Haisai OAA News - Okinawa Association of America

Haisai
OAA News
June 2014 ● No. 83
In This Issue:
President’s Corner
Martial Arts Committee
与那嶺恵子さんに2014年ウーメン・オ
ブ・ザ・イヤー賞
Uchinaaguchi Class - More than
Learning Our Mother Tongue
Uchinaaguchi 101
婦人部60周年を祝う記念式典、盛大
に催す北米沖縄県人会
Battle of Okinawa Lecture and Movie Screening
創立３５周年を祝う記念式典並びに祝
賀会を盛大に催すサンディエゴ沖縄
県人会
Hanafuda Hawaii Style
OAA Members in the News
Donations
Calendar
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3
4
4
5
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6
6
7
7
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Cover Images
A number of OAA members including Kyoko Nakahara and Mariko Bringentoff (pictured) volunteered to
cook and sell saataa andaagii at El Marino Language
School's Children's Day festival (photo by Alice Horiba);
Visitors from Okinawa: Choichi Terukina, National Living
Treasure of Japan for Ryukyu Classical Music (centerright), and spouse Eiko Terukina (left) with OAA President Shingi Kuniyoshi (center-left) and office manager/
student of Terukina-sensei Yuko Yamauchi (right) (photo
by Joseph Kamiya); Kachashii at Fujinbu's New Year's
Party/60th Anniversary (photo by Yukikazu Nagashima);
Mieko Shima (Women's Club chairperson), Hanafuda
Hawaii's Helen Nakano, and Jane Kuniyoshi (Women's
Club member and organizer of this workshop) (photo by
Joseph Kamiya); Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch members (L to R) Ai Teshima, Sora Kime and
Clarence Watanabe performing at the Torrance-Kashiwa Sister City Bunkasai at the at Ken Miller Recreation
Center (photo by Steven Ihde)
北米沖縄県人会四季報
2014年6月 ● No. 83
Reasons to Attend the Annual OAA Picnic
By Joseph Kamiya
• Great place for reunions
• $7 pre-ordered bento/lunch (teriyaki
chicken, kalua pork, rice, tsukemono)
• Complimentary drinks & snow cones
• High school scholarship awards
(deadline: June 13)
• Free performances (traditional and
contemporary)
• Free games for the whole family
• The only Okinawa-style Bon Dance in
Los Angeles
• All-day raffle drawings ($1 per ticket)
The Okinawa Association of America
(OAA)‘s Annual Picnic will be held on
Sunday, July 13, 10 AM - 4 PM, at the
Whittier Narrows Recreation Park. Teriyaki and kalua pork bento orders ($7 each)
and raffle tickets ($1 each) are now available to purchase until June 27 (pre-sale
only). There will be no orders or raffle
tickets sold at the picnic. Please contact
the OAA office at (310) 532-1929 or [email protected] for more information.
The Annual Picnic has been a tradition
for OAA members since its first inception
in the 1930′s. The picnic has always been
a highly anticipated event for families and
friends, offering a summer afternoon of
food, games, and cultural performances.
It has also become the venue for the OAA
to award its annual scholarships to mem-
bers who are qualified high school graduates.
2014 will mark the eighth year of Okinawa-style bon dancing at the OAA Picnic. Regardless of age or experience,
everybody is invited to participate! The
movements are repetitive and everybody
dances in a large circle, with experienced
dancers leading in the center. Live music
is provided by sanshin musicians and eisaa drummers. The origin of bon dancing
is a Buddhist ritual to soothe the souls
of ancestors during the summer Bon (or
Obon) Festival.
Bon dance practice videos available at
oaamensore.org!
OAA Annual Picnic
Sunday, July 13, 10 AM - 4 PM
Whittier Narrows Recreation Park
750 Santa Anita Ave., Area E-1
South El Monte
Parking $6
Bento $7 (pre-sale only)
Please see insert for
more information and
bento/raffle order form
会長メッセージ
President’s Corner Shingi Kuniyoshi
We are surrounded by fresh
spring
colors.
As plants renew
life in spring, we
ponder our past
and commit for
future growth. I
hope our members have been
in good health
and
enjoying
spring and OAA’s events.
I report here the recent decisions of the
board of directors, officers and committee
chairs. The board meets every month to
report, discuss and decide important matters related to the OAA.
We decided to have an orientation for
board members on June 14. We will spend
the entire afternoon to learn about each
other and our mission, study our bylaws
and parliamentary procedures, clarify organizational structure, and define and understand responsibilities and duties of the
board members and officers.
