Reflections of the Virtual Leadership Study Tour - Hawaii United ...

www.huoa.org September/October 2010 Issue #128 Circulation 11,000
Making A Connection To The Homeland
Reflections of the Virtual Leadership Study Tour
By Courtney Takara
On Friday, August 6, the first Virtual Leadership Study Tour was held
at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. Twelve participants, representing
eight clubs, stayed overnight at HOC to get a taste of Okinawa. Their
itinerary was packed full of educational as well as hands-on activities allowing
them to learn more about their homeland. The purpose of this event was to
spark interest in the participants to actually go to Okinawa in the near future,
then come back inspired to become a leader with their respective clubs and/or
HUOA.
Some of the highlights of the virtual tour included Mo-Ashibi (an informal
get-together held at night, to enjoy fellowship, impromptu sharing of music
and dancing, etc.) featuring the musical talents of Derek Ichiro Shiroma
and a few members from his Urizun Minyo Group. The participants learned
how to Kachashi and sang various
Okinawan Folk songs such
as “Tinsagunu Hana” and “Asadoya
Yunta.” Throughout the evening
they heard testimonials and interesting
stories from past leadership
participants.
On Saturday, participants
learned to cook and made their
own lunch, including jushime,
goya champuru, and andagi! They
watched a video taking them on
a virtual tour of Okinawa, which
stopped off at many of the important
historical sites such as the
Peace Memorial, Shuri Castle,
etc. Many of them were also very
touched after watching a video
about the history of Hawaii-
Okinawa ties and how it led to the
creation of HUOA.
Thank you to all the clubs who
sent representatives to participate
in the Virtual Leadership Study
Tour. We would also like to thank
all the volunteers who came out
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Hawaii United Okinawa Association
94-587 Ukee Street
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
Honolulu, HI
Permit No. 659
HUOA Virtual Leadership Study Tour Experience
By Raina Goo, Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai
H aving relatives that are very much involved in the HUOA, I decided to help
them out and participate in the first HUOA Virtual Leadership Tour. I must
admit that at first I was a little hesitant, but figured it wouldn’t hurt to just give
it a try. Arriving at the HOC Friday evening after work, I wasn’t sure how things
were going to turn out and sleeping over at the HOC didn’t seem like the most
appealing way to spend the night.
Much to my relief, after a little small talk at the table, I think everyone there
had the same feelings going into this event. We all tried to make the best of this
event. Of course a little food, awamori, and Orion beer helped us all enjoy our
first night a little more. In fact, the whole sleepover portion of the event turned
into a night of very little sleep, since a lot of the group actually stayed up and
talked story for a good portion of the night. From there on out, time seemed to
fly by faster than we thought.
We all learned something new and participated in various cultural activities
that made us all feel an appreciation for not only being Okinawan, but also a
feeling for what our ancestors had gone through to make our lives a little easier
today. Even though I had visited Okinawa before, it was nice to go along with
this virtual tour and learn a little more. It also reminded me of some of the places
I had visited and left me wanting to visit Okinawa again in the future. All in all, I
think that this was a good experience. I had an opportunity to learn a little more
about my culture and also get to know some awesome people involved in other
Okinawan clubs from different islands.
Leadership participants joyfully display their creativity in the painting of their own shisaa.
to make this event a success, especially
those from the Club Development and
Sustainment Committee and past leadership
tour participants. Thank you also goes
out to all those who made monetary and/or
in-kind donations!
Tour Participants:
• Raina Goo – Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai
• Doreen Miyasato – Aza Yogi Doshi Kai
• Donna Komagome – Ginowan Shijin Kai
• Lauren Suekawa – Ginowan Shijin Kai
• Ryan Namaka – Hawai‘i Shuri-Naha Club
• Caroline Okazaki – Hawai‘i Shuri-Naha
Club
• Jean Moku – Hui O Laulima
• Ellen Shimabukuro – Hui O Laulima
• Roy Hokama – Hui Okinawa
• Lloyd Sanborn – Hui Okinawa
• Derek Kobayashi – Kochinda Chojin Kai
• Denise Liu – Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai
Inside This Issue
Making A Connection/HUOA Virtual Leadership Study Tour •••••••••••••• Page 1
President’s Message ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 2
Mahalo to All Okinawan Festival Volunteers •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 3
Okinawan Festival Photo Contest ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 4
Uchinanchu Spotlight •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 5
Issei Garden: Kin Gardeners •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 6
Okinawa Prefectural Assemblymen Photos •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 7
Ikuyu Madin Donors/Ikuyu Madin SDD/Star Challenge ••••••••••••••• Pages 8 & 9
Hawaii’s Fastest Texter •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 10
Taste of Marukai/HOT Update ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 11
Overnight on U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 12
Club News •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 13
Ryufuuan Project/Ukaji Deebiru Tamagusuku Ryu Benefit ••••••••••••••• Page 14
2011 Uchinanchu Taikai Caravan/Uchinaaguchi ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 15
HUOA Schedule of Events/HOT Schedule ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 16

2 Uchinanchu September/October 2010
President’s Message
By Paul Komeiji
Okage Sama De – Because of you,
the past, present and future.
During the past couple of months, we’ve held events that have
exemplified this year’s theme of Okage Sama De – Because of you,
the past, present and future.
This year, 12 potential HUOA leaders went on the fifth Leadership
Study Tour. As you may know, the Leadership Study Tour was based on
the idea of developing “young” leaders for individual Club and HUOA
leadership roles in the future. By visiting Okinawa, one would gain a sense
of his/her past and heritage, and then be inspired to help their Club and
HUOA perpetuate the culture for future generations.
Because of the current economic times, however, the cost of a
trip to Okinawa may be unaffordable to many individuals. In order to
accommodate as many people as we could, HUOA decided to create a
virtual trip to Okinawa. You may be asking yourself, what is a virtual
trip? With the help of many volunteers, including many past Leadership
Study Tour participants, HUOA attempted to share the “essence” of the
Leadership Tour. With an overnight sleepover at HOC, the participants got
a chance to meet and bond with members from other clubs while tasting
Orion and awamori, listening to Okinawan music, kachashi dancing,
andagi dropping, cooking champuru, creating shiisa artworks, learning
about the Okinawa’s rich culture and history, and even learning the proper
pronunciation of “Ippee Nihee Deebiru.” What an experience for the
participants and the volunteers! Thank you to everyone who participated
or volunteered.
This year, we celebrated the 28th Okinawan Festival. As you may
know, the Okinawan Festival was developed when the first Leadership Tour
participants returned from Okinawa. These individuals wanted a way to
share the culture with the community, and, 28 festivals later, the Festival is
going strong and continues to perpetuate the culture. Besides promoting
the culture, the Festival brings together Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu at
Heart in Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha.
Over the years, everyone has contributed to the success of the Festival.
Because of the helping hands of everyone, the Festival has been such a great
event in the past and will continue to showcase the Okinawan culture and
spirit in the future. Thank you to everyone for continuing to share the
Uchinanchu spirit.
Additionally, I would like to send a special thank you to Legacy
Award recipient, Victor “Mr. Festival” Yamashiroya for all of his efforts in
supporting the Festival. Over the years, Victor has taken care of infrastructure
(otherwise known as all the things that you don’t think about), so that the
clubs could focus on running their booths. This year, Festival Chairman
Norman Nakasone and his team did their best to fill in Victor’s large shoes.
Congratulations on a job well done.
You may notice that our theme of Okage Sama De – Because of you, the
past, present and future has a couple of commas. To me, the commas signify
transitions. As new generations become more active and older generations
pass on wisdom, there are times when we are in between generations. As
we can see with the Leadership Study Tour and the Okinawan Festival,
transitions are taking place and the spirit and culture is being passed from
generation to generation. Let’s appreciate the change and continue to support
those that help with the transition between the past, present and future.
