & Christine M. Higa Takeo & Betty Y. Shimabukuro are very important to us and the success of Esther K. Inouye Masao Shinsato our project. With Aloha, the Hawaii United Okinawa Association Lisa A. Kaneshige Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Shiroma Ellen Kaneshiro Rose T. Shiroma Mr. & Mrs. Harold Z. Afuso David Y. & Mitsue Aka Kim D. Kaneshiro Walter J. & Yoshie Taira Mr. & Mrs. Akira Tamanaha A & B Foundation Matching Gifts Programs Tomoyo Kaneshiro Helen T. Aragaki Raymond & Mary Kanetake George T. & Emeline M. Tamashiro Doris M. Arakaki Masuo & Alice Kino Shari Y. Tamashiro Mr. & Mrs. Elbert G. Arakawa Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kiyabu Nancy C. Toma Mr. & Mrs. Brian Canubida Mr. & Mrs. Kokuji Kochi Sunny Sane Tominaga James M. & Keiko Y. Fukuda Hawaiian Telcom Inc. Matching Grant Jessie Kojiro Ellen C. Tomisato Glenn & Merle Tomori Program on behalf of Doreen Miyasato Jessie A. Kojiro Hawaiian Telcom Hoolaulima Program Karen Keiko Kosasa Milton K. & Ethel S. Uehara Hawaii Taiko Kai Karen Kuba-Hori, Nicole & Jessie Hori Senjin & Mary Ueunten Yeichi & Kikuye Henna Debra K. McKee Sensuke Ueunten Charles & Helen Higa Shirley E. Miyahira Senki & Florence H. Uyeunten Doris Y. Higa Mr. & Mrs. Jack Higa Janyce M. Miyashiro Tsuneo Yamashiro Roger & Laraine Yasui Lyman Higa Raymond M. Miyashiro Mitsuko Higa Lawrence & Alice Morisako In Loving Memory of Mrs. Masako Arashiro Mr. & Mrs. Seijin Higa Charles T. Morita In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya Tomiko Higa by Tom & Jan Kamiya-Dobiesz Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Nakama Mr. & Mrs. Takejiro Higa In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya Roy N. & June N. Nakamasu Gloria Hirata by Susan S. Isa Hui Alu Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Takeo Nakama In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya James T. Ishiki Takeo & Mildred Nakama by Masashi Kamiya Paul & Beatrice Kaneshiro Mr. & Mrs. Harold M. Nakamura

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: $ For a period of 1 year Is enclosed. Please bill me: Quarterly Bi-annually Annually 2 years Please charge my: Visa MasterCard 3 years Card number Expiration date Card holder name Card holder signature My gift is in memory of My gift is on behalf of BUILDING FROM My gift will be matched by GENERATION TO GENERATION (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: [email protected] or by mail: Hawaii United Okinawa IKUYU MADIN Association 94-587 Ukee Street Waipahu, Hawaii 96797-4214. 10 Uchinanchu September/October 2010 A Day at the 28th Okinawan Festival Fast Fingers Win $1,000 ohn Medeiros, captured the title of “Hawaii’s Fastest Texter” and took home Jthe $1,000 Grand Prize at the recent Okinawan Festival. John won by defeat- ing over 30 contestants. In the final round, he texted perfectly the phrase: “Hawaiians say, ‘Mahalo Nui Loa’ to convey their thankfulness, Okinawans say, ‘Ippee Nifee Deebiru.’” Mahalo to the Hawaii Central Credit Union for sponsoring and coordinating this fun and exciting event at our Okinawan Festival.

The Paranku Club of Hawaii poses with our ever popular “Chondaras.” Photo by Wendell Kimura

John Medeiros is joined by his family from Kauai: John’s parents on this left and cousin Caitlin Towner with her parents on his right. Both John and Caitlin recently returned from a two-week Homestay experience in Okinawa, sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government. Congratulations to Bito Doshi Kai for their Chicken Booth Decoration on “Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha”! Photo by Alan Isara Okinawa Homestay Program Opportunity he Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) has just announced that the annu- Tal Homestay Program in Okinawa has been designated as a pre-event to the 5th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival (Taikai). The Homestay Program in Okinawa will run from January 26-February 5, and is open to students of Okinawan ethnicity, ages 13-25. One of the most attractive features in commemoration of the Taikai is that the OPG will subsidize a portion of the roundtrip airfare normally paid in its entirety by the participant. Purpose: Fellowship and networking amongst the youth of Okinawa and overseas Okinawans Required: Completion of OPG Application Form, Applicant’s Essay, HUOA’s Recommendation Form HUOA Deadline: November 5, 2010 to allow for review, interview and document preparation and translations. For more information, please contact HUOA at 676-5400 or send an e-mail to [email protected] September/October 2010 Uchinanchu 11

