Haisai OAA News #112

FIND THE

UCHINAAGUCHI! うちなーぐち探し!

The following words/ phrases are used in this newsletter. Can you find their English meanings?

次の言葉・表現はこのニュー スレターに使われています。 意味がわかりますか。

Majun chibanara yaasai:

Matchooibiindoo: ______

Tusui ya takara: ________

Usaji-dushi: ___________

JOIN US!

KARAOKE CLUB (IN-PERSON) 第３土曜日：カラオケ・クラブ

3RD SATURDAYS, 6 - 9 PM

RSVP: TINYURL.COM/ OAAKARAOKE MEMBERS ONLY 会員のみ

NUCHAASHII GATHERINGS (HYBRID)

最後の木曜日：Zoomまたは、持 ち寄り集まり会

Last Thursdays, 7pm Pacific

RSVP: tinyurl.com/nuchaashii2023

UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS (ONLINE)

第２金曜日：ウチナーグチ・クラス

RSVP: oaamensore@gmail.com

MEMBERS ONLY 会員のみ

110TH CELEBRATION SPONSORS

Ichi nu Ichimadin: From Generation to Generation

IN MEMORIAM 追悼で

HAISAI, EVERYONE! 会長の挨拶

BY EDDIE KAMIYA | OAA PRESIDENT

HAISAI ! Thank you all again for your trust in our leadership team and for your support while we navigated the OAA through the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 3 years. With constantly decreasing number of new cases, lower hospitalizations and ICU cases, it looks like the OAA will be able to have more and more LIVE IN-PERSON EVENTS in 2023.

Upcoming in April will be our Craft Fair in the parking lot of the OAA. Again, due to the improving situation it will be our first event in which proof of vaccination, temperature checks, and face masks (optional) are no longer required. We are confident that this fully outdoor event will be a safe and successful one and be the first of many events at the OAA in 2023.

HOWEVER, we will continue to have some restrictions for fully indoor events including pre-registration and temperature checks and check in when appropriate. We will now allow for food to be served at indoor events but everyone must wear masks and use gloves at potlucks and capacity will be restricted when needed. We will, of course, continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and hope to remove restrictions when appropriate.

As we announced in our last edition, we are also happy to that the OAA office and library have moved downstairs to the first floor of our building. The offices and library are being remodeled and upgraded so that all of our members and our community can enjoy the only library in the continental United States dedicated to Okinawan language, literature, arts and culture. Our remodeling has been delayed but will begin soon and we will host our open house to the membership and once everything has been completed.

As the weather continues to improve and we enter late Spring and Summer we look forward to seeing more of our beloved members at upcoming events. We plan to have our picnic in July again at the Whittier Narrows complex and without any restrictions, so please contact all your family and friends to join us in a day-long reunion of our UCHINĀNCHU FAMILY! We again plan to have great entertainment, drinks, games and, if all of our planning is

successful, OUR FIRST SANSHIN PLAYALONG, in which we will invite everyone to bring their sanshin and join in a group performance. More details will follow soon.

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 to make this transition from the 3 year COVID-19 pandemic a successful (AND SAFE) one.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE 2023 A TRULY MEMORABLE YEAR!

はいさい！この3年間、コロナ禍のなかで も変わらずご支援いただき、そして県人会の 役員を信頼してくださり、改めて感謝申し上 げます。新規感染者数や入院患者数の減に 伴い、県人会はより多くの対面イベントを開 催することができそうです。

4月には、春のクラフトフェアがOAAの駐 車場で開催されます。今回のイベントは、コ ロナ禍以降ワクチン証明書・検温が不要と なる初めてのイベントとなります。（マスク着 用は個人の判断が基本となります。）このイ ベントが成功を収め、今年開催予定の数々 のイベントの原動力となることを願っており ます。

しかし、屋内イベントについては、今後も 事前登録や検温、チェックインなど、いくつ かの制限を設ける予定です。屋内イベントで のお食事は可能となりますが、ビュッフェ形 式でお食事を取る際には、マスクや手袋の 着用をお願いいたします。人数制限を行う 場合もございます。コロナ禍における状況を ふまえ、適切な場合には制限を解除したい と考えております。

前号でお知らせしたように、県人会のオフ ィスと図書館が１階に移転いたしました。沖 縄の言語・文学・芸術・文化に特化したアメ リカ本土で唯一の図書館を、会員や地域の 皆様に楽しんでいただけるよう、改装とアッ プグレードを行っております。 改装は遅れ ていますが、完成後、会員および一般の方々 を対象としたオープンハウスを開催する予定 です。

We salute and remember our members who passed away – members who were proud of their Uchinaanchu and Uchinaanchu-at-heart heritage and some were long-time members, generous donors and active leaders. OAA sends our condolences to their families and loved ones. (Please let us know if we have accidentally omitted your loved one.)

MISSED IN PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS:

Shige Mayeshiro (2020)

Hanako Nakama (2021)

Richard Nakao (2021)

Eleanor Okamoto (2021)

Scott Roberts (2021)

Betty Yamashiro (2021)

Lillian M. Yamashiro (2018)

Richard M. Yamashiro (2019) 2022

Sachiko Arakaki (Shimabukuro)

Masao Oshiro

Yoko Tamae

Kimiko Viray

Kay Kaneki

Mariko Bringentoff

Barbara Shimabukuro

2023

Ronald Hamlin

Franklin Adachi

Masayuki Kishimoto

近頃は天候も良くなり、季節も春から夏に 変わりつつあります。今後のイベントでより 多くのメンバーにお会いすることを楽しみに しております。７月中旬には、Whittier Narrowsにてピクニックを開催する予定です。ぜ ひご家族やご友人にお声をかけていただき、 ウチナーンチュ・ファミリーの１日限りの再会 にご参加ください！今回も素晴らしいエンタ ーテイメント、飲み物、ゲームなどを予定し ております。そして、初の三線（一緒に歌・三 線演奏）も予定しております。詳細は近日中 にお知らせいたします。

OAAの様々な責任を果たすため、常に仕 事を続けているエグゼクティブ・ディレクタ ーの山内優子さんとスタッフの神谷ジョウイ さんに感謝いたします。

北米沖縄県人会を日頃よりご支援いただ き、誠にありがとうございます。2023年が 本当に忘れられない１年になるよう、共に頑 張りましょう！

LETTER FROM THE OAA PRESIDENT

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

YUKO’S YEN

BY YUKO YAMAUCHI | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER UCHINĀNCHU

NUCHAASHII - POTLUCK RE-BOOT!