61st Installation Banquet
Recognition of 2010 Uchinanchu of the Year
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Hawaii Okinawa Center
9:30 a.m. Registration
10:00 a.m. Call to Celebration
5
Join us as President-elect, Norman Nakasone
and his 2011 officers are installed and
the Uchinanchu of the Year Club Honorees are recognized.
Please call your Club President for tickets ($30.00) each
or call HUOA at 676-5400 or email: huoa@huoa.org
UCHINANCHU
Ippee Nifee Deebiru... Mahalo!
Uchinanchu is our voice — the voice of the Hawaii United Okinawa
Association, its members, and the “home” we all built together, the Hawaii
Okinawa Center. By sharing information and experiences, Uchinanchu keeps
us connected as a family, dedicated to preserving, sharing and perpetuating
our Okinawan cultural heritage.
Every dollar donated — along with the valuable income from advertising
- helps offset the cost of publishing Uchinanchu. HUOA sends a sincere
ippee nifee deebiru to the following donors. Mahalo for keeping Uchinanchu
alive and thriving.
Uchinanchu Donors July 16 to September 15, 2010.
Herbert T. Asato
Yoshio Awakuni
Jane Fujii
Frederick Higa
Fukuchi Higa
Karen Higashi
Anonymous
Brian Isa
Patsy Isagawa
Miyoko Ishimaru
Alan Kamida
George Kamimura
Masato Katekaru
Miyoko Kitamura
Kunie Kiyabu
Julie K. Kobashigawa
Jane Koki
Apolonio & Emily Lasquete
Grover Miyasato
Lillian Nakagawa
Yukisada Oshiro
Mitsuru Owara
Edith E. Shimabuku
Linyei Shimabukuro
Hideki Shiroma
Raymond & JoAnn Shito
Hanayo Suma
Walter & Yoshie Taira
Misao Takara
Akira & Ruth Tamanaha
Clifford & Elaine Tamanaha
Stanley Tamashiro
Richard K. Tome
Sunny Tominaga
Milton & Ethel Uehara
Randy Uyehara
Aaron Uyema
Katsuo Yamashiro
James Yoshida
Evelyn Yoza
UCHINANCHU
Uchinanchu is the newsletter of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association.
Although subject to change, issues will be published bi-monthly. Volunteer writers
are welcome. Send your name, address and telephone number to Uchinanchu
Newsletter, Hawaii United Okinawa Association, 94-587 Ukee St., Waipahu,
Hawaii 96797. E-mail articles to huoa@huoa.org. Uchinanchu reserves the right
to edit all material for clarity and accuracy.
HUOA President • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Paul Komeiji
Executive Director • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jane F. Serikaku
Editorial/Production Services • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MBFT Media
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Uchinanchu reaches over 11,000 households. For advertising rates and more
information, contact us at:
Tel: (808) 676-5400 – Email: huoa@huoa.org – www.huoa.org

By Norman Nakasone, Festival Chair
Two days of absolutely magnificent weather, hundreds
of people anxiously waiting to order their favorite
Okinawan foods, many others watching in delight
at the entertaining performances taking place on the
Kapiolani Bandstand stage, a huge crowd at the Bon
Dance Saturday night, and the many positive comments
we’ve received about the wonderful weekend. If any of
this means anything, I think it’s fair to say that the 28th
Okinawan Festival was a rousing success. Words cannot
adequately express the appreciation and gratitude I feel
in my heart for all who helped plan and coordinate this
magnificent event and for all of the volunteers that helped
make it possible.
Speaking of volunteers, a special note of thanks goes out to those who work
diligently behind the scenes through the week leading up to festival weekend laying
down the necessary infrastructure and the day after to undo all of the hard work
they did the week before. People like Masa Shiroma and his construction crew, Matt
Arashiro and his plumbing team, Juan Viloria and his bunch of electricians, and
September/October 2010
Mahalo to All Okinawan Festival Volunteers
Volunteers set-up the background for the main stage.
Volunteers unload a container during set-up.
Uchinanchu
Larry and Carol Yamamoto and their friends for taking such good care of these volunteers
with delicious lunches and refreshments throughout the week. Dedicated,
committed, and loyal. These adjectives fittingly describe the 100+ volunteers that
give from their hearts and often go unrecognized as they lay the foundation for
things to come during the weekend.
And one last very special thank you to Mr. Okinawan Festival, Victor Yamashiroya,
who served as chair of the festival Logistics Committee for the past 20-plus years.
People who have observed him in action say Victor did the job of 3-4 people by himself.
After walking in one of his shoes (Paul Komeiji walked in the other), I know
firsthand how accurate that statement is. I don’t know how he did the job that he
did, but Victor managed to do it with such grace and diplomacy that he made the
job seem so much easier than it truly was.
Victor, if you’re out there reading this article, on behalf of HUOA, I’d like to say,
“Thank you so very much for pouring your heart and soul into what has become the
state’s largest cultural event for the past 20-plus years. We miss you tremendously!”
Congratulations to all on another very successful festival! I look forward to working
with you again next year when we start planning the 29th Okinawan Festival.
For those of you who may be counting, it’s just 11 months away!
Congratulations to the
Hawaii Okinawa Center on its 20 th Anniversary!
Leadership
for a New day
Who can resolve the
complex challenges of
improving our economy,
education, environment
and quality of life for all?
Neil Can! Brian Can, too!
IPPEI NIHEI DEBIRU!
We humbly ask for your continued
support in the General Election.
Paid for by Abercrombie for Governor | 1050 Ala Moana Boulevard | Suite 2150, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 | www.NeilAbercrombie.com
Paid for by Friends of Brian Schatz | P.O. Box 3828 | Honolulu, HI 96812
3

4 Uchinanchu September/October 2010
Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha
CULTURE & ARTS – HONORABLE
MENTION
Title: Okinawan Dancer
Description: This dancer dressed in traditional
Okinawan villager attire waits for
her group to perform. Her colorful costume
caught my eye.
Photo by: Shun Wah Wong
FOOD – FIRST PLACE - $50
Title: Yummy
Description: This girl was dancing and eating
andagi at the same time. It was so cute.
Photo by: Erick Tsukiyama
Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Okinawan Festival Photo Contest! We want to
thank the talented photographers who submitted over 100 entries! To view all of the entries
in color, visit the Okinawan Festival website at www.okinawanfestival.com.
GRAND PRIZE - $100
Title: 3 generations
Description: Three generations of Okinawan women, our
Grandmother, 98 years old (and proud to be Uchinanchu),
her granddaughter, and her great granddaughter. Our little
baby is saying, “I present to you, my Great Grandma!”
Photo by: Clinton Mikami
FOOD – HONORABLE MENTION
Title: Got Andagi?
Description: Still Early. Andagi is almost ready.
Photo by: Stephen Claro
CULTURE & ARTS – FIRST PLACE - $50
Title: Hat Tip
Description: A performer strikes a pose.
Photo by: Derek Young
OHANA – HONORABLE MENTION
Title: You Can Do The Kachashi Too
Description: Mother teaching daughter to do
the Kachashi at this year’s Okinawan Festival.
Photo by: Stephen Claro
OHANA – FIRST PLACE - $50
Title: Unexpected Star
Description: Grandson ran up stage to
join in.
Photo by: Derek Young

September/October 2010
Uchinanchu
UchinanchU Spotlight
Spotlight: James Iha
Throughout the art of Asia, symbolisms abound.
One object stands out (above all) because it
encompasses timeless virtues and representations.