‘Taste of Marukai’ Nets HUOA DONATIONS $5,000 Donation to HUOA July 15 to September 15, 2010 arukai’s Executive Vice President Richard Matsu and Vice President Roy HUOA sends a sincere ippee nifee deebiru to the following MIshihara present a $5,000 donation to HUOA President Paul Komeiji for donors: HUOA’s participation in the “Taste of Marukai.” Our ippee nifee deebiru to all Howard Asato Jean E. & Kell K. Matsuda of our HUOA family and friends who supported the Taste of Marukai by either Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii In Memory of Genyei & Fusa Miyagi volunteering during that evening or purchasing tickets and being participants of In Memory of Yasumasa Murata by Paul T. & Kikuno Miyagi that wonderful event. We humbly ask you for your continued support in our next by Tom Arashiro Inc. Nakamura partnership with Marukai. In Memory of Wallace & Kiyoko M. Nakasone Inc. Chinen by Joyce Chinen Okinawa Prefecture Assembly In Memory of Sumiko Higa by Group Ginowan Club The 5th OPG Worldwide Raymond T. & June Higa Uchinanchu Taikai Executive Maria Cecilia Missako Ikeoka Committee Kim Coco Iwamoto Jane F. Serikaku Charles & Mitsuko Kobashigawa Akiko Shimabuku Marukai Corp Dr. Craig Wilcox Kokua In-Kind Donations (Thank you for donating your vehicle to HUOA.) Seikichi Okaneku

2009 to 2010–Annual Fund Drive Preserving Our Legacy ahalo to the following individuals and organizations who have gener- Mously contributed towards the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and its center. With your assistance we have raised over $95,650. The following donations were received from July 16, 2010 to September 15, 2010. Hawaii Okinawa Today Update CONTRIBUTOR ($100 to $249) OTHER Chris Shimabukuro Eric Shiotani e hope you enjoyed the August 23, 2010, Hawaii Okinawa Today (HOT) show Wthat featured Promenade Haebaru with sub-titles. SUPPORTER ($50 to $99) The HUOA Video Team included these sub-titles to improve the understanding Takao & Alice Ginoza of the show content and hopes to attract the younger Uchinanchu generation to Norman & Stella Shinkoethe further perpetuate the Okinawan culture. Mahalo to new Video Team member Richard Tamanaha for spearheading the HUOA STUDY TOUR translation and sub-titling of the recent HOT show. This process takes many hours 2011 WORLDWIDE UCHINA-NCHU TAIKAI to do and required hours of translation help from many of his friends. To this end, we are seeking additional talented volunteers that can translate the Join 2011 HUOA QPresident Norman Nakasone Japanese language for future HOT shows. If you are interested in assisting in this on the HUOA Study Tour to Okinawa and project, please contact HUOA at 676-5400 or [email protected]. participate in the 5th Worldwide Uchina-nchu Taikai! We are also seeking volunteers that can assist with the video taping of Okinawan performances like at the Okinawan Festival. We will provide training on the use of Optional tours will be available for those who the video camera and possibly editing of video tapes, should this be of interest to wish to travel to Japan after the Taikai, or for those you. Please contact HUOA at the above for more information. who have been on a Study Tour to Okinawa before and/or if you wish to visit the neighboring islands of Ishigaki and Taketomi. HUOA Study Tour will leave Hawaii on This is Your Newsletter Sunday, October 9, 2011 and return on Please send us your club news items and photos. Wednesday, October 19th. Please sign up withQ Nadine Shimabukuro at Email us at [email protected] Mahalo! N&K Travel Service : phone – 739-9010 Email – [email protected]

