Total Amount Paid - Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai

To all the members of the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai,
Happy New Year. Congratulations for making it through the heavy snow the other day.
This winter has been a cold one with icy roads most of the time. Please take care of your
colds and illnesses with healthy foods like miso soup and green tea. My hope is that in
2011 our membership will remain healthy and have a good year.
It has been decided that March 19th will be our Annual Kenjinkai New Years Party. I'm
looking forward to meeting and interacting with everybody once again. We will have
Okinawan food dishes of the potluck variety, entertainment, raffles, etc. This will be a
great opportunity to meet friends and acquaintances once again.
The months have flown by since I became President of the Kenjinkai. In March it will be two years, the time when my
term will expire as your President. This will be the last time I write you as your President. When I became President I had
no idea of the intricacies involved with the post. I apologize for my lack of experience and would like to tell everyone that
I have learned that a President must be attentive to every members needs at all times. A President must express their
thoughts and feelings truthfully and without delay despite any feelings of inconvenience, impoliteness, or lack of reward.
I would now like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped out and supported me during my two year term.
The former president, Taeko Ayala was instrumental in teaching me the responsibilities of being a Kenjinkai President even
though it took a lot of her personal time accomplishing it. The Kenjinkai’s Officers Dennis Potamites, Wally Juravic, Linda
Everett, Etsuko Crary, Tom Corrao all worked in cooperation to accomplish the many tasks that needed to be done to get
us to where we are today. I thank each and every one of them for this. Veteran Officer Dennis Potamites provided me
with historical knowledge of the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai something that helped me immensely as a novice President.
The Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai has succeeded because of its membership’s cooperation. It has been built through each
member with good cooperation and participation of various sizes. With each new year it continues at both the New Years
party and the annual picnic through raffle ticket sales, table setups, kitchen help with food or putting tea out, organizing
games, and donations of prizes for our raffles. Even simple things like serving tea which may seem insignificant but
ultimately leads us to success. The newsletter contributions from Diotoko & Laura Kiam, Masako Pacey, Tomiko
Schumaier, and others helped improve our newsletter by providing a variety of interesting subject content to our readers.
I cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts in making our last New Years party a huge success. The performance
group did an outstanding job and so did the many volunteers that helped out with the event. My only regret is that I was
not able to thank each and every one of you individually. My sincere thanks to all of you for your efforts.
During my tenure, one of our active duty officers, Alicia passed away. This was a sad time for us all but it was at this time
when I realized the sincerity of our Kenjinkai’s membership as we all helped each other during that difficult time and we all
prayed for Alicia.