The bamboo is represented in each season of the
year, flexible, yet balanced with grace and great
strength. Steadfast even in adverse weather of
stormy winds, the bamboo bends to accommodate
the circumstance but its roots have strongly embedded
itself in the earth beneath enabling it to be
immobile. In people, these characteristics compare
to one who lives with dignity, integrity and honesty.
Younger bamboo leaves and branches grow at different
angles without overshadowing older counterparts
beneath in a representation of respect for
the larger, older leaves and branches at the lower sections. New bamboo shoots grow
beneath the mature branches and leaves. This is also considered a show of respect
for the mature leaves above it. In people, these representations can be interpreted as
respect for parents and seniors.
The bamboo is without the adornment of blossoms that are pollinated by bees
and butterflies. It is independent and the hollowed insides of the bamboo are clean
and pure and symbolic of strength and humility.
The bamboo grows rapidly and is likened to one with a disciplined mind who is
ready to render services when called upon.
HUOA’s spotlight shines on a volunteer who more than amply incorporates every
aspect of the symbolisms associated with the bamboo. That individual is James Y.
Iha or “Jimmy” as he is warmly known to his family and friends.
Jimmy is the 10th and youngest child
born to issei parents¸ Sonkyu (Yara,
Kadena) and Kame (Nagahama, Yomitan)
Iha who immigrated to Hawaii from
Okinawa in 1905. Jimmy credits his parents
for exposing him to the Uchinanchu
culture, arts and community service from
a young age. His father was the second
president of the Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu
Kai in 1936 and an avid sanshin musician
who regularly performed at his club’s gatherings.
Jimmy has a twinkle in his eye when
mentioned that he also performed dance
on stage in his younger years.
Just like the tallest bamboo, Jimmy has
many nodes in his resume which represent
his countless leadership achievements
and milestone advancements in his professional
career in education from 1955 as a
teacher and administrator, retiring from
the State’s Department of Education in
1996 after assignments on the neighbor
islands and Oahu at the elementary, middle
and high school grade levels.
Wahiawa Okinawa
Kyoyu Kai
members have
been in charge of
Pre/Post Festival
Transportation
for more than 20
years. This photo
was taken in the
year 2000. Mahalo
to these men and
all the others who
have since joined
the Wahiawa
Transportation
crew.
While maintaining his professional career, Jimmy remained active in the U. S.
Army Reserve until his retirement as a Colonel. While in the Hawaii Army National
Guard he also served in Vietnam for 10 months. He was also the first director of the
National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
Jimmy’s work in the community has been long and wide. Amidst his busy professional
career on the neighbor islands, the year was 1972 and Jimmy, wife, Marian
and family returned home to Wahiawa where Jimmy continued his professional
career. This was also the year that he began actively volunteering in the community.
He began his participation in the activities of the Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Kai, an
HUOA member club, and the Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission. Jimmy followed in his
father’s footsteps and served as the president of the Wahiawa Okinawa Kyoyu Kai
in 1978 and was frequently encouraged by his brother, the late State Representative
Peter Iha, to become involved in the United Okinawan Association, the organization
that the older Iha served as president in 1975. However, Jimmy chose to be active
in his hometown community. Although Jimmy has been involved in the Okinawa
Prefecture-Hawaii State student exchange program since its inception in 1990, he
constantly withheld from becoming more involved with HUOA activities insisting
that he was too old and younger members of the community should be given the
opportunity to participate in the organization.
However, he chuckles to say that this all changed when Dr. Albert Miyasato asked
Jimmy to serve on his HUOA team of officers in 2000 as the President-elect. He could
no longer give age as excuse because “Doc Al” was older than him. Jimmy expressed
his thankfulness with gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Miyasato for being his mentor
while serving in the Department of Education and Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
and HUOA. Both served as co-chairs for the Okinawan Festival that year. Like the
steadfast but flexible bamboo, Jimmy fulfilled his eventful term as the 2001 HUOA
president with dignity and integrity.
Jimmy also served as the Kyoyu Kai’s president as well as another HUOA club, the
Chatan Sonjin Kai (now, Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai)’s president in separate years.
He served as the chairman of HOC’s Board of Trustees and numerous HUOA committees.
Mostly under Jimmy’s leadership, the members of the Wahiawa Kyoyu Kai
have been relied upon as the Okinawan Festival’s transportation crew since the late
80’s. With the exception of a short change of duty to cook rice for the Festival in the
early 1990’s, the Kyoyu Kai has been in charge of transporting several loads of equipment
and supplies from the HOC to the Okinawan Festival site and returning loads
of the same on clean-up Monday after the Festival.
Under Jimmy’s leadership
and inspiration, new bamboo
branches and bamboo
shoots of the next generation
of Kyoyu Kai members
are actively rendering
their services to assist Uncle
Jimmy and other senior/seasoned
members of their club
to tackle the transportation
duties of the Okinawan
Festival and other events.
Currently, as he has
served on previous occa-
First Row (L-R): Aki Kakazu, Hideo Agena, Ralph Ige, Rodney
Agena, Richard Nakasone, George Nakasone. Second Row
(L-R): Robert Agena, James Iha, George Tamashiro, Maurice
Yonamine, Rosei Shinsato, George Nakasato, Gagi Kogachi.
sions, Jimmy continues to
provide his wisdom and
guidance to the organization
as an HUOA Advisor.
Thank you to Marian and
the entire Iha Family for your support of Jimmy’s participation in HUOA’s activities.
We are grateful to Jimmy for all he has contributed to our HUOA community
and look forward to his valuable leadership and good counsel as his brilliance continues
to outshine the spotlight beamed on him.
Ippee Nifee Deebiru, Jimmy!
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6 Uchinanchu September/October 2010
A Fresh Look At The Issei Garden
On your next visit to the Hawaii Okinawa Center, spend a minute or two at
the Issei Garden. You will be pleasantly surprised to find the Issei Garden
looking as beautiful as ever. For the past six months, volunteer gardeners from
Kin Chojin Kai and their friends have steadily enhanced the garden. You’ll find a
wonderful assortment of purple and red themed flowers like agapanthus, lavender,
society garlic, and red ginger, as well as rejuvenated sotetsu plants showing its deep
green color. An effort of not one, but many, have helped at the garden, spearheaded
by the energetic and dedicated Kenneth “Mamo” and Arlene “Emi” Kuniyoshi.
Thanks to a new influx of dedicated volunteers, what was once a monthly task,
tending the garden is now an almost daily activity. Enjoying each other’s company,
watching the garden transform, and getting a little exercise to boot, volunteers
are Robert Arakaki, Mary Arakawa, Tom Nakama, Evelyn Nakamura, Hatsuko
Nakata, Sakae
Nakata, Charles
Nouchi, Cary Ono,
Stella Shinkoethe,
James Shiroma,
Caroline Toyama,
Mary Toyama,
Shige Toyama,
Larry Yogi, and
Cyrilla Yonehara.
The addition of
new plants, flowers,
and walking
stones were
donated by several
including
Stanley Asato,
Dwight Ikehara,
Mamo and Emi
Kuniyoshi, Evelyn Nakamura, Shige Toyama, and Paul Tamanaha of Kiso Store.
The Okinawa Issei Garden was a gift from the people of Kin Town in Okinawa,
the birthplace of the late Kyuzo Toyama whom our State recognizes at the Father
Okinawan immigration. The design and contents of this garden convey the essence
of our ethnic history and most importantly, the courage and spirit of our pioneering
issei. We invite you on your next visit to Hawaii Okinawa Center to venture into
the Issei Garden and enjoy its peace and beauty.