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Job: roberto Coin cento sept 2010 ads Job No.: 1954 RK: Item: LH Couture Trim: 5 x 3.75 in. TA: File type: PDF-x1A Bleed: na RB Fonts: n/a Safety: na KT: Contact: Kerry Kinney Color: cmyk KK: Artist: ben Page: 1 Client: Kinney + Kinsella 45 West 21st Street New York, NY 10010 (212)620-0356 12 Uchinanchu September/October 2010 An Unforgettable Visit Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln By Chris Shimabukuro he HUOA provides many meaningful and unique opportunities for so many crew men on deck Tpeople. Whether through the Okinawan Festival, or providing educational running around scholarships, or its many community service projects, the HUOA not only provides these planes a wonderful service to our community, but it also allows its members opportunities taking off that to grow and develop their leadership skills. As a member of the HUOA Executive leave you ask- Council, I had such an opportunity. ing, “What does On Sunday, September 19, through an invitation from the United States Navy he do? What to the HUOA, I had the privilege and honor to spend a day and night aboard the is she in charge aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. It turned out to be one of the most memo- of? Why are they rable experiences standing there?” of my life. As the Captain The day described it to us, started with a “It is organized short briefing at chaos.” Then to Hickam Air Force watch these same Base and then a jets land on a one-hour flight moving vessel (at aboard a C-2A night) and hook onto one of four catch cables is amazing. What happens if they miss Greyhound twin the cable? (One did). While landing, even before they “catch” a cable, pilots throttle propeller passen- down to full speed so that they have enough speed to quickly take off again. ger plane out to Sleeping on the ship was actually a very comfortable experience (once the planes the Pacific Ocean stopped taking off at midnight). Granted, we were placed in the nicer, more spacious to land on the staterooms that assign only two people per room, unlike the enlisted sailors who USS Abraham bunk three people on top of each other in a much smaller space. I expected to feel Lincoln. And the typical motion of being at sea, but with the size of the ship and calm waters, we what a landing barely felt anything. it was, sitting in Overall, the experience was priceless. We were told the only price of admission was the plane fac- to tell our family and friends what we experienced and learned, and if we knew of ing backgrounds any 18-25 year olds who really didn’t know what they wanted to do, to send them to toward the rear, the Navy. They said they would teach skills, provide leadership and make these men the plane jerks to a sudden stop on the deck of the aircraft carrier as the plane’s and women better contributors to their local communities in the future. From what “tailhook” catches the arresting wire. I am sure most of us yelled in shock, but it was I saw, I believe them. hard to hear while wearing our protective headgear and ear muffs. Thank you HUOA, for helping to provide me with this wonderful opportunity. I Once aboard, over the course of two days, we had the opportunity to meet with have an even greater respect for our Navy and Armed Forces in general. It is definitely the ship’s Captain, Executive Officer, pilots, chief petty officers, crewmen, and an experience that I will never forget. even the Rear Admiral. I found these men and women to be not only articulate and knowledgeable about what they do, but more impressively, passionate about their work and their tremendous responsibilities. I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less from our U.S. Navy, but seeing it first hand gives me a whole new appreciation for our military forces. I am glad we are all on the same side. The ship and its operations are massive. From top to bottom, the ship is equiva- lent to a 20-story building and is over three football fields in length (1,092 feet). Over 5500 men and women and approximately 60 aircraft are on the ship. It is a floating city that requires many of the same services we require in our own lives, including dentists, doctors, barbers, university professors (at certain times), chaplains, coun- selors, a judge, etc. There are 15,000–20,000 meals prepared daily, 13,000 sodas consumed daily, 180 dozen eggs consumed daily, and 250 haircuts given daily. The breakdown of personnel is about 85 percent men and 15 percent women from all over the United States. One of the most amazing things we witnessed was flight operations both in the day and at night. Prior to this trip, I tried to imagine what it would feel like to stand on the deck of an aircraft carrier and watch planes take off and land, what I imag- ined wasn’t even close to the actual experience. It isn’t just that you are standing on a massive ship out in the middle of the ocean watching planes accelerate from 0 to 130 plus miles per hour in 3 seconds, it is the heat, noise, vibrations, and power you feel from these F/A-18C Hornet jets that leave you in awe. It is also the hundred or so