Do you like meeting and getting to know people? Do you like to eat? Do you like learning about Okinawan “things”? Then you GOTTA make it to our monthly Nuchaashii potluck gatherings! (See our re-cap on page 8)

We know that people got used to eating at home and also joining events from a distance, so we’re glad to keep the remote part of the experience, but I wanted to make a special appeal for why you might consider coming out to our future potlucks in person, especially if you are somewhat local to Gardena:

1. The FOOD - bar none!

2. It doesn’t get dark until after 8 these days

3. The Yamauchi Bldg has AC -andheating - yay!

4. Have multiple conversations with many people (hard to do via Zoom)

5. Leftovers!

Being at OAA for over 16 years, I have gotten to meet many OAA people, and Nuchashii is one of those places where one can experience the cross-section of generations and identity, language and geography of our community. I often think of how I

ウチナーンチュとの交流

ぬちゃーしー（持ち寄り）再開！

新たな出会いやお食事はお好きですか？ 沖縄について学ぶのはお好きですか？ぜひ 毎月開催されているぬちゃーしーの集まりに ご参加ください！（8ページの記事もご覧く ださい。）

自宅でのお食事や遠くからのご参加に慣 れた方もいらっしゃると思いますので、今後 もリモート形式のイベントを続けたいと思い ます。それと同時に、ガーデナ周辺の方は、 ポットラックに直接足を運んでみてはいかが でしょうか？ぬちゃーしーの魅力はたくさん ございます！

1. 食べ物がてんこ盛り！

2. 近頃は２０時以降でも外はまだまだ明 るい！

3. 山内ビルディングはエアコンもヒータ ーも完備！

4. Zoomでは難しい大人数での会話！

5. 食べ物のお持ち帰り！

北米沖縄県人会に在籍しているこの１６年 間、私は様々な県人会メンバーと出会うこ

would love to highlight so many of our members to show our diversity, and especially for what many do to serve our mission and in particular to uplift the Okinawan community. That alone is worth the price of admission (well, admission is one potluck dish, but you know what I mean!).

Hope to see more folks as we go forward! Matchooibiindoo (we'll be waiting)!

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Just as we are going to press, the OAA received notice of being selected as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District #66 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. What an honor to be recognized when there are so, so, so many nonprofits that contribute to the betterment of our society. Be on the lookout for more details soon!

とができています。ぬちゃーしーはそうい った出会いを育める場所です。ぬちゃーし ーに参加することによって、このコミュニテ ィの様々なアイデンティティや言語などを 体験することができます。私たちの多様性 を魅せるために、多くのメンバーを取り上 げたいと考えています。こういったメンバー には、県人会の目的である「沖縄文化の維 持・高揚」に多大な貢献をいただいており ます。ぬちゃーしーでは美味しい食べ物を 堪能するだけでなく、このような様々なメン バーと出会えるという魅力があります。

今後、より多くの方々にお会いできることを 楽しみにしております！まっちょんどー！ 発表されたばかり

この度、北米沖縄県人会は議会下院議 員のアル・ムラツチ氏より、下院議員選 挙区#66の2023年「Nonprofit of the Year」に選出されたとの知らせを受けまし た。社会をより良くするために貢献してい る非営利団体がたくさんある中で、このよ うな形で表彰されることは大変光栄です。 詳細は近日中にお知らせいたします！

UCHINAAGUCHI LESSONS (#36)

BY CHOGI HIGA, INSTRUCTOR

A) クリ　ヤ、タームン　ヤイビーガ。 Kuri ya, taa-mun yaibiiga. Whose thing is this? これは誰のものですか。

B) クレー　ワームン　ヤイビーン。 Kuree waa-mun yaibiin. This is mine. これは私の物です。

A) ウリ　ヤ、タームン　ヤイビーガ。 Uri ya, taa-mun yaibiiga. Whose thing is it? それは誰の物ですか。

B) ウレー　イヤームン　ヤイビーン。 Uree yaa-mun yaibiin. It is yours. (your thing) それはあなたの物です。

UCHINAA KUTUBA (Words & Vocabulary)

Taa-mun = whose waa-mun = mine yaa-mun = yours (singular form)

When ending a sentence with “ga” it indicates that is a question waa = my or I yaa =you (singular form)

ONLINE UCHINAAGUCHI CLASSES 2ND 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)

RSVP REQUIRED • 要約が必要： tinyurl.com/oaa-uchinaaguchi-22

UCHINĀ SHINKA, LET’S STAY CONNECTED UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

After a slight delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 7th Worldwide Uchinānchu Festival/Taikai was held on October 31 through November 3, 2022 in Okinawa, Japan. In addition to the Festival/Taikai happening, 2022 also marked the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s return to Japan from the United States following WWII.

The “World Uchinānchu Festival/Taikai” honors the achievements of Okinawan people from all over the world, recognizes the great value of the community heritage of Okinawa, and seeks to expand and develop the Uchinā network through exchanges with Okinawan citizens around the world. The purpose of the Festival/Taikai is to bring people together, reaffirm their roots and identity, and thereby be able to pass them on to the next generation.

As the Okinawa Association of America has done for almost every Festival/Taikai over the years, a dedicated volunteer committee of office staff, boardmembers, and members worked tirelessly to help push out the latest event information and travel updates to our membership and interested individuals. Several virtual and some hybrid information sessions were held to help potential travelers navigate the ever changing travel restrictions and safety protocols during that time, as well as the new Festival/ Taikai registration process. The OAA also organized excursions for our members in Okinawa, which included bingata studios, awamori distilleries, and a social gathering at Ryotei Naha (royal court cuisine restaurant).

This year, a large number of OAA members were honored at the Festival/Taikai for their contributions to expanding and perpetuating the Okinawan culture and traditions in their community.