Hawaii Taiko Kai members cheered on The Waipio Parade of Champions with their performance
on Ka Uka Blvd in front of the Hawaii Okinawa Center!
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909 Kapi’olani Boulevard 808.591.8080
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September/October 2010
Okinawa Prefectural Assembly Members Visit Hawaii
On August 14, Speaker Zenshin Takamine led the Okinawa Prefectural
Assembly delegation of 14 Assembly members and staff for a whirlwind tour
in Hawaii. Their objectives in Hawaii included a meeting with members of our local
Okinawan community and a tour of Okinawan businesses, which mirrored their
itinerary in Canada.
Upon their arrival in Honolulu, the traveled directly to the Hawaii Okinawa
Center for a tour and briefing of the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza site. A few hours later, a
reception was jointly held with members of the HUOA, especially with those from
the same regional connection. Thank you to our HUOA community for extending
your Uchinanchu Aloha and making our visitors feel special.
On Sunday morning, four businesses opened their doors to acquaint the delegation
with their respective establishment. We are grateful to HUOA Advisor, Cyrus
Tamashiro, for taking the initiative to contact and coordinate a schedule with these
businesses. HUOA extends its gratitude to Neal Arakaki of Menehune Mac, Mark
Teruya of Armstrong Produce, Paul Uyehara of Aloha Tofu, and Cyrus of Tamashiro
Former HUOA Presidents Jon Itomura, Edward Kuba, Maurice Yamasato, Jane Serikaku, Ford Chinen,
George Tamashiro and John Tasato join President Paul Komeiji and President-elect Norman Nakasone
in welcoming the Okinawa Prefecture Assembly Group.
Uchinanchu
Market for their respective presentations and gracious hospitality to the guests from
Okinawa. We express our heartfelt appreciation to all of these businesses for generously
accommodating the visitors on a day that is usually reserved for the business’s
preparations or rest.
To everyone who participated in the reception and business tour, you exemplified
the essence of yuimaaruu in making this encounter a success on such short notice-
Ippee Nifee Deebiru!
Naha City’s Mayor Takeshi
Onaga presents HUOA
President Paul Komeiji
with a Ryukyuan Doll of
Classical Women’s dances:
Yotsudake and Nuha Bushi.
The presidents of the three
clubs that are all within
Naha City in Okinawa
present Naha City Mayor
Takeshi Onaga with a
beautiful replica of Aloha
Tower during the reception
celebrating the 20th
Anniversary of Naha City
and Honolulu’s Sister
City Relationship. (L-R):
Alex Teruya, Oroku
Azajin Kai, Kelly Brown,
Oroku Doshi Kai and
Ryan Namaka, Hawaii
Shuri-Naha Club.
7

8 Uchinanchu September/October 2010
Bridging from Generation to Generation - For Our Children!
Ikuyu Madin
A Capital Campaign of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and companies
who have donated or pledged to our Capital Campaign. We are grateful for your support and the confidence you have
displayed through your generous donation. Magukuru kara ippee nifee deebiru – from our hearts, thank you very much.
Donations listed were received from July 16, 2010 to September 15, 2010.
Okage Sama De, because of you - Throughout the history of our organization we are
reminded of the sacrifices of many, those in our past – our Issei and Nisei and our present,
our Sansei and Yonsei. The contributions of these generations to the Okinawan community
were built on the ideal and commitment towards the success of their future generations.
The Hawaii Okinawa Plaza will be built on those same ideals and dreams. It is our vision that
our Okinawan culture will always remain strong and continue to be an integral part of Hawaii’s
community and the Okinawan family.
At Okinawan Festival 2010, we were able to view a prototype of our 2010 Donation Wall. Designed
in koa and plexi-glass, donor names and family plaques were exhibited, allowing families to honor
loved ones, past and present. When completed, The Wall will be housed in the Hawaii Okinawa
Center’s Legacy Ballroom and will be a testament to those believing and
investing in our future.
Raising funds for the Plaza has been challenging for the HUOA, but it
also has had its fun and competitive edge. Last year at the Okinawan
Festival – teams of fundraisers went into the crowd collecting
“loose change” from almost everyone on behalf of their favorite
Okinawan symbol. Hanagasa won overwhelmingly. This year, we
took the challenge to the stars, allowing clubs and organizations
the opportunity to create a rainbow canopy of shooting stars in our
Capital Campaign Tent.
The 2010 Star Challenge was an astronomical success! We
collected 2,250 star wishes, taking us that much closer to achieving our
dream. The brightest stars were Live Yuimaru and Wahiawa Kyoyu Kai,
with a very strong showing from Nago, Ginowan and Itoman. Mahalo nui
loa to everyone who donated a star wish!
As we look towards securing our future, we must never forget our past. Over the last several years,
the Capital Campaign Tent has balanced looking to the future (the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza) with
remembering and honoring the past (historical exhibits).
This year, we had the privilege of hosting a special sneak preview of the new exhibits that will be
opening at the National WWII Valor in the Pacific Monument at Pearl Harbor on December 7th of
this year. National Park Service Rangers came to the festival on both days to talk story about these
exciting new exhibits. The attack on Pearl Harbor 69 years ago greatly affected the Japanese and
Okinawan communities in Hawaii and is an integral part of our community memory. And for the first
time, a portion of the new exhibit will focus on the story of Japanese Americans in Hawaii.
Next year, continuing the tradition of balancing the past and the future, we hope to work with
JCCH and bring in their new exhibit on the Honouliuli Internment Camp, including a section on
Okinawans incarcerated there.
Okage Sama De – our past, we must always remember and honor; our present, we must sustain,
promote and grow; and for our future, we must commit and believe.
If you wish to view Donation Wall, please visit the Hawaii Okinawa Center, it is currently on display
in the Serikaku Chaya. If you have any questions on your donation status or wish to make a donation,
please contact us at the HUOA office at 676-5400.