We hired a professional property management company that provides service
of rent collection, lease negotiation, emergency service, and account reporting.
This reduces our administrative workload
and potentially increases rental income by
adjusting rent to market value and by fully
renting our available spaces.
We have had several accounts with different banks for committees and for special purposes. We recently transferred
our accounts to Union Bank and some accounts were consolidated. Some large accounts have been earning very little interest. CFO Vicky Nishiuchi, and her finance
team are working hard to streamline our
finance management. We are forming a
budget committee headed by the CFO,
and our spending will be planned and controlled.
Our bylaws specifically mention three
objectives: (1) to promote mutual benefit
of the members; (2) to promote and perpetuate the Okinawa culture; and (3) to
promote community involvement of the
members. I think we have been fulfilling
all three objectives. Our past presidents
have been involved with the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai as president or officers, and
our Geinobu teachers and students regularly volunteer and perform at community
events. Our member Keiko Yonamine
was recently awarded “2014 Women of
the Year” for her outstanding community
service by the Japanese Women’s Society
of Southern California and the Downtown
Los Angeles Chapter of the JACL. Many
of our members attended the luncheon to
Martial Arts Committee (MAC)
Sensei Nurys Saldana hosted a seminar
recently in Ontario featuring Sensei Neil
Stolsmark and Sensei Kinjo. Sensei Stolsmark did a fine job of teaching Kobudo for
the entire weekend. Sensei Kinjo came in
on Saturday and taught the katas. Both men
did a great job. That same Saturday evening Sensei Saldana held a banquet which
consisted of entertainment and some great
food. Great job, Sensei Saldana.
Sensei Jerry Figgiani has informed me
that he just found out that this July "Karate
Masters-Volume 5" by Jose Fraguas will
be available for purchase. Three of Sensei
Figgiani interviews with Okinawan Karate
Masters Kensei Taba, Takeshi Tamaki, and
Masahiko Tokashiki will be featured in this
publication. Sensei Figgiani will also be featured in this publication. This will be the last
book in this five-volume set. Some of the
martial arts top masters have been featured
2 Haisai OAA News No 83
support Yonamine sensei.
We are busy planning and preparing for
upcoming major events such as Minyo no
Yuube, picnic, Nisei Week parade, and
bazaar.
I hope all of our members stay safe and
enjoy summer!
会員の皆様、お元気ですか。樹木は新緑
に輝き、このロサンゼルスでもうりずんの季節
を感じるこの頃です。
皆様のサポートのおかげで、県人会は行
事を遂行し、順調に成長し続けています。最
近の理事会の決議を報告します。
県人会本館の一部と去年購入した建物は
テナントに貸してあります。賃貸物件や家賃
の管理をするため、管理会社と契約して管理
を頼んでいます。家賃を相場並みに上げ、無
駄なスペースを貸して、収入を増やすつもりで
す。これで、事務局の負担も減るでしょう。いく
つもの銀行口座がいくつかの銀行にありまし
たが、すべての口座をユニオンバンクに移しま
した。
県人会は（１）会員の親睦や扶助、（２）沖縄
文化の継承と普及、（３）地域社会への貢献
などを目的としています。私たちは、この３つの
目的をすべて遂行していると思います。最近、
与那嶺恵子さんは長年にわたる地域社会へ
奉仕に対して　JACLと南加婦人会から”2014
Women of the Year”の表彰をもらいました。
おめでとうございます。
國吉信義
By Michael George
in this publication.
Sensei Loeffler's group has participated
in the Carnival and the Cinco de Mayo parade in the City of Gardena. This is two
of their yearly events promoting Okinawan
Karate. On May 17th his group did a karate
showcase at the St. Anthony of Padua Festival. Also on May 17th, Sensei Evans hosted
her annual California State Karate Tournament in Perris, CA.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• June 8th - MAC Seminar in Gardena.
Presenters will be Sensei DeDonato,
Sensei Tackett and last but not least,
yours truly Sensei Mike George.
We invite you to come out and enjoy these
great events and we truly appreciate your
support of the MAC! We look forward to
seeing you.
www.oaamensore.org ●
For more information on any of the upcoming events, or for local MAC dojo information, please contact the Martial Arts
Committee.