Finally, Thank you all for your cooperation and support during my tenure. Please offer the same cooperation tour future
officers.
Sincerely, Mieko Zukeran
シカゴ沖縄県人会会員の皆様、
新年明けましておめでとう御座います。先日の大雪、今年の冬は寒いですが、風邪や路上の氷に気をつけ
て、ちゃーがんじゅうしみそーり （健康に気をつけて下さい）。 今年もメンバーの皆様も良い年を願
ってます。
恒例のシカゴ沖縄県人会新年会が３月１９日に決定しましたので、皆様のご参加を心待ちにしてます。恒
例の一品持ち寄りのウチナー料理、余興、ラッフル等と盛り沢山。 又、久しぶりに合う知り合いや友達
と会う絶好の機会です。
月日の流れの速い事、会長になって早２年、任期が３月をもって切れます。これが会長として最後のご挨
拶になります。全く右左分からないまま会長に就任し、会員の皆様には、会長不十分で御礼不足や無礼ご
迷惑をお掛けしました。この 2 年間のご協力、応援大変有難う御座いました。この場を借りて、御礼申し
上げます。前会長たえこ．アヤラさんには、手取り足取りで会長の責任と認識を教えて頂きました。 役
員の Dennis Potamites、Wally Juravic, Linda Everett、Etsuko Crary, Tom Corrao 皆さんの一人一人
の多大な協力で如何にか今日までたどり着くが出来ました。 役員最年数の Dennis さんには新米の私にシ
カゴ沖縄県人会の役員心構えを教えて貰いました。
シカゴ沖縄県人会は会員一人一人の大小の御協力で成り立っているのが良くわかりました。ピクニックと
新年会では、ラッフルチケット売り、テーブルのセットアップ、食べ物をテーブルに誘導、お茶を出した
り、ゲームに参加して頂いた事、ラッフル賞品のドーネションと数知れずです。一見大した事でもないよ
うに見えるお茶を出す事が成功のカギに繋がりました。Newsletter には、Diotoko & Laura Kiam, Masako
Pacey, Tomiko Schumaier その他多数の方に記事を投稿して頂きました。その甲斐在り、Newsletter が充
実しました。
去年の新年会は Performance Group の方々やボランテアをしてくれた大勢の皆様のお蔭で無事終了しまし
た。名指しで御礼できませんがご容赦お願いします。
在任中に、現役役員のアリシア．べレンズが亡くなる悲しい出来事がありました。その時にシカゴ沖縄県
人会の真の助け合いと思いやりを経験しました。彼女のご冥福をお祈りします。
最後に、在任中に頂いたご協力応援有難う御座いました。来期の役員の方々にも継続多大のご協力宜しく
申しあげます。
瑞慶覧美江子
The Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai would like to invite everyone to partake in our annual New Year’s Celebration on
March 19th, 2011. The party will be held at the Midwest Buddhist Temple which is located at 435 W Menomonee St.
in Chicago. The event is one of the premier events each year for the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai and features many
cultural performances and a show that is sure to thrill. There will be a potluck dinner, (everyone brings a dish) which
usually includes both Okinawan foods and American favorites. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea will be provided free of
charge and beer & cocktails will be available on a pay as you go basis. Don't miss out on this chance to mingle with
friends and have some good times with people who take great pride in their Okinawan heritage. The party is free to
our members and guests are $10.
New Year’s Party Schedule: 11:30 AM..Doors Open, 11:30AM to 12:30PM...Social Hour, 12:30PM...Lunch, 2:00PM to
5:00PM........Performance Program If you are a current officer serving with one of the other Okinawa Kenjinkais',
and would like to attend, please email us and the fee will be waived. Hope we see you all there!
Every year our organization has several events to celebrate various cultural holidays and gatherings as well
as events where our performance groups will perform. Here are the 2011 activities that we know of at this
time. Please think of us when planning out you yearly activities for 2011.
03/19/11
05/22/11
06/11/11
06/12/11
07/30/11
08/06/11
10/??/11
10/12/11
10/13/11
Annual Kenjinkai New Year's Party – Chicago Midwest Buddhist Temple
435 W Menomonee St. in Chicago. Details for this year’s party are
available on our web site. Fun, Food, Entertainment!
www.chicagookinawakenjinkai.com
Skokie Fest - Our Performance Time will be announced when available. It
will be on the outdoor stage.
Japan Day, Arlington Heights, IL. Forest View Educational Center; There
will be an afternoon performance by the Chicago Okinawa Performing
Group.
Japan Day, Arlington Heights, IL. Forest View Educational Center; There
will be a booth on both days.
Annual Kenjinkai Picnic
Bon Odori at Mitsuwa, Arlington Heights, IL …More Details To Be
Announced when known.