Our Supporters
Roichi Aka
Ameriprise Financial
Mr. & Mrs. George H. Arakaki
David Z. & Bertha S. Arakawa
AXA Foundation
Nancy S. Chen
James M. Fukuda
Hazel Ginoza
Nora S. Goya
John M. & Bette M. Gushiken
Hawaiian Telcom Inc. Volunteer Hours
Matching Program
Kikuye Henna
Ellen C. Higa
Laverne T. Higa
Stanley Y. & Christine M. Higa
Esther K. Inouye
Lisa A. Kaneshige
Ellen Kaneshiro
Kim D. Kaneshiro
Tomoyo Kaneshiro
Raymond & Mary Kanetake
Masuo & Alice Kino
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kiyabu
Mr. & Mrs. Kokuji Kochi
Jessie Kojiro
Jessie A. Kojiro
Karen Keiko Kosasa
Karen Kuba-Hori, Nicole & Jessie Hori
Debra K. McKee
Shirley E. Miyahira
Janyce M. Miyashiro
Raymond M. Miyashiro
Lawrence & Alice Morisako
Charles T. Morita
Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Nakama
Roy N. & June N. Nakamasu
Mr. & Mrs. Takeo Nakama
Takeo & Mildred Nakama
Mr. & Mrs. Harold M. Nakamura
David, Diane, & Shea Nakasone and Brent &
Erin Murakami
George S. & Norma N. Nakasone
Norman M. Nakasone
Clayton E. & Dorene M. Niibu
Daniel K. & Carolyn C. Okano
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Okuhara
Roy M. & Frances F. Oshiro
Seisho Oshiro
Thomas T. Oyasato
The Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts
Program
Eileen A. Sakai
Chris Shimabukuro
Annie S. Shimabukuro
Takeo & Betty Y. Shimabukuro
Masao Shinsato
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Shiroma
Rose T. Shiroma
Walter J. & Yoshie Taira
Mr. & Mrs. Akira Tamanaha
George T. & Emeline M. Tamashiro
Shari Y. Tamashiro
Nancy C. Toma
Sunny Sane Tominaga
Ellen C. Tomisato
Glenn & Merle Tomori
Milton K. & Ethel S. Uehara
Senjin & Mary Ueunten
Sensuke Ueunten
Senki & Florence H. Uyeunten
Tsuneo Yamashiro
Roger & Laraine Yasui
In Loving Memory of Mrs. Masako Arashiro
In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya
by Tom & Jan Kamiya-Dobiesz
In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya
by Susan S. Isa
In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya
by Masashi Kamiya
September/October 2010
Name Club Name
Address City
State Zip Phone Email
Uchinanchu
In Memory of Giuei, Kane & Thomas Kamiya
by Sally Kamiya Tsuda
In Memory of Mr. Winfred Lui by the membership
of Hui O Laulima
In Memory of Wayne & Patricia Miyahira by
Ralph & Jean Ige
In Memory of Gicho, Tsuru & Yoshinobu
Takaesu by Harriet Takaesu
In Memory of Nabe & Matsuno Tengan by the
Tengan Family
To our valued donors, due to a printing error
in our last issue of Uchinanchu, the following
names may not have been clearly
legible in some copies of the paper. We are
reprinting the names that might have been
affected. Please accept our apology; you
are very important to us and the success of
our project. With Aloha, the Hawaii United
Okinawa Association
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Z. Afuso
David Y. & Mitsue Aka
A & B Foundation Matching Gifts Programs
Helen T. Aragaki
Doris M. Arakaki
Mr. & Mrs. Elbert G. Arakawa
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Canubida
James M. & Keiko Y. Fukuda
Hawaiian Telcom Inc. Matching Grant
Program on behalf of Doreen Miyasato
Hawaiian Telcom Hoolaulima Program
Hawaii Taiko Kai
Yeichi & Kikuye Henna
Charles & Helen Higa
Doris Y. Higa
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Higa
Lyman Higa
Mitsuko Higa
Mr. & Mrs. Seijin Higa
Tomiko Higa
Mr. & Mrs. Takejiro Higa
Gloria Hirata
Hui Alu Inc.
James T. Ishiki
Paul & Beatrice Kaneshiro
Ready to make your Contribution to our future, please use the pledge form below. Your tax deductible donation will ensure the perpetuation
of our Okinawan culture for generations to come.
A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OF
THE HAWAII UNITED OKINAWA ASSOCIATION
�
BUILDING FROM
GENERATION TO GENERATION
�
IKUYU MADIN
My gift to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association Capital Campaign of: $ For a period of
Is enclosed. Please bill me: Quarterly Bi-annually Annually
1 year
2 years
Please charge my: Visa MasterCard
3 years
Card number Expiration date
Card holder name Card holder signature
My gift is in memory of
My gift is on behalf of
My gift will be matched by
(Please enclose your matching gift form)
Please make checks payable to HUOA Capital Campaign Fund. For more information please contact Karen Kuba Hori
by phone: 808-676-5400 by fax: 808-676-7811 by email: huoa@hawaii.rr.com or by mail: Hawaii United Okinawa
Association 94-587 Ukee Street Waipahu, Hawaii 96797-4214.
9

10 Uchinanchu September/October 2010
A Day at the 28 th Okinawan Festival
The Paranku Club of Hawaii poses with our ever popular
“Chondaras.” Photo by Wendell Kimura
Congratulations to Bito Doshi Kai for their Chicken Booth Decoration
on “Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha”! Photo by Alan Isara
Fast Fingers Win $1,000
John Medeiros, captured the title of “Hawaii’s Fastest Texter” and took home
the $1,000 Grand Prize at the recent Okinawan Festival. John won by defeating
over 30 contestants. In the final round, he texted perfectly the phrase:
“Hawaiians say, ‘Mahalo Nui Loa’ to convey their thankfulness, Okinawans say,
‘Ippee Nifee Deebiru.’”
Mahalo to the Hawaii Central Credit Union for sponsoring and coordinating
this fun and exciting event at our Okinawan Festival.
John Medeiros is joined by his family from Kauai: John’s parents on this left and cousin Caitlin
Towner with her parents on his right. Both John and Caitlin recently returned from a two-week
Homestay experience in Okinawa, sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government.
Okinawa Homestay Program
Opportunity
T he Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) has just announced that the annual
Homestay Program in Okinawa has been designated as a pre-event to the 5th
Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival (Taikai).
The Homestay Program in Okinawa will run from January 26-February 5, and
is open to students of Okinawan ethnicity, ages 13-25. One of the most attractive
features in commemoration of the Taikai is that the OPG will subsidize a portion of
the roundtrip airfare normally paid in its entirety by the participant.
Purpose: Fellowship and networking amongst the youth of Okinawa and
overseas Okinawans
Required: Completion of OPG Application Form, Applicant’s Essay,
HUOA’s Recommendation Form
HUOA Deadline: November 5, 2010 to allow for review, interview and
document preparation and translations.
For more information, please contact HUOA at 676-5400 or send an e-mail to
huoa@huoa.org

‘Taste of Marukai’ Nets
$5,000 Donation to HUOA
Marukai’s Executive Vice President Richard Matsu and Vice President Roy
Ishihara present a $5,000 donation to HUOA President Paul Komeiji for
HUOA’s participation in the “Taste of Marukai.” Our ippee nifee deebiru to all
of our HUOA family and friends who supported the Taste of Marukai by either
volunteering during that evening or purchasing tickets and being participants of
that wonderful event. We humbly ask you for your continued support in our next
partnership with Marukai.
Hawaii Okinawa Today Update
We hope you enjoyed the August 23, 2010, Hawaii Okinawa Today (HOT) show
that featured Promenade Haebaru with sub-titles.
The HUOA Video Team included these sub-titles to improve the understanding
of the show content and hopes to attract the younger Uchinanchu generation to
further perpetuate the Okinawan culture.
Mahalo to new Video Team member Richard Tamanaha for spearheading the
translation and sub-titling of the recent HOT show. This process takes many hours
to do and required hours of translation help from many of his friends.
To this end, we are seeking additional talented volunteers that can translate the
Japanese language for future HOT shows. If you are interested in assisting in this
project, please contact HUOA at 676-5400 or hot@huoa.org.
We are also seeking volunteers that can assist with the video taping of Okinawan
performances like at the Okinawan Festival. We will provide training on the use of
the video camera and possibly editing of video tapes, should this be of interest to
you. Please contact HUOA at the above for more information.
This is Your Newsletter
Please send us your club news items and photos.
Email us at info@huoa.org Mahalo!
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September/October 2010
HUOA DONATIONS
July 15 to September 15, 2010
HUOA sends a sincere ippee nifee deebiru to the following
donors:
Howard Asato
Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii
In Memory of Yasumasa Murata
by Tom Arashiro Inc.
In Memory of Wallace & Kiyoko
Chinen by Joyce Chinen
In Memory of Sumiko Higa by
Ginowan Club
Raymond T. & June Higa
Maria Cecilia Missako Ikeoka
Kim Coco Iwamoto
Charles & Mitsuko Kobashigawa
Marukai Corp
Kokua In-Kind Donations
(Thank you for donating your vehicle to HUOA.)
Seikichi Okaneku
CONTRIBUTOR ($100 TO $249)
Chris Shimabukuro
SUPPORTER ($50 TO $99)
Takao & Alice Ginoza
Norman & Stella Shinkoethe
New Location!