RECOGNIZED AT THE 2022 7 TH WORLDWIDE

UCHINĀNCHU TAIKAI:

第7回世界のウチナーンチュ大会で認識

海外功労者・Overseas Distinguished Contributor

Aiko Tokunaga

Yoshihiro Tome

次世代代表・Next Generation Representative

Joseph Kamiya

新認証（2022年）ウチナー民間大使・Uchinaa Goodwill Ambassadors

Hiroshi Yamauchi

Edward Kamiya

Joan Oshiro

Kristin Yamauchi

Since the world was just coming out of a global pandemic, the 7th World Uchinānchu Festival/Taikai was broadcast live and videos of events which had limited capacity were made available to the public for the first time in the Festival/Taikai’s long history. Individuals from all over the world were able to experience the sights and sounds of their fellow Uchinānchus at the Festival/Taikai from the comfort of their homes.

The Festival/Taikai is sponsored by the Uchinānchu Festival/ Taikai Executive Committee, which is organized by the Okinawa Prefectural Government and related organizations, and has been held approximately once every five years since 1990.

VIDEOS FROM THE TAIKAI! tinyurl.com/taikai-recordings-22

Top: OAA leadership with Governor Denny Tamaki. Below: Workshop at Suikara Bingata, performance at Ryotei Naha Restaurant, closing ceremony at Okinawa Cellular Stadium. Left: OAA group photo post-parade

GENERAL MEETING • 北米沖縄県人会総会

2023 OAA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS (MEMBERS ONLY)

２０２３年高校生奨学金 (会員のみ) 締め切り：６月２日（金曜日） 興味あるフォームに記入してください

DEADLINE: Friday, JUNE 2, 2023

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

The OAA’s Annual General Meeting was held in-person on December 18. A total of 25 members attended, hearing about the latest updates and reading the 2022 Annual Report provided by all of the committees, clubs and classes under the OAA.

The annual elections for the board of directors were also held. The nominees for board positions were Victoria Oshiro Nishiuchi, Joan Oshiro, Michel Toguchi, and Amy Oshiro Tran, with all four being elected (pictured above, left). All except Michel are returning board members.

In addition, high schooler Kyle Jeong (pictured above, right) gave a short

OAA

presentation about his experience as one of two OAA representatives for the 2022 Uchinaa Junior Study Program (sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government). Although the program was virtual for the second year in a row (via Zoom), Kyle had the opportunity to meet the program coordinators during a family trip to Okinawa!

At the end, there was a question and answer session giving an opportunity for members to voice concerns and ask questions to the OAA leadership. Still observing COVID-19 protocols, prepackaged refreshments were distributed to take home.

IS BACK!

Every year, the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) recognizes and rewards graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent. The selection process will be based on the student’s academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, community contributions, transcript, essays, letters of recommendation, financial need and special consideration for community hours at the OAA.

ELIGIBILITY • 適格性:

Graduating high school seniors (class of 2023) of Southern California* who will attend college in the 2023 – 2024 academic year (* with exception given to members outside of the area who actively participate with OAA)

• Children of Okinawan ancestry

• Children of parent(s) who are current 2023 members of the OAA

• Students with a GPA of 3.0 and above

REQUIREMENTS • 要件:

• Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, coach, mentor or counselor on official letterhead with person’s title and signature (family recommendations will not be accepted; points may be deducted for missing letterhead, signature, etc.)

• Two (2) essays

• Transcripts

• Application must be typed, printed out, and signed (handwritten applications will not be accepted)

MEMBERS ONLY 会員のみ

April 15 (Every 3rd Saturday) • 6 - 9 p.m.

OAA Center's Yamauchi Building in Gardena, California

$5 Admission • SIGN-UP REQUIRED: tinyurl.com/oaakaraoke

Bring your own dinner or preorder a bentō. Water, tea, and coffee available.

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JUNE 2, 2023 OR HAND-DELIVERED TO THE OAA OFFICE BY 4:00 PM ON JUNE 2, 2023

Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the OAA Annual Picnic on July 16 (subject to change) when scholarship awards presentation will take place in person. Recipients are asked to participate in this event live, if possible.

Please contact OAA office if unsure about membership status

KARAOKE CLUB

沖縄県人会カラオケ・クラブ

４月１５日（毎月の第３土曜日）、１８：００〜２１：００ 県人会会館の山内ビル カリフォルニア州ガーデナ市

入場料５ドル、予約が必要：tinyurl.com/oaakaraoke 夕食を持参するか、弁当を事前注文する

2023 NEW YEAR’S PARTY

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

performer list.

After a two-year hiatus, the OAA New Year’s Party was back in person to welcome Usaji-dushi (Year of the Rabbit)! Close to 300 members and friends gathered at the Carson Community Center on January 15th for an afternoon of traditional and modern entertainment, raffle drawings, and a silent auction (online and in-person). Masks were still required for both guests and volunteers.

While it was nice to celebrate 2021 and 2022 with virtual events on YouTube, nothing can compare to enjoying live performances, hearing your name being announced as a raffle prize winner, and most importantly spending time with family and friends face to face (mask to mask)!

READ THE RAFU SHIMPŌ ARTICLE: tinyurl.com/oaa-nyp-rafu-23

WATCH A SHORT SEGMENT ON JAPAN HOLLYWOOD NETWORK (Starts at the 2:06 mark): tinyurl.com/oaa-nyp-jhn-23

From planning and logistics, to truck loading and flower arrangements, to raffle and silent auction, to performing

and MCing, and everything in between –NONE of this would be possible without our DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS!!!