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At Kuroda Autobody, our name is our brand! Owner: Keith Morita Phone Number: (808) 381-1820 Call us at 676-1941 or visit our website: kurodaautobody.com September/October 2010 Uchinanchu 13 Hui Okinawa News By Margaret Torigoe, President

hat a Summer full of activities for Hui Okinawa! First of all, Ippei Nihei Debiru Wto all who came to the Haari Boat Festival held over the Admissions Day weekend in Hilo. We were happy to greet a team of paddlers from Nago City, Okinawa. We thank Wahiawa Kyo Yu Kai News the seven Oahu teams who participated in the races in the Okinawan Club Division: By Gene Higa, President Hui O Laulima, two Nago Club teams (Dragons & Kijimuna), Hui Makaala, Young ahiawa Kyo Yu Kai held its annual picnic on Sunday, August 8. Although Okinawans of Hawaii, the HUOA Executive Team – Okage Sama De. Also, a mixed Wattendance was down a bit due to a heavy storm the night before, the diehards team from Oahu showed up and were rewarded with a sunny, clear blue sky and tons of prizes for and the Big Island everyone. Not too long after that our shave ice and andagi teams went into action at was made up of the Festival while another group was former Leadership tasked to put away equipment and Tour participants supplies at the HOC on Monday. A headed by Troy sincere “thank you!” to all the volun- Sakihara. Hilo teers who make it happen. Okinawan Division A couple of weeks later we had teams from Hilo our 37th Annual Wahiawa Kyo Yu were Chibariyo Kai fellowship golf tournament, – Hui Okinawa’s which was won by member Steve team, Hui Okinawa Platiro with a net 62. Finally, we Kobudo Taiko and will be planning and coordinating the Children’s Day Camp Staff. What a great bunch of Uchinanchu. The winner for the upcoming Installation Banquet the Division was the Nago Club Kijimuna who beat our Nago Club Dragons by a on December 11 when Wahiawa Kyo 1/6 of a second! Talk about a photo finish! Hui Okinawa’s Chibariyo was 6 seconds Yu Kai member Norman Nakasone behind. will be installed as the 2011 President The Open Market kept many members very busy throughout the day as well in of the HUOA. I ask our membership preparation for the Festival day. We did not anticipate the large crowd and “sold out” to help us with this opportunity to of everything except Festival T-shirts. put on a great show. If you are able to help in any way, please call Valerie Kubota at We also thank all the businesses and individuals who donated time, in-kind ser- 780-7080. Let’s show our support for Norman! vices and money to help us with the financing. We were fortunate to be awarded a grant from the County Product Enrichment Program that helped to fund the pub- licity and set-up/logistics expenses for the Festival. You can find pictures and a video of the Haari Boat Festival on our website: www. Autumn Okinawan Dance haariboardfestival.com . While the Festival was in full preparation, Hui Okinawa hosted the Blood Bank Matsuri of Hawaii Mobile ahalo to the hundreds of dancers who participated in HUOA’s Autumn Drive Canteen MOkinawan Dance Matsuri at the Hawaii Okinawa Center! A very spe- on July 24. We cial thank you to the three groups that planned and coordinated this success- served refresh- ful event: Ryukyu Kobudo Taiko - Hawaii Shibu, Hawaii Taiko Kai, and Young ments to over 150 Okinawans of Hawaii. people who came to donate blood throughout the day. We could save as many as 402 lives. A “Thank You” picnic was held on Grandparents’ Day, September Team Nago flew all the way from Nago City, Okinawa to participate in Hui 12, hosted by Okinawa’s Haari Boat Race. the Board of Directors. It was a fun picnic with games for all ages, great food, entertainment and many door prizes. Our Bonenkai will be held on October 24. We are trying something different this year in that it will be potluck event. Awards