Hasai OAA News #114

HAISAI OAA NEWS

FALL • SEPTEMBER 2023 • ISSUE #114

COMMUNITY & SUMMER FUN AT THE PICNIC

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

From Generation to Generation

県人会ピクニック

On July 16, approx. 400 community members gathered for our Annual Picnic at Whittier Narrows Recreation Park in South El Monte, California. This was our second in-person picnic after a two-year hiatus during the peak of the pandemic. Due to lower rates of COVID-19, strict requirements such as face masks, temperature checks, and RSVPs were lifted for this year’s event.

Our small team of hardworking volunteers planned the logistics; managed the reception, information, water, and snowcone booths; coordinated the games, performances, and raffle drawings; loaded and unloaded the truck; operated the golf cart to transport members with physical restrictions to and from the parking lot; and provided live entertainment. We were

also fortunate to have student volunteers from California School of the Arts, International Polytechnic High School, Orange County School of the Arts, South Torrance High School, and UC Santa Cruz’s Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI) lending a helping hand. The event began with a welcome from OAA President Edward Kamiya, former OAA President Chogi Higa introducing our VIP guests, and remarks from Kihei Ohtani and Kitty Sankey representing the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai) and Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, respectively. President Kamiya then introduced this year’s high school scholarship recipients. (See page 6 for biographies)

MAJUN ASHIBANA (PLAY TOGETHER!)

Children (and children-atheart) took part in the games which included hot potato, a relay race, and tama-ire (Japanese-style bean bag toss). Upbeat Okinawan music was played during each game to keep the energy high and also to add Okinawan flair. The much-anticipated water balloon toss tournament gave temporary relief from the heat, which lingered in the 90s the whole day. The competitive chinahichi (tug-of-war) was brought back for the first time since pre-pandemic, resulting in the men’s team winning.

IYAA SAA SAA!

Attendees enjoyed an afternoon full of entertainment ranging from traditional music and dance to modern and fusion performances. There

110TH CELEBRATION SPONSORS

were even a couple of firsts: The OAA’s first-ever Uta-Sanshin Play-Along brought together 8 people with varying levels of sanshin experience to perform “Tinsagu nu Hana” (including 3 who just started learning a few months ago); and brand new shishimai duo, Shishigumi, had their OAA debut and wowed the audience with their beautifullymade shiisaa costume and impressive movements! (See page 9 for performers)

WUDUYABIRA! (LET’S DANCE)

Every year, the festivities culminate into the All-Okinawan Bon Dance, during which we dance together in honor of our uyafaafuji (ancestors) and in memory of loved ones who are no longer with us. An addition to this year’s Bon Dance was the commemorative pinback buttons given out to everyone

Continued on page 9

(Top row) Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karatedo Kobudo Association; Shishigumi lion dancers' OAA debut; Miyagi Ryu Nosho Kai; William Logan; (Bottom row) OAA's 1st Uta-Sanshin Play-Along; Executive Director Yuko Yamauchi, MCs Dominique Mashburn & Kohki Nishioka, Vice Presidents Vicky Nishiuchi & Aiko Tokunaga; water balloon toss tournament; past OAA President Kimiko Goya with her kids & grandkids

Ichi nu Ichimadin:

PRESIDENT'S GREETINGS 会長の挨拶

BY EDDIE KAMIYA | OAA PRESIDENT

HAISAI! Thank you all again for your trust in the leadership team and for your support while we navigated the OAA through the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 3½ years. Incidents of COVID-19 were low these past 6 months, but numbers are starting to rise and we did have members who recently tested positive, so please continue to be safe and considerate of others.

Earlier this year we had our first in person New Year’s Party in over 3 years, our Spring Craft Fair in the parking lot of the OAA, and of course our Annual Picnic where we hosted 400 members and friends at the Whittier Narrows picnic grounds. Okinawan music and dancing, karate demonstrations, games, and the only Okinawan Bon Dance in LA were enjoyed by all. I’m happy to say we did not have any reported infections.

We are continuing the move of the OAA office and library downstairs to the first floor of our building. The planning and progress has slowed due to various events, but the offices and library will be 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.

One of the silver linings of the past 3 years has been the increased sharing of our activities online via Zoom and social media. Using these platforms, the OAA has expanded our reach outside of the local Southern California area, reaching new members throughout the United States and even other regions such as Canada, South America and Asia.

I hope you all were safe and did not endure too much damage from Tropical Storm Hilary's recent visit. Although there were many areas of Southern

California that suffered severe damage from the storm, we at the OAA were safe and did not suffer any damage. Hopefully this unexpected rainfall will help us all get out of this drought!

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 help plan future events for 2023 and 2024. Please see our future newsletters and announcements for upcoming events.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE 2023 A TRULY MEMORABLE YEAR AND CELEBRATE OUR OAA CENTER'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY!

はいさい！３年間半、コロナ禍の間、OAA のリーダーシップ・チームを信頼し続け、サ ポートしてくださった皆様に改めて感謝いた します。 この半年間、コロナの感染者数は 減少気味でしたが、最近は再び増加傾向に あります。県人会にも陽性と診断された会 員もいらっしゃいました。皆様も引き続き体 調にお気をつけください。

今年は３年ぶりの対面式新年宴会OAA 駐車場でのクラフト・フェア、そしてWhittier Narrowsでのピクニックなどが開催されま した。沖縄の音楽や踊り、空手の実演やLA で唯一の沖縄の盆踊りを４００人と共に楽 しむことができました。幸いなことに、コロ ナ感染の報告はなく、イベントは無事終了い たしました。

そして、OAAオフィスと図書館の１階への 移転も続いております。様々なイベントの影 響で計画や進捗は多少遅れていますが、オ フィスも図書館も徐々に改装・アップグレー ドされています。完成いたしましたら、アメリ カ本土で唯一の沖縄の言語・文学・芸術・文 化に特化した図書室を会員の皆様やコミュ ニティの皆様にお楽しみいただけるようにな ります。

この３年間、私たちはZoomやSNSを通 じて、活動をオンラインで共有できる機会 が増えました。これらのプラットフォームを 活用することで、OAAは地元・南カリフォル ニア以外の地域にも活動の幅を広げられ、 アメリカ全土、さらにはカナダ・南米・アジア といった他の地域でも新しい会員を迎え入 れることができました。

幸いOAAは無事でしたが、ハリケーン・ヒ ラリーの影響で、南カリフォルニアでは多く の地域で被害が出たようです。皆さまの地 域はご無事でしたか。この予期せぬ降雨が、 少なくとも干ばつからの脱出に役立つことを 願っております。

OAAの様々な責任を果たすため、常に仕 事を続けている事務局長の山内優子と事務 局スタッフの神谷ジョウイに感謝申し上げ ます。そして今年や来年のイベントを企画す るために、引き続き尽力していただき、あり がとうございます。今後のイベントについて は、ニュースレターやお知らせをご覧くださ い。

皆様の日頃からのご支援に改めて感謝申 し上げます！２０２３年は共にOAAセンター の２５周年をお祝いしながら、思い出たくさ んの１年にしましょう！

JOIN US AT OUR MONTHLY EVENTS!

UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS (ONLINE)

第２金曜日：ウチナーグチ・クラス

2nd Fridays, 7pm Pacific

RSVP: tinyurl.com/oaalanguage

MEMBERS ONLY 会員のみ

KARAOKE CLUB (IN-PERSON)

3rd Saturdays, 6 - 9pm

RSVP: tinyurl.com/oaakaraoke

MEMBERS ONLY 会員のみ

NUCHAASHII GATHERINGS (HYBRID) 最後の木曜日：集まり会

Last Thursdays

Potluck 持ち寄り @ 7 pm Online オンライン @ 7:30 Pacific

RSVP: tinyurl.com/nuchaashii2023

YUKO’S YEN

BY YUKO YAMAUCHI | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY FOR

2024!

For our long-time members, you know that we used to distribute beautiful membership directories every five years. Due to various circumstances, the last edition was printed in 2013. With the transfer of our membership directory into a new database system, and now that we are slowly returning to pre-pandemic activity levels, the membership committee has decided that it is finally time to publish a new directory.

The directory will be half letter size (8.5” x 5.5”), and wirebound.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KNOW:

• Members who are current as of October 31, 2023 will be listed in the directory.

• You will be able to review your information for accuracy.

• You will be able to opt out and not be included in the directory.

• Each membership directory will cost $5 and will be made available for current members only.

Each member current as of October 31 will receive a notification regarding the directory. OAA will be selling advertisements for the directory as well. Advertising sizes and prices will be announced in a future mailing.

The membership directory is intended for personal use only. It should not be used for business solicitation or mass mailers.

2024年の新しい会員名簿!

長年の会員の皆様は、かつては5年ごとに印刷されていたこのような美しい会員名 簿があったことを覚えていらっしゃると思います。さまざまな事情により、最後の名 簿は2013年に発行されました。古い会員データーベースソフトが新しいシステムに 移行され、現在ではパンデミック前と同様に徐々に活発になってきているため、会員 部のメンバーは、ついに新しいディレクトリを発行する時期が来たと決定しました。 前回と同じように名簿ははハーフレター サイズ (8.5 インチ x 5.5 インチ) で、ワイ ヤーバインドとなります。

知っておくべきことがいくつかあります:

• 2023年10月31日時点の有効である会員が名簿にリストされます。

• あなたの情報が正しいかどうかを確認できます。

• オプトアウトしてディレクトリに参加しないようにすることができます。

• 会員名簿は５ドルで、現会員のみに配布されます。

10月31日時点で有効であるメンバーには通知が届きます。 会員名簿には、広告も 販売する予定です。

このディレクトリの目的は個人的な使用のみであり、ビジネスの勧誘や大量のメー ル送信に使用することはことわりします。

UCHINAAGUCHI LESSONS (#38)

BY CHOGI HIGA, INSTRUCTOR

Basic grammar （基本文法）

Personal Pronouns and Possessive Postpositional Particles; “nu” and “ga” (人称代名詞と所有格助詞の “ヌ” と “ガ” の使用法）

FIRST PERSONAL PRONOUN (一人称代名詞）

The possessive particles are omitted when using first personal pronouns. （一人称代名詞を使用する場合)

Example:

ワン スムチ Wan__ shumuchi 私の本 My book

Taruu: (タルー)

Chiruu: (チルー)

クレータースムチ ヤイビーガ。

Kuree taa shumuchi yaibiiga. Whose book is this? これは誰の書物ですか。

ウレーワン スムチ ヤイビーン。

Uree wan___ shumuchi yaibiin. It is my book. それは私の本です。

SECOND PERSONAL PRONOUN （ニ人称代名詞）

(ニ人称代名詞を使用する場合、所有格助詞 “ヌ” を代名詞と所有目的物との間に挿入する)

Example:

Taruu: (タルー)

ウンジュ ヌ クルマ。 Unju “nu” kuruma. あなたの車 Your car

クレータークルマ ヤイビーガ。

Kuree taa kuruma yaibiiga. Whose car is this? これは誰の車ですか。

Chiruu: (チルー)

ウレーウンジュ ヌ クルマ ヤイビーン。

Uree unju “nu” kuruma yaibiin. It is your car. それはあなたの車です。

UCHINAA KUTUBA (Words & Vocabulary)

wan = my shumuchi = a book yaibiin = to be kuree = this

uree = it unju = you kuruma = a car

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/oaalanguage

IREI NO HI: REMEMBERING THE BATTLE OF OKINAWA

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

On June 25, the OAA hosted its annual Irei no Hi: Remembering the Battle of Okinawa event both in person at the OAA Center’s Yamauchi Building and online via Zoom. Attendance was split between in-person and online, totaling at approximately 60 attendees.

In Okinawa, a memorial day known as Irei no Hi is observed annually on June 23. This date is officially documented as the end of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, although Okinawa’s suffering continued long after. The goal of our Irei no Hi events is to memorialize the nearly 150,000 lives that were lost and to inform the next generation about

6月25日、県人会は恒例の慰霊の日イベ ント、「忘れ難き沖縄戦」をOAAセンター の山内ビルで対面とオンラインをとうしての ZOOMで行った。参加者は合計およそ60名 でした。

沖縄では「慰霊の日」として毎年6月23 日は記念され祝祭日となります。この日は 1945年沖縄戦が終わった日となっていま す。しかしながら人々の苦しみはその後も続 いた。慰霊の日イベントを催すことにより私

Okinawa’s history and its connection to current issues.