5th Joint performance with Okinawa Kariyushi Kai (Our Sister Group in
Okinawa)
Pre-Uchinanchu Festival Parade down Kokusai Dori in Okinawa Japan
5th World Uchinanchu Festival in Okinawa Japan
03/26/11
to
04/10/11
The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is an annual event that is sure to please
anyone who needs an early spring escape from Chicago. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom
Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the
city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the
United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries. The
celebration coincides with the Washington Okinawa Kai’s spring party which will be held on
April 2nd 2011. Called the Shin Shun Kai "New Spring Celebration" it’s a gathering of Uchinanchu
friends to enjoy food & entertainment. Be sure to bring your family & friends! Information is available
on their web site at http://okinawakai.org
06/19/11
AKATSUKI NO UTAGE 15th Anniversary Recital - 2011 will be Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko
Hawaii's 15th Anniversary at the Blaisedell Concert Hall in Honolulu Hawaii. This is the Taiko Groups
15th Anniversary recital which will include the Okinawan artist Hidekatsu who wrote the song Miruku
Munari and other famous Okinawan music that incorporates taiko drums. Members of the Chicago
Okinawa Kenjinkai received an invitation to attend the event from the performance organizers
recently and the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai has taken out an ad in the performance program. Lori
Shinsato, Vice president of the RMDH, said in her letter that “We would like to invite everyone to join
us for this once in a life time event. We hope you will be able to come to Hawaii and join us.” $30 General admission tickets are available through ticketmaster. More information is also available at
the Blaisedell Concert Hall’s web site. Just Google it it’s easy to find!
It’s time once again to submit your applications for the annual scholarship award. Do you have a graduating high
school senior in your family? Don’t forget that the Kenjinkai awards a $1000 scholarship to a qualified student each
year. Please visit our web site to find out if you’re qualified to apply. Good Luck applicants! Application Deadline is
June 30th 2010. Applicants must therefore send their application through the US Postal Service and it must be post
marked no later than June 30th 2010 to be considered for the award. Award will be made at the annual KJK Picnic.
Did you know that February and March is the time when Humpback
Whales arrive in the waters adjacent to the Kerama Islands? It’s a
yearly migration to Okinawa from the North Pacific to breed and
then raise their newborn calves. The annual ritual began a few
weeks ago, but it’s only now that the lumbering sea mammals are
showing up in large numbers.
The whales visiting the Keramas’ are very active and quite
animated during their stay, showing off for people watching by
splashing and doing flips. The humpback whales are unique
creatures, with dorsal fins along their backs and ventral plaits
running from the tip of the lower jaw back to the belly. Scientists
have been able to identify the whales which visit the islands of Okinawa as the same whales that spend
the most of the year in the Aleutian Islands area off Alaska’s coast. The fins and plaits of these whales
are as unique to them as fingerprints are to humans and no two whales are alike. Humpbacks grow to be
as large as 51 feet (16 meters). Most are black in color with a mottled black and white underbelly.
The Kerama Islands are located less than 20 miles from
mainland Okinawa. The island group has become the favored
breeding area for the humpbacks, which begin showing up in
January and stay in the area until late Spring. The males
provide much entertainment for spectators as they form groups,
called mating pods, to wage often fierce fights with each other
as they vie for the females’ attention. Breeding follows in
February and March, with births coming the following winter.
Humpbacks are more people-friendly than other whale species,
showing off by slapping dorsal fins on the water, blowing and
doing ‘spy hops’ where they shoot straight out of the water and
show their faces. Watching a mother and her young calves is a
fantastic photo opportunity in the Keramas. As Spring turns to
Summer, the whales begin their migration north toward the
Aleutians. Watching the whales offers one excellent photo
opportunities and is definitely something you should consider
when visiting the islands.
Whale watching is an easy and fun thing to do in today’s modern Okinawa and it can be accomplished in
a couple different ways, depending on your sense of adventure. Whale watching tours are available
several times daily from both the Kerama Islands and Okinawan mainland. Trips depart from Naha,
Ginowan City, and Onna Village on Okinawa. There are also options for watching the whales from land if
you don’t feel like dealing with being on a rocking boat.
Zamami Whale Watching Society also has literature, photographs and post cards, and souvenirs available
at the following web address: http://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/whale/english.htm
Information courtesy of Japan update
Free Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Classes
The membership of the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai is invited to partake in free Shorin Ryu Karate Classes with 4th
Don Sensei Yujiro Uza each Saturday at 12 noon in the Mitsuwa Marketplace practice room. Hope to see you there!