VOLUNTEERS: Pamela Afuso, Nobuko Ajifu, Stephanie Ajifu, Brian Arakaki, Adam Arnot, Lisa Arnot, Naomi Arnot, Noah Arnot, Blaise Baker, John Baker, Phoenix Baker, Andy Berkin, Evan Berkin, Jenny Bernal, Kevin Cuaron, Kyle Cuaron, Myrna Duran, Julian Ely, Bryan Endow, Henry Hideaki Endow, Setsuko Fujimoto, David Fusato, Reiko Higa, Takako Hinkson, Jordan Ishii, Tori Ishikawa, Robin Kagimoto, Joseph Kamiya, Katherine Kamiya, Rachael Kamiya, Gail Kaneshiro, Asuka Kataoka, Kyosuke Kataoka, Kim Kobashigawa, Mark Kurosaki, Yumi Kyan, Esther Matsubara, Ayano Miura, Yoshie Nimmo, M. Naomi Nishi, Mitsuo Nishiuchi, Amy Ono, Garrett Oshiro, Joan Oshiro, Jason Raquinio, Joy Shimabukuro, Devin Shimane, Jeff Shimane, Monica Solis, Ike Tamanaha, Sue Thotz, Michel Toguchi, Melissa Tran, Jason Uza, Momoko Yasutomi Vanna, Isla Walker, Sofia Yakushi, Victoria Yakushi, Ken Yamauchi, Yuko Yamauchi

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA CRUZ’S OKINAWA MEMORIES INITIATIVE (OMI): Ryann Hall, Elina Juvonen, Geneva Samuelson, Meleia SimonReynolds, Nixie Young

STUDENTS FROM PORT OF LOS ANGELES HIGH SCHOOL, WEST HIGH SCHOOL’S INTERACT CLUB, AND SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL: Hao Chun Ian Chen, Alina Dayton-Kreide, Alison Goucher, Cristiana Grosdidier, Eion Imagawa, Isabel Mejia, Suzanah Santos, Minah Shin, Liana Terrill, Chris Tran

FLOWER CENTERPIECES & CORSAGES: Setsuko Fujimoto (Coordinator)

STAGE MANAGER: Ken Yamauchi

AUDIO: Joseph Kamiya (Coordinator)

MCS: Emily Ishii, Mutsuko Uehara

PERFORMERS • パフォーマー: KAIMAKU (OPENING CLASSICAL MUSIC) – Miyagi Ryu Toyomukai (buyou/ dance), Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles (utasanshin), Nomura Ryu Koten Ongaku Kyo Kai (uta-sanshin), Ryukyu Minyo

Continued on next page

Left to right: Volunteers getting items ready to load onto truck for the OAA New Year's Party; OAA President Edward Kamiya with check-in table volunteers Robin Kagimoto and Naomi Endow; VIP ushers Geinobyu volunteers Stephanie Ajifu, Momoko Vanna, and Nobuko Ajifu; Members of the research team from UC Santa Cruz Okinawa Memories Initiative project; Miyagi-ryu Nosho Kai Miyagi; Raffle table volunteers Gail Kaneshiro, Rachael and Kathy Kamiya selling tickets; Kaimaku (opening classical music) by Miyagi Ryu Toyomukai, for musicians please see

2022 SENIOR APPRECIATION DAY • ２０２２年度敬老感謝の日

Ippee nifee deebiru (thank you very much) to the volunteers and donors who made last year’s Keirō Kansha no Hi (Senior Appreciation Day) a huge success!!! Pictured: (Standing) Volunteers

Yuko Yamauchi, Emily Ishii, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Michel Toguchi, Amy Oshiro Tran, Rachael Kamiya, Naomi Nishi, Kathy Kamiya, Andi Hanako Rooney, Misa Furugen, Aiko Tokunaga – (Sitting) Volunteers Brian Arakaki, Joey Kamiya, Edward Kamiya, Ike Tamanaha, Christine Hirata, Jennie Imatomi, Matthew Gonzalez, Camila Valenzuela

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we once again had to cancel our annual luncheon celebration and instead hosted a bentō lunch and care package drivethru in the OAA Center’s parking lot. On October 1, 2022, 236 bentō lunch and care package combos were picked up, including 155 complimentary combos for seniors ages 80 and over. Seniors who preordered drove into the parking lot and stayed safely in their cars while volunteers loaded the combos into the trunk or back seat. “Tusui ya takara” (elders are treasures), so we made sure

to give everyone VIP treatment!

As with all of our activities, the drivethru was volunteer-led and -run and we were very fortunate to receive assistance from the Julian’s and Valiant’s (J’s and V’s) Interact Club of North High School, Torrance CA!

This event was sponsored by Keiro and supported by generous donations from Keiro, Myojo USA, Kamiya Insurance Agency, and OAA members. (See page 10)

An extra special thank you to this year’s planning committee: Amy Oshiro

2023 OAA New Year’s Party continued from previous page

Kyokai Hokubei Shibu (uta-sanshin), Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyokai Los Angeles Shibu (kutu/koto), Mitsufumi Ryu Taiko

Hozonkai Gushi Atsushi Renjo (teeku/ taiko)

(Entertainment in alphabetical order)

Grace Ohana Gospel Ukulele Troupe and Kawehi ‘O Napua (Hawaiian music and hula) • Hanashiro Emiko Ryukyu Minyo

Kenkyusho (minyou/folk music) • William Logan, Shigeru Logan, Kernan Weggler (acoustic music trio) • Majikina Honryu

Aigen no Kai (buyou/dance) • Miyagi Ryu Noshokai (buyou/dance) • Miyagi Ryu Toyomukai (buyou/dance) • Nishikawa

Atsuko Ryukyu Minyo Kenkyusho (minyou/folk music) • Okinawa Shorin

Ryu Karate Kobudo Association (karate demonstration) • Ryukyukoku Matsuri

Daiko Los Angeles Branch • Masao

Tobaru (karaoke)

KACHAASHII/ATCHAMEE – Yoshiaki

Chinen, Tysai Hamagawa (uta-sanshin)

And a huge NIFEE DEEBIRU to this year’s planning committee for MONTHS

Above: Volunteer Misa Furugen checking in OAA member David Fusato.

Below: OAA Member Misa Furugen and OAA Boardmembers Kristin Yamuchi, Amy Oshiro-Tran and Vicky Nishiuchi prepared 236 care packages.

Bottom: Shigeko Yamauchi and Eiko Yanagi carpooling and participating in the drive-up event.

