Haisai OAA News by oaa.newsletter

HAISAI OAA NEWS

SUMMER • JUNE 2024 • ISSUE #117

2024 CRAFT FAIR

クラフトフェア

Ichi nu Ichimadin: From Generation to Generation

BY: JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

1st row: Cooking saataa andaagii, Okinawa Memories Initiative members from Santa Cruz, Jody Lake (Jootoo Clothing), Kim Kobashigawa and Monica Solis, Jessica Marshall and Dominique Mashburn (Umutu du Takara) - 2nd row: Library volunteers prepping the used book sale, Dane Nakama and Misty Choi, Kyosuke and Asuka Kataoka (Shishigumi L.A.), Becca Doll-Tyler (Ninazumi Pottery from Colorado!)

The OAA hosted its 5th Annual Craft Fair on April 27 in the OAA Center’s parking lot. Nuu kooibiitaga? (What did you buy?)

This was our largest fair yet with 19 vendor tables, items from over 30 creators, and nearly 600 people attending throughout the day. We even had vendors from Colorado, Berkeley, and Temecula! The event also included sales for white elephant items, plants, used books, OAA merchandise, and a limited quantity of saataa andaagii

Dr. Alan Christy and members of the Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI) traveled from Santa Cruz to volunteer and host an information table about their group

VENDORS 売り手たち: Aimee

Buday, Kim Kobashigawa, Monica

Solis • Cel la Flaca • Teresa

Fukushima and Chura Succulents

• Jane’s Homemade • Jootoo

Clothing • Melissa’s Creations • Mi So Happi • Mixi-Mart • Mumin + Kii • Dane Nakama • Ninazuma

Pottery • Ryukyukoku Matsuri

Daiko L.A. Branch • Shima Playlist

Dushi-nu-chaa • Shishigumi

L.A. • Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen

Atae no Kai • Tierra Murra by Ecommshipments

(Vendors’ websites and social media links available at www.oaamensore.org/craftfair)

VOLUNTEERS ボランティア

Planning committee 実行

委員会: Melissa Oshiro Tran (chairperson), Lisa Arnot, Misa Furugen, Amy Oshiro Tran, Yuko Yamauchi

Event 当日: Brian Arakaki, Miki Arlen, Adam Arnot, John

Baker, Blaise Baker, Phoenix Baker, Andrew Berkin, Henry Endow, Naomi Endow, Misa Furugen, Jeannette Gibo, Jessica Goto, Nancy Goto, Tamlyn Goto, Cristiana Grosdidier, Rhys Higa, Irene Higurashi, Christine Hirata, Kurt Hirata, Jennie Imatomi, Joey Kamiya, Kathy Kamiya, Rachael Kamiya, Gail Kaneshiro, Esther Matsubara, Ayano Miura, Katelynn Miyashiro, April Nimmo, Jax Nowak, Kari Okubo, Garrett Oshiro, Joan Oshiro, Melody Oshiro, Sandy Oshiro, Amy Oshiro Tran, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Geneva Samuelson, Joy Shimabukuro, Carla Tengan, Michel Toguchi, Aiko Tokunaga, Jason Uza, Janet Yamaguchi, Heather Yee, Nixie Young

White elephant sale coordinators 中古品セールの準備: Joy Afuso, Naomi Endow

110TH CELEBRATION SPONSORS

Saataa andaagii サーターアンダーギー: Joy Afuso, Naomi Endow, Irene Higurashi, Kim Kobashigawa, Naomi Nishi, Joan Oshiro, Aiko Tokunaga, Amy Oshiro Tran, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Yuko Yamauchi

OAAは4月27日にOAAセンターの駐車場で第5回クラフトフェアを開催しました。ヌーコーイビータガ？ (何を買いましたか？) 今年のフェアはこれまでで最大規模となり、19のーテーブル、３０名以上の作品、そして一日を通して約600人が来場しました。コロラド、バークレー、テメキュラからのベンダーも参加しました！イベントでは、中古品、植物、中古書籍、OAAグッズ、そして数量限定のサーターアンダギーの販売も行われました。アラン・クリスティ博士と沖縄メモリーズ・イニシアチブ (OMI) のメンバーがUC Santa Cruzからボランティアとして参加されました。彼らのブースも設置しましたよ。

PRESIDENT'S GREETINGS 会長の挨拶

BY VICTORIA NISHIUCHI | OAA PRESIDENT

As we approach the half year mark, I hope that you have been enjoying the programs and events created by our staff and their committees. As we work diligently to provide programs that our members enjoy, we look to you to provide constructive criticism on how we can improve and provide events that all of you can enjoy and help perpetuate Okinawan culture.

Our next annual event is the summer picnic. I would encourage all of you to join us with your families and friends to celebrate the summer, recognize the academic achievements of our next generation and to see who wins the annual tug-of-war (tsunahiki ) O.A.A. style. Most importantly, come and join the Okinawa obon dancing at the end of the picnic! It is our goal to bring a twist or two of Okinawa into our programs.

We have other events planned throughout the year where you can learn about the past and think about the future generations and what we can pass down to them to spark that curiosity to learn about their culture and heritage. Our events are successful when our

members participate and show their Okinawan spirit (chimugukuru) either by attendance or by volunteering.

Thank you (ippee nifee deebiru) for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you at our events!

Chibariyo!

2024年もあっという間に半年が過ぎようとしています。OAAのスタッフや各委員会が企画したプログラムやイベントなど、楽しんでいただけているでしょうか。私たちは、会員の皆様に楽しんでいただけるようなプログラムを提供できるよう、日々努力しております。改善点や沖縄文化の継承についてどのようにすれば良いのかなど、皆様の率直なご意見やご感想などをぜひお聞かせください。

次に開催される恒例行事はピクニックです。ぜひご家族やご友人とご一緒に、青空と太陽の下、OAAならではの真夏のイベントを楽しんでみませんか？次世代を担う若者たちの学業における功績を称え、綱引き勝負に全力を尽くしましょう。そして何よりの目玉！ピクニックの最後には沖縄の盆踊りで盛り上がりましょう！！沖縄らしさをプログラムに取り入れることが、私たちの目標です。私たちは年間を通して、過去について学

び、未来の世代の「沖縄の文化や伝統について学ぶ好奇心」を刺激するようなイベントを計画しています。これらのイベントは、沖縄の精神(チムグクル)を示すことによって成功します。そのためには、皆様のご参加やボランティアが欠かせません。

いつも、沖縄県人会をサポートしてくださり、どうもありがとうございます。イッペーニフェーデービル！皆さまとイベントでお会いできることを楽しみにしております！チバリヨー！

WOMEN’S CLUB NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

BY JOAN OSHIRO | FUJIN-BU CHAIRPERSON

The Year of the Dragon (Tachi-Dushi ) came in with a roar as members of OAA Fujin-bu Women’s Club celebrated with live performances, door prizes, and delicious food. The Yamauchi Building was decorated with a fierce dragon backdrop eyeing the beautiful floral arrangements created by Setsuko Fujimoto and Fujin-bu ladies.

Our emcees, Brian Arakaki and Emily Ishii, kept the audience excited as they moved the program along, beginning with a Moment of Silence by Shigeko Yamauchi in remembrance of those who are no longer with us. Welcoming remarks were made by new OAA President Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi and Fujin-bu Chair Joan Oshiro who introduced her officers. Past Fujin-bu Presidents in attendance, Kimiko Goya, Shigeko Yamauchi, and Mieko Shima, were introduced and floral bouquets and bentō lunches were delivered to those who could not attend (Miyako Kinjo, Tomiko Akamine, Helene Shimane, and Ethel Asato). Former OAA presidents who were in attendance, Chogi Higa,

Kimiko Goya, and Edward Kamiya, were also acknowledged.

Chogi Higa-sensei taught us the meaning of Year of the Dragon according to the Lunar New Year. The dragon is the strongest, intelligent, wisest, ambitious, confident, charismatic of all the other animals and possesses intuitive powers which makes a person born in dragon years successful in everything they choose to do. Following his informative talk, Kimiko Goya led us in a rousing “kanpai” (toast) and bentō lunches (salmon, ebi tempura, futomaki, inari sushi, and side dishes from Nijiya Market) were served. Guests also enjoyed delicious miso soup and saataa andaagii prepared by Setsuko Fujimoto, Yoneko Nakamura, and Fujin-bu ladies. A cake topped with huge strawberries was served for dessert.

Miyagi Ryu Toyomu-kai’s Janet Dixon and Keiko Giles kicked off the entertainment with the celebratory “Iwai Bushi” traditional dance. The second traditional dance was “Akata Shundunchi” by young Reagan Morris

of Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai. This dance is about children who believe that happiness and prosperity will come from far away beyond the sea and will be lined up like the branches of the sago palm. Until that time, one must rise early, go to school and study hard. Someday Reagan hopes to dance and sing for her grandmother, Keiko Morris-sensei, who moved to Miyagijima, Okinawa.

Chogi Higa sang a stirring rendition of “Abare Daiko” as Joey Kamiya kept the beat on taiko. Masao Tobaru sang “Shurei no Shima” with the sanshin and then jumped seamlessly into karaoke with “Ganko Oyaji Me ni Namida”.

“Menuhama” by Robert Morris of Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai is a classical young man’s dance of celebration. The lyrics tell us: Today being a festive banquet, when the turtle sings, the crane shall dance, the joyous party is at its peak so let us revel until the break of day, until the sun rises.

Afuso-Ryu Koten Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles Shibu, led by Ryan Nakamatsu-sensei, Shihan,

FUJIN-BU continued on page 6

YUKO’S YEN

BY YUKO YAMAUCHI | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Where are you from? Shima ya maa yaibiiga?

In the last newsletter, I mentioned that our monthly Nuchaashii now has a new schedule and is a great way to connect with other uchinaanchu. Since March, we have had many first-timers as well as new members attend. While we have our core members that come every month, each gathering is truly a mix of old and new friends!

On June 30’s gathering, we will host a workshop on Okinawa Bon Dancing to prepare for the picnic which is the only place in southern California where all of the dances are Okinawa bon dances.

What I’m really excited to share is that we will be incorporating Okinawan hometowns as a theme in some of future nuchaashii gatherings to encourage people from those various regions to come out and represent! Where is your family from in Okinawa?

It’ll be fun to meet people from the same hometown, or learn about all of these different places. Some of us may not have learned exactly where in Okinawa our family originally came from, but by learning about other places, perhaps we may find resources, or clues that can help connect the dots!

July 27 will focus on the city of ITOMAN, and then on August 31, we will focus on the YAEYAMA islands. We especially invite all people whose ancestry are from those areas to join us - or if you want to learn about these places, please RSVP so that we know how many folks will be attending. Call the office or you can RSVP at tinyurl. com/nuchaashii24. (July is scheduled to be in-person only, but we can make it hybrid, if there is interest; August will be both in-person and via Zoom.)

「島や　まー　やいびーが？」

前回のニュースレターで、毎月のヌチャーシー集まり会では、他のうちなーんちゅとつながる素晴らしい機会でもあり、スケジュールが新しくなったことをお伝えしました。その3月から、初めての方や新しいメンバーが多数参加しました。毎月参加する中心になっているメンバーもいますが、集まりはまさに古い友人と新しい友人が混在しています。

6月30日の集まりでは、ピクニックの準備として、沖縄盆踊り（手踊り）のワークショップを開催します。県人会ピクニックは、南カリフォルニアですべてが沖縄の盆踊りに参加できる唯一の場所です。

今後のヌチャーシーの集まりのいくつかで「出身地」をテーマに取り入れ、さまざまな地域の人々が参加して代表してもらえるようにすることをとても楽しみにしています。島や　まー　やいびーが？（あなたの家族は沖縄のどこの出身ですか）同じ島人と会ったり、さまざまな場所について学んで楽しい時間を過ごしたいと思います。

7 月 27 日は糸満市を注目、8 月 31 日は八重山諸島にに注目します。これらの各地域の出身の方を特にご参加いただきたいと思います。または、これらの場所について学びたい方も大歓迎です。いろいろ用意のためRSVP をお願いします。対面の参加は、ポットラックですので、参加するためには、一品の持ち寄りお願いします。オフィスに電

YUKO 5 5ページに続く

慰霊の日：沖縄戦についてプレゼンテーション

ONLINE PRESENTATION BY KAZUYUKI “KAZ” NAKAZATO Director, Okinawa Prefecture Government Washington D.C. Office

JUNE 23 (SUNDAY) • 2 PM PDT In Person @ OAA Center/Online via Zoom FREE for OAA Members

$2 General Public

６月２３日 (日曜日)、午後２時太平洋時間県人会会館の山内ビル、オンライン (Zoom) 県人会会員は無料 • ＄２一般 REGISTRATION REQUIRED • 予約が必要: www.tinyurl.com/oaa-irei-24, (310) 532-1929

UCHINAAGUCHI LESSONS (#41)

BY CHOGI HIGA | INSTRUCTOR

GOING BY BUS= BUSU SHI ICHUN

Taruu: (タルー)

マーウティ　バス　ヌイビーガ。

Maa uti basu nuibiiga. Where do I get on the bus? こでバスを乗りますか。

Chiruu: (チルー)

イチガイ　ヌ　タンカ　ヌ　バステイウティ、バス　ヌイミソーレー。

Ichigai nu tanka nu basutei uti, basu nuimisooree.

Please get on the bus at the bus stop across the First Street.

Taruu: (タルー)

ナンバン　ヌ　バス　ヌ、ガーデナ　ンカイ　イチャビーガ。

Nanban nu basu nu, Gardena nkai ichabiiga.

What number of the bus is going to Gardena?

何番のバスが　ガーデナに行きますか。

Chiruu: (チルー)

一街の向こう側のバス停でバスに乗って下さい。ジュウバン　ヌ　バス　ヌ、ガーデナンカイ　イチャビーン。

Juuban nu basu nu, Gardena nkai ichabiin.

Number 10 bus is going to the Gardena. 十番のバスがガーデナに行きます。

Taruu: (タルー)

ワカヤビタン。

Wakayabitan.

I understand. 分かりました。

イッペー　ニフェー　デェービタン。

Ippee nifee deebitan.

Thank you very much. 非常にありがとうございました。

UCHINAA KUTUBA (Words & Vocabulary)

Mudu in = to return Maa = where uti or nji = at or on nu in = to ride, to get on uri in = to get off basutei = bus stop tanka = across ichigai = First Street nanban = what number ichun = to go

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

FUJIN-BU WOMEN’S CLUB MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

Since April, the OAA Fujin-bu Women’s Club has been hosting monthly activities for its members. Non-members are welcome to attend for a nominal fee. The group sometimes plays bingo after the presentation! Here’s a recap of the activities so far:

YOUNG OKINAWANS (YOSC) UPDATE ヤング・オキナワンズ

MAY 4 – OAA’s Young Okinawans of Southern California (YOSC) hosted this special presentation by lecturer Yukari Akamine (University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa International University, Okinawa University). She joined us virtually from Okinawa and gave an in-depth presentation focusing on springtime rituals and ceremonies (Shiimii and Haarii) and introducing other elements of spirituality (Utaki, Hinukan, Nirai Kanai, and more).

The event was both online via Zoom and in-person at the OAA Center’s Yamauchi Bldg. In-person attendees had the chance to taste a traditional crepelike dessert called chinbin (cooked by Executive Director Yuko Yamauchi!).

OAAのヤング・オキナワンズ (YOSC) が 5月4日に素晴らしいイベントを開催しました！この特別な講演会では、講師として琉球大学、沖縄国際大学、沖縄大学から赤嶺ゆかり氏が登場。彼女は沖縄からオンラインで参加し、春の儀式や行事について情熱的なプレゼンテーションを披露しました。さらに、ウタキ、ヒヌカン、ニライカナイなど、沖縄の精神性に関する興味深い話題も紹介されました。

このイベントは、Zoomを通じてオンラインで視聴できるだけでなく、OAAセンターの山内ビルでも対面形式での参加もあり、参加者は、エグゼクティブディレクターの山内優子氏が手作りした伝統的なデザートで

APRIL 20 – Fall Prevention presentation by Amy M. Phillips from the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) • MAY 11 – Mother’s Day Corsage Making Workshop led by Setsuko Fujimoto Upcoming activities and presentations will include a cooking demonstration for musubi variations, quality of life planning for aging loved

あるチンビンを楽しんでいました。興味深い話題に加えて、美味しいおやつも味わえる素敵なイベントとなりました。次回のイベントもお楽しみに！

JUNIOR STUDY PROGRAM UPDATE

ジュニア・スタディ・プローグラム

In April, the OAA nominated two young members for the 2024 Uchinaa Junior Study Program application process. Due to the unusually high number of applicants around the world, we were informed that OAA’s nominees were not selected. We always know that these opportunities provided by the Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) are not guaranteed acceptance. We are thankful that a number of our youth participated in the past. We want to keep encouraging our young members who are interested to keep applying for these opportunities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for OAA to get to know our young members, too!

4月、OAAは2024年ウチナージュニアスタディプログラムに2名の若いメンバーを推薦しましたが、世界中からの応募が殺到したため、残念ながら選考から外れました。このプログラムは沖縄県庁が提供しており、常に受け入れが保証されているわけではありません。それでも、これまで多くの若者が参加できたことに感謝しています。

OAAは、プログラムに興味を持つ若いメンバーが引き続き応募することを奨励しています。これらの機会は、若いメンバーを知るための素晴らしいチャンスでもあります。今後も多くの若者が挑戦し続けることを期待しています。

ones, a crocheting and knitting craft class, and more.

If you’re interested in attending a get-together and/or becoming a Fujinbu member, please email oaa.fujinbu@gmail.com or call the OAA office at (310) 532-1929. Fujinbu membership is $5/year (OAA membership required).

過去のOAAイベント録音をオンラインで見る!

This summer, we’ll be rebroadcasting recordings from some of our recent hybrid events. SCHEDULE & LINKS TO WATCH: www.oaamensore.org/recordings HELP SENIORS GET ONLINE

We ask tech-savvy community members to please assist elder family members and friends with accessing OAA’s online content

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

毎年恒例のゴルフ・トーナメント (青壮年部)

PRESENTED BY THE OAA SEISŌNEN-BU SEPTEMBER 22

Alondra Park, Lawndale, CA

9月22日

アロンドラ・パークローンデール市

For more information, please contact the OAA office

WORKPLACE MATCHING & VOLUNTEER GRANTS

Your company may be one of thousands that “match” employee charitable contributions with corporate dollars. Many companies also match volunteer hours or gifts from spouses, retirees and board members. A corporate matching gift is an easy way to double, or even triple, the impact of your personal contribution to the OAA. If you’re an OAA volunteer, your time and efforts could also result in donations if your company has a volunteer grant program.

Brian Arakaki serving chinbin made by Yuko Yamauchi

OKINAWAN AUTHORS & ARTISTS TALK

プレゼンテーション：沖縄ローツがある作家とアーティスト

BY JOSEPH YOSHIMASU KAMIYA | OAA STAFF

Part

MAY 18 – The OAA hosted this event in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It was primarily online via Zoom and YouTube, with an in-person viewing available for members with limited internet access. Part 1 was moderated by OAA member Lauren Higa and featured Jami Nakamura Lin (Illinois) and Shō Yamagushiku (British Columbia) sharing their latest sumuchi (book/books), “The Night Parade: A Speculative Memoir” and “Shima: Poems”. Part 2 was moderated by Lee A. Tonouchi and featured some of the contributors of “Chiburu: Anthology of Hawai‘i

OAAは5月18日にアジア・太平洋諸島系米国人の文化遺産月間を祝うこのイベントを主催しました。主にZoomとYouTubeを通じてオンラインで行われ、インターネットアクセスが限られているメンバー向けに対面形式の視聴も用意されました。

第1部はOAAメンバーのローレン・ヒガが司会を務め、Jami Nakamura Lin (イリノイ州) とShō Yamagushiku （カナダ）が最新のスムチ (本)「The Night Parade: A Speculative Memoir」と「Shima: Poems」を紹介しました。第2部は Lee A. Tonouchi が司会を務め、「Chiburu: Anthology of Hawai‘i Okinawan Literature」

Okinawan Literature”: Mistee N. Uyehara, Daniel Akiyama, Delaina Thomas, Nicki Uechi, Ashley Nakanishi, Grant Kagimoto, and Tonouchi himself (Hawai‘i).

The goal of this event was to inspire a deeper interest in Okinawa by showcasing creatives who explore their roots and identity through contemporary projects. A spectrum of topics and experiences were explored – from heavier discussions about colonization and identity, to lighthearted yuntaku/ talk-story between Tonouchi and his fellow “Chiburu” contributors.

の寄稿者の一部が登場しました。Mistee N. Uyehara、Daniel Akiyama、Delaina Thomas、Nicki Uechi、Ashley Nakanishi、Grant Kagimoto、そしてTonouchi （ハワイ出身）が紹介されました。

このイベントの目的は、現代のプロジェクトを通じて彼らのルーツとアイデンティティを探求する創造的な人々を紹介することで、沖縄への深い関心を刺激することでした。重い話題である植民地化やアイデンティティから、Tonouchiさんと「Chiburu」の共同執筆者達との軽快な対話まで、さまざまなトピックや経験が探究されました。

婦人部の新年親睦会

Shigeko Yamauchi, Setsuko Fujimoto, Aiko Tome

辰年が雄叫びを上げてやって来ました！山内ビルは、Setsuko Fujimotoさんと婦人部メンバーによって、ドラゴンの壁面装飾や綺麗な生け花で飾り付けられました。

進行役の新垣ブライアンさんと石井エミリーさんは、素晴らしいプログラム内容で楽しく会場を盛り上げました。イベントは、Shigeko Yamauchiさんによる黙とう、及びOAAの新しいプレジデントのVictoria Nishiuchiさんと婦人部会長のJoan Oshiro さんによる歓迎の挨拶から始まりました。歴代の婦人部プレジデントの方々が紹介され、花束が贈られました。会場へ参加できなかった歴代婦人部プレジデントの方々へは、花束とお弁当が届けられました。

Chogi Higa先生が辰年の意味を教えてくださり、そして、Kimiko Goyaさんによる乾杯の音頭が取られました。ゲストは、ニジヤのお弁当、そして、Setsuko Fujimotoさん、Yoneko Nakamuraさんと婦人部メンバー手作りの美味しい味噌汁とサーターアンダーギーをいただきました。デザートは、大きなストロベリーのケーキでした。

古典芸能は、真境名本流愛元の会と宮城流豊舞会の素敵な琉舞がありました。今回初めて人前で踊った真境名本流愛元の会のReagan Morrisさんは、いつか、ロサンジェルスから沖縄の宮城島へ引っ越した祖母のKeiko Morris先生へ踊って見せたいと願っています。会場の皆様は、Setsuko Fujimotoさん、Chogi Higaさん、DJ Nealさん、Masao Tobaruさん、Shigeko YamauchiさんとAiko Tomeさんによるカラオケでも盛り上がりました。Tobaruさんは、三線を弾きながら歌いました。琉球古典安冨祖流音楽研究朝一会ロス支部による三線の演奏もありました。みんなが大好きな琉球國祭り太鼓ロス支部の迫力あるパフォーマンスもありました。イベントの最後、朝一会が会場の皆様と「てぃんさぐぬ花」などを合唱し、カチャーシーをみんなで一緒に踊りました。

(ボランティアや寄付者は６ページ)

Part 2 speakers Lee A. Tonouchi, Ashley Nakanishi, Grant Kagimoto, Delaina Thomas, Mistee N. Uyehara, Nicki Uechi, Daniel Akiyama

話するか、tinyurl.com/nuchaashii24 で RSVP できます。(7 月は対面のみとスケジュールですが、興味あれば、オンラインもできます。8 月は対面と Zoom の両方で開催されます。) 午後４時〜６時（太平洋時） YUKO continued from page 3 3ページから続く

1 speakers Shō Yamagushiku, Lauren Higa (moderator), Jami Nakamura Lin

DONATIONS ドーネーション

March 14, 2024 - May 30, 2024: 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 ISAMU SHIROMA

$100 Steve Awakuni/Sharon Tachibana

IN MEMORY OF JAMES UEUNTEN

$150 Sally Ueunten

IN MEMORY OF TAKAKO YAMASHIRO

$125 Kitty Sankey/Dr. Mikio Sankey

RICHARD ITOMURA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

$1,000 Disney (Workplace matching thanks to Bhavna Bhullar/Parminder Kang on behalf of Kathryn K. Itomura)

GENERAL

$1000 Kangen Foods • $500 Anonymous

• $406 Yvonne T. Liu (through Thrivent)

• $100 Bank of America (Anonymous Workplace Matching) • $100 Noriko

Shimoji Cuaron • $75 Jason Raquinio

• $50 Katsuko Sakihama, Fred Shima • $25 Kiyoko Scott

IN-KIND

Geraldine Adachi Year of the Dragon jewelry box • Sonoko Akamine Books - Emigration to Brazil, Hiragana and Katana (Portuguese JPN Study), Annual Events in Japan, Kasato-Maru Immigrants: Passing on to Future Descendants • Ethel Asato Large certificate frames, cooking chopsticks • Mona Kaneshiro Hawaiian cookbooks, Japanese children's books • Viki Megna Books - Sketches of Okinawa World, Shimafutuba: Kudaka Island Dialect • Hisashi Nakada 2 framed Go For Broke

U.S. Forever stamps, Okinawan lacquer plate sets, Okinawan ceramic awamori kettle and cups, books - History of the Okinawans in North America, Okinawa International Marine Expo 1975 • Seisuke Oshiro & Family 20 Forever stamps • Katsuko Sakihama Ceramic shiisaa and dragon • Phyllis/Dina Yogi,

Mery Higa, Rosa Yakushi Japanese books, authentic bingata textiles

CRAFT FAIR

$100 Nancy Hayata • $50 Anonymous, Anonymous

CRAFT FAIR IN-KIND

Tom Ige Various plants • Melissa Oshiro Tran 500 event postcards, 240 bakery bags

WHITE ELEPHANT SALE ITEMS

Geraldine Adachi, Shirley Ginoza, Myrtle Higa, Paul Ige, Christine Ishida-Matsuda, Robin Kagimoto, Maria Kamiyama, Joyce Kobashigawa, Viki Megna, Shirley Moromisato, Meg and Sho Nohara, Lillian Oyama, Katsuko Sakihama, Christine and Jeff Shimane, Amy Oshiro Tran, Phyllis Yogi, Mery Higa, Dina Yogi

FINDING OKINAWA AUTHOR TALK

$100 Masanobu Oshiro • $25 Janice Shiira, Naomi Hirahara • $20 Jane Yamashiro • $10 Ike Tamanaha, Lauren Marian • $7 Kelly Ludwig

FUJIN-BU continued from page 3

performed lively uta-sanshin folk music. Nakamatsu-sensei was accompanied by Yuko Yamauchi, Aimee Buday, Joey Kamiya, Kim Kobashigawa, Monica Solis, Mitsuo Nishiuchi, Ronan Konishi, Kazuko Kimura, and Emily Andrade.

Buyo dancers Yoko Kono-sensei of Miyagi Ryu Toyomu-kai, dressed in their stunning kimonos, performed the beautiful “Minato Kuribushi”.

Karaoke singer Darrel “DJ” Neal sang the beautiful “Sanzanka no Yado”. He was followed by Lucille Ball lookalike Setsuko Fujimoto who donned a long red wig and sang “Ozashiki Kou Uta” and “Osaka Shigure”. And not to be out done, Shigeko Yamauchi and Aiko Tome dressed as Japanese high school

students and sang “Koukou Sannensei”. Ryukyuoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch (RMDLA) drummers entered the room and began their signature energetic drum beating and exciting choreography. Talented RMDLA members Emily Ishii, Mia Rees, and Noah Arnot performed “Mirukumunari” and “Nenju Kuduchi”.

Our final number was an audience sing-along with Choichi Kai. Everyone received lyric sheets and sang “Asadoya Yunta” and “Tinsagu nu Hana”. Choichi Kai closed with “Ashibinaa” followed by festive kachaashii/atchamee group dancing.

IPPEE NIFEE DEEBIRU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS & DONORS!

PLANNING COMMITTEE

: Joan Oshiro, Setsuko Fujimoto, Leila Higa, Rachael Kamiya, Mieko Shima, Shigeko Yamauchi, Esther Matsubara, Jeannette Gibo

VOLUNTEERS ボランティア:: Brian Arakaki, Blaise Baker, John Baker, Angelina Fujimoto, Shizue Ganeko, Emily Ishii, Robin Kagimoto, Joey Kamiya, Gail Kaneshiro, Ann Oshiro, Garrett Oshiro, Aiko Tokunaga, Amy Oshiro Tran, Melissa Oshiro Tran, Hiroshi Yamauchi

DOOR PRIZE DONORS: Rachael Kamiya, Kathy Kamiya, Tamiko Uyehara, Joan Oshiro, Setsuko Fujimoto, Mieko Shima, Hiro Tome, OAA Seisonen-bu Activities Committee

MONETARY DONORS: Tamiko Uyehara, Sadao and Aiko Tome

1st row: Current and past OAA Presidents and Fujin-bu Chairs with committee members, flowers by Setsuko Fujimoto, Keiko Giles and Janet Dixen (Miyagi Ryu Toyomu-kai), Choichi Kai L.A. - 2nd row: Fujin-bu members and friends; committee members Rachael Kamiya, Leila Higa, Mieko Shima; karaoke by Shigeko Yamauchi, Aiko Tome, Masao Tobaru; daughter and father Reagan and Robert Morris (Majikina Honryu)

琉球古典安冨祖流音楽研究

ZOOM classes available. Contact choichikaiLA@gmail.com for more information.

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

16500 WESTERN AVENUE

SUITE #103

GARDENA, CA 90247

CONNECT WITH US

WEBSITE: www.oaamensore.org

@oaamensore

(310) 532-1929 • oaamensore@gmail.com

These words/phrases are used in this newsletter. What do they mean?

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。

Chinbin

Nuu kooibiitaga?

Sumuchi

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE OAA

The OAA's annual activities would not be possible without the support of dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and sponsors!

VOLUNTEERING • ボランティア

Short- or long-term volunteering (including remote), leadership roles, and student community service hours available for events, in the office, and library.

MONETARY DONATIONS • 金銭的寄付

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax-deductible! Please send a check/M.O. (payable to OAA) to the address at the top of this page or call (310) 532-1929 for 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, 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 )

北米沖縄県人会をサポートする方法

DONATE

YOUR CAR • 車を寄付する

OAA will receive 50% of the net proceeds! Harold's Car Donation makes it easy 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).

SHOP & SUPPORT 買い物中のサポート

(Enrollment is required) A portion of your Ralphs or Food4Less purchases will be donated to us! When paying, enter your phone # on the keypad. First, you have to enroll:

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: #WM621 *NEW NUMBER*

5. Confirm the organization: Okinawa Association of America