COMPILED BY THOMAS CORRAO NEWSLETTER EDITOR FOR THE CHICAGO OKINAWA KENJINKAI
With the 5th World Uchinanchu Festival now only eight months away, organizers are now busy
coordinating activities within the prefectural governor’s office as well as local tourist organizations and the
Okinawa business community in preparation for the event.
For those of you who may not know, the Uchinanchu Festival is a festival sponsored by the Okinawan
prefectural government. The event is held every five years to welcome back Okinawan descendants living
abroad inviting them back to their homeland. “Uchinanchu” is a word used for people of Okinawan
ancestry. The term comes from the Ryukyuan dialect called uchina guchi and identifying yourself with it is
a way to network with others who also identify with it in hopes of promoting their common heritage.
This Uchinanchu network is considered important because during the 19th century significant numbers of
Okinawans migrated abroad to seek work in hopes of providing economic support to love ones back in the
homeland. Emigration while frowned upon at first by the Japanese Government was later used to assist
Japan in the assimilation of the Ryukyuan people by dispersing them into Japanese colonies throughout
Asia and the Pacific. George H. Kerr, the author of Okinawa: The History of an Island People, states that
“Organized emigration outside the empire had begun in 1899… to the sugar plantations of Hawaii and
Okinawans first entered the continental United States in 1902.” Emigration to South American also took
place to countries like Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. The desire there was to have Okinawan
fisherman and farmers relocate to these lands and establish their livelihoods there. Therefore, many
Okinawan people who migrated to these far away lands were more than likely motivated by political
reasons as well as economic ones. Emigration was not the only means by which Uchinanchu people left
the islands however. In the 20th century many of Okinawa’s women have also married into American
society because of the strong military presence on the island since the end of the World War II.
So the festival is being held for people throughout the world who identify themselves in some way as
being “Uchinanchu.” It is these people with their roots in Okinawa that will come back to their homeland
to mingle with the 1,338,000 prefectural citizens and enjoy the hospitality of the communities from which
their roots were once secured. Okinawa’s Governor, Hirokazu Nakaima has said “It is a great festival, and
this time the festival will be different as times have changed and the festival itself is improving.” Nakaima
is the organizing committee chairman, and will coordinate the activities of local businesses, tourism
agencies and friendship organizations to create a memorable festival for all.
This year the festival will be held from October 13th through the 16th at the new Okinawa Cellular
Baseball Stadium in Naha. Festival events on Okinawa will share historical elements of the Ryukyu
Kingdom, its culture and impact on the world. An Eisa Festival, as well as a Ryukyu Kingdom era play
‘Amawari’ performance will take place with elementary, junior high and senior high school students all
studying the history and culture of World Uchinanchu people. Organizers have stated they intend the 2011
World Uchinanchu Festival to be more open than previous events, and they will be promoting the
involvement of both tourists to Okinawa and Okinawan residents to have fun while learning more about
the islands history and lifestyles.
More Information (In Japanese) can be found at the official prefectural web site at the following web
address: http://www3.pref.okinawa.jp/site/view/cateview.jsp?cateid=65
Come Join us at Mitsuwa Marketplace in the practice room every Saturday for Lessons
Karate Classes 12 noon to 1:30
Sanshin Group 1 PM to 4 PM
Matsuri Daiko 4 PM to 6 PM
Odori Group
6 PM to 8 PM
Lessons are free to our membership!
Practice room is in the northeast corner of
100 E Algonquin Rd Arlington Heights IL
Goodwill Ambassador Activities by Ikuko Nichols
Happy New Year. I would like to express my gratitude to those of you who provided support and cooperation to the Goodwill
Ambassador activities in past years. I have been thinking of introducing you what is the Goodwill Ambassador.
The Okinawan Government certified me as a Goodwill Ambassador in 2003. There are currently four Goodwill Ambassadors in
Illinois beside myself. From here on called “ambassador”. We work independently, but I think each ambassador has been
working in their field of expertise.