OKINAWAN FOLK MUSIC
AN EVENING OF MINYO
(MINYO NO YUUBE)
「民謡の夕べ」
Sunday, July 20th at 1:00 PM
Japanese-American Cultural Center
of Vista
150 Cedar Road, Vista, CA 92083
Tickets: $25 (includes bento lunch)
Organized by the Ryukyu Minyo Kyokai
Hokubei Shibu of the OAA Geinobu, this biennial recital features traditional Ryukyu minyo
(Okinawan folk music) by Southern Californiabased instructors and their students.Tickets
available through performers or the OAA office
at (310) 532-1929.
Okinawa Association of America
与那嶺恵子さんに2014年ウーメン・オブ・ザ・イヤー賞
ジャカランダの花が満開になり、薄紫の花を
散らす５月４日、ロスアンゼルス郊外のクイエッ
トキャノンで２０１４年ウーメン・オブ・ザ・イヤー
の表彰式が開催された。
主催は日系市民会ダウンタウン・ロサンゼル
ス支部と南加日系婦人会。表彰されたのは、
日系コミュニテの発展と融和、日本文化の紹
介や日米交流に素晴らしい活動をしていると
して選ばれた四人の女性リーダーである。
４人のうちの１人は、金武町金武出身の与
那嶺恵子さん。宜野湾高校時代はバスケット
の選手として活躍し、卒業後はレストランで会
計の仕事にたずさわる。そのころドイツ系米
国人と知り合い結婚。１９７２年に玉城流冠千
会(当時は玉扇会)池原シズ家元に入門し、子
どものころから慣れ親しんでいた琉球舞踊を
本格的にはじめる。夫の転勤で１９８４年に渡
米し、加州オーシャンサイドに移り住み流舞
森田のりえ 記
道場を設立。現在ではオレンジ郡とアリゾナ
州ツーソンに支部を持つ。
今年で創立３０周年を向かえる冠千会は、
沖縄芸能コンクールで新人賞、優秀賞、最高
賞、などを獲得した将来性のある多くの若い
門下生の育成に努めている。また、カリフォル
ニヤ、ユタ、ワシントン州などで各地の大学で
沖縄芸能の紹介と継承、発展に尽力するか
たわら、サンディエゴやオレンジ郡の子共病
院でチャリティショーを催し、東日本大震災の
復興支援チャリティーショーを行い全収益を
寄付しているなど社会や人のために役立つ
貢献をしている。
沖縄県人会芸能部メンバーとして多くのイ
ベントに参加し活躍されていることはいうまで
もない。
ちなみに今回開催された南加日系婦人部
の創立は１９０４年、日露戦争勃発と同じ年で
Keiko Yonamine (seated center), one of the recipients of the 2014 Women of the Year awards from
the Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California and the Downtown Los Angeles Chapter of the
JACL, surrounded by a number of her students and supporters at the reception hosted at Quiet Cannon (Montebello).
(photo provided by Shingi Kuniyoshi)
ある。大国ロシアと小さな日本の戦争を憂い
たアメリカに住む日本婦人が母国を支援すめ
ために自発的に組織された会であると、ロス
アンゼルス在住の古老からうかがった。終戦
後、ハワイや本土の沖縄出身者たちが団結し
て故郷の救援活動に立ち上がったことを思
い出す。
――ふるさとは遠くにありて思うもの――
室生犀星の詩は故郷を後にした者のみが
共通して感じる愛郷心である。今回、栄誉ある
賞を受賞された与那嶺恵子さんも故郷の素
晴らしい伝統文化を後世に引き継ぐため、ま
た、故郷との絆を深めるために心血を注いで
おられる。一家の主婦が芸事をつづけられる
のも家族や門下生など多くの人たちの理解が
あってこそ成し遂げられることだと話しておら
れた。
Keiko Yonamine, headmaster of Tamagusuku-Ryu Kansen-Kai Yonamine Keiko Ryubu Dojo.
(photo provided by Shingi Kuniyoshi)
OAA Scholarship Applications for
Graduating High School Students DUE JUNE 13, 2014!
Applications for the OAA’s annual scholarship awards for 2014 high school graduates are now available and due soon!
