Every year at the picnic, our organization recognizes and rewards graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent. We were happy to present this year’s OAA scholarships to six welldeserving high school graduates – read all about them on page 4!
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OAA Picnic – 1st Row (L to R): Members of Tamagusuku Ryu Kansenkai performing “Ichubigwa”; masked and dressed for a summer picnic (including an adorable yukata!); the popular kid’s game, tama-ire. 2nd Row (L to R): Our golf cart transporting guests from the parking lot to the picnic area; Okinawa-style Bon Dancing with lead dancers and paarankuu (hand drum) drummers in the inner circle.
Zoomでウチナーグチ•クラス(メンバーのみ)
Ichi nu Ichimadin: From Generation to Generation words/ phrases used English meanings?
(Thank
Uukui:
____________
JOIN US!
Dushi-nu-chaa: Hajikasan:
COVID-19 is still prevalent in our communities, the OAA Picnic Committee along with guidance from the OAA Executive Staff, Board of Directors and COVID-19 Safety Committee was able to put in place guidelines which complied with the OAA COVID-19 protocols to minimize the amount of exposure to our guests. RSVPs, COVID-19 preevent health screening forms,
CORNER
are
After a two year hiatus, the OAA and 275 guests, performers and volunteers reunited once again at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area on Sunday, July 17 for the 2022 OAA Picnic! This was the first large scale, in-person event the OAA has hosted since January of 2020. The theme of the picnic was OAA Friends & Family Reunion: Together Again, which focused on creating a comfortable environment for everyone to reunite outdoors and enjoy an afternoon of Okinawan performances, games and fun in the Althoughsun.
Tran - Momo Yone - Naomi Arnot - Noah Arnot - Ayano MiuraKohki Nishioka - Stephanie Ajifu - Kyosuke Kataoka.
New to this year’s picnic was the team from the University of Santa Cruz (UCSC) Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI). The UCSC OMI scholars brought 15 members to volunteer at the picnic and we were so grateful for all their help! UCSC OMI is currently fulfilling a grant with the OAA called the Yamashiro Project. This project will digitize photos of OAA events photographed by the late Haruo Yamashiro and donated by his wife Takako and record the oral history of OAA members who remember those events. At the conclusion of the project, the images and recording will be displayed either physically or digitally.Okinawa Memories Initiative or OMI is a collaboration between UCSC, The Humanities Institute, CSU Monterey Bay, CSU East Bay, and the University of the Ryukyus. Their project focuses on Okinawa and all the ways that its people, culture, and crises are central to understanding the world today.
November 13, 2022 2022年11月13日
face masks, and encouraging of social distancing were some of the protocols guests were required to follow to minimize exposure. Additionally, bento lunches, sodas and shave ice were not available for purchase. However, plenty of bottled water was made available for guests generously provided by OAA President Edward Kamiya.
HAISAI OAA NEWS
最後の木曜日：Zoomで集まり会
In issue #110 on page 5, in the last paragraph of the Battle of Okinawa Virtual Lecture, the Uchinaaguchi words for ikusayuu and ikusa-atu (war period post-war) mispelled. you, Sam Uezu!)
OAA Picnic continued
２０２２年総会（メンバーのみ）
on page 6
The following
OAA ピクニック
Last Thursdays, 7pm Pacific RSVP: oaamensore@gmail.com
FALL/SEPTEMBER 2022 • ISSUE #111
and
CORRECTION
スレターに使われています。次の言葉・表現はこのニュー意味がわかりますか。
UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS ONLINE (ZOOM) – MEMBERS ONLY
Since there was no bento available for purchase, guests were encouraged to bring the foods their families used to make for picnics and gatherings, making this event feel more nostalgic and reunion-like. Even though there were several changes for this year’s picnic, there were many aspects that remained the same. OAA President Edward Kamiya warmly welcomed guests and volunteers to the picnic. He thanked everyone for their continued support of the organization and was grateful to see so many were able to make it to the picnic on such a hot Followingday.the OAA
Tii-wudui:
Uyafaafuji:___________________________ FIND THE UCHINAAGUCHI! うちなーぐち探し!
was encouraged join in and not be hajikasan (bashful/shy) as they warmed up their bodies to the traditional Rajio Taisou calisthenics with counting done in Uchinaaguchi, the Okinawan language. Rajio Taisou was led by Uchinaaguchi class members, Mitsuo Nishiuchi and Brian Arakaki.Therest of the afternoon was filled with excellent performances by Ishihara Minyo Kenkyusho - Yoshiaki Chinen, Masumi Chinen (Taiko), Tysai Hamagawa, Shuri Hamagawa, Tsumugi Chinen, and Misa Furugen (samba); Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai - Blaise Baker, Tamagusuku Ryu Kansenkai - Miyo Ajifu, Momo Yasutomi, Nobuko Ajifu and Takako King; Karaoke - Masao Tobaru; Ryūkyū Minyō Aikoh Kai - Yoshimichi Shinjo, Tsuruko Sadoyama, Takashi Ikemiyagi, Steve Matsumoto, and Sukeyasu Shimada (Taiko); Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch - Kaili Nakahodo - Natalie Ashikawa - Momoko KatsutaPhoenix Baker - Melissa Oshiro
IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK!
President’s greeting, everyone
____________
were
See ad on page 2
in this newsletter. Can you find their
As always, we would like to give a huge thank you to our generous donors. Without the businesses and individuals who donated the prizes available at the picnic as well as monetary and in-kind donations, events like this would not be possible. Over 26 businesses and individuals donated raffle prizes. As a 501(c)3, we rely on the generosity from our members, business associations and event participants to help keep our organization running and allow us to have the means to fulfill our mission to preserve, promote and perpetuate our Okinawan culture, including our BY KRISTIN YAMAUCHI
NUCHAASHII ONLINE (ZOOM)
110TH CELEBRATION SPONSORS
Second Fridays, 7pm Pacific RSVP: oaamensore@gmail.com
2022 GENERAL MEETING (MEMBERS ONLY)
Of course, we are all trying to decide if it is safe to go to Okinawa to attend the Taikai this October. We had a virtual info session earlier this summer and had another on September 10th. It is hoped that the COVID-19 situation in Japan will get better and the travel restrictions will be eased. Please visit our Taikai info website oaataikai2022.wordpress.com for updates.Please continue to look for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook and other social media platforms for any upcoming events and information for the last quarter of 2022.