Okinawa has human networks around the world, promoting international exchanges and providing promotional information on
Okinawa. The Okinawan Government has certified many ambassadors overseas, provided a grant for their projects, and
support for their ambassador activities. The ambassador must submit a grant application that describes their action plan, the
project purpose, the project implementation, etc. Once the Okinawan Government accepts the plan, it reimburses up to 2/3 of
expenses, but the rest of expenses are shouldered by the ambassador or the organization they are associated with. The
ambassador duty is voluntary and not for financial gain.
While there are many the ambassadors certified by the Okinawan Government, sadly many of them are not actively applying for
the grant. Becoming a goodwill ambassador is not limited to Okinawan people; anyone who understands Okinawa, and can
contribute to the international exchange can be one as long as they meet the criteria.
Now I would like to introduce you to my past ambassador activities and my plan for the future as an ambassador.
1. My first business activities as a Goodwill Ambassador were when I participated in the Rotary International Convention that
was held in McCormick Center and hosted by the Rotary Club's headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. I volunteered as a guide to
the Rotary Club of Okinawa.
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2. I Attend The 100 Anniversary of the Hawaii Okinawa Kenjinkai and the first Sekai no Uchinanchu Taikai. I Met other
Okinawa Kenjinkai presidents and attended the goodwill ambassador conference for an exchange of ideas.
3. I Carried out the project “Other Japan”. It is an exchange program between DuPage College and Ryukyu University that sent
20 DuPage College students to Okinawa. I arranged the event with Mr. Youkou Asato, the author of “Battle in Okinawa –
Memoir of one mother”, and the exchange students so they could learn about World War II and the importance of peace through
him.
4. I have an annual booth at Japan Day, in Arlington Heights each year where I introduced the Okinawan culture through display
and demonstration of Okinawan pottery, lacquer ware, textiles, fork art, and Sanshin music. One of the other goodwill
ambassadors, Tom Corrao, also joined this event last year.
5. I joined in the Okinawan Immigration Centennial celebrations in Argentina.
6. I established an Okinawan club at Jonathan Burr Elementary school a Chicago public school.
7. I invited an Okinawan popular performing arts Eisa instructor to Chicago to teach Eisa to the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai
members.
I enjoyed all these projects, but I could not have realized some of them without your support. For this I Thank you. I also look
forward to your continued support and understanding in the future.
As a future plan, I am thinking of inviting professional Sanshin instructor to teach Sanshin to our future generation. If you have
an idea or plan for the goodwill ambassador, I like to work with the plan or with you.
Ikuko Nichols
Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai – Goodwill Ambassador
Interested in finding more out about Okinawa? Visit the Okinawaology blog at:
http://chicagookinawakenjinkai.blogspot.com/
Goodwill Ambassador Activities by Ikuko Nichols
新しい年を迎え、初春のご挨拶を申し上げます。昨年中はシカゴ沖縄県人会の民間大使活動に、
多くのご支援とご協力を贈り、心より御礼申し上げます。以前から、民間大使の件についてご説明したい
と思って居りましたが機会がなく今日となりました。私は、2003 年より沖縄県知事からイリノイ州の新民
間大使として認証を受けて居ります。私の他にイリノイ州で認証を受けた四人の民間大使が居ります。お
互いに深い交流はありませんが、他の４人の民間大使もそれぞれの専門分野で活動されている事と思いま
す。沖縄県は世界各国に人的ネットワークの構築、国際交流の促進、沖縄県についての情報提供、PR 等を
図る為に、海外には、沖縄県知事から認証を受けた民間大使が多数居ります。民間大使の海外活動の為、
活動促進助成制度が有り、要望する活動計画があれば事業助成申請書に事業名、事業計画(目的 内容
日程 実施場所 事業の効果)経費を記入して沖縄県国際交流課に提出し、採用結果、対象事業にかかる
経費の３分の２以下が交付されますが、赤字が必ず出るため赤字は自己負担の覚悟がなければなりませ
ん。民間大使事業活動は自ら実施する活動であり、営利を目的とせず無報酬です。認証期間が決められず
沖縄県庁によって認証された民間大使が各国に多数居りながら、民間大使活動助成制度を実際に利用し、
活動している民間大使が少ないに淋しさを感じているのが私の本音です。民間大使の資格は沖縄県出身者
に限られず沖縄の良き理解者で国際交流及び国際協力に意欲がある者で、各国、地域の県人会又は県内外
の国際交流関係団体等から推薦され、沖縄県知事から選定されると何方でも民間大使としての認証が交付
活動する事が可能です。
現在までの私個人の活動報告と将来の活動方針に触れたいと思います。最初の事業活動は１．本部がイリ
ノイ州のエバンストンに在るロータリークラブ主催でマコミックセンターにて国際ロータリークラブ大会
が開催された時、沖縄県のロータリークラブの案内役と世話役でした。その後、２．ホノルルハワイで開
催されたハワイ移民 100 周年記念と第 1 回海外世界ウチナーンチュ大会に参加し各沖縄県会長、民間大使
会議に参加、３．『もう一つの日本』という事業内容として、デュペイジ大学と琉球大学との交流を図
り、デュペイジ大学生約 20 人を沖縄に送り、沖縄戦体験講和(平和学習)を『沖縄戦―ある母の記録』の
著者である語り部―安里要江氏に依頼、４．シカゴ日本人会主催の日本祭に於いて琉球陶器、漆器、織
物、芸工、パンフレット、その他の物を展示し三線の実演で第 1 回目の沖縄伝統(工芸 民芸 芸能)文化
紹介、５．アルゼンチン沖縄県人移民 100 周年記念祭典に参加、６．シカゴ公立小学校（ヨナサン バア
小学校）に沖縄クラブを発足、７．沖縄芸能文化の普及(次世代の育成)として、祭り太鼓 エイサーのイ
ンスラクターの招聘、等の活動が楽しくやれた事は、みなさんのご協力のおかげだと感謝申し上げます。
恒例のシカゴ日本人会主催の日本祭には沖縄文化紹介は 4 回続けておりますが、これからも継続して行き
たいと思っております。昨年の日本祭りにはテクノロジーに詳しい Tom Corrao 民間大使が本格的に加わ
り盛大に沖縄文化を紹介することができました。又、沖縄古典民謡音楽三線の普及と次世代の育成の為に
沖縄民謡音楽三線の教師（師範級）の招聘を考えて居ります。もしもみなさんに民間大使活動に加えて欲
しいと思われる新しい企画があれば教えて下さい。是非ご一緒になって沖縄との交流架橋になりたいと願
って居ります。
シカゴ沖縄県人会―民間大使
ニコルス郁子
The Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai is always looking for volunteers to assist with projects and special events.
If you have some specialized talent or would just like to volunteer your services to the group please
contact one of our group’s officers. Only through your participation will we be successful in our mission!