Uchinanchu
Jean E. & Kell K. Matsuda
In Memory of Genyei & Fusa Miyagi
by Paul T. & Kikuno Miyagi
Nakamura
M. Nakasone Inc.
Okinawa Prefecture Assembly
Group
The 5th OPG Worldwide
Uchinanchu Taikai Executive
Committee
Jane F. Serikaku
Akiko Shimabuku
Dr. Craig Wilcox
2009 to 2010–Annual Fund Drive
Preserving Our Legacy
Mahalo to the following individuals and organizations who have generously
contributed towards the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and
its center. With your assistance we have raised over $95,650. The following
donations were received from July 16, 2010 to September 15, 2010.
Penelope Mitsuyuki
TCM/LMT
Clinical & Therapeutic Massage for
Relief from Stress & Pain
Kuakini Hospital Medical Bldg
405 N. Kuakini Street, Ste. 1101
Direct Line: 808.479.5953
OTHER
Eric Shiotani
HUOA STUDY TOUR
2011 WORLDWIDE UCHINA-NCHU TAIKAI
Q
Join 2011 HUOA President Norman Nakasone
on the HUOA Study Tour to Okinawa and
participate in the 5th Worldwide Uchina-nchu Taikai!
Optional tours will be available for those who
wish to travel to Japan after the Taikai, or for those
who have been on a Study Tour to Okinawa before
and/or if you wish to visit the neighboring
islands of Ishigaki and Taketomi.
HUOA Study Tour will leave Hawaii on
Sunday, October 9, 2011 and return on
Wednesday, October 19th.
Q
Please sign up with Nadine Shimabukuro at
N&K Travel Service : phone – 739-9010
Email – nandktravelservice@hawaii.rr.com
11

12 Uchinanchu September/October 2010
An Unforgettable Visit Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln
By Chris Shimabukuro
The HUOA provides many meaningful and unique opportunities for so many
people. Whether through the Okinawan Festival, or providing educational
scholarships, or its many community service projects, the HUOA not only provides
a wonderful service to our community, but it also allows its members opportunities
to grow and develop their leadership skills. As a member of the HUOA Executive
Council, I had such an opportunity.
On Sunday, September 19, through an invitation from the United States Navy
to the HUOA, I had the privilege and honor to spend a day and night aboard the
aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. It turned out to be one of the most memorable
experiences
of my life.
The day
started with a
short briefing at
Hickam Air Force
Base and then a
one-hour flight
aboard a C-2A
Greyhound twin
propeller passenger
plane out to
the Pacific Ocean
to land on the
USS Abraham
Lincoln. And
what a landing
it was, sitting in
the plane facing
backgrounds
toward the rear,
the plane jerks to a sudden stop on the deck of the aircraft carrier as the plane’s
“tailhook” catches the arresting wire. I am sure most of us yelled in shock, but it was
hard to hear while wearing our protective headgear and ear muffs.
Once aboard, over the course of two days, we had the opportunity to meet with
the ship’s Captain, Executive Officer, pilots, chief petty officers, crewmen, and
even the Rear Admiral. I found these men and women to be not only articulate
and knowledgeable about what they do, but more impressively, passionate about
their work and their tremendous responsibilities. I guess I shouldn’t have expected
anything less from our U.S. Navy, but seeing it first hand gives me a whole new
appreciation for our military forces. I am glad we are all on the same side.
The ship and its operations are massive. From top to bottom, the ship is equivalent
to a 20-story building and is over three football fields in length (1,092 feet). Over
5500 men and women and approximately 60 aircraft are on the ship. It is a floating
city that requires many of the same services we require in our own lives, including
dentists, doctors, barbers, university professors (at certain times), chaplains, counselors,
a judge, etc. There are 15,000–20,000 meals prepared daily, 13,000 sodas
consumed daily, 180 dozen eggs consumed daily, and 250 haircuts given daily. The
breakdown of personnel is about 85 percent men and 15 percent women from all
over the United States.
One of the most amazing things we witnessed was flight operations both in the
day and at night. Prior to this trip, I tried to imagine what it would feel like to stand
on the deck of an aircraft carrier and watch planes take off and land, what I imagined
wasn’t even close to the actual experience. It isn’t just that you are standing on
a massive ship out in the middle of the ocean watching planes accelerate from 0 to
130 plus miles per hour in 3 seconds, it is the heat, noise, vibrations, and power you
feel from these F/A-18C Hornet jets that leave you in awe. It is also the hundred or so
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crew men on deck
running around
these planes
taking off that
leave you asking,
“What does
he do? What
is she in charge
of? Why are they
standing there?”
As the Captain
described it to us,
“It is organized
chaos.” Then to
watch these same
jets land on a
moving vessel (at
night) and hook onto one of four catch cables is amazing. What happens if they miss
the cable? (One did). While landing, even before they “catch” a cable, pilots throttle
down to full speed so that they have enough speed to quickly take off again.
Sleeping on the ship was actually a very comfortable experience (once the planes
stopped taking off at midnight). Granted, we were placed in the nicer, more spacious
staterooms that assign only two people per room, unlike the enlisted sailors who
bunk three people on top of each other in a much smaller space. I expected to feel
the typical motion of being at sea, but with the size of the ship and calm waters, we
barely felt anything.
Overall, the experience was priceless. We were told the only price of admission was
to tell our family and friends what we experienced and learned, and if we knew of
any 18-25 year olds who really didn’t know what they wanted to do, to send them to
the Navy. They said they would teach skills, provide leadership and make these men
and women better contributors to their local communities in the future. From what
I saw, I believe them.
Thank you HUOA, for helping to provide me with this wonderful opportunity. I
have an even greater respect for our Navy and Armed Forces in general. It is definitely
an experience that I will never forget.
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Wahiawa Kyo Yu Kai News
By Gene Higa, President
Wahiawa Kyo Yu Kai held its annual picnic on Sunday, August 8. Although
attendance was down a bit due to a heavy storm the night before, the diehards
showed up and were rewarded with a sunny, clear blue sky and tons of prizes for
everyone. Not too long after that our shave ice and andagi teams went into action at
the Festival while another group was
tasked to put away equipment and
supplies at the HOC on Monday. A
sincere “thank you!” to all the volunteers
who make it happen.
A couple of weeks later we had
our 37th Annual Wahiawa Kyo Yu
Kai fellowship golf tournament,
which was won by member Steve
Platiro with a net 62. Finally, we
will be planning and coordinating
the upcoming Installation Banquet
on December 11 when Wahiawa Kyo
Yu Kai member Norman Nakasone
will be installed as the 2011 President
of the HUOA. I ask our membership
to help us with this opportunity to
put on a great show. If you are able to help in any way, please call Valerie Kubota at
780-7080. Let’s show our support for Norman!
Autumn Okinawan Dance
Matsuri
Mahalo to the hundreds of dancers who participated in HUOA’s Autumn
Okinawan Dance Matsuri at the Hawaii Okinawa Center! A very special
thank you to the three groups that planned and coordinated this successful
event: Ryukyu Kobudo Taiko - Hawaii Shibu, Hawaii Taiko Kai, and Young
Okinawans of Hawaii.
September/October 2010 Uchinanchu 13
Hui Okinawa News
By Margaret Torigoe, President
What a Summer full of activities for Hui Okinawa! First of all, Ippei Nihei Debiru
to all who came to the Haari Boat Festival held over the Admissions Day
weekend in Hilo.