I want to thank our Executive Director Yuko Yamauchi and our office staff Joey Kamiya for continuing to work hard to meet all the responsibilities the OAA has. And finally, I want to thank all our supporters for continuing to support the OAA. Our sole goal is to continue our mission of promoting the Okinawan culture for the benefit of our members.
BY YUKO YAMAUCHI | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2022 GENERAL MEETING (MEMBERS ONLY, RSVP REQUIRED) • ２０２２年総会 (メンバーのみ、予約が必要) The next general meeting will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2022, 2:00 PM at the OAA Center. The general meeting is held each year to give members an update on the organization and future goals, and a chance to vote for the board members. RSVP will be required. Please keep an eye out for
HAISAI, EVERYONE! 会長の挨拶
Despite still being closed to visitors, the office activities of OAA continues to grow. I am looking forward to when we can welcome our members and diligent volunteer force back!
NEW YEAR PARTY - SAVE THE DATE!
Ms. Erica Kunihisa has officially been accepted to study the traditional dyeing technique of bingata in Okinawa at the Shiroma Bingata studio in Naha. It was a competitive process so we are proud to have her represent the OAA in Okinawa. She will be leaving on September 25 for a six-month stay. We wish her much luck in this new adventure!
While things could change, due to the positive trends, the OAA is tentatively planning for the return of our annual Shinnenenkai New Year Party to be held at the Carson Community Center on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Stay tuned for updates!
Congratulations to AIKO TOKUNAGA and YOSHIHIRO TOME as two of 16 Kourousha worldwide and JOSEPH KAMIYA as one of ten Jisedai Daihyou
KEMPI SCHOLARSHIP
気でお過ごしください。ことを楽しみにしております！それまで、お元ォローもよろしくお願いいたします。などについて投稿していますので、そちらのフブックなどのSNSでは、最新のイベント情報ーの配信にご期待ください。そして、フェース情報につきましては、引き続き、ニュースレタとなりました。今後予定されているイベントや(oaataikai2022.wordpress.com)にしてください。月１０日に開催された説明会の録音版を参考期待しております。最新情報など詳しくは、９況が良くなり、渡航制限が緩和されることを明会を開催しました。日本でのCOVID19の状を行いましたが、９月１０日にもバーチャル説討中のことでしょう。この夏の初めにも説明会ウチナーンチュ大会に参加するかどうか、ご検ズ校との共同プロジェクトも進行中で。ります。また、カリフォルニア大学サンタクルー書館を一般公開できるように準備を進めておンスを行い、秋までには、新しいオフィスと図の間、私たちは県人会施設の修理とメンテナ式」イベントは開催できそうにありません。そた。りに屋外での美しい一日を皆様と楽しみました。最後は沖縄の盆踊りで締めくくり、久しぶにあふれた一日を共に過ごすことができましとはできませんでしたが、沖縄の文化と音楽きました。会員の皆様にお食事を準備すること250名の会員の皆様をお迎えすることがでローズ・パークで開催しました。当日は、なん事であったOAAピクニックをウィッティア・ナ規模な対面式イベントとして、毎年の恒例行す。2022年7月には、コロナ禍以降、初の大るか、そのバランスについても考えておりま式」または「バーチャル」のどちらで開催すとしています。えながら、自分たちの生活のバランスを保とうYouTubeを観るか…そのようなことを毎日考か家で食べるか、大きなイベントに参加するかには、マスクをつけるかつけないか、外食するだろうと期待しておりました。けれども、実際く美味しい料理を楽しむ夏を迎えていることントを開催し、皆様をハグで歓迎して、懐かし今頃は、OAAセンターで数々の対面式イベはいさい！私たちOAAでは、今後のイベントを「対面しかし、現段階では、まだ屋内での「対面そして、もちろん皆様も１０月に開催される２０２２年もあっという間に、あと４か月弱２０２３年こそは、皆様に直接お会いできる
BY EDDIE KAMIYA | OAA PRESIDENT
By now I had hoped that we would be having a summer full of ‘in person’ events at our OAA Center, welcoming and hugging everyone, enjoying all the great food that we have been missing. Instead, we are all trying to balance our lives, wearing masks or not wearing masks, going out to eat or staying home and eating, attending large events or watching it all on YouTube.
YUKO’S YEN
かがあります。下記の通り、ほかの事項で忙しくしているいくつ日ドライブスルー」や総会などの計画、または、るのを楽しみにしています！います。メンバーやボランティア部隊が戻って来もかかわらず、オフィスの活動は、成長を続けて気をつけてお過ごしください。せーみー？はいたい、ぐすーよー！ちゃーがんじゅーやみ最近の猛暑が続いていますが、皆様体調にはOAAの事務所が訪問者に閉鎖されているに7月の恒例のピクニック、来たる「敬老感謝の OAA受賞者とウチナーンチュ大会 た。おめでとうございます！かりゆしでーびる！神谷ジョセフは次世代代表として決定されまし徳永愛子と当銘吉洋は、海外功労者、そして、１０名、海外功労者１６名を選定いたしました。す。に参加できなかったかたは、録画を視聴できまラインで2回も説明会を開催しました。説明会する最新情報を共有するために、OAAは、オンできるように、登録方法とビザのプロセスに関行委員会が集まり、決定しました。大会に参加ます。8月に第7回世界のウチナーンチュ大会実「対面式のウチナーンチュ大会は、必ず行い８月２５日の選定委員会の結果、次世代代表 県費奨学金 在する予定です。彼女の幸運を祈ります!を誇りに思います。彼女は9月25日に6か月間滞ので、彼女が沖縄のOAAを代表してくれること入れられました。それは競争のプロセスだったの伝統的な紅型染めを学ぶために正式に受け國久エリカさんが首里の城間紅型工房で沖縄 募金イベントの延期 延期されます。の準備のため、バーチャル募金キャンペーンもンを行いましたが、今年はウチナーンチュ大会バザーの代わりにバーチャルの募金キャンペーはまだむりと言うことで今年もキャンセルです。毎年恒例のバザー募金活動を再開する準備 新年宴会 元気で健康でいられることを願っています。その日を心から楽しみにしています！みんなが営業に戻れる日が近づいていると思っています。らの活動を管理することは困難ですが、普通のす。最新情報にご期待ください。淵宴会を開催することを暫定的に計画していまーソン・コミュニティ・センターで毎年恒例の深な傾向により、OAAは2023年1月15日(日)にカ状況は変化する可能性がありますが、前向きまだ完全に元のように戻っていないため、これ
OAA HONOREES & UCHINANCHU TAIKAI
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL IN PERSON IN 2023! STAY SAFE AND SANE!