Commemorating the 78th anniversary of Battle, we featured recordings of two in-depth lectures by special guest speakers: Harumi Miyagi (Okinawa) on the forced mass civilian deaths in the Kerama Islands; Hanayo Oya (Japan and U.S.) on the forced civilian evacuations from Hateruma, Ishigaki, and neighboring Yaeyama Islands and subsequent deaths caused by malaria. Both talks explored little known aspects of the war and the Imperial Japanese Army’s atrocities against Okinawan civilians.

たちは15万人の人の命が失われたことを思 い出し冥福を祈りそして若い世代が沖縄の 歴史と現在の問題などについて考える機会 を得れば幸いと思います。

戦後78周年を記念して私たちは2つの詳 細な講義の録画を特集しました：特別ゲス トスピーカー宮城晴美 (沖縄)による「慶良間 島での民間人の集団自決」そして大矢英代 ( 日本とアメリカ) による「波照間、石垣、八重 山諸島での民間人の集団強制避難とその後

YEAR-END CLEAN UP or

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ボランティア募集

Sunday, November 19, 2023

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

If you've enjoyed an event at the OAA Center or have actively utilized the OAA facilities – Yamauchi Building, Higashi Building, conference room, Kamiya Library, or the office – we hope you can join us to help pitch in. Please bring your work and kitchen gloves and cleaning clothes. We typically go until all tasks are done, usually around 3PM, but the more people who volunteer, the quicker we can finish things up! Still, we welcome all for any amount of time – "come if you can, leave when you must."

Yutasarugutu unigee sabira. Yoroshiku onegaiitashimasu

The emotionally heavy talks were balanced by heartfelt performances: an Okinawan folk song by Ricardo Kakazu and Bruna Mariko Oshiro in Brazil, a Yaeyama folk song by Hanayo Oya, and an original spoken word piece by Kyle Toyama.

VOLUNTEERS ボランティア

Event Planning Committee イベント主

催者: Joey Kamiya (chairperson), Ayano Ginoza • Reception 受付: Christine Hirata, Kurt Hirata • Tech ビデオ・オ ーディオ・オンライン: Joey Kamiya (coordinator), Tori Ishikawa Toguchi

• Event 当日: Brian Arakaki, Edward Kamiya, Yuko Yamauchi

のマラリアによる死」二人ともあまり知られ てない戦争についての事実と日本兵の沖縄 民間人に対する残虐行為について話した。 感情的にちょっと重い話はこころ温まる パフォーマンスでバランスが取れた。ブル ーナ・オオシロとリカルド・カカズ(ブラジル) による沖縄民謡、大矢英代による八重山民 謡、そしてカイル・トオヤマによるオリジナル の話し言葉。

GENERAL MEETING

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER, 12, 2023 • 10:00 AM

Every year, the OAA hold their annual member's meeting to vote in the new board of directors, president, give updates on the organization including reports from the president, CFO and all the committees, clubs and classes. 新会長と新理事の選出、CFOの財務レポート、各部 の年間活動のレポートが報告されます。

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION 参加要件：

OAA members who paid their dues by October of that year are eligible to attend and vote at the meeting.

VOTING IS ONLY ALLOWED IN-PERSON.

Special notice will be sent out in the near future. 総会の お知らせ情報は、これより会員に郵送いたします。

Harumi Miyagi, speaker; Hanayo Oya, speaker; Kyle Toyama, poet; Ricardo Kakazu and Bruna Mariko Oshiro, sanshin.

「慰霊の日」沖縄戦についてイベント

HIROMI TOMA, HAJICHI ARTIST FROM BRASIL

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

On July 9th, the OAA had the pleasure of welcoming Hiromi Toma, a third generation Okinawan artist from São Paulo, Brasil. It was a hybrid event with approximately 30 guests joining us at the OAA Center’s Yamauchi Building and 46 online via Zoom.

The primary focus of the event was hajichi tattoos, a traditional ritual that was practiced by indigenous Ryūkyūan women for centuries before being banned under Japanese colonization. Young women would receive hajichi on their hands and wrists based on milestones, with specific symbols and patterns hand-poked onto their skin. Much like with languages and traditions, regions and islands have their own unique hajichi.

Toma shared her journey as a hajichi artist in Brasil, her presentation being

equally educational and personal. She has tattooed 96 Okinawan women in her home country since 2021, with the very first being her mother. After the talk, she tattooed herself with a hajichi symbol using traditional techniques; a live closeup view of the process was projected onto the screen and viewable on Zoom.

In-person guests had the opportunity to view a mini exhibition featuring prints of old family photographs shared by Okinawans in Brasil and a few from the United States – Okinawan emigrant mothers, grandmothers, and greatgrandmothers with bold hajichi symbols clearly visible on their hands (in contrast to photos where the womens’ hands are facing palms up to hide the markings). There were also a couple copies of Lee Tonouchi and Laura Kina’s children’s book, “Okinawan Princess: Da Legend of

當眞裕美、ブラジルから『はじち』アーティスト

7月9日、県人会は當眞裕美、沖縄3世のア ーティストをブラジルのサンパウロから歓迎 しました。約30人の山内ビルでの対面の参 加者と40人のZOOMをとうしてのオンライ ン参加者でした。

このイベントはハジチ刺青、先住民の沖 縄女性が長い間行っていた伝統的なしきた りで日本の植民地化によって失くなった文化 に焦点を当てました。ハジチは若い女性が 人生の特別な時期に特定の記号やパターン の入れ墨を彼らの手や手首に受ける風習で あった。言葉やしきたりがそれぞれの地域 や島で違うようにハジチも場所によって個 性がある。

當眞さんはブラジルでハジチ・アーティス トとして活躍し今回は彼女の個人的な経験

をを含めた教育的なプレゼンテーションで した。2021年以来、当間さんは96の沖縄の 女性に入れ墨を彫った。一番最初は彼女の お母さんでした。話が終わった後當眞さんは 自分の手にハジチのシンボルを伝統的な方 法で刺青を施した。ライブクローズアプした 入れ墨の過程はスクリーンに映しZOOMで も見ることができた。

ハジチ・アーティストの他に當眞さん はブラジル沖縄県人会のデレクターであ り、そして「島人ぬ毛遊び」とう世界ウチ ナーンチュの展示を共同設立。詳しくは： a.hiromitoma@gmail.com、hiromitoma. com、linktr.ee/hiromitoma、Instagram @hiromi.hajichiaa、Facebook @hiromi. andreia

Hajichi Tattoos,” for guests to read.

In addition to being a hajichi artist, Hiromi Toma is the director of the Okinawa Association of Brazil (Associação Okinawa Kenjin do Brasil) and co-founded “Shimanchu nu Mōashibi,” an international Okinawa diaspora art exhibition started in Campo Grande. a.hiromitoma@gmail.com, hiromitoma.com, linktr.ee/hiromitoma, Instagram @hiromi.hajichiaa, Facebook @hiromi.andreia

VOLUNTEERS ボランティア

Event Organizers イベント主催者: Joey Kamiya, Hiromi Toma • Reception

受付: Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi • Tech ビデオ・オーディオ・オンライン: Joey Kamiya (coordinator), Lauren Higa • Event 当日: Brian Arakaki, Adam Arnot, Edward Kamiya, Kim Kobashigawa, Yuko Yamauchi

Hiromi Toma presenting in person and live online; Toma doing a live hajichi demonstration on her wrist; old photo Toma received from one of her hajichi clients in Brasil

2023 OAA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2023年度北米沖縄県人会奨学金受賞者

BY: TATIA TOKUNAGA OSHIDARI | SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

LINNEA TAKARA TAMAKI (YAMAUCHI SCHOLARSHIP)

ALEX YOSHIAKI DE LA CUEVA TAMANAHA

SCHOLARSHIP)

Linnea is the daughter of Glenn and Alexandra Tamaki and graduated from Sheldon High School in Sacramento. She was a Biotech Academy member, received a Renaissance Award Gold Level for maintaining a 4.0 GPA and also was awarded the All-School Husky Award given to only 2 seniors who embody outstanding qualities of scholarship, citizenship, leadership and service. She is a singer and was the national anthem soloist for various athletic events for her school, and won various awards including All-State Honors, gold medal for her solo at the Lenaea Festival and outstanding performance award including writing and directing a science themed play performed by Sheldon High’s Advanced Theater Honors class. She served on the student of the year campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Teacher assistant for the Jessie Baker School for special needs students, and was involved in both trumpet and choir, even singing the national anthem at the Sacramento River Cats minor league baseball game. She credits the diversity of the people around her with her success. Linnea writes, “Growing up, I was exposed to so many different, sometime contradicting attitudes, ideas and opinions. Having so much information required me to analyze and challenge the conforming though, ultimately formulating my own unique set of ideals and beliefs. This strong, supportive and well-connected community that I have had the privilege of growing up in is very similar to the Okinawan “moai”. She will attend UC Davis in the fall majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

Alex is the son of Miguel de la Cueva and Amy Tamanaha. He graduated from Kennedy High School where he received an Emerald Chain award given to the top 20 GPA earners and served as Vice President of the Esports Club, Events Coordinator for Computer Club and Upper Classmen Rep for the Red Cross Club. He represented his school in the Grim Cup, beating college teams as well in the HSEL National Tournament where he placed top 16 in the nation in “Valorant”. He also was an intern for his school district’s IT department and helped create an AI assistant for the district’s website. He credits his grandpa Jenga Tamanaha who worked on the Apollo mission for fostering his love of STEM, as well as gaining his appreciation for his family and Okinawan culture. He says “To be Okinawan to me, is to be a person who not only welcomes challenges and adversity within one’s life, but also someone who possess the resolve and grit to push past those obstacles and develop through those experiences.” Alex will be attending UCLA in fall majoring in Data Theory.

National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation and received Scholar Athlete awards for Volleyball and Basketball. He was second team all-league in volleyball and earned a Coaches Award. He was part of the Yonsei Basketball association traveling to Japan with his teammates and volunteered at Terasaki Budokan. He participated in the Rising Stars Youth Leadership program and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. While Luke is still learning about his heritage, he notes, “How was it possible that my reserved, rational father ever married my outspoken, emotional mother? I guess opposites do attract. While it’s obvious such stark differences in upbringing and culture would engender issues in my parents’ relationship, those difference are what connected them and provided the principles from which I was raised. So who are you?

My name is Luke Matsunaga, and I’m half Chinese, a quarter Japanese and a quarter Okinawan. You may not think being Okinawan is different from being Japanese, but I find pride in knowing that I am, in knowing that I am different and that there is much more to me beyond a typical Asian boy”. He will attend UC Riverside majoring in Computer Science.

EMI REESE TAKARA

Luke is the son of Dean and Janice Matsunaga and graduated from Sonora High School. He was a member of the

Emi is the daughter of Timothy and Traci Takara and a graduate of Culver City High School. She was on the Blue Honor Roll for 4 years, on Varsity Track and Field and Cross Country, Scholar Athlete and Coach’s Award winner. She served as president of MESA math and engineer club, Vice President of STAND (Students That Assist Neighbors Displaced) club organizing fundraisers and clothing drives, on the Robotics team, Link Crew leader, helping freshman adjust to high school and Continued on next page

Glenn (father), Annika (sister and 2020 Yamauchi Scholarship winner), Linnea, Alexandra (mother)

Amy (mother) and Alex

Dean (father), Canaan (brother and 2020 scholarship recipient), Luke, Janice (mother)

(HIGASHI

LUKE MATSUNAGA (MIYAHIRA SCHOLARSHIP)

(KAMIYA SCHOLARSHIP)

the Academy of Visual and Performing arts. Emi gives back to the community volunteering for Koreatown Youth and Community Center, Summer Enrichment for Kids as a math teacher’s assistant, AAPI combating Asian hate crimes and at Kaiser Permanente. She also played Taiko for LA Mugen. She credits her grandma as being a big inspiration and says, “Despite her hardships, she talked about how positive Okinawans remained as they rebuilt their community together. After my family joined the OAA, I observed my aunty and uncle interacting with their friends at OAA activities and realized my grandma was a reflection of this community that is filled with individuals who are positive and community minded and continue to embrace their culture and their differences.” She will attend UC San Diego majoring in Structural Engineering.

MIYA KONISHI (KISHIMOTO SCHOLARSHIP)

and my grandparents embody that very spirit of resilience and endurance. Being Okinawan means to continuing to embody this spirit throughout my life.” She will attend San Diego State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

CRYSTAL RIKA KAMIYAMA (OAA SCHOLARSHIP)

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

Majun OAA uti wudurana:

Lauren is the daughter of Yasuaki and Diane Konishi and a graduate of North High School. She was member of the California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society, received a Career Technical Education achievement award for Engineering and Computer Science. She received an achievement award for Project Lead the Way, May Student of the Month and an State Seal for Civic Engagement. She served as president and secretary of the math club and played on the North High basketball team. Lauren was a member of the Japanese club and Vietnamese club, performing and dancing and various multicultural performances. She tutors students in calculus, volunteered for F.O.R and was chosen to for the SEYO Goodwill All Star team playing against the Fukuoka Yonsei team from Japan. In sharing what being Okinawan means to her, she notes that “both of my grandparents were born and raised in Okinawa during time of immense hardships and formidable challenges. The history of Okinawa is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people,

Crystal is the daughter of Zensho and Maria Kamiyama and a graduate of San Dimas High School. She was a drumline captain for four years and was in the marching band. She played trombone, vibraphone and was front ensemble section leader and center Marimbist. She is also a member of Tamagusku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai learning Okinawan dance. She states, “This group has helped her entertain the importance of my ethnic background and how it shows me as an individual; the beauty of a person is surreal due to so many parts of the world, with their own unique cultures. A respect for cultures has no doubt been brought up with this group, understanding and loving is one my key priorities in life now.” Crystal will be attending Michael Vincent academy and studying Special Effects makeup and hopes to pursue a career in film and prosthetic makeup.

TAYE REISS (OAA SCHOLARSHIP)

Saataa andaagii (literal): ______+______+______

Uyafaafuji:

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP:

Every year, the OAA recognizes and rewards graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent. The selection process is 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: Graduating high school seniors; children of Okinawan ancestry; children of parent(s) who are current members of the OAA; students with a GPA of 3.0 and above.

APPLICATIONS: Applications are usually released each year around March/April and due in June.

Taye is the son of Matthew Reiss and Resa Oshiro and a graduate of Geffen Academy at UCLA. He was a recipient of the Dussault Scholarship, played Varsity volleyball, tennis, basketball and crosscountry. He also was head of the Chess Club and captain of the Sailing Team. He credits his family with his success including showing him love, compassion, dignity, ambition and outreach. He says, “The communities we surround

ourselves with by the things we choose to do have an impact on us. The thing not many people realize is that we also have an impact on them. Whether it’s helping out with my sister’s team or interning at my theater company, putting on home piano performances for my mother or participating and leading school events, or just trying to bring some poorly cooked food to family gatherings, I give back to the communities that made me. After all, that’s the person they made me to be.”: Taye will attend Gonzaga University majoring in Political Science.

Lauren and Diane (mom)

Resa (mother), Taye, and Sachi (sister)

LAUREN

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。

SAATAA ANDAAGII COOKING WORKSHOP

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

MAJUN SAATAA ANDAAGII NIYABIRANA! (LET’S COOK SAATAA ANDAAGII TOGETHER!)

On July 29, the OAA hosted a saataa andaagii cooking workshop at the OAA Center in Gardena, CA. Organized by our Young Okinawans of Southern California and Fujin-bu Women’s Club, this was our first in-person cooking workshop since pre-pandemic. Registration was limited due to space and we were happy to have quickly reached capacity soon after announcing the event!

Even though there are plenty of recipes available in books and online, events like this reminded us of the importance of learning directly from community elders who often follow their intuition and senses instead of point-bypoint instructions.

There were 41 in attendance including 7 minors. The OAA’s Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan language) instructor and resident expert, Chogi Higa, gave a detailed lecture about

「まじゅん さーたーあんだーぎー にやび らな！」

7月29日県人会はサーターアンダーギー を一緒に作りましょうと言う事で県人会の ヤング・オキナワンズ・アブ・サザン・カリフ ォーニア (YOSC) と婦人部のコラボで計画 しました。パンデミック以来初めて対面の料 理ワークショップが持たれた。

多くのレシピはオンラインや本で簡単に 手に入れることができます。しかしこのよ うなワークショップは経験と年月を積んだ OAAの高齢者から直接習うことの重要性を 思い出させた。なぜなら彼らは順序にこだ わって教えるのでなく彼らの長い体験からく

saataa andaagii – which literally translates to “sugar” + “oil” + “fry” –acknowledging its origins from China and how the “crack” down the middle symbolizes a smile.

Setsuko Fujimoto led the hands-on portion of the event, demonstrating how to mix the dry and wet ingredients with assistance from YOSC Chairperson Michel Toguchi. 4 tables with premeasured ingredients were set up for the participants to mix themselves. The groups then took turns going outside where 2 gas stoves were set up for frying. Mieko Shima and Shigeko Yamauchi assisted Setsuko with teaching how to drop the dough into the oil using your hand (a scooper was available for participants who weren’t comfortable using their hands).

It was reassuring to see a range of people in attendance – different ages, members and non-members, parentchild and friend groups – and we aim to continue events like this to ensure that traditional Okinawan recipes and

る直感と感覚による真実な教えだからであ る。

子供7人を含めて合計41人の参加者であっ た。OAAのウチナーグチ・クラスの比嘉朝 儀先生がサーターアンダーギー (「砂糖」+「 油」+「揚げ」)

について講義し、そのオリジ ンは中国だと認識した。ともにサーターアン ダーギーの真ん中の割れは笑顔を象徴する ということもならった。

藤本せつ子さんがまず生地の作り方を実 践した。そしてその後グループは揚げるため にふたつのガスストーブが準備されている 外に移った。せつ子さん島美恵子さん、山内 しげ子さんは彼女の手を使ってアンダーギ

techniques are passed to the next generation.

Each participant received a bag full of saataa andaagii and a recipe card with the late Rodney Kamiya’s recipe* and some useful Uchinaaguchi phrases.

* The recipe card acknowledges the recipe as Setsuko Fujimoto’s instead of Rodney Kamiya’s. We apologize for this misprint.

VOLUNTEERS ボランティア

Event Planning Committee イベント

主催者: Young Okinawans of Southern California and Fujin-bu Women’s Club – Adam Arnot (YOSC), Michel Toguchi (YOSC), Joan Oshiro (Fujin-bu), Christine Hirata (YOSC), Kurt Hirata (YOSC), Jason Uza (YOSC) • Cooking 料理: Setsuko Fujimoto (Coordinator), Mieko Shima, Shigeko Yamauchi • Lecturer 講師: Chogi Higa • Reception 受付: Rachael Kamiya • Event 当日: Adam Arnot, Angela Fujimoto, Dave Fusato, Shizue Ganeko, Christine Hirata, Joey Kamiya, Kim Kobashigawa, Mark Kurosaki, Michel Toguchi, Jason Uza, Yuko Yamauchi

ーの生地を丸めて鍋のオイルに落とす実践 をした。

私たちはいろんな年齢層の参加者の皆さ ん、会員でない方も会員の方も、子供連れの お母さんにも心より感謝します。そして伝統 的なレシピとテクニックを次の世代につなげ ていくためにももっとこういうイベントをつ ずけるよう心がけます。

参加者それぞれはサーターアンダーギー とレシピカード(故神谷ロドニーのレシピ)、 そして役に立つウチナーグチのフレーズが あたえられた。

Separate stations were set up inside for attendees to mix the ingredients; lead cooking presenter Setsuko Fujimoto and cooking volunteer Shigeko Yamauchi outside teaching how to drop the dough into the oil; cooking volunteer Mieko Shima watching her granddaughter Isla practicing

さーたーあんだーぎー料理ワークショップ

Picnic ピクニック continued from page 1 1ページから続く who danced. The idea is to have a new design every year with the hope of encouraging more people to participate and collect all of the buttons. The cute design in Uchinaaguchi reads, “majun OAA uti wudurana” (“dance together at the OAA!”), and has the picnic date and location printed around the rim.

Thanks to the generous donations from our members and this year’s picnic sponsors – Kamiya Insurance Agency (Gold), Oki-Dog (Silver), Uyehara Travel (Silver), and the Awakuni Family (Bronze) – as well as the dedicated time and efforts of our volunteers, we were able to host another successful summer gathering!

VOLUNTEERS ボランティア

EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

ピクニック実行委員会: Melissa Oshiro

Tran (chairperson), Dominique Mashburn (chairperson), Joy Afuso, Stephanie Ajifu (volunteer coordinator), Brian Arakaki, Naomi Endow (Bon Dance), Misa Furugen, Vicky Nishiuchi, Joan Oshiro (donor outreach), Jason Raquinio, Chantelle Takata (donor outreach), Michel Toguchi (games), Amy Oshiro Tran (Advisor), Kristin Yamauchi (entertainment),

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE 奨学金

部: Tatia Oshidari, Edward Kamiya, Joan Oshiro, Ken Yamauchi

EVENT 当日: Stephanie Ajifu*, Don Akamine, Erin Akamine, Lynn Akamine, Brian Arakaki*, Adam Arnot*, Lisa Arnot, Naomi Arnot, Noah Arnot, Taryn Berge, Andy Berkin, Jenny Bernal, Tanveer Bhuiyan, Ethan Choi, Kevin Cuaron, Kyle Cuaron, Byron Daghsen, Isabella Dominguez, Misa Furugen*, Jeanette Gibo*, Lauren Higa, Christine Hirata, Jordan Ishii, Tori Ishikawa, Eric Kiyamu, Kim Kobashigawa, Miya Konishi, Ronan Konishi, Mark Kurosaki, Yumi Kyan, Dominique Mashburn*, Yasutomo Matayoshi, Fahim Mazumder, Danny Nguyen, April Nimmo, Yoshie Nimmo, Melissa Nishi*, Kohki Nishoka, Mitsuo Nishiuchi, Vicky Nishiuchi, Tatia Oshidari, Garrett Oshiro*, Joan Oshiro, Melody Oshiro, Sandy Oshiro, Amy Oshiro

Tran*, Melissa Oshiro Tran*, Jason Raquinio*, Mia Reese, Shawn Rodriguez, Joy Shimabukuro, Devin Shimane*, Ike Tamanaha, Michel Toguchi, Aiko Tokunaga, Jason Uza, Momoko Vanna, Wesley Vanna, William Vanna, Isla Walker, RJ Webb, Ken Yamauchi, Kristin Yamauchi, Momo Yone, (* Volunteered both Saturday and Sunday)

MCS 司会者: Dominique Mashburn, Kohki Nishioka

RAFFLE ラッフル: Kathy Kamiya (coordinator), Rachael Kamiya (coordinator)

STAGE/AUDIO ステージ・オーディ

オ: Joey Kamiya (coordinator), Daniel Sugiyama, RJ Webb

PHOTOGRAPHY 写真: ShawnRodriguezVisuals.com

FIRST AID 応急処置: Noriko Shimoji Cuaron (coordinator), Keiko Corcoran, Diane Mihara

UC SANTA CRUZ’S OKINAWA

MEMORIES INITIATIVE (OMI): Walter Barnaby, Jaxon Chester, Ryann Hall, James Leyton, Geneva Samuelson, Nixie Young

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 事務サ ポート: Stephanie Ajifu, Rosa Bui, Robin Kagimoto, Janet Kamiya, Kathy Kamiya, Rachael Kamiya, Esther Matsubara, Shirley Moromisato, Joan Oshiro, Amy Oshiro Tran, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Alice Sasaki, Aiko Tokunaga, Harold Wickersham

BON DANCE 盆踊り・エイサー

Lead Dancers: Naomi Endow, Aiko Tokunaga, Joy Afuso, Yuko Yamauchi, Nobuko Ajifu • Paarankuu Drummers: Stephanie Miyo Ajifu, Brian Arakaki, Misa Furugen, Kohki Nishioka • UtaSanshin: Ryan Nakamatsu, Aimee Buday, Joey Kamiya, Steve Matsumoto, Kim Kobashigawa, Justin Higa

ENTERTAINMENT エンターテインメント

Afuso Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai

Los Angeles (Ryan Nakamatsu, Yuko Yamauchi, Aimee Buday, Joey Kamiya, Steve Matsumoto, Kim Kobashigawa, Justin Higa, Mitsuo Nishiuchi, Don Akamine) • William Logan • Miyagi Ryu Nosho Kai (Fumi Hata, Kayoko Higa) • Miyagi Ryu Toyomukai (Yoko Kono, Janet Dixon, Keiko Giles, Megumi Tyson) • Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karatedo Kobudo Association • Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch (Stephanie Ajifu, Natalie Ashikawa, Naomi Arnot, Noah Arnot, Taryn Berge, Kohki Nishioka, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Mia Rees, William Vanna, Wesley Vanna, Momo Yone) • Shishigumi (Kyosuke Kataoka, Asuka Kataoka) • Masao Tobaru • Uchinaaguchi Rajio Taisō (Don Akamine, Brian Arakaki, Chogi Higa, Edward Kamiya, Mitsuo Nishiuchi) • Uta-Sanshin Play-Along (Emily Andrade, Jacqueline Brown, Joey Kamiya, Jason Lew, Naomi Nishi, Jason Raquinio, Tokiko Uyechi)

7月16日、2023年恒例の県人会ピクニッ クが400人余の参加者を持ってホイッティア ー・ナロウズ・パーク、レクリエーション•エリ アで盛大に行われた。コロナウイルスパン ダミック以来２年目の対面で行うピクニック でした。今年はコロナウイルス予防対策、例 えばマスク着用、体温のチェック、RSVPな どの規則もなくなったイベントでした。 子供たちはいろんなゲーム、ホットポテ ト、リレーレース、そして綱引きなどを楽し み、それとともに会場には沖縄民謡が流れ 活気にあふれたまさに沖縄風の光景であっ た。多くの参加者のみなさんに好評のある 水風船なげ大会は朝から続いたあつい日差 しから一時の水しぶきをみんなに与えてくれ た。もちろん綱引きも競われ今年は男子軍の 勝利となった。

午後、参加者はいろんな余興、伝統的な 沖縄民謡や舞踊から近代のものまでを楽し んだ。今年最初の試みパフォーマンスである 「一緒歌三線」は、経験者から初心者まで を含む8人のメンバーで構成され『てぃんさ ぐぬ花』を演奏した。(8人の中の3人は2、3 ヶ月前に習い始めた)。それから、もっとも新 しい獅子組は美しいシーサーの衣装と感動 的な動きで観客を驚かせ立派なOAAデビュ ーであった。(出演者このページ参照） 毎年沖縄のピクニックは沖縄スタイル盆 踊りで最高潮に達する。みんなで一緒に踊 ることによって私達のうやふぁーふじ (先祖) を敬い亡くなった家族や友達をおもい心を 一つにして祝い踊ります。一つ今年の盆踊り に加わったことは盆踊りの参加者みなさん に記念の缶バッジを与えたことです。アイデ アとしては毎年新しいデザインで作られる 缶バッジをコレクションの品とすることによ り多くの人々が盆踊りに参加するよう希望が 込められています。今年の缶バッジはかわい いウチナーグチのフレーズ、「まじゅん OAA うてぃ をぅどぅらな！」(「一緒にOAAで踊り ましょう」) 。

寛大な寄付をいただいたメンバーの皆さ んと今年のピクニックスポンサーの皆さん に深く感謝いたします。金ー神谷保険会社、 銀ーOKI DOG、銀ー上原旅行者、銅ー粟國 ファミリー、それと同じ様に多くのボランティ アの皆さん、誠にありがとうございました。 皆さんの援助なしではこの夏のピクニックは 実現できなかったでしょう。

Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch performing at the picnic.

DONATIONS ドーネーション

The following donations were from June 9, 2023September 13, 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.

IN MEMORY OF ROBERT "BOB" SASAKI

$1,000 Alice Sasaki

GENERAL $300 Steve Matsumoto • $200 Bob and Yoshie Nimmo • $100 Kimberly AbellaCree, Nichole Mihara, Sally Ueunten • $25 Tokie

Koyama

SCHOLARSHIP FUND $1,000 ANONYMOUS

KAMIYA SCHOLARSHIP FUND $1,000 Edward Kamiya

SCHOLARSHIP FUND - ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RICHARD ITOMURA SCHOLARSHIP FUND $2,325.43 Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center (City of Burbank) • $50 Emily Young and Preston Lerner

MEMBERSHIP $15 Edith Shimabukuro, Roseann

Yoshida

OPG RECEPTION $1,000 Edward Kamiya

RALPHS COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM

$231.75 June - August 2023, 52 Households

IN-KIND DONATIONS

JoAnn Arakaki Used books for Craft Fair • Lily

Ohara 62 Forever Stamps • Jason Raquinio 26

Forever Stamps • Jill Sekiguchi Mount-It dual monitor mount (Amazon Wishlist) • May Toya

5 Okinawan music CDs • Kazuko Katherine

Yamachika 2 boxes of Okinawan books • Reiko

Higa Axiom Millennia 6-piece audio speakers set

SAATAA ANDAAGII WORKSHOP

$15 Jess Baker-Shimabukuro, Nancy Hayata •

$10 Vicky Megna

OAA PICNIC

GOLD SPONSOR $1,000: KAMIYA INSURANCE

AGENCY • SILVER SPONSOR $500: OKI-DOG, UYEHARA TRAVEL • BRONZE SPONSOR $300:

AWAKUNI FAMILY • $1,000 Anonymous • $500

Edward Kamiya • $380 Toshiko Sandoval • $300

Phyllis Yogi • $250 Kathleen Kitty Sankey • $200

Mery Higa, George and Ruth Hiyane • $180

Cindy Uehara • $175 Mary Ishiara • $130 Richard

Enomoto • $100 Joy Afuso, Brian Arakaki, Noriko

Cuaron, Harriet and Ken Furuya, Kimiko Goya, Constanza Higa, Kenneth and Amy Higa, Toshi

Ikehara, Cheryl Imatomi, Glen Choichi Kameya, Diane Konishi, Yvonne Takeko Liu, Nanka

Kenjinkai Kyogikai, Nanka Miyagi Kenjinkai, Lily

Y. Ohara, Seisuke Oshiro, Jason Raquinio, David Shinjo, Chiyoko Sunabe, Eleanor Sunabe and Family, Sadao Tome, Eileen Uyehara, Eric Wauke, Katherine Kazuko Yamachika, Masakazu Yamauchi

• $50 Ethel Asato, Chogi Higa, Sachiko Kelly, Jane H. Kuniyoshi, Nosho Miyagi, Nanka Fukuoka Kenjinkai, Nanka Kumamoto Kenjinkai, Jane Shima, Barbara K. Shirota, Bob Takushi, Katsuko Teruya, Ivy Toma, Rosa Yakushi, Dina Yogi •

$40 David Fusato • $30 Eileen Asato, Robin Kagimoto, Gladys Kinjo, Joyce Kobashigawa, Rachel Koza, Jeanette Arakaki Mena, Norie Morita, Ronald Nakasone, Inez Nakata, Ruth Nako, Jean Okamoto, Faith Shinsato, Edward I. Toguchi, Aiko Corrine Tokunaga, Emiko Yamauchi • $25 Kay Satoko Higa, Tom Maeda, Glenn and Alexandra Tamaki • $20 Morimizu and Vivian Asato, Christina Hiroko Ikemiya, Christine Ishida-Matsuda, Zensho Kamiyama, Gail Kikue Kaneshiro, Yasutomo Matayoshi, June Minamoto, Myrtle Oganeku, Jenny Kiyomi Roberts, Wallace Shirota, Francis M. Uno, Petra Wallace (Oganeku)

• $10 Jeannette Gibo, Yoko Kono, Glenn and JoAnn H. Shimabukuro, Norman and Corinne Tatara, Carl Yoshioka • RAFFLE

DONATIONS Kamiya Insurance Agency

Grand Prize: Toshiba 43" 4K Smart TV • Albertsons Grocery Store $25 Gift Card

• Anonymous 4 Dodgers Tickets & Gift Basket, 2 JBL Tune 230NC TWS Wireless Headphones, Trader Joe's $10 Gift Card & Tote • Chafinity Matcha Gokoro Signature Collection Gift Box • Children's Museum at La Habra 2 Tickets • Cross Roads Escape Games 4 Tickets • Dushi-nu-chaa / Shima Playlist (BloomingInAsia, CandiceDoodles, Brandon Ufugusuku Ing, Erica Kunihisa, Nami Oshiro with Jason Raquinio & Joey Kamiya) 2 Okinawan Diaspora Art Bundles

• David Fusato 10x Tokyo Central $10 Gift Certificates • Golf N' Stuff - Norwalk 4x Miniature Golf Passes • Nancy/Dan Goto

Star Wars Grilled Cheese Panini Machine, 2x Squishmallow Baskets • Jootoo Clothing 4x

$25 Gift Certificates • Rachael Kamiya Ninja Fit Blender; Cuisinart Steel Toaster, Classic Waffle Maker, Sandwich Maker • La Mirada Theatre 2 Tickets • Live Long & Plant $50

Gift Certificate • Newport Landing 2 Whale

Watching Cruise Passes • Vicky/Mitsuo

Nishiuchi 2x $25 Gift Cards (Starbucks & Target) • Joan Oshiro Adult Bicycle • Tanaka Farms Seasonal Tour Gift Certificate • Trader Joe's Company Trader Joe's Snack Pack • Uyehara Travel American Gear Hardshell

Carry-On Luggage (Small) • Janet/Russ

Yamaguchi Okinawa Shirts Basket, Starbucks

$20 Gift Card & 2 Tumblers, Glass Set • Prizes sponsored by the OAA $300 Cash Prize, 10 Tokyo Central $20 Gift Certificates (Fujin-bu Women's Club & Geino-bu Performing Arts Committee) • 5 Target

$20 Gift Cards (Seisonen-bu Activities Committee) • IN-KIND/GOODS Hawaiian Sweet Islands Extra Snowcone Machine • Yuko Yamauchi 100 Buttons for Bon Dance

Participants

IREI NO HI

$101 Jean Kohama • $40 Yukio Kato • $20

Flo Matano • $8 Douglas Ikemi • $3 Donna Nakamura, Lindsay Shimizu, Eriko Kennedy

Continued on next page 次のページに続く

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, Yuko Yamauchi

Japanese Translation

Noriko Shimoji Cuaron, Emily Ishii, Mika Kuraki, Yuko Yamauchi

Photographers

Joseph Kamiya, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Shawn Rodriguez Visuals, Tori Toguchi Ishikawa

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 Okinawan culture 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: tinyurl.com/oaaemaillist or scan QR code below with your smartphone

(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)

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

Carl

choichikaiLA@gmail.com

Reverse Mortgage Specialist

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

(702) 277-4507

Carl@5starmtg.com

ARAKAWA@COX.NET

NMLS#373999

NMLS#373999

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

Donations ドーネーション continued from previous page 前のページ から続く

HAJICHI

$50 Rosa Yakushi • $10 Dina Yogi • $8 Angela Yuriko Smith, Adriane Stoia • $3 Julie Weaver, Jennifer Arakaki, Lindsay Shimizu, Natalia Chogyoji, Naomi Masako Reagan, Brandon Ing

LIKE/FOLLOW FOR PHOTOS & UPDATES

@oaamensore

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

Arakawa

9065 S. Pecos Rd, Suite 200, Henderson, NV 89074 NMLS# 242333

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 walk-in visitors except by appt at this time. However office staff continues to work remotely and occasionally on-site. Staff will not be working on the following holidays:

11/23 - Thanksgiving

11/24 - Day after Thanksgiving

12/25 - Christmas Day

1/1/24 - New Year's Day

1/15/24 - Martin Luther King, Jr.

2/19/24 - Presidents' Day

5/27/24 - Memorial Day

6/19/24 - Juneteenth

7/4/24 - Independence Day

9/2/24 - Labor Day

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

VOLUNTEERING • ボランティア

Our variety of programs and services are made possible by our wonderful volunteers! Assistance is needed at events and at the OAA Center’s office and library. Short- or long-term volunteering (including remote), leadership roles, and student community service hours available.

MONETARY DONATIONS • 金銭的寄付

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax-deductible! Your generous contribution goes toward events, building maintenance, and other expenses needed to keep the organization alive. Please send a check/M.O. (payable to OAA) to the address at the top of this page or call (310) 532-1929 to donate via credit card.

SPONSORSHIP • スポンサーシップ

Support us while promoting your business by sponsoring a grand/top raffle prize, the stage, or an entire event! Benefits may include tax write-offs, company/name recognition at the event, company logo/ name recognition on printed and online advertising materials as well as recognition on our social media pages (6,000+ followers across platforms), in newsletters

mailed/emailed to our membership (700+ households), and much more. (Benefits subject to change depending on the event)

SHOP & SUPPORT 買い物中のサポート

(Enrollment is required) When you go grocery shopping at 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 www.oaamensore.org/donate.html

DONATE YOUR CAR • 車を寄付する

Donate your car to Harold’s Car Donation and the OAA will receive 50% of the net proceeds! Trusted by many Nikkei organizations in Southern California, Harold’s makes it easy for donors by picking up your used car, taking care of the DMV paperwork, and sending you a

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

• Books and DVDs about Okinawa

• Forever stamps

• Multipurpose paper

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

Place Address Label here

WISHLIST • 欲しい物を寄付