We were happy to greet a team of paddlers from Nago City, Okinawa. We thank
the seven Oahu teams who participated in the races in the Okinawan Club Division:
Hui O Laulima, two Nago Club teams (Dragons & Kijimuna), Hui Makaala, Young
Okinawans of Hawaii, the HUOA Executive Team – Okage Sama De. Also, a mixed
team from Oahu
and the Big Island
was made up of
former Leadership
Tour participants
headed by Troy
Sakihara. Hilo
Okinawan Division
teams from Hilo
were Chibariyo
– Hui Okinawa’s
team, Hui Okinawa
Kobudo Taiko and
the Children’s Day Camp Staff. What a great bunch of Uchinanchu. The winner for
the Division was the Nago Club Kijimuna who beat our Nago Club Dragons by a
1/6 of a second! Talk about a photo finish! Hui Okinawa’s Chibariyo was 6 seconds
behind.
The Open Market kept many members very busy throughout the day as well in
preparation for the Festival day. We did not anticipate the large crowd and “sold out”
of everything except Festival T-shirts.
We also thank all the businesses and individuals who donated time, in-kind services
and money to help us with the financing. We were fortunate to be awarded a
grant from the County Product Enrichment Program that helped to fund the publicity
and set-up/logistics expenses for the Festival.
You can find pictures and a video of the Haari Boat Festival on our website: www.
haariboardfestival.com .
While the Festival was in full preparation, Hui Okinawa hosted the Blood Bank
of Hawaii Mobile
Drive Canteen
on July 24. We
served refreshments
to over 150
people who came
to donate blood
throughout the
day. We could
save as many as
402 lives.
A “Thank You”
picnic was held
on Grandparents’
Team Nago flew all the way from Nago City, Okinawa to participate in Hui
Okinawa’s Haari Boat Race.
Bowling Anyone?
Day, September
12, hosted by
the Board of
Directors. It was a fun picnic with games for all ages, great food, entertainment and
many door prizes.
Our Bonenkai will be held on October 24. We are trying something different this
year in that it will be potluck event. Awards will be presented and the Member of the
Year will be announced. The election of Board members will be held who in turn will
elect the officers of the club.
A workshop on the revitalizing of Uchinaguchi in the new standard “national
language” (Kokugo) will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 7. There will be a
demonstration by a group of language specialists from Okinawa who will be visiting
the College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The following
website shows a paper written by the group coming to Hawaii. It includes an interesting
video clip by Byron Fija teaching an Uchinaguchi class as well as biographical
information. He is a sanshin player as well as show host in Okinawa. Patrick and
Matthias are linguists. www.japanfocus.org/-Fija-Bairon/3138.
Please check out the HUOA website for our latest newsletter, which includes
information on all that we are doing. If you have any questions or want to join
us for events, please contact Margaret Torigoe at 895-0994 or email: matori58@
msn.com.
Join us on Sunday afternoons at Leeward Bowl in Pearl City! You can get a taste of
what it’s like bowling in our HUOA Mixed Handicap Bowling League by joining
us as a substitute bowler first or just sign up to bowl for next season, which begins
on November 21. You can sign up as an individual or, better yet, as a team of five
bowlers.
Criteria: Bowlers must be members of an HUOA Club and willing to join in the fun
and fellowship. Interested? Call Jane Serikaku at 676-5400 or email: huoa@huoa.org
or call our Secretary-Treasurer, Germaine Kiyomoto-Isara, at 284-0148.

14 Uchinanchu September/October 2010
Earth Exhibit: A Project of
Ryufuuan Hawaii
The splendor of the Ryukyuan Kingdom comes to Hawaii in November. As its
inaugural project, Ryufuuan Hawaii, headed by Yoshiko Nishihira, presents,
“Earth Exhibit of Ryukyu Kingdom History, Cultural and Art
through Pottery, Indigo Dye and Lacquerware”
Location: Hawaii Convention Center, Makiki Room, 3rd Floor
Date: November 19-21, 2010
Time: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: $18/Adult $15/Student
The HUOA is helping to inform our community about this noteworthy event.
With encouragement from some of Okinawa’s sterling leaders in government,
academia and the arts, Yoshiko Nishihira has organized an exhibit introducing the
works of Masanao Oshiro, indigo artist, Shinkou Omine, a renown ceramist, and a
vast display of Okinawa’s famous lacquerware. Oshiro and Omine will be on hand
to speak about their works during the exhibit.
A replica of Shuri Castle, the historical seat of Ryukyuan culture and history, and
a model of Enkakuji, a Buddhist temple that was once used by royalty and located
within Shuri Castle are scheduled to be part of the exhibit.
Ancient Okinawans have long been noted for their traditional crafts. Some of
the products were used in the daily lives of the islanders. In the kingdom era, fine
textiles, ceramic pieces and lacquerware were used by the gentry class. And, under
strict guidelines and quality control, the finished products were used in Okinawa’s
trade activity throughout Asia and as tributary gifts to China, countries of Asia and
mainland Japan.
As in many cultures, indigo was once a common dye source and so it was in
Okinawa where textile crafters used it in cloth for apparels as well as wrapping cloth
and other items. Okinawans also had and still carry on a high degree of skillfulness
in its traditional ceramic legacy. Due to availability the high level of skills, materials
and ideal climatic conditions, Okinawans were creators of celebrated lacquer ware
articles.
Representative pieces of these mediums will be placed on display to emphasize the
high level of Okinawa’s traditional crafts and history.
To purchase tickets or for additional information, please contact Ryufuuan
Hawaii at 808-221-3523.
Ukaji Deebiru
By Jodie Tomasa Ching
Ukaji Deebiru! Okage Samade … “Because of you,” all of you: the pioneers, decendents,
senseis and leaders of the community, it is possible to enjoy and perpetuate our
Okinawan culture in Hawaii. Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu
Dojo would like to express their deepest gratitude for your past support and building
a solid foundation for the culture and arts in Hawaii.
Since the age of 3, Frances Nakachi Sensei has studied Okinawan dance under
the instruction of acclaimed dance masters, Yoshiko Tanita Sensei and Mieko Kinjo
Sensei of Okinawa. Nakachi Sensei passed the certification tests and earned her
Shihan license (teaching certificate). It has been approximately 13 years since she
started teaching the Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai style of Okinawan dance in Hawaii.
When Nakachi Sensei first arrived in Hawaii from Okinawa to attend college, she
was touched by the strong Okinawan bond that she witnessed. Everyone was so kind
and friendly that she instantly felt at home. “It was just like being in Okinawa,” says
Nakachi Sensei. She was often requested to dance at celebrations and events with
her sister, Kathy Ota, who currently resides in Okinawa. Being away from Okinawa
made Nakachi Sensei realize how precious Okinawan culture is to her. Her appreciation
for culture has inspired her to share her passion as she gets progressively more
involved with HUOA activities.
Since there was no Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai school in Hawaii, Nakachi Sensei
practiced the dance style on her own. She started with just one student, her cousin
Sandy Uyehara Hayashi. The school has now grown to approximately 30 students
of all ages and backgrounds. This past summer, two of Nakachi Sensei’s students—
Mina Tamashiro and Melissa Uyeunten—took their Konkuru test. Nakachi Sensei is
proud to say that they have both passed. Mina earned her Yuushuu sho (Certificate
of Excellence) and Melissa earned her Shinjin sho (Newcomers’ Award). Senjukai
Hawaii presently has a total of six students who have passed the konkuru testing in
Okinawa. Sandy Hayashi, Chikako Shimamura, Anna Lewis and Mina Tamashiro
have accomplished the Yuushu sho and Alison Sakamoto and Melissa Uyeunten has
the Shinjin sho.