The picnic was not our first “in person” event since the pandemic started and although we were not able to have any food available for members, we were able to present a day full of Okinawan culture and music, ending with our special Okinawa Obon dancing. We all enjoyed the beautiful day outdoors.
We are still not ready to bring back our annual Bazaar fundraiser. However, due to preparations for the Taikai, our virtual fundraising campaign will also be postponed.
Though it has been a challenge to manage these activities without being back 100%, we know that it is getting closer to when we will be open again. We look forward to that day immensely! We hope that everyone is doing well and staying healthy.
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR future
We at the OAA have also been trying to balance our upcoming events for “in person” or “virtual events.’ In July 2022, we had our first large “in person” event, hosting our annual OAA Picnic at the Whittier Narrows Park, where we welcomed 250 members.
In addition to assisting with the Annual Picnic in July and the upcoming Keiro Kansha no Hi drive-through and the General Meeting, here are a few other things that are keeping us busy:
The “show” will go on! In August, the Taikai Executive Committee Secretariat met and has decided not to cancel the in-person event. We have held two info sessions virtually to share the latest information on registering for the Taikai and about the visa process. People who are interested in attending but have not attended the info session may watch the recordings. (please see Taikai article on pageOAA3) made nominations for Kourousha (Distinguished Contributors) and Jisedai Daihyou (Next Generation Representatives) and our nominees were selected and will be honored at the Taikai gathering!
FUNDRAISING EVENT POSTPONED
mailings. 次回の総会は、2022年11月13日（日）午後2時から北 目標をお伝えし、次期の北米沖縄県人会役員の投票などを行うために、毎年実施されています。事前のRSVPが必要です。米沖縄県人会（OAAセンター）にて開催されます。総会は、県人会メンバーに県人会の最新情報や将来の今後、情報は郵送されます。 2 OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA | HAISAI OAA NEWS #111 LETTER FROM THE OAA PRESIDENT
However, we are still not yet ready to host any “in person” indoor events. In the meantime, we are undergoing repairs and maintenance of our facilities and by late Fall we should have our new OAA office and library ready for the public. We are continuing our joint project with the UC Santa Cruz research group, Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI).
OAA Executive Director Yuko Yamauchi gave an extensive and indepth presentation about the latest travel restrictions and risks, visa and health screening requirements, and more. Special guests Richard Narumi from Uyehara Travel and Noriko Sakurada from IACE Travel lent their expertise to provide further travel insights and presented their respective agencies’ Taikai tour packages. Special guest Satoko Kaneshi, Invitation Section Chief of the 7th Worldwide Uchinaanchu Festival Executive Committee Secretariat, was also on the call all the way from Okinawa and provided important updates about
店および在ロサンゼルス日本国総領事館におザの取り扱いや支援は行いません。旅行代理は、旅行、宿泊、またはビ問い合わせください。9月10日、アリゾナ州、フロリダ州、ジョージア州、イリノイ州、ミシガン州、ワシントン州、およびカリフォルニア州全体から約40人が、第2回世界ウチナーンチュ大会の説明会
aka mayaa = a red cat; yaa = a house hataki or haru = farm Ittaa (plural) = you yaa = you (to those of equal or lower standing)
2ND TAIKAI INFO SESSION HELD 世界のウチナーンチュ大会について第2回目説明会
BY VICTORIA NISHIUCHI
Since June, the regular students have continued to meet each month. New students are now welcome, but need to be current OAA members. We meet via Zoom on the second Friday of each month and our next class is October 14. Please sign up here: tinyurl.com/oaa-uchinaaguchi-22
Haitai ! The Uchinaaguchi Class led by our instructor, Shinshii Chogi Higa would meet on the second Friday each month pre-COVID-19. It took us a few years (2.5 years approximately), to meet again on June 10, 2022, via Zoom. With the help of many family members, we were able to get several of our regular classmates to join via Zoom.We decided to meet and see old friends. Being a little older and a little rusty in our Uchinaaguchi skills we have managed to get back on the proverbial bicycle and picked up where we left off a few years ago due to the patience and guidance of our instructor Shinshii Higa.
UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS
OAA’S TAIKAI INFO
UCHINAAGUCHI
RSVP REQUIRED • 要約が必要： tinyurl.com/oaa-uchinaaguchi-22
Wattaa-mun = Our thing or ours B: アレー ワッター ムン ヤイビーン。 Aree wattaa-mun yaibiin. That is ours (our cat). あれは私たちのものです。
す！員会は引き続き重要な情報を発信していきまoaa-taikai-info-2ースへのリンクを含む録画は、tinyurl.com/ーカー、セクションの説明、および重要なリソートするQ&Aセグメントが続きました。章マッキー・オオシロ・ニシウチが提出物をモデレ員会メンバーのクリスティン・ヤマウチとヴィ新情報を提供してくれました。ロナウイルス感染症の状況について重要な最んも沖縄から参加し、大会やや沖縄の新型コ実行委員会事務局の招聘課長の金石聡子さ特別ゲストとして、第7回世界ウチナーンチュ行代理店のツアーパッケージを紹介しました。桜田典子が専門知識を提供し、それぞれの旅原旅行者のリチャード成海とIACE旅行者のンを行いました。スペシャル・ゲストとして、上どについて広範かつ詳細なプレゼンテーショ渡航制限とリスク、ビザと健康診断の要件なに仮想的に参加しました。OAA事務局長の山内優子子氏は、最新のプレゼンテーションに続いて、OAA大会委で見ることができます。大会が間近に迫る中、OAAの大会実行委 OAATAIKAI2022.WORDPRESS.COMOAAの大会情報ページ： 最新のアップデート、OAA ションの記録などを掲載しています。フォーム、よくある質問、過去のインフォのパレード・ユニセッ OAAMENSORE.ORG | (310) 532 1929 3
greeting and speaking Uchinaaguchi. Many of our Uchinaaguchi students are studying sanshin and studying Uchinaaguchi to better understand the lyrics of the songs they play.
Itaa-mun = your thing or yours B: アレー イッタームン ヤイビーン。 Aree ittaa-mun yaibiin. That belongs to you (plural). あれはあなた方のものです。
OAATAIKAI2022.WORDPRESS.COMPAGE:
the festival and the state of COVID-19 in Okinawa.Thepresentations were followed by a Q&A segment with OAA Taikai Committee members Kristin Yamauchi and Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi moderating the submissions. A recording with chapter markers, section descriptions, and important resource links can be watched here:Astinyurl.com/oaa-taikai-info-2theTaikaiquicklyapproaches, the OAA’s Taikai Committee will continue to disseminate important information!