Tran (Chairperson) • Hiroshi Yamauchi

(Co-Chair) Naomi Arnot • Misa Furugen

• Jennie Imatomi • Emily Ishii • Joan

Oshiro Andi Hanako Rooney • Aiko

Tokunaga • Melissa Oshiro Tran

of hard work to make it all happen! 新年宴会実行委員会:

Amy Oshiro Tran (Co-Chairperson)

• Victoria Oshiro Nishiuchi (CoChairperson) • Kristin Yamauchi (CoChairperson) • Joy Afuso • Miki Arlen

• Lisa Arnot • Naomi Endow • Misa

Furugen • Emily Ishii • Chantelle Takata

• Michel Toguchi • Aiko Tokunaga •

Melissa Oshiro Tran

GOING “HYBRID”: NUCHAASHII POTLUCK & SANSHIN DAY 対面やオンラインで集まり：持ち寄りや三線の日

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

When pandemic numbers gradually went down, more and more events started implementing a “hybrid” format, meaning a combination of in-person attendance and the option to watch live on the internet. The OAA, however, has been extra-cautious about opening up again. Our first large-scale indoor event this past January (our annual New Year’s Party) fortunately went smoothly without any incidents, putting many of our worried minds at ease.

We hosted our first “hybrid” Nuchaashii Gathering on February 23rd with a potluck in the OAA Center’s Yamauchi Building and long distance friends joining us online via Zoom. This was our very first potluck since February 2020, right before the lockdown forced us to start meeting virtually. That being said, the in-person attendees were overjoyed to be back and especially to share maasan (delicious) dishes with

each other. (Vaccinated volunteer food servers were masked and gloved)

Per tradition, the gathering started with self-introductions (Uchinaaguchi practice optional). Everyone present in the Yamauchi Bldg. introduced themselves first, followed by everyone online. It was a bit challenging to juggle the technical elements, but we’re confident that future gatherings will go smoother!

This gathering was doubly special because we also celebrated Okinawa’s “Sanshin nu Fii (Sanshin Day)”! 7 instruments were made available for beginners to pick up and try, while experienced players and the online attendees learned how to sing “Tinsagu nu Hana.”

The Sanshin Day festivities continued on Saturday afternoon with an informal “open mic” session where everyone – regardless of experience

level – was welcomed to practice or casually perform for a supportive, judgment-free audience. Uta-sanshin is usually performed as a group, so it was nice to hear rare solos by OAA members George Miyazato, Mitsuo Nishiuchi, and Masao Tobaru (even OAA Executive Director Yuko Yamauchi and Administrative Assistant Joey Kamiya jumped in to perform).

This, too, was a hybrid event with long distance guests participating via Zoom. In addition to enjoying live music, performance recordings from Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko L.A.’s 25th Anniversary Concert, Argentina, and Brazil were shown. The event closed with a breathtaking recording of the late Grandmaster Chōichi Terukina, a National Living Treasure of Japan, who unfortunately passed away in September 2022.

Friends from Northern California, Oregon, the East Coast, and sometimes even Latin America and Okinawa consistently attended the OAA’s virtual events and gatherings during the pandemic. Even though we’re gradually opening back up and refocusing on in-person activities, we’ll be making an effort to maintain and strengthen these online connections – majun chibarana yaasai (we’ll work hard together)!

Because, as many of us learned during the pandemic, that “ichariba choodee” feeling knows no distance!

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 沖縄県人会会員更新

If you support the OAA’s mission of preserving, perpetuating, and promoting Okinawan culture, please consider renewing your membership or joining today. Every year, we organize numerous activities and events in Southern California, but none of this would be possible without the generosity of our members, donors, and volunteers! Being a member also means cultivating cultural and educational spaces for Southern California Okinawans, Okinawans-at-heart and, most importantly, for future generations.

Download Form (PDF): tinyurl.com/oaamember22

Members and friends line up for food at our first in-person Nuchaashii Potluck since 2020!

This year’s Sanshin Day was hybrid with players both in person at the Yamauchi Building and online via Zoom

110TH ANNIVERSARY CONTINUES

HAISAI OAA NEWS #112

OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC.

16500 Western Avenue, Suite #103 Gardena, CA 90247 (310) 532-1929

oaamensore@gmail.com

Yuko Yamauchi

Executive Director

Joseph Y. Kamiya

Administrative Assistant

EDITORIAL STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

Kristin Yamauchi

Chief Editor

Writers

Chogi Higa, Edward Kamiya, Joseph Y. Kamiya, Kristin Yamauchi, Yuko Yamauchi

Japanese Translation

Emily Ishii, Mika Kuraki, Yuko Yamauchi

Photographers

Emily Ishii, Joseph Kamiya, Melissa Oshiro Tran

Illustrations

イラスト沖縄 (https://illust.okinawa)

Contributions are welcome. For newsletter committee approval, email your article to oaanewsletter@gmail.com

MISSION

The Okinawa Association of America’s mission is to promote the Okinawan culture, to assist social and educational advancement of the members, and to contribute to local and international cultural exchanges.

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.

JIGAMI-GWA EMAIL LIST

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

DONATIONS ドーネーション

The following donations were from August 24, 2022 - March 31, 2023. 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.

CORRECTION FROM #111: $300 Donation by Glenn Nakata for Scholarship, not Membership