will be presented and the Member of the Year will be announced. The election of Board members will be held who in turn will elect the officers of the club. A workshop on the revitalizing of Uchinaguchi in the new standard “national language” (Kokugo) will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 7. There will be a demonstration by a group of language specialists from Okinawa who will be visiting the College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The following website shows a paper written by the group coming to Hawaii. It includes an interest- ing video clip by Byron Fija teaching an Uchinaguchi class as well as biographical information. He is a sanshin player as well as show host in Okinawa. Patrick and Matthias are linguists. www.japanfocus.org/-Fija-Bairon/3138. Please check out the HUOA website for our latest newsletter, which includes information on all that we are doing. If you have any questions or want to join us for events, please contact Margaret Torigoe at 895-0994 or email: matori58@ msn.com. Bowling Anyone? oin us on Sunday afternoons at Leeward Bowl in Pearl City! You can get a taste of Jwhat it’s like bowling in our HUOA Mixed Handicap Bowling League by joining us as a substitute bowler first or just sign up to bowl for next season, which begins on November 21. You can sign up as an individual or, better yet, as a team of five bowlers. Criteria: Bowlers must be members of an HUOA Club and willing to join in the fun and fellowship. Interested? Call Jane Serikaku at 676-5400 or email: [email protected] or call our Secretary-Treasurer, Germaine Kiyomoto-Isara, at 284-0148. 14 Uchinanchu September/October 2010 Earth Exhibit: A Project of Ryufuuan Hawaii he splendor of the Ryukyuan Kingdom comes to Hawaii in November. As its Tinaugural project, Ryufuuan Hawaii, headed by Yoshiko Nishihira, presents, “Earth Exhibit of Ryukyu Kingdom History, Cultural and Art through Pottery, Indigo Dye and Lacquerware” Location: Hawaii Convention Center, Makiki Room, 3rd Floor Date: November 19-21, 2010 Time: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Cost: $18/Adult $15/Student The HUOA is helping to inform our community about this noteworthy event. With encouragement from some of Okinawa’s sterling leaders in government, academia and the arts, Yoshiko Nishihira has organized an exhibit introducing the works of Masanao Oshiro, indigo artist, Shinkou Omine, a renown ceramist, and a vast display of Okinawa’s famous lacquerware. Oshiro and Omine will be on hand to speak about their works during the exhibit. A replica of Shuri Castle, the historical seat of Ryukyuan culture and history, and a model of Enkakuji, a Buddhist temple that was once used by royalty and located within Shuri Castle are scheduled to be part of the exhibit. Ancient Okinawans have long been noted for their traditional crafts. Some of the products were used in the daily lives of the islanders. In the kingdom era, fine textiles, ceramic pieces and lacquerware were used by the gentry class. And, under strict guidelines and quality control, the finished products were used in Okinawa’s trade activity throughout Asia and as tributary gifts to China, countries of Asia and mainland Japan. As in many cultures, indigo was once a common dye source and so it was in Okinawa where textile crafters used it in cloth for apparels as well as wrapping cloth and other items. Okinawans also had and still carry on a high degree of skillfulness in its traditional ceramic legacy. Due to availability the high level of skills, materials and ideal climatic conditions, Okinawans were creators of celebrated lacquer ware articles. Representative pieces of these mediums will be placed on display to emphasize the high level of Okinawa’s traditional crafts and history. To purchase tickets or for additional information, please contact Ryufuuan Hawaii at 808-221-3523.