BY CHOGI HIGA, INSTRUCTOR
UCHINAA KUTUBA (Words & Vocabulary)
Anu hataki (or haru) ya, taa-mun yaibiiga. Who is owner of that farm? あの畑は誰のですか。
Attaa-mun = their thing B: アレー アッタームン ヤイビーン。 Aree attaa-mun yaibiin. They are owner of that farm. Or that belongs to them 彼らがあの畑の主です。
Taa-mun A: アヌ ハタキ（ハル）ヤ、タームン ヤイ ビーガ。
Featuring the latest updates, OAA’s parade uniform, frequently asked questions, past info session recordings, and more.
Taa-mun = Whose thing A: アヌ アカ マヤー ヤ、 タームン ヤイビーガ。
免責事項: OAA BY JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA LESSONS (#35)
On September 10, approximately 40 people from Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Washington, and across California virtually attended our second Worldwide Uchinaanchu Taikai/Festival information session.
ONLINE UCHINAAGUCHI CLASSES
Until then, we continue to study and do our best. Chibariyo ! 再会することができました。協力のもと、いつもの生徒たちがZoom上で再開することができました。多くのご家族のご１０日、Zoomを通して、２年半ぶりにようやくしばらくお休みしていましたが、２０２２年６月日に開催されていました。コロナ禍のために、によるウチナーグチ・クラスは、毎月第２金曜はいたい！コロナ禍の前、比嘉朝儀しんしー バリヨー!れまで勉強を続け、頑張りたいと思います。チい、次回のクラスは2022年10月14日です。そております。現在はZoomでミーティングを行限定で開かれており、毎月第2金曜日に開催しいでしょうか。このクラスは現在OAAの会員てみようと思う理由はたくさんあるのではなす。チを勉強している人もたくさんいらっしゃいまる曲の歌詞をより理解するためにウチナーグんの中には、三線の勉強をしながら、演奏するのを見たことです。母が友人を訪ね、ウチナーグチで会話していした。私のウチナーグチの一番の思い出は、さんの母国語だからね」ともおっしゃっていまい」とおっしゃっていました。「なにしろお父いると、お父さんのことを思い出すから楽し断した場所から再開することができました。生）の忍耐とご指導のおかげで、数年前に中し錆びついていましたが、比嘉しんしー（先私たちは少し歳を重ね、ウチナーグチも少あるOAA会員が、「ウチナーグチを聞いてウチナーグチの生徒さこのように、私たちの祖先の言葉を勉強し
Disclaimer: The OAA will not be handling or assisting with travel, lodging, or visas. Please contact your travel agency and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.
FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH CURRENT OAA MEMBERS ONLY オンライン•ウチナーグチ•クラス第2金曜日(メンバーのみ)
Taa-mun A: アヌ ヤー ヤ、タームン ヤイビーガ。 Anu yaa ya, taa-mun yaibiiga. Who is owner of that house? あの家は誰のですか。
One of our OAA members once recalled that she enjoyed listening to Uchinaaguchi as it reminded her of her father. Afterall, she said, it was her father’s first language! My fondest memories of hearing Uchinaaguchi was seeing my mother visit her mother’s friend and
2ND
Anu aka mayaa ya, taa-mun yaibiiga. Who is owner of that red cat? あの赤い猫は誰のですか。
KANOA KAKIHARA (OAA SCHOLARSHIP)
RYAN (YAMAUCHITOKUMOTOSCHOLARSHIP)
Okinawans in the United States supported and helped each other by forming this club and the Okinawan Association of America continues today to not only serve the Okinawan population in the United States, but also spread the knowledge and culture of Okinawa to other races in this country.” He will attend UC Riverside and major in Life Sciences.
Ryan Tokumoto is the son of Gary and Irene Tokumoto and a graduate of South Pasadena High School. He was a fouryear member of the California Scholarship Federation and selected to the National Honor Society. Ryan was very active at his school including being a member of the ASB, president of the Cinema club and treasurer for the Science Olympiad team. He volunteered as a coach for Sierra Madre middle school’s Science Olympic team. He played varsity tennis, practiced kendo for Gedatsu Kendo, and was even the school’s Bulldog mascot. Ryan was a participant in the OAA Junior study program as well. Through that experience, he created his family tree and learned from Okinawans from around the world. Ryan has gained great insight from his diverse demographic of friends and says, “many of them have unique perspectives and philosophies, and I learn something new everyday talking to them. I believe that I have become more confident and prepared for the future thanks to the support of my friends and classmates at my school.” Ryan will attend UC San Diego in the fall majoring in International Business.
2022 OAA High School Scholarship winners (L to R): Ryan Tokumoto, Caden Shimane, Dylan Higa, Kanoa’s father Craig Kakihara, Courtney Sugano, and OAA President Edward Kamiya. Marshall Nakada is not pictured. BY TATIA TOKUNAGA OSHIDARI OAA graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent. The selection process is based on the student’s academic recommendation, financial need and special consideration for community hours at the OAA. members of the OAA; students with a GPA of
3.0 and above. APPLICATIONS: Applications are usually released each year around March/April. 4 OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA | HAISAI OAA NEWS #111
means. He also credits his upbringing in El Segundo and watching the struggles of his sisters with shaping who he’s become. He credits his sisters and his community with developing a stronger sense of empathy and appreciate the significance of compassion and understanding. He will attend UC San Diego in the fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Courtney Sugano is the daughter of Alan and Suzanne Sugano and a graduate of Palos Verdes High School. She was a member of the California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and Science National Honor Society. She
MARSHALL NAKADA (KAMIYA SCHOLARSHIP)
recognizes and rewards
Kanoa Kakihara is the son of Craig and Laura Kakihara and a graduate of Sonora High School. He was a member of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. He played varsity basketball, and played for Evergreen basketball as well. Kanoa served his community in many ways including leading his church youth group, going on a mission trip in Mexicali, coaching youth basketball and tutoring children for National Honor Society. He credits his grandma for being an influential force in his life. He states that she is “such a role model for me because I want to love like her. She taught me to love, support and be happy even when times are rough. If my grandma is not a representation of what being Okinawan means then I don’t know what it truly means to be Okinawan”. He will attend Biola University in the fall.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP: Every year, the
CADEN (HIGASHISHIMANESCHOLARSHIP)
ELIGIBILITY: Graduating high school seniors; children of Okinawan ancestry; children of parent(s) who are current
COURTNEY SUGANO (MIYAHIRA SCHOLARSHIP)
received the Presidents Volunteering Award, Honor Thespian, and was vice president of Leadership for Women. She played Basketball and Lacrosse and worked as a stage manager for various productions, earning the John Raitt Award for Youth for outstanding cast and crew. She volunteered for the National Charity League, girl scouts and boy scouts of America earning an Eagle Scout rank. In achieving this prestigious rank, she states, “If it wasn’t for my best friend and her mom I wouldn’t have joined Girl Scouts or joined BSA Scouts when they allowed girls to join and wouldn’t have gone all the way to earn the rank of Eagle Scout”. She will attend UC Santa Cruz in the fall, majoring in Human Biology and will attend medical school.