IN MEMORY OF CHARLENE ARIAS

$200 Betty H. Oshiro, Doreen Watanabe

IN MEMORY OF HIDEKO CLARA

KAWAHARA

$300 Children of Kenneth Kiichi/Tomiko Kohatsu

IN MEMORY OF MARIKO MATSUYAMA

$100 Doreen Watanabe

IN MEMORY OF GLORIA KIMIYO MIYASHIRO

$100 William Miyashiro

IN MEMORY OF BARBARA SHIMABUKURO

$13,690 Joni Shimabukuro • $500 Elizabeth Tokunaga

IN HONOR OF HELENE SHIMANE

$200 Janice Yamanaka/John Shimane/Jeff Shimane and Families

IN MEMORY OF EMIKO WICKERSHAM KAMIYA

$225 Harold Wickersham

BUILDING

$3,000 Anonymous • $100 Patrick Kiyama

GENERAL

$1,000 Capital Group/American Funds (thanks to Miyo Haver), Wendy Yonamine

• $500 Judy/David Ishihara, Chantelle

Takata • $495 Keiko Shimabukuro • $300 Rachael Kamiya • $200 Sachi Kinjo, Kathleen Kitty Sankey • $155 iBenevity/ American Online Giving Foundation, Inc. (thanks to Ann Oshiro) • $105 Jane H. Kuniyoshi • $100 Noriko Tokuyama Chung, Toshi Ikehara, Kumiko Isa, Michael/Mika Ishii, Patrick Kiyama, Mitsuko Moon, Betty H. Oshiro, Pearl Shoho, Alfred Tengan • $55 Kurt Hirata • $54 Sachiko Kelly • $50 Marlys Nakata • $25 Linda Asato, Allyson Nakamoto • $10 Benevity/American Online Giving Foundation, Inc. (thanks to Bree Hannah), Benevity/American Online Giving Foundation, Inc. (thanks to Emma Anderson)

LIBRARY

$100 Patrick Kiyama • $10 Norene UyedaPoscablo

Toshimi Kuniyoshi, David Shinjo/Tsuruko

Sadoyama • $15 Ricardo/Teresa Uchida

SCHOLARSHIP

$500 Aiko Tokunaga, Yoshihiro Tome

AMAZON SMILE (PROGRAM ENDED)

$213.73 (Apr - Jun 2022) • $223.39 (Jul

- Sep 2022) • $248.41 (Oct - Dec 2022)

FACEBOOK

$400 (Sep 2022) • $275 (Nov 2022) •

$60 (Dec 2022) • $25 Anonymous Donor

• $25 (Jan 2023) • $25 (Feb 2023)

RALPHS REWARDS PROGRAM

(SEE PAGE 12 TO LEARN MORE)

$236.22 (Jul - Aug 2022, 53 Households)

• $216.97 (Sep - Nov 2022, 52 Households) • $236.42 (Dec 2022 - Feb 2023, 53 Households)

HAROLD'S CAR DONATION

(SEE PAGE 12 TO LEARN MORE)

$2,840.50 Red Shell Foods • $2,343.75

Helene Shimane • $2,198.25 Sandra Yamashiro • $545.50 Kathy Kuniyoshi

• $435.50 Kevin Asato • $293 Leslie Shimabukuro • $255.50 Joy Afuso

IN-KIND/GOODS DONATIONS

Anonymous #1 Books: Alegal, Destiny Between 2 Worlds, Islands of Protest, Night in the American Village, Remembering Okinawa • Anonymous #2 Books: Last Sakura- Tales of the Yuta, Okinawa- The Last Battle, Okinawa- 2 Postwar Novellas, Okinawa & the U.S. Military, Remembering Okinawa, Stroll Along Ryukyu Martial Arts History, Women of the Sacred Groves, Women of Okinawa; Ink Cartridges: Canon

054H x 4, 125, Pixma CLI-36, PGI-35 • Anonymous Unknown Books: Okinawa2 Postwar Novellas • Anonymous #3 150 Forever stamps, 2 boxed of 8 oz cups, 2 boxes of toilet paper, 3 boxes of paper towels, 1 box of napkins, 3 boxes of 33 gal. trash bags, 1 box of bowl cleaner, 3 boxes of S size rubber gloves, 3 boxes of disposable gloves, 3 dust mops • Maki Yamashiro Chogiyoji Various books for the library • Ruby

Fujiwara 2 used iMacs • David Fusato 300 Forever stamps • Richard H./Jane F. Higa 40 Forever Stamps • Joseph

Kamiya Boxes for OAA cookbook shipments • Rachael Kamiya Scotch tape with holder, 10 pak of bankers boxes; ziploc bags (various sizes) • Gail

(To ensure that our emails aren’t automatically sent to your spam folder, please add oaamensore@gmail.com to your address book or contact list)

MEMBERSHIP

$300 Harry Okamoto • $200 Victor Shima • $40 Kenneth/Amy Higa • $25 Kiyo Imming, Elaine Jang, Charles

Kashima 20 Forever stamps • Steven Matsumoto Portable audio system (2 speakers, 2 stands, mixer, cables) • Veronica Miyakawa Office supplies & paper goods • Hiroko Niho Books & artifacts • Lily Ohara Books: Alegal, A Hundred Waves- Classical Poems from Ryukyu, In the Woods of Memory, Continued on page 10

Speak, Okinawa, Rethinking Postwar

• Bernice Ozaki Plastic orchid flower arrangement

Okinawa

• Jason Raquinio A Stroll Along Ryukyu Martial Arts History

(book) • Jill Sekiguch i Books: Islands of Discontent, Last Sakura- Tales of the Yuta • Christine Shimane Okinawa- A Decorated Marine's Account (book)

• Misako Terukina Various "I Love Okinawa" merchandise (keychains, stickers, etc.) • Ethel Uyematsu Books: Welcome Okinawa, Uchinānchu- Pictoral Tribute to Okinawans in Hawaii

KEIRO KAANSHA NO HI

$1,000 EVENT SPONSOR: KEIRO • $500

Anonymous • $300 Midori Endo/Gayle

Endo/Leslie Lew • $200 Mery Higa • $100 Richard Enomoto, Constanza M. Higa, Florence Matano, Dennis/Joan

Oshiro, Arikuni Shima, Haruko Wehner, Rosa Yakushi, Dina Yogi • $75 Joe/Violet

Nishihira • $50 Ethel Asato, Chogi/ Hiroko Higa, Jorge/Carmen Ikemiyashiro, Yoko Kono, Nosho Miyagi, Kiyo/DJ