Applicant requirements:
• Must be graduating high school in 2014
• Must be of full or partial Okinawan descent
• Parents or applicant must be OAA member(s)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
The awards will be based primarily on academic accomplishments with due consideration given to extra-curricular and
community activities and financial needs. The scholarship awards will be presented at the OAA’s Annual Picnic at Whittier
Narrows Recreation Park on Sunday, July 13, 2014 (Date subject to change). Please contact the OAA for additional information at (310) 532-1929 or [email protected].
www.oaamensore.org ●
Okinawa Association of America
Haisai OAA News No 83 3
Uchinaaguchi Class - More than learning our "mother tongue"
By Victoria Nishiuchi
What’s it like to be a student in the Uchinaaguchi class? What is the draw for us
to meet once a month to learn not only
about Okinawa, but also the language or
the history?
On April 11, Rachel Inafuku visited our
class. She is originally from Hawaii, attending Loyola Marymount University
and is taking an Asian American Studies class. For her Asian American Studies class, she came to our Uchinaaguchi
class to interview us and explore whether
we identify ourselves as Japanese or Okinawans. Why is it important to take a class
like Uchinaaguchi? Why is it important to
be active in the OAA? These are all great
questions and makes all of us think about
why we drive through the Friday night traffic to be in class or even volunteer for the
many activities at the OAA.
As a long-time volunteer, I have often
heard other members talk about how they
fondly hear the voices of their parents
when they hear Uchinaaguchi; younger
members who have sentimental memories of their grandparents or parents
speaking Uchinaaguchi or finding their
“spirit” in music or dance to Uchinaaguchi. How do you identify yourself, as Japanese or Okinawan? Rachel Inafuku, the
niece of Eddie and Janet Kamiya, cousin
of Joey Kamiya, and a fellow Uchinaanchu, is exploring this important question
Higa Shinshii and his students at the April 2014 class. Seated (L to R): Michelle Akamine, Chogi Higa
(shinshii), Rachel Inafuku, Edward Kamiya. Standing (L to R): Dina Yogi, Jane Kuniyoshi, Herb Asato,
Rosa Yakushi, Julian Ely, Tamiko Yoneda, Don Akamine, Joan Oshiro, Victoria Nishiuchi, Janet Kamiya,
Mitsuo Nishiuchi.
(photo provided by Victoria Nishiuchi)
and I’m sure she found some answers at
the Uchinaaguchi class.
We would also like to welcome new students, Tamiko Yoneda, Don Akamine and
his daughter, Michelle, who is a young
koto student of Shinshii (Sensei) Katsuko
Teruya.
We had a special guest at our May
9th class! Dr. Robert Walker, who gave
a short slide show and spoke about his
comprehensive travel guide, "Okinawa
and the Ryukyu Islands." Unfortunately,
he didn't have his recently published book
available that night because he sold out
at the JCI book signing earlier that week,
however, his book is available from Amazon.com. He will be back in Los Angeles
in August and said he would be more than
happy to sign books at that time.
Come join us each month and partake
in the generosity of Higa Shinshii as he
shares his knowledge of Uchinaaguchi
and Okinawa. You will discover why the
Uchinaaguchi class is more than just
learning about our “mother tongue”.
Uchinaaguchi 101 by Chogi Higa, Instructor
ウチ ナ ー グチ
ワッターヘヤ　ヤ、ナンカイ　ンカイ　アイビーガ。
ウンジュナーヘヤ　ヤ、ニカイ　ンカイ　アイビーン。
ヘヤ　ヤ、ナンゴー　ヤイビーガ。
ニヒャクゴゴー　ヤイビーン。
Wattaa heya ya nankai nkai aibiiga.
Unju-naa heya ya nikai nkai aibiin.
Heya ya nangoo yaibiiga.
Nihyaku-go-goo yaibiin.
4 Haisai OAA News No 83
Dialogue Practice
Chiruu: Wattaa heya ya, nankai nkai aibiiga.
On what floor is our room located?
Taruu: Unju-naa heya ya, nikai nkai aibiin.
Your room is on the 2nd floor.
(a hotel worker)
Chiruu: Heya ya, nangoo yaibiiga.
What is the room number?
Taruu: Nihyaku-go goo yaibiin.
It is room 205.
www.oaamensore.org ●
Okinawa Association of America
婦人部60周年を祝う記念式典、盛大に催す北米沖縄県人会
１９５４年発足の北米沖縄県人会婦人部（
島美恵子部長）は、創部60周年を祝う記念式
典をこのほど、ガーデナの沖縄センターで盛
大に催した。県人会から国吉信義会長をはじ
め来賓と一般会員ら１３０人以上が参加し、60
年にわたる歴史を振り返り、戦中、戦後のさま
ざまな艱難辛苦を背負い、