Marshall Nakada is the son of Kenneth and Chau Nakada and graduated from El Segundo High School. He was a recipient of the PTA Scholarship, served as secretary of the Gundo Spikeball club, and was a four-year varsity letterman in Lacrosse. He served as an assistant coach for youth lacrosse and a field manager as well. He participated in the Okinawa Junior study program, which gave him a new perspective on what being Okinawan
Dylan Higa is the son of Eric and Sandy Higa and a graduate of Cypress High School. He was a member of the California Scholarship Federation and recipient of numerous awards including the Tigers Youth Organization Slim Sugiyama Service Award, Tiger service scholarship, Athletic Booster Scholarship and Student Athlete. He was an accomplished volleyball and basketball athlete, earning second team All League in varsity basketball, and serving as cocaptain of his team, as well as the Cypress High Game Changer award. Through applying for the OAA scholarship, Dylan learned a little bit more about his culture; his great-grandfather Choshin Higa was one of the first presidents and founding member of the OAA, and he learned about the old picnics at Elysian Park. He says, “It’s great to know that first
2022 OAA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ２０２２年OAA奨学金の受賞者たち
accomplishments, extracurricular activities, community contributions, transcript, essays, letters of
DYLAN (KISHIMOTOHIGA SCHOLARSHIP)
Caden Shimane is the son of Jeffrey and Christine Shimane and a graduate of North High School. He was a very active member of junior ROTC and achieved numerous accolades including 4 years of Marine Corp scholarship, 1st place in Iron Mike, Presidential Service award (where he spent hundreds of hours tutoring children and started a free virtual tutoring program called The Goodwell Academy), order of the Daedalians, best First Sergeant, Superior Cadet, Tuskegee Airmen, Most Dedicated Cadet and best overall cadet in Marksmanship. He was also a member of the Coding Club, and will soon be a brown belt in Karate at Shorin Ryu karate. Regarding his Okinawan heritage Caden writes, “Being Okinawan is about embracing the culture and trying to take as much of it in. With the number of native Uchinaaguchi speakers dwindling every year, we have to absorb and document as much as we can to keep the language and culture alive.” He will be attending San Jose State University in the fall majoring in Business Administration.
• February – Presentation by youth member Miya Konishi (granddaughter of former OAA President Kimiko Goya) – More details in Issue 109’s “Yuko’s Yen” column
Harumi Miyagi-sensei’s (pictured to the right) presentation focused on the forced mass civilian deaths on Zamami Island (part of the Kerama archipelago). She detailed the experiences of Zamami residents, who were forced to house Imperial Japanese Army soldiers before being evacuated and forced to take refuge in caves.Miyagi-sensei’s lecture was equally educational and emotional, providing the statistics of how many locals hid in each cave and explaining the harrowing fates of each group. The experiences were based on interviews with residents who were there, with Miyagi-sensei later revealing that her own grandmother was a survivor. In addition to the ikusa-yuu (war period), she talked about the guilt that the survivors felt and the long-term trauma that haunted them for years after.
OAA Center Parking Lot (Pick-Up Only)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022
VIRTUAL BATTLE OF OKINAWA LECTURE
ることを余儀なくされ、洞窟に避難すること避難する前に大日本帝国陸軍の兵士を収容す集団自決」に焦点を当てていました。彼女は、間味島（慶良間諸島の一部）での民間人の「コ・比嘉・ディキンソン氏によるものでした。義と質疑応答は日本語で行われ、英訳はサエ者がプレゼンテーションに参加しました。講した。全米および海外から70人を超える参加ベントをZoomを介してバーチャルに開催しま7月1日、OAAは毎年恒例の「慰霊の日」イ宮城晴美先生のプレゼンテーションは、座
• April – Conversation with young OAA Craft Fair artists Aimee Buday, Seiji Igei, Erica Kunihisa, Kame Mays, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Monica Solis, Lasha Tamae
OAA member in good standing for at least 3 years
presentation was originally planned for 2021’s Irei no H i, but the event was canceled due to a State of Emergency in Okinawa caused by another spike in COVID-19 cases. A huge thank you to Ayano Ginoza, a scholar and a co-worker of Miyagi-sensei’s, for assisting with scheduling, logistics, and recording.
• July – ”Wattaa Dushi-nu-chaa (We Are Friends)” informal yuntaku gathering to get to know each other
SENIOR APPRECIATION DAY BENTŌ LUNCH DRIVE-THRU
慰霊の日：沖縄戦についてバーチャル講義
• June – Tii-wudui (hand dance) lessons led by Naomi Endow in preparation for the OAA Picnic’s Okinawan-style Bon Dance
• May – LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual/agender) focus with parents Harold/Ellen Kameya and John/ Beverly Toyama (pictured to the right) who talked about becoming advocates after their children came out. For parents of LGBTQIAidentifying children, the Kameya’s
TIME RESERVATION REQUIRED
(Forms and instructions have been mailed to eligible members)
BY JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA
• March – Poetry/writing workshop led by Shō Yamagushiku
On July 1, the OAA hosted its annual Irei no Hi (Battle of Okinawa Remembrance) event virtually via Zoom. Over 70 participants from across the U.S. and internationally attended the live presentation. The lecture and Q&A were in Japanese with English translations by Saeko Higa Dickinson.
RESERVATION POSTMARK DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
FREE BENTŌ ELIGIBILITY: Age 80 and over (if spouse is under 80 years old, he/she is not eligible for a free bentō lunch)
in Brazil. The ikusa-atu (post-war) song speaks of the longing to return to Okinawa, hearing about how much it has changed, and worrying about loved ones who still live Miyagi-sensei’sthere.