Neal, Victoria/Mitsuo Nishiuchi, Lily

Ohara, Emilia Shiohama, Marie Takano, Ivy Toma, Shigeko Yamauchi, John/Eiko

Yanagi • $25 Kay Higa, Harold/Ellen

Kameya • $20 Wallace/Marion Shirota, Mary Tanouye • $10 Joan/Joy Akamine

IN-KIND/GOODS DONATIONS David

Fusato 4 Boxes of Kirkland Green Tea, 1000 T-Shirt Bags • Kamiya Insurance

Agency Vaccination Card Holders •

Keiro Almond Cookies, Itō En Hojicha

Tea, Bilingual Article Printouts • Jorge

Hiroki Maeda Photo Postcards • Myojo

USA 270 Packages of Udon (Mushroom

Flavor) • Aiko Tokunaga Morning

Snacks • Amy Oshiro Tran Origami

Paper, Crayons and Bags, Coloring Pages (500), Coffee

NEW YEAR'S PARTY

$500 BRONZE SPONSOR: KEIRO •

$1,000 Don Akamine • $500 Alice

Kimura, Steven Matsumoto, Masanobu

Oshiro, Chantelle Takata/Hong Sik

Lee • $300 Midori Endo, Harold

Kameya • $200 Mery Higa/Dina Yogi, Okinawa Ryuei Ryu Karate Kobudo

Organization, Keiko Takamiyashiro •

$140 Glen Kameya • $110 Cindy Uehara

• $100 Joy Afuso, Brian Arakaki, Ethel

Asato, Noriko Shimoji Cuaron, Naomi

Endow, Thomas/Alvena Fukuhara, Van Fusato, Constanza M. Higa, Richard and Jane Higa, George/Ruth Hiyane, Jorge/Carmen Ikemiyashiro, Cheryl

Imatomi, Mary Ishiara, Christine Ishida-

Matsuda, Michael/Mika Ishii, Kin Club, Kazue Kitagaito, Nosho Miyagi, Kay

Nakamura, Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, Joe/Violet Nishihira, Kei Ogawa, Lily

Ohara, Betty H. Oshiro, Joan Oshiro,

San Diego Okinawa Kenjinkai, Arikuni/ Mieko Shima, Mary Shimabukuro, David Yoshimichi Shinjo, Chiyoko Sunabe, Kazuo Takehana, Tony Tango, Mutsuko Uehara, Eileen A. Uyehara, Yoshiko/ Greg Walker, Eric/Leslie Wauke, Haruko Wehner, Rosa Yakushi, Hidekuni/ Sueko Yamaoka, Takako Yamashiro, Masakazu Yamauchi, Eiko Yanagi, Dina Yogi • $65 Harriet Furuya • $64 David Fusato • $60 Takako Hinkson, Kumiko Isa, Robin Kagimoto, Glen/Doris Kato, Joyce Kobashigawa, James Miyasato, Faith Shinsato, Joyce Tamanaha-Ho

• $50 David Fusato, Hideko Harper, Brenda Yoko Higa, Chogi Higa, Kathy Kamiya, Tom Maeda, Nanka Kumamoto Kenjinkai, Katsuko Teruya, Aiko Tokunaga, Ivy Toma, Shigeko Yamauchi, Yoshie Zwald • $40 Sue Dolbee, Atsuko/ Paul Long, Wilfred/Loretta Miyashiro, Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi, Cindy Wentzel, Phyllis Yogi • $35 Kris Hatakeyama • $30 Esther Churchwell, Esther Matsubara, Kinuko Tamashiro, Emiko Yamauchi

• $25 Seijun Oshiro, Jason Raquinio, Maria Runyon, Masao Tobaru • $20 Jeanette Arakaki, Vivian Asato, Micki Dufort, Mary Tanouye • $10 Nobuko Ajifu, Eileen Asato, Cheryl Hiromi Nakamura, Ronald/Irene Nakasone, Myrtle Oganeku, Marilyn Shimabukuro, Edward/Karen Toguchi, Petra Oganeku Wallace • $3 Winifred Uyesato INKIND/GOODS DONATIONS Uyehara Travel (Tamiko Uyehara) GRAND

PRIZE: 1 Roundtrip Airfare to Tokyo, Japan • Chantelle Takata TOP PRIZE: $300 Cash Prize • Kamiya Insurance Agency TOP PRIZE: 43" Samsung 4K Smart TV • Anonymous 1 "Ikigai: Life's Purpose" children's book (signed by author Chiemi Souen) • Anonymous 2 Cuisinart Advantage Knife Set, Pyrex Store It 22pcs Set • Adam Arnot 4 Nova Brewery Sake Glasses, 4 Nova Brewery Box Glasses, Okinawa Bingata Poster

• Balletto Vineyards Bottle of RRV Pinot Noir, Complimentary Tasting for 4 Guests • Benihana $20 Gift Certificate

• Bess Press "Okinawan Princess" children's book (signed by author Lee Tonouchi) • Chance Theatre 4 Tickets to Any "Main Series" or "Holiday Series"

Production • Costco (Marina del Rey)

$200 Costco Shop Card • Naomi/Henry Endow 2 Globe Aircraft LED Orb Lights

• Setsuko Fujimoto Portion of Floral Arrangements, Centerpieces, Corsages, Boutonnieres • Hollywood Wax