地元の園児と県人会
イーヤーサアサア
シ カ ゴ 市 に あ る ネ イ ビ ー ピア ー 商 シカゴ県人会メンバーのみつえ・コッ
店 な ど が 並ぶ 多 目 的 施設 で こ の ほ チさん手作りの衣装を着た。園児 は
ど 開 か れ た ウ イ ン タ ー ・ ワ ン ダ 大勢の観客を前に「イーヤーサアサ
ー ・ フ ェ ス ト に シ カ ゴ郊 外 ナ イ ル ア」と大きな掛け声に合わせて舞台を
市 に あ る 聖マ タ イ 日 本 語 幼 稚 園 が 跳び はた演奏の締めくくりは、シカ
招 待 を受 け、 応 援の シ カ ゴ 沖 縄 県 ゴ沖縄県人会祭り太鼓グループと聖マ
人 会 パ フ ォ ー マ ン ス グ ル ープ と 共 タイ幼 稚園園児が共演した。シカゴ
に エ イ サ ーを 演 じ た 。 人 の 園 児 と 沖縄県人会パフォーマンスグループは
県 人 会 メ ン バ ー が、 舞 台 を い っ ぱ １９９５年に祭り太鼓グループとして
い に 使っ た演 舞 を披 露 し 、 多 く の 結成され、８人のメンバーでスター
観 客 か ら拍 手 を 受け た 。 聖 マ タ イ ト。その後、琉球舞踊と三線が結成さ
日 本 語 幼稚 園 で は う るま 市 旧 与 那 れた。今では約人にメンバーも増え、
城 村 出 身 でシ カ ゴ 沖 縄 県 人 会 の 八 シカゴ地域のイベントに招待を受け出
巻 希 さ ん がエ イ サ ー を み の りま き 演している。シカゴ県人会、瑞慶覧美
や 園 児 に 教え て い る 。 八 巻 さ ん が 江子会長
エ イ サ ー を教 え る き っか け は 、 弟 元気よくエイサーを演じる聖マ
が三線を持っ てアメ リカに遊びに
タイ日本語幼稚園の園児
きたこと。子 どもた ちが三線の音
色と歌声に瞳 を輝か せじっと聞く
姿に、沖縄の エイサ ーが、アメリ
カの幼稚園に 通う日 本人の子ども
にとって初め て触れ る日本の伝統
舞踊だという ことに 気付いたとい
う。八巻さん は「沖 縄が誇るエイ
サーを子ども に教え ていかなけれ
ばという使命 感とと もに、沖縄の
素晴らしさを 音楽を 通して子ども
たちと共感で きる喜 びもあると語
る。これまで 延べ１ ００人の園児
にエイサーを 教えて きた。フェス
ト当日は、子どもたちが、
シカゴ市
琉球新報より転載
It is once again election time for officer posts within the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai. Elections will be
held at the annual New Years party on March 19th 2011. Officers Giving up their posts are Mieko Zukeran
– President, Linda Everitt – Vice President, Etsuko Crary – Treasurer, Wally Juravic – Secretary.
Officers wishing to maintain their positions are Dennis Potamites – Sergeant at Arms and Tom Corrao –
Public Relations Officer/Goodwill Ambassador/Newsletter Editor.
Nominations have been received for the following officer candidates. Yujiro Uza – President, Paula
Schmidling and Miko Honjo – Vice President, Tomiko Schumaier- Treasurer, Yukie Saucedo – Secretary.
Nominations are currently open to members in good standing with the Kenjinkai. If you are willing to
volunteer for nomination or know of a member you would like to nominate then please contact Mieko
Zukeran at [email protected] or call her at 1(773) 818-4713. Only through you can we be successful.
****As a reminder Membership Application and Dues are due by 19 March 2011. Both will be collected
at the New Years Party. You will find your application attached to the end of this newsletter. It can also
be mailed in to the Kenjinkai at the address on the front page. ****
A Joint Performance with St. Mathew Japanese Kindergarten by Mieko Zukeran
Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai Performance group performed jointly with St. Mathew Japanese Kindergarten
in Winter Wonder Festival at Navy Pier. It invited St. Mathew Japanese Kindergarten in Niles to perform
Eisa in December 12, 2010. Ms. Minori Yamaki, who was born in Yonashiro Village now Uruma City and
the member of Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai, teaches Okinawa Eisa there as part of school program. She
decided to teach “Eisa” there when her brother visited the State, who played the Okinawa Sanshin and
sang Okinawa songs to the students. They watched his play with sparkle eyes and paid attention in
interestingly. She realized then that it was the first Japanese performance arts they experienced and
Okinawa traditional music has something drawn children. She wanted to pass on the wonderful Okinawa
Eisa to children and taught over 100 students over the years.