ONLINE GATHERINGS
• August – Myaaku (Miyako) islands focus with Mutsumi Mirosavich’s short presentation about growing up in Miyako and Noriko Shimoji Cuaron teaching self-introductions in Myaakufutsu (Miyako language) and the traditional Kuichaa dance BY JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA います。む愛する人たちのことを心配することを歌って望、変化した沖縄の様子を聞き、今もそこに住とぅ（戦後）の歌は、沖縄に帰りたいという切しき故郷」の悲しいパフォーマンス。いくさあーナ・オオシロとリカルド・カカズによる「懐かマについて話しました。にもわたって彼らを悩ませた長期的なトラウ彼女は生存者が感じた罪悪感と、その後何年にしました。いくさゆー（戦争期間）に加えて、後に自分の祖母が生存者であることを明らかへのインタビューに基づいており、宮城先生は運命を説明しました。経験はそこにいた住民いるかの統計を提供し、各グループの悲惨な情的で、各洞窟に何人の地元の人々が隠れてしました。を余儀なくされた座間味の住民の経験を詳述宮城先生の講演は、同じように教育的で感イベントの締めくくりは、ブラジルからブル た。を支援していただき、誠にありがとうございましケジューリング、ロジスティクス、レコーディング宮城先生の同僚である宜野座綾乃先生には、スにより、イベントはキャンセルされました。学者で例が再び急増したことによる沖縄の緊急事態宣言の日」に予定されていましたが、宮城先生のイベントはもともと2021年の「慰霊COVID-19の症 この二日間、何時でもはいつでも見てください！10月8日プレゼンテーションの再放送：(土曜日)、9日(日曜日)日本語講義と質疑応答youtube.com/oaacentennialで見る提案された寄付：＄5
Back in March 2020, the global pandemic forced the OAA to shift gears. The first project was moving our monthly Nuchaashii Potluck Gatherings onto the Zoom video conference software/ app – unfortunately, without the potluck element. Starting from April 2020, we’ve been hosting this virtual meetup every month with self-introductions (practicing Uchinaaguchi), informal presentations, and openHere’ssharing.ashort recap of this year’s Nuchaashii Online Gatherings (so far):
毎月のバーチャル集まり会
NUCHAASHII
Closing the event, a somber utasanshin performance of “Natsukashiki Furusato” by Bruna Mariko Oshiro and Ricardo Kakazu (pictured to the right)
LECTURE REPLAY: October 8th (Sat) & 9th (Sun) Available to watch anytime! Japanese with English subtitles
and Toyama’s have allowed us to share their email addresses for anyone who has questions or would like advice: hkameya@gmail.com, toyama.beverly@ yahoo.com
VisitSuggestedyoutube.com/oaacentennialDonation:$5
OAAMENSORE.ORG | (310) 532 1929 5
6 OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA | HAISAI OAA NEWS #111
• Leonard Kim (Cherrystones Grotto and Grille) $25 Cherrystones gift certificates x 2 • Kokoro Care Package
$1,000 Anonymous • $500 Edward Kamiya, Ken & Kristin Yamauchi • $400 Harold/Ellen Kameya • $300 Midori Endo • $260 Phyllis Yogi • $200 Lisa Arnot, Mery Higa, Steve Matsumoto, Masanobu Oshiro, Claudia H. Summers • $180 Cindy Uehara • $150 Mary Ishiara • $140 Brian Arakaki • $100 Joy Afuso, Tomiko Jane Arakaki, Noriko Cuaron, Naomi Endow, David Fusato, Constanza M. Higa, George/ Ruth Hiyane, Toshi Ikehara, Cheryl L. Imatomi, Diane Mihara, Donald/Elaine Miyagi, Lois Nishimoto, Lily Ohara, Harry Okamoto, Betty H. Oshiro, Alice Sasaki, Arikuni/Mieko Shima, Mary Shimabukuro, David Yoshimichi Shinjo, Chiyoko Sunabe, Florence Unten, Eileen Uyehara, Tamiko Uyehara, Doreen Watanabe, Eric & Leslie Wauke, Rosa Yakushi, Takako Yamashiro, Masakazu/Emiko Yamauchi, Dina Yogi, OAA Fujin-bu Women’s Club • $80 Glen Choichi Kameya, Yvonne Takeko Liu • $75 Sadao and Aiko Tome • $60 Noriko Chung • $50 Ethel Asato, Chogi/Hiroko Higa, Sachiko A. Kelly, Tom T. Maeda, Esther T. Matsubara, Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi, Barbara K. Shirota, Bob Takushi, Michel Toguchi, Ivy Toma, Walter/Irene Yonamine • $40 Esther Churchwell, Kay Satoko Higa, Hiroko Jaques, Katherine Kamiya, Marilyn Shimabukuro, Marie S. Takano • $30 Joyce Ashimine, Gayle Endo, Flo Goya, Reiko Ikehara-Nelson, Robin Kagimoto, Rachel Koza, Toshimi Charles Kuniyoshi, Nosho Miyagi, James/Jane Miyasato, Yoshie Nimmo, Myrtle Oganeku, Jason Raquinio, Faith Shinsato, Masao Tobaru, Aiko Tokunaga, Petra Oganeku Wallace, Emiko Yamauchi, Shigeko Yamauchi • $25 Robin Arakaki, Joyce Kobashigawa, Inez Nakata, Grace Suwabe • $20 Morimizu & Vivian Asato, Raymond Futami, Christine Ishida-Matsuda, Ellen Kameya, Gail K. Kaneshiro, Dorothy Moromisato, Wallace Shirota, Francis M. Uno, Joseph Yi • $10 Fumiko Deeter, Ikuko Gamerl, Ruth Nako, Edward I. Toguchi, May Toya • $5 Gladys Kinjo, Diana Yamashiro
Okinawa-themed Kokoro Care Package • Rocio Yamashiro (Kotosh Restaurant) $50 Kotosh Restaurant gift card • Jody Lake (JooToo Clothing) 4 x $25 Jootoo gift cards; 1 x bingata baseball cap, 1 x bingata bag, 2 x wood logo keychains, 1 x camo hooded sweatshirt, 11 x t-shirts • Malibu Wine Hikes Malibu Wine Hikes • April Mato Disneyland tickets x 2 • Linda Miyashiro, DVM (South Bay Veterinary Care) $100 Visa Gift Card • Mitsuo and Vicky Nishiuchi Starbucks gift basket; disposable coffee cups and lids for volunteers • OAA Geino-bu Performing Arts Committee $20 Tokyo Central gift certificates x 5 • Hideki Obayashi (Azuma Restaurant) $25 Azuma Restaurant gift certificates x 5 • OC Parks HQ 1 pass to OC Zoo (admission for 4 people; 1 bike rental; 1 paddleboad rental; 4 Irvine Park Railroad Train passes) • Dennis and Joan Oshiro DVD projector • Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier 2 unlimited ride wristbands • Greg Porth (SpeedPro Imaging) Signage (11 new signs; grommets and vinyl lettering on 6 existing OAA coroplast scraps) • Shin-Sen-Gumi $50 Shin-Sen-Gumi gift cards x 4 • Lee Tonouchi “Okinawan Princess” stickers x 2 • Amy Oshiro-Tran Dodgers tickets x 4 • Tamiko Uyehara (Uyehara Travel) Carry-on suitcase • Ellise Uyema (Live, Long and Plant) Live Long and Plant cactus candles set of 2 • Kelli Wauke Kids toys for game prizes • Hiroshi Yamauchi 10 x $5 Target gift cards (games prizes), 10 x $5 Starbucks gift cards (games prizes), 3 boxes of snacks for volunteers • OAA Seisonen-bu Activities Committee $20 Target gift cards x 5
OAA PICNIC IN-KIND DONATIONS
This year’s grand raffle prize was a 43” Toshiba Smart TV generously donated by Kamiya Insurance Agency! Other great prizes are listed in the Donations section to the left.