Ukaji Deebiru By Jodie Tomasa Ching kaji Deebiru! Okage Samade … “Because of you,” all of you: the pioneers, decendents, Hisana, “Fulfilling Dreams, One Step at a Time” at the Hawaii Theatre in 2000. The event Usenseis and leaders of the community, it is possible to enjoy and perpetuate our helped to mark the 10th year anniversary of the HOC and the 100th Anniversary of Okinawan culture in Hawaii. Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Okinawan Immigration to Hawaii. The second recital was at the Blaisdell Concert Dojo would like to express their deepest gratitude for your past support and build- Hall, entitled Miruku Yu nu Nauri, “Blossoming Petals of Peace” in 2003, and third, Udui ing a solid foundation for the culture and arts in Hawaii. Kahuu, “Because of you” was held in 2008 at the Hawaii Theatre. Since the age of 3, Frances Nakachi Sensei has studied Okinawan dance under After the third recital, Nakachi Sensei wanted to give back to the community by the instruction of acclaimed dance masters, Yoshiko Tanita Sensei and Mieko Kinjo having a charity performance for the entire Okinawan community. Since this year Sensei of Okinawa. Nakachi Sensei passed the certification tests and earned her 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the HOC, Senjukai Hawaii has decided that this Shihan license (teaching certificate). It has been approximately 13 years since she year was the perfect year to have this performance. Thus, it is with great honor that started teaching the Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai style of Okinawan dance in Hawaii. the Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo presents to you Ukaji When Nakachi Sensei first arrived in Hawaii from Okinawa to attend college, she Deebiru “Because of You.” This dance performance will be held at the Hawaii Okinawa was touched by the strong Okinawan bond that she witnessed. Everyone was so kind Center on Sunday, November 7, at 3 p.m. and friendly that she instantly felt at home. “It was just like being in Okinawa,” says All proceeds from this event will be donated to the HUOA. Senjukai Hawaii and Nakachi Sensei. She was often requested to dance at celebrations and events with Frances Nakachi Sensei respectfully request your support for this event. her sister, Kathy Ota, who currently resides in Okinawa. Being away from Okinawa The Senjukai Hawaii members are all practicing rigorously to make this char- made Nakachi Sensei realize how precious Okinawan culture is to her. Her apprecia- ity performance a memorable one. They have both classical and modern dance tion for culture has inspired her to share her passion as she gets progressively more numbers together with a karate performance so there is sure to be something for involved with HUOA activities. everyone. They will have children singing and dancing as well. For the uta and san- Since there was no Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai school in Hawaii, Nakachi Sensei shin Senjukai Hawaii has the local members from the Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii practiced the dance style on her own. She started with just one student, her cousin Shibu and Derek Ichiro Shiroma Minyo Kyokai. Sandy Uyehara Hayashi. The school has now grown to approximately 30 students One of the students in the children’s class, 8-year-old Megan Higa, has been of all ages and backgrounds. This past summer, two of Nakachi Sensei’s students— dancing for five years and enjoys the dance Tiinsagu“ nu Hana.” Megan says that she Mina Tamashiro and Melissa Uyeunten—took their Konkuru test. Nakachi Sensei is likes dancing because she can wear a beautiful kimono and express herself through proud to say that they have both passed. Mina earned her Yuushuu sho (Certificate dancing to her friends and family. Her goal is to take the Shinjin sho, Yuushuu and of Excellence) and Melissa earned her Shinjin sho (Newcomers’ Award). Senjukai Saikosho and be a teacher like Nakachi Sensei. Hawaii presently has a total of six students who have passed the konkuru testing in The entire Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo is proud to Okinawa. Sandy Hayashi, Chikako Shimamura, Anna Lewis and Mina Tamashiro contribute to the perpetuation of the Okinawan culture in Hawaii through their have accomplished the Yuushu sho and Alison Sakamoto and Melissa Uyeunten has art of dance. They feel that by sharing the Okinawan culture they are contributing the Shinjin sho. to the diversity and great vision of what the rest of the world is striving to become. Nakachi Sensei encourages all students to take the tests in Okinawa so that they Senjukai Hawaii defines culture as to cultivate all our positive teachings from our may have the chance to train with their master senseis and sempais in Okinawa. As ancestors, which continuously improves our character to bring out the best poten- students commit and train rigorously to take their tests in Okinawa, Nakachi Sensei tial in each of us. With