At the Winter Wonder Festival at Navy Pier, the children wore colorful Eisa costume and head band that
made by Mitsue Koch who is also the member of Okinawa Kenjinkai. They got the Paranku (small
Okinawa drum) in one hand and the stick on the other hand, and were posing on the stage proudly and
with confident. Then, they waited for the call. “Eee Ya Sa Sa” one of student called and all other
students replied the call “Haiya” with strong and cheerful voices, they danced with music on the stage.
They performed so well, the audiences were so pleased and gave them cheers and clap hands. Finale
was “Ashibina” the joint performance with the students and the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai performance
group. It was successful and they and their parents were so proud of them.
Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai Performance Group was established in 1995 as Matsuri Daiko Group. Okinawa
traditional dance and Sanshin group established later on. The group grew to approximately 30 members.
In the beginning, they practiced one of member’s home. Mitsuwa Market (Japanese grocery store)
donated the space in the back room, and they practice almost every Saturday afternoon. They performed
various Chicago land event like Navy Pier, Skokie International Festival, Japan Day, and many more
events. Three years ago, the children’s Eisa group started and they performed at the Chicago Okinawa
Kenjinkai New Year Party.
End of 30 Sept 2010
Income
Membership
Donations
Income Total
Sub Total
Expense
Printing Newsletter & Directory
Stamps
IL State Annual Report
PO Box Due
Website Renewal
New Years Ad in the Chicago Shimpo
Picnic Expenses
Christmas Gift to Mr Burk (The Kenjinkai Accountant)
Deposit for New Year Hall 2011
Office Supplies
Expense Total
End of Jan 31, 2011
$19,276.64
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
19,276.64
314.39
131.25
13.00
28.00
29.99
50.00
229.51
39.21
50.00
55.11
940.46
$18,336.18
Members planning to attend the 5th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival in Okinawa from October 12th through the 16th
in 2011 will need to fill out and submit the participant application below. The prefectural government will provide
entry tickets and gifts as well as a bus pass for use during the event to all registered participants. Participants must be
current members of a Kenjinkai to participate. Unregistered uchinanchu people will not be able to gain access to all
venues if they are not registered. If you have friends or family that wish to attend please have them register as
members before submitting a participant application.
Applications can be given to any Kenjinkai officer or mailed to the address on the header of this newsletter.
------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Name as shown on your passport: __________________________________________
2. Home Address: _________________________________________________________
3. Date of Birth: ____________________ 4. Phone: ______________________________
5. Additional Attendees - Names as shown on passport and their dates of birth
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Address and Phone Number where you can be reached while in Okinawa
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
CHICAGO OKINAWA KENJINKAI, INC.
Membership Form
NAME:_________________________________________________________ DATE: _______________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________
CITY:_________________________ STATE:_____ ZIP: _________ E-MAIL: _____________________
HOME PHONE: _________________________ CELL PHONE: ________________________________
Where is your hometown in Okinawa or Japan: ___________________________________________
Please list all family members included in this membership as well as their ages here. Family
members must be living at home or be in school or university to be on the same membership.
Can we add your name and address to our membership directory: (circle one)
Yes
No
The Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai does not require its membership to sign any sort of acceptance form or waiver of
liability when attending its events. In light of this fact, a member’s participation at a public event where the
Kenjinkai is performing or at an event specifically promoted by the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai will constitute the
members acceptance that their picture may be taken or published. Our belief is that by attending our picnic, New
Years party, or any other event that we are associated with, a person may reasonably expect that their picture may
be taken and published and with such knowledge will allow their use on our web site or in our quarterly newsletter.
The Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai will only place appropriate photos from our functions and will accept no liability in
their use.
If you are a business owner or in sales and would like the opportunity to list your company’s name and contact
information in the membership directory, please provide the information here:
Membership Dues are $25 Family or $15 Individuals
Amount Paid
Optional Donation:
Total Amount Paid:
Please make check payable to: Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai, Inc.
Mail to: Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai, Inc. P.O. Box 721 Geneva, IL 60134-0721
$_________
$_________
$_________