OAA
Brian Arakaki (Chair) • Kristin Yamauchi (Co-Chair) • Joy Afuso • Miki Arlen • Jenny Bernal • Noriko Shimoji Cuaron • Naomi Endow • Jennie Imatomi • Emily Ishii • Ayano Miura • Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi • Joan Oshiro • Chantelle Takata • Michel Toguchi • Aiko Tokunaga • Amy Oshiro Tran • Melissa Oshiro Tran
SCHOLARSHIP
• Anonymous 1 bottle of Kaori Tsuru premium sake • Bess Press “Okinawan Princess” book • The Broad 4 x VIP entries • Naomi Endow Kids toys for game prizes • David Fusato $20 Akane Chaya gift card • Dan and Nancy Goto Items for the Hello Kitty gift basket, Squishmallow Unicorn mini basket, Squishmallow large baskets x 2, Omni Breeze Tower Fan • Hollywood Wax Museum 2 x tickets • Japanese American National Museum 1 year family/dual level membership • Edward Kamiya (Kamiya Insurance) GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE - Samsung 43” Toshiba TV
The following donations were from June 16 - August 23, 2022. If your donation was missed, we apologize for the oversight and we respectfully request that you please contact the OAA office at oaamensore@gmail.com or (310) 532-1929 so we can make sure it was received and will be recorded in the next newsletter.
DONATIONS 寄付
Juan Albarran (Aeron Express) Cost of cargo truck usage • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Angels baseball signed by Jared Walsh (authenticated)
In Okinawa, Obon is observed on the 13th through 15th of the 7th lunar calendar month, so this year’s landed on August 10th through 12th.
It’s said that the spirits of our uyafaafuji (ancestors) visit us during these three days, so we have special foods, rituals, and performances to honor them. On the last day of Obon, which is called uukui, musicians and dancers take to the street as a farewell to our ancestors.
$100BUILDING
Picnic continued from page 1
OAA PICNIC MONETARY DONATIONS
A child getting excited about the free sticker giveaway; members of UC Santa Cruz’s Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI); members of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko L.A. Branch; members of Ryukyu Minyo Aikoh Kai; the ever-popular water balloon toss tournament was needed on such a hot afternoon; Ishihara Minyo member Yoshiaki Chinen and his daughter playing the relay race; multiple generations in the Okinawa-style Bon Dance; OAA Board Member Helene Shimane browses through the Yamashiro Project photos archived by OMI.
Anonymous • $6 Takako Hinkson
• Anonymous “Ikigai: Life’s Purpose” book • Anonymous $25 Doordash gift card, items for the Hello Kitty gift basket
Jane H./S. Kevin Kuniyoshi
Gregg Yamachika • $50 Stephen/ Nachiko Jenkins • $45 Facebook/Meta (July 1 - 15) • $15 Benevity/American Online Giving Foundation, Inc. (thanks to Ann Oshiro)
$500LIBRARY
that if you or your friends or extended family have been thinking about becoming a member, that you do so today! We hear people tell us they’ve been meaning to join and we would love to invite those to join OAA today!
ABOUT OBON IN OKINAWA
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PICNIC PLANNING COMMITTEE!
$300GENERAL
It is not a picnic without games! This year’s games were facilitated by Lauren Higa and members of the OAA Young Okinawans of Southern California Committee. Participants of all ages competed in relay races, jankenpon tournament, tama-ire and water balloon toss. Unfortunately, the tug-o-war wasn’t held this year due to COVID-19 restrictions but we hope for a triumphant return at the nextThepicnic!picnic concluded with our Okinawa-style Bon Dance led by Aiko Majikina-sensei, Joy Afuso, Nobuko Ajifu, Stephanie Ajifu, Naomi Endow (coordinator), Misa Furugen, and Yuko Yamauchi with live musical accompaniment by Afuso Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles - Aimee Buday, Steve Matsumoto, Joey Kamiya, led by Ryan Nakamatsu sensei. The tii-wudui (hand dances) are all simple and repetitive, so everyone was encouraged to not feel hajikasan (bashful/
In the central parts of Okinawa Island, this performance is called eisa/ yeisaa. Other regions have their own folk performances like shichigwachi mōi in Ōgimi, Kunigami, and Itoman, and usudeeku in Yonashiro and Katsuren towns; the Yaeyama Islands have a completely different ritual called angama
endangered Ryukyuan languages, and learning the amazing history of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Kingdom it once was. And just one more mention of our membership - the planning committee was prepared to take a loss because this was the first truly in-person event since 2020, but over 130 of our members (including those that were not able to attend) purchased raffles and made donations, helping to offset costs! We are member-based and so we hope
shy) and join in the dancing.