Museum 2 Free Passes • Huntington

Library 2 Admission Vouchers • In4mation 8 HUOA/In4mation Collab

T-Shirts • Island Packers Day Trip for 2

Guests to Santa Cruz Island Prisoner's

Harbor -or- Santa Rosa Island • Jane's Homemade (Jane Yamashiro) 350 Packets of Homemade Gum Drop Candies for NYP Guests • Kamiya Insurance Agency 2 LA Kings Tickets and Parking Pass (March 4 vs. St. Louis), 350 Desk Calendars, 350 Vaccination Card Holders • Joseph Kamiya My Neighbor Totoro Baseball Cap • Manhattan Stitching (Cory Jachnuk) 2 LA Kings Tickets and Parking Pass (March 6 vs. Washington) • Esther Matsubara Adult Women's Socks (4 Pairs), Gardening Gloves (3 Pairs), Cosmetic Bags (3), Luggage Handle Protectors (2), Kitchen Set (Dish Towel, Pot Holders, Oven Mits, Coasters), Luminarc Sterling Glass Cups (4 Piece Set) • My Shima Playlist Dushi-nu-chaa Souvenirs from Okinawa (Set of 5 Chibi Character Keycharms, Set of 7 Illustrated Postcards, Shiisaa Sticker) • Ninazuma Pottery (Becca Nina Doll-Tyler) 4 "Ichariba Choodee" Tea Tumblers (Original Pottery) • Nova Brewery (James Jin/Emiko Tanabe) 6 Bottles of Hotsukoi (Strawberry Sake) • Joan Oshiro MKF Mia K. Collection Women's Luciana Crossbody Bag, Joy Mangano Spacious Leather Tote with Clutch • Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier 2 Unlimited Ride Wristbands • Portillo's $25 Gift Card • Ryukyu Minyo Kyokai North America Branch 2 Bags of Ten no Tsubu (Fukukshima) Rice, 2 Bags of Koshihikari (Niigata-ken) Rice (10 lbs each) • Santa Barbara Zoo 2 Guest Passes and 1 Parking Pass • Sender One Sender One Climbing Gift Certificate • Skirball Cultural Center Member-ForA-Day Pass • Chantelle Takata $300 Cash Raffle Prize, 17 Bags of Rice, 21 Packs of Soba, 4x $10 Tokyo Central Gift Certificates, 1x $25 See's Candies Gift Card • Michel Toguchi $25 Target Gift Card • Yoshihiro Tome Ryūkyū Ōchō Awamori (750ml) x 12 Bottles, Awamori with Gold Flakes (1.8 liter, 24%), Matsufuji Awamori (Aged 3 Years, 720ml, 30%), Ryūkyū Ōchō Awamori Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

Edition (Aged 3 Years, 720ml, 30%), Kuon Awamori (Aged 10 Years, 720ml, 35%), Taragawa Awamori (750ml, 44%), Izena Island Awamori Signed by Alberto Shiroma (Diamantes) (Aged 3 Years, 720ml, 30%), Ryūkyū Ōchō Awamori (750ml) x 12 bottles • Total Wine & More Private Wine Class for 20 • Cindy Uehara $25 See's Candies Gift Card, $25

Old Navy Gift Card • Universal Studios

2 Free Passes • USS Midway Museum

Family 4-Pack • Walt Disney Family

Disclaimer: The OAA does not endorse or sponsor any of the businesses, services, or products advertised here. OAA members who wish to advertise can contact the OAA for rates: (310) 532-1929 | oaamensore@gmail.com

Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu

Choichi Kai Los Angeles

RYAN NAKAMATSU

Sanshin Instructor

琉球古典安冨祖流音楽研究

朝一会ロサンゼルス支部 ZOOM classes available. Contact choichikaiLA@gmail.com for more information.

(808) 753-5454

RNakamatsu@gmail.com choichikaiLA@gmail.com

CHARLES M. KAMIYA AND SONS, INC.

DBA: KAMIYA INSURANCE AGENCY

Edward K. Kamiya President

373 Van Ness Avenue, #200 Torrance, CA 90501

CDI #0G93824

Telephone: (310) 781-2066

Direct: (310) 781-2069

Facsimile: (310) 961-9516

Email: edwardk@kamiyainsurance.com

Website: www.kamiyainsurance.com

702-277-4507

ARAKAWA@COX.NET

9480 S. EASTERN AVE. SUITE 274, LAS VEGAS, NV 89123

Continued from previous page

NMLS#373999 LIKE/FOLLOW

Museum 4 General Admission Tickets • White Mountain

Treasure (Lisa Arnot) Pair of Ceramic Shiisaa, Handsewn Okinawa Print Bath Towels, Bath & Body Works Candle, Hand Soap, Hand Lotion • Ken/Kristin Yamauchi Heated Neck/Shoulder Pad, Shuri Castle Wood Model, Shuri Castle Nanoblock Model, Blue Bingata Print Noren, Yellow Bingata Print Noren, Pair of Shiisaa Paper Art, 4 Bingata Coasters, 4 Regal Movie Tickets, $25 Olive Garden Gift Card, 2 x $10 Tokyo Central Gift Certificates • Additional prizes sponsored by the OAA, Fujinbu Women's Club, Geinobu Performing Arts Committee, and Seisonenbu Activities Committee

@oaamensore

OKINAWA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC.

16500 WESTERN AVENUE

SUITE #103

GARDENA, CA 90247

CONNECT WITH US

WEBSITE: www.oaamensore.org

BLOG: oaamensore.wordpress.com

NEWSLETTERS: issuu.com/oaamensore @oaamensore

OAA OFFICE CLOSURE

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:

5/29 - Memorial Day

7/4 - Independence Day

9/4 - Labor Day

11/23 - Thanksgiving

11/24 - Day after Thanksgiving

12/25 - Christmas Day

1/1/24 - New Year's Day

WANT TO SUPPORT THE OAA? 北米沖縄県人会をサポートする方法

WISHLIST • 欲しい物を寄付

• Books and DVDs about Okinawa

• Forever stamps

• Multipurpose paper

• Canon 125 & 054 toners, PGI-35 & CLI-36 inks

VOLUNTEERING • ボランティア

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.

MONETARY DONATIONS • 金銭的寄付

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.

Send a check or money order to the address below (payable to OAA) or call (310) 532-1929 to donate via credit card. 16500 S. Western Ave. #103 Gardena, CA 90247.

SHOP AT RALPHSかFOOD4LESSで購入

(Enrollment is required) When you go grocery shoppingat Ralphs or Food 4 Less, a portion of your purchase will be donated

to us! Before you pay, just enter the phone number that’s linked to your account. Don’t have an account yet?

Enroll by Phone:

1. Call 1-800-443-4438

2. Ask to enroll in the Community Contribution Program

3. Provide your rewards card # or phone #

4. Give them the charitable organization number: #94011

5. Confirm the organization: Okinawa Association of America Enroll Online: oaamensore.org/shop.htm

SPONSORSHIP • スポンサーシップ

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.

DONATE YOUR CAR • 車を寄付する

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!

Call 1-800-310-5274 or email harold@haroldscardonation.com and tell them you want to support the Okinawa Association of America (OAA).

Place Address Label here

Okinawan Craft Fair Okinawan Craft Fair

Saturday, April 29, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Some vendors may close early depending on the availability of items.

parking only, pets not allowed

Shop for arts, crafts, and gifts including Okinawathemed items from local creators! FREE to attend.