respect, values, and principles our ancestors instilled in all of sees that they are trained not just physically in their dance skills, but the experience us, Senjukai Hawaii members have vowed to work together to shape our future, not is a true test of character as well. A student’s commitment is a testament to their only for ourselves but also for the next generation. deep sense of appreciation for the arts, a passion for perpetuating our culture, and a Again, the entire Senjukai Hawaii members and Frances Nakachi Sensei thank promise to their kohai (juniors) to help achieve their potential for excellence. you. They humbly request your support to perpetuate our Okinawan culture to Nakachi Sensei feels so fortunate to have Yoshiko Tanita Sensei and Mieko continue the precious legacy our forefathers sacrificed to lay the foundation we all Kinjo Sensei and her family back in Okinawa supporting her with this school in enjoy today. Hawaii. Moreover, with the help and support of the community, Senjukai Hawaii “Ukaji Deebiru” – Hawaii Okinawa Center 20th Anniversary Charity had a total of three successful recitals in the past. The first recital was entitled Chu Performance, November 7, 3 p.m. September/October 2010 Uchinanchu 15 Okinawan Proverbs 5th Worldwide Uchina-nchu Uchinaa nu Kugani Kutuba Taikai 2011 うちなーぬくがにくとぅば（沖縄のことわざ） [Note: The use of the hyphen in “Uchina-nchu” is as specified by the program’s sponsors.] Okinawa’s Precious words of wisdom Okinawans have a treasure chest of proverbs which are part of the legacy of he Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) dispatched its overseas caravan to Uchina-nchu. Some were intentionally created to teach their children and grand- THawaii during HUOA’s Okinawan Festival for the 5th Worldwide Uchina-nchu children. Others were applicable to keep a person on the right path of thought and Taikai which will be held in Okinawa in 2011. action. They mirror the psyche or consciousness of the people. These proverbs are Members of the caravan were from the 5th Worldwide Uchina-nchu Taikai timeless. Executive Committee Secretariat included Yoshiro Segawa (Chief of OPG’s Exchange Uya yushi, kkwa yushi. Promotion Division), Tae Tengan, Supervisor and Kouyo Iji, a staff member of the Exchange Promotion Division and Taikai Secretariat. うやゆし、っくゎゆし (親諭し、子諭し) While details of the Taikai are still pending, the Caravan members responded to Parents teach their children, but parents also learn from their children. questions and comments at an open meeting that was held at the Hawaii Okinawa It is obvious that parents have a responsibility to teach their children and pave a Center. Hawaii’s four major travel agencies that have regularly serviced travelers to righteous path for their offsprings to follow. However, children, too, may sometimes Okinawa and previous Taikai participants were also in attendance to share their show a way to their parents from their perspective. concerns from the previous Taikai and ask questions relevant to the 2011 Taikai. The four travel agencies are N & K Travel Service, Naka’s Travel Service, Tours Hence, it is a way reminder for children to honor the wisdom of their parents by Charlie (Big Island) and Trans-Pacific Tours. The Caravan was also on-site at and at the same time, the elders need to keep an open mind in dealing with their throughout the Okinawan Festival to field questions and comments from our com- children, because they, too, may be able to learn something from their young ones. munity. This proverb is also applicable in the relationship of between an administrator The Caravan members expressed their appreciation to everyone for their concerns and subordinate. and most importantly, their strong interest to participate next year. Here’s what we Hence, by applying the concept of Uya yushi, kkwa yushi, mutual respect, apprecia- know so far: tion and support for one another blossoms. Dates: October 13-16, 2011; pre-Festival Parade is scheduled for October 12th Details: Theme, logo, Taikai song, etc. expected in late 2010 Event information, possibly in Spring of 2011 Indigenous Languages and Culture of Okinawa: Loss and Revitalization Information will be posted on HUOA’s website (www.huoa.org) or Presentations and performance by internationally known experts: the Purple Blast, HUOA’s e-newsletter, as soon as announcements are Patrick Heinrich: Film Language Documentation in Yonaguni in Okinawa Prefecture received from Okinawa. Matthias Brenzinger: Slideshow on Language Endangerment Byron Fija: Uchinaa Lesson and Sanshin Concert Taikai site: Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha (former Naha Municipal Stadium, Ounoyama Kouen); capacity: 30,000 FREE PUBLIC EVENT (previous Taikai site: Okinawa Convention Center held a 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm November 4, 2010 Hawaii Okinawa Center (94-587 Ukee Street, Waipio Gentry Industrial Park) capacity 5,000) Chartered flights: HUOA is currently coordinating with Japan

Airlines for chartered flights from Hawaii; the results of

which are being relayed to the above-named travel agencies 御総ぐすー Hotel & Tours: Please contact your travel agency of choice

様よー、めんそーち Uchinaa-guchi (Okinawan language)

呉くぃみしぇーびり Word of the Month

September ficha•i, n. [hikari] 1 Light; rays (of light); a beam; a flash; a glare; a gleam; a twinkle. 2 Gleam; luster; gloss; glaze. Also hichai.

For details: contact Yumiko Ohara 808-933-3191 or [email protected] October

Co-sponsored by: uchuubi, n. [choomi] Appreciation of food; relish; Hawaii United Okinawa Association; Center for Okinawan Studies and the sampling of food. -sun, v. To appreciate food; Center for Japanese Studies of University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa; and, Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikōlani at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo; sample food. with support from grants from the Japan Studies Endowment Fund and the COS. (Excerpted, with permission, from the Okinawan-English Wordbook, by Mitsugu Sakihara, edited by Stewart Curry, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 2006)

Tamagusukuku Ryu Senjukai Hawaii Shibu Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo Ukaji Deebiru “Because of You” Hawaii Okinawa Center 20th Anniversary Charity Performance Hawaii okinawa center november 7, 2010 Sunday - 3:00 pm

Tickets $25 - Presale ($30 at the door) $50 VIP (includes reserved seating and parking) For additional information, call 676-5400 or www.huoa.org or www.senjukaihawaii.com November 2010 Watch “Hawaii Okinawa Today,” Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on ‘Olelo–Oceanic 4 Indigenous Languages and Culture of Okinawa, HOC, 6pm Cable Channel 53. You can also view our shows on Olelonet – simultaneous Web 7 Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai Charity Concert, HOC, 3pm streaming. For updated information contact; [email protected] or visit our website; 8 Club Development Committee meeting., 7pm www.huoa.org for detailed information. 9 Executive Council meeting, 7 pm Nov 1 40th Anniversary Show of the Lanakila Okinawa Nenchosha Club, 16 Board of Directors meeting, 7pm “Because of You,” held at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center on 18 Administration Committee meeting, 7pm December 10, 2009. (Part One) (Premiere)

25 HOC Office Closed-THANKSGIVING Nov 8 “Waga Uchina Kariyushi nu Udui,” a performance by Ryusei Honryu 27 Winter Craft Fair, HOC, 9am-3pm Yanagi no Kai of Okinawa, held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on 28 Winter Craft Fair, HOC, 9am-2pm March 26, 2006. (Part One)

December Nov 15 “Waga Uchina Kariyushi nu Udui,” a performance by Ryusei Honryu 5 YOH Senior Luncheon, HOC Yanagi no Kai of Okinawa, held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on 7 Executive Council meeting, 7pm March 26, 2006. (Part Two) 8 Evening in Waipio Craft Fair, HOC, 5:30-9pm Nov 22 40th Anniversary Show of the Lanakila Okinawa Nenchosha Club, 11 Installation Banquet, 9:30 registration, 10:00 Program “Because of You,” held at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center on 13 Club Development Committee meeting, 7pm December 10, 2009. (Part Two) (Premiere) 16 Administration Committee meeting., 7pm Nov 29 “Uta Ya Sanshin Udui Hanekachi,” presented by Nidaime Teishin Kai- HOC Office Holiday Hours: Hawaii Shibu at the Leeward Community College Theatre on April 17, 12/23 Office Hours – 8:30 am – NOON 2004. (Part One)

12/24 OFFICE CLOSED – Christmas Holiday Dec 6 19th “TOBE! Uta Sanshin 2010” in Hawaii, a Hawaii Okinawa Center 12/30 Office Hours – 8:30 am – NOON 20th Anniversary Charity Performance held at the Hawaii Okinawa 12/31 OFFICE CLOSED – New Year Holiday Center on Monday, March 29, 2010. Features Rykyuan Opera (Kumiudui) performed by dancers from Okinawa. (Part One) (Premiere) Classes • Other Meetings at Hawaii Okinawa Center: HUOA Sanshin: every Thursday, 7pm* Dec 13 “Uta Ya Sanshin Udui Hanekachi,” presented by Nidaime Teishin Kai- Ichigo Ichi E: 1st & 3rd Thursday, 8pm* Hawaii Shibu at the Leeward Community College Theatre on April 17, Ikebana: 3rd Wednesday, 7pm* 2004. (Part Two) Karaoke nite: last Tuesday, 6:30pm* Kobudo Taiko: every Monday, 7pm, contact Calvin Nakama 224-7374 Dec 20 “Uta Ya Sanshin Udui Hanekachi,” presented by Nidaime Teishin Kai- Monday Crafters: every Monday, 9am* Hawaii Shibu at the Leeward Community College Theatre on April 17, 2004. (Part Three) Okinawan Genealogical Society meeting: 3rd Saturday, 9am* Uchinaaguchi: every 4th Thursday, 7pm* Dec 27 19th “TOBE! Uta Sanshin 2010” in Hawaii, a Hawaii Okinawa Center *for more information, please call 676-5400 20th Anniversary Charity Performance held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on Monday, March 29, 2010. (Part Two) (Premiere) Make Your Event Memorable with A Catered Experience. As the exclusive caterers to the Legacy Ballroom at the Hawaii Okinawa Center, we enhance the beauty of the venue with a colorful menu for your guests to enjoy.

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