$300MEMBERSHIP
$100 Helene Shimane
Glenn Nakata • $50 Stanley/Beatrice Kamiya • $40 James/Sally Ueunten • $25 Diane Mihara
Ryukyu Kai Los Angeles
373PresidentVan Ness Avenue, #200 Torrance, CA 90501
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Ebony trees (“kuruchi ” in Uchinaaguchi ) were among the natural and cultural treasures that were destroyed during World War II’s Battle of Okinawa. Kuruchi no Mori is a 100year project envisioned by The Boom’s Kazufumi Miyazawa (writer of the famous song “Shima Uta”) and writer/producer/ performer Daiichi Hirata and executed in close collaboration with Yomitan Village officials, forestry experts, and master sanshin makers from the Sanshin Craftsmen’s Cooperative Association of Okinawa (Sanshin Kumiai ). Established in 2012, the mission is to have locally-grown kuruchi in Uchinaa (Okinawa Island) to use for the creation of high-grade sanshin necks (“sō” in Uchinaaguchi ). It takes over 100 years for the core of one kuruchi to grow large enough to be usable and several years after that for the wood to dry – a true investment in the future. Every month, volunteers gather to cut weeds and water the trees.
Edward K. Kamiya
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のボランティアが集まります。投資です。毎月、草刈りや水やり活動に多くのには、数年かかります。本当に、未来へのものに限られ、黒木ー)は、非常に成長の遅い木です。三線の棹うモットーで植樹し始めました。黒木(クルチ)木ナーグチで「ソー」)に発足し、沖縄の象徴である三線の棹という、１００年プロジェクトです。２０１２年１００年かけて黒木県三線制作事業協同組合と共に、創り上げた典音楽各会派の長、林業専門家、そして沖縄村、地元の商工会、観光協会、文化協会、古家・脚本家・詩作家の平田大一さんが、読谷THEは、ヒット曲『島唄』の作詞・作曲家での自然と文化財でした。『くるちの杜』木第二次世界大戦の沖縄戦で焼失た黒(ウチナーグチで「クルチ」)は、沖縄BOOMの宮沢和史さんと、演出(クルチ)を育てていこう(ウチの材料で最も高質な黒(クルチ)をウチナー(沖縄本島)からとい(ソとして使えるのは、１００年以上の樹齢の(クルチ)を乾燥いさせる 9480ARAKAWA@COX.NET702-277-4507S.EASTERNAVE.SUITE274,LAS VEGAS, NV 89123 NMLS# 1766163 PAID ADVERTISEMENT LIKE/FOLLOW FOR PHOTOS & UPDATES @oaamensore PAID ADVERTISEMENT OAAMENSORE.ORG | (310) 532 1929 7
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8 OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA | HAISAI OAA NEWS #111
11/25 - Day after Thanksgiving
1/2/23 - New Year’s Day (observed)
110TH ANNIVERSARY CONTINUES
MISSION
Photographers
Japanese Translation
OAA VOLUNTEERINGWISHLIST
Top: Our 2nd Taikai info session with Uyehara Travel’s Richard Narumi, Satoko Kaneshi from the Taikai’s Executive Committee Secretariat (Zooming in from Okinawa!), IACE Travel’s Noriko Sakurada, and Executive Director Yuko Yamauchi • Middle: Truck loading volunteers on the day before the OAA Picnic • Bottom Left: Volunteers (still limited to a small group due to the pandemic) prepping OAA membership mailings
Chief Editor
The OAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization so all monetary donations are tax deductible! Your donations help to pay for our annual events, building maintenance, and expenses needed to keep this organization alive.
Okinawa Association of America, Inc. 16500 S. Western Ave. #203 Gardena, CA 90247.
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• Bottom Right: Dance instructors Naomi Endow and Noriko Shimoji Cuaron teaching Okinawa-style Bon Dances and Miyakojima Kuichaa at two separate Nuchaashii Online Gatherings.
HAISAI OAA NEWS #111
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16500 Western Avenue, Suite #103 Gardena, CA 90247 (310) oaamensore@gmail.com532-1929
Send a check or money order to the address below (payable to OAA) or call (310) 532-1929 to donate via credit card.
Joseph Kamiya, Sadao Tome, Melissa Oshiro Tran
BLOG:
Writers
• Books and DVDs about Okinawa Forever stamps
• paperPrinter/copy
Kumiko Isa, Emily Ishii, Mika Kuraki, Noriko Shimoji Cuaron, Yuko Yamauchi
Closed early on:
your eligible purchases will go to us! Note: Annual renewal is required after August 31. Instructions: oaamensore.org/shop. htm or call the OAA office for instructions.
11/24 - Thanksgiving Day
JIGAMI-GWA EMAIL LIST
Yuko Yamauchi Executive Director
If you already have an Amazon.com account, you can donate to the OAA by designating us as your AmazonSmile charitable organization. Enrollment is simple and free, and the more families and friends who enroll = the more donations every quarter. tinyurl.com/amazonoaa
12/26 - Christmas Day (observed)
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Interested in supporting upcoming OAA events through donations, sponsorships, raffle prizes, etc.? As part of your sponsorship agreement, you may receive benefits such as company/ name recognition throughout the day at events, tax write-offs, company logo/ name recognition on printed and online advertising materials as well as recognition on our social media pages (3,000+ followers), in newsletters mailed/emailed to our membership (1,000+ recipients), and much more. Please contact the OAA office at oaamensore@gmail.com or (310) 532-1929 for more information.
The OAA office is closed to all visitors at this time. However office staff continues to work remotely and occasionally on-site. Staff will not be working on the following holidays:
EDITORIAL
Contributions are welcome. For newsletter committee approval, email your article to oaanewsletter@gmail.com
Chogi Higa, Edward Kamiya, Joseph Y. Kamiya, Victoria Nishiuchi, Kristin Yamauchi, Yuko Yamauchi
WAYS TO HELP THE OAA
Stay up-to-date with the latest OAA news and events plus Okinawa-related happenings in the greater Los Angeles area! Sign-up: bit.ly/jigami or scan QR code below with your smartphone
OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC.
Illustrations
The OAA is recognized as a charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code 501 (c)(3) and by the state of California as a public-benefit, nonprofit organization.
If you enroll your Ralphs rewards card and link it to the OAA, a percentage of
MONETARY DONATIONS
Volunteers are always welcome and needed at the OAA, from helping in the office to translating documents. There are also internships and student community service opportunities.
CONNECT WITH US
OAA OFFICE CLOSURE
Donate your car through Harold’s Car Donation and the OAA will receive 50% of net proceeds! Harold’s is trusted by many Nikkei organizations in Southern California. They will take care of everything for you including car pick-up, DMV paperwork, and receipts!