Nakachi Sensei encourages all students to take the tests in Okinawa so that they
may have the chance to train with their master senseis and sempais in Okinawa. As
students commit and train rigorously to take their tests in Okinawa, Nakachi Sensei
sees that they are trained not just physically in their dance skills, but the experience
is a true test of character as well. A student’s commitment is a testament to their
deep sense of appreciation for the arts, a passion for perpetuating our culture, and a
promise to their kohai (juniors) to help achieve their potential for excellence.
Nakachi Sensei feels so fortunate to have Yoshiko Tanita Sensei and Mieko
Kinjo Sensei and her family back in Okinawa supporting her with this school in
Hawaii. Moreover, with the help and support of the community, Senjukai Hawaii
had a total of three successful recitals in the past. The first recital was entitled Chu
Hisana, “Fulfilling Dreams, One Step at a Time” at the Hawaii Theatre in 2000. The event
helped to mark the 10th year anniversary of the HOC and the 100th Anniversary of
Okinawan Immigration to Hawaii. The second recital was at the Blaisdell Concert
Hall, entitled Miruku Yu nu Nauri, “Blossoming Petals of Peace” in 2003, and third, Udui
Kahuu, “Because of you” was held in 2008 at the Hawaii Theatre.
After the third recital, Nakachi Sensei wanted to give back to the community by
having a charity performance for the entire Okinawan community. Since this year
2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the HOC, Senjukai Hawaii has decided that this
year was the perfect year to have this performance. Thus, it is with great honor that
the Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo presents to you Ukaji
Deebiru “Because of You.” This dance performance will be held at the Hawaii Okinawa
Center on Sunday, November 7, at 3 p.m.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the HUOA. Senjukai Hawaii and
Frances Nakachi Sensei respectfully request your support for this event.
The Senjukai Hawaii members are all practicing rigorously to make this charity
performance a memorable one. They have both classical and modern dance
numbers together with a karate performance so there is sure to be something for
everyone. They will have children singing and dancing as well. For the uta and sanshin
Senjukai Hawaii has the local members from the Afuso Ryu Gensei Kai Hawaii
Shibu and Derek Ichiro Shiroma Minyo Kyokai.
One of the students in the children’s class, 8-year-old Megan Higa, has been
dancing for five years and enjoys the dance “Tiinsagu nu Hana.” Megan says that she
likes dancing because she can wear a beautiful kimono and express herself through
dancing to her friends and family. Her goal is to take the Shinjin sho, Yuushuu and
Saikosho and be a teacher like Nakachi Sensei.
The entire Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo is proud to
contribute to the perpetuation of the Okinawan culture in Hawaii through their
art of dance. They feel that by sharing the Okinawan culture they are contributing
to the diversity and great vision of what the rest of the world is striving to become.
Senjukai Hawaii defines culture as to cultivate all our positive teachings from our
ancestors, which continuously improves our character to bring out the best potential
in each of us. With respect, values, and principles our ancestors instilled in all of
us, Senjukai Hawaii members have vowed to work together to shape our future, not
only for ourselves but also for the next generation.
Again, the entire Senjukai Hawaii members and Frances Nakachi Sensei thank
you. They humbly request your support to perpetuate our Okinawan culture to
continue the precious legacy our forefathers sacrificed to lay the foundation we all
enjoy today.
“Ukaji Deebiru” – Hawaii Okinawa Center 20th Anniversary Charity
Performance, November 7, 3 p.m.

November 2010
4 Indigenous Languages and Culture of Okinawa, HOC, 6pm
7 Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai Charity Concert, HOC, 3pm
8 Club Development Committee meeting., 7pm
9 Executive Council meeting, 7 pm
16 Board of Directors meeting, 7pm
18 Administration Committee meeting, 7pm
25 HOC Office Closed-THANKSGIVING
27 Winter Craft Fair, HOC, 9am-3pm
28 Winter Craft Fair, HOC, 9am-2pm
December
5 YOH Senior Luncheon, HOC
7 Executive Council meeting, 7pm
8 Evening in Waipio Craft Fair, HOC, 5:30-9pm
11 Installation Banquet, 9:30 registration, 10:00 Program
13 Club Development Committee meeting, 7pm
16 Administration Committee meeting., 7pm
HOC Office Holiday Hours:
12/23 Office Hours – 8:30 am – NOON
12/24 OFFICE CLOSED – Christmas Holiday
12/30 Office Hours – 8:30 am – NOON
12/31 OFFICE CLOSED – New Year Holiday
Classes • Other Meetings at Hawaii Okinawa Center:
HUOA Sanshin: every Thursday, 7pm*
Ichigo Ichi E: 1st & 3rd Thursday, 8pm*
Ikebana: 3rd Wednesday, 7pm*
Karaoke nite: last Tuesday, 6:30pm*
Kobudo Taiko: every Monday, 7pm, contact Calvin Nakama 224-7374
Monday Crafters: every Monday, 9am*
Okinawan Genealogical Society meeting: 3rd Saturday, 9am*
Uchinaaguchi: every 4th Thursday, 7pm*
*for more information, please call 676-5400
Make Your Event Memorable with
A Catered Experience.
As the exclusive caterers to the Legacy Ballroom at the Hawaii Okinawa Center,
we enhance the beauty of the venue with a colorful menu for your guests to enjoy.
Birthday Parties • Graduations • Anniversaries
Weddings • Office Parties • Seminars and Meetings
Choose from an assortment of menus that can be customized to fit your needs and budget.
Popular Hawaiian & Local Style menus • Prime Rib Buffets
Create your own menu for any occasion! • Party Platters for pick-up • Onsite deliveries
Call 677-7744 or visit www.acateredexperience.com for menus and more information.
Watch “Hawaii Okinawa Today,” Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on ‘Olelo–Oceanic
Cable Channel 53. You can also view our shows on Olelonet – simultaneous Web
streaming. For updated information contact; hot@huoa.org or visit our website;
www.huoa.org for detailed information.
Nov 1 40th Anniversary Show of the Lanakila Okinawa Nenchosha Club,
“Because of You,” held at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center on
December 10, 2009. (Part One) (Premiere)
Nov 8 “Waga Uchina Kariyushi nu Udui,” a performance by Ryusei Honryu
Yanagi no Kai of Okinawa, held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on
March 26, 2006. (Part One)
Nov 15 “Waga Uchina Kariyushi nu Udui,” a performance by Ryusei Honryu
Yanagi no Kai of Okinawa, held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on
March 26, 2006. (Part Two)
Nov 22 40th Anniversary Show of the Lanakila Okinawa Nenchosha Club,
“Because of You,” held at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center on
December 10, 2009. (Part Two) (Premiere)
Nov 29 “Uta Ya Sanshin Udui Hanekachi,” presented by Nidaime Teishin Kai-
Hawaii Shibu at the Leeward Community College Theatre on April 17,
2004. (Part One)
Dec 6 19th “TOBE! Uta Sanshin 2010” in Hawaii, a Hawaii Okinawa Center
20th Anniversary Charity Performance held at the Hawaii Okinawa
Center on Monday, March 29, 2010. Features Rykyuan Opera
(Kumiudui) performed by dancers from Okinawa. (Part One) (Premiere)
Dec 13 “Uta Ya Sanshin Udui Hanekachi,” presented by Nidaime Teishin Kai-
Hawaii Shibu at the Leeward Community College Theatre on April 17,
2004. (Part Two)
Dec 20 “Uta Ya Sanshin Udui Hanekachi,” presented by Nidaime Teishin Kai-
Hawaii Shibu at the Leeward Community College Theatre on April 17,
2004. (Part Three)
Dec 27 19th “TOBE! Uta Sanshin 2010” in Hawaii, a Hawaii Okinawa Center
20th Anniversary Charity Performance held at the Hawaii Okinawa
Center on Monday, March 29, 2010. (Part Two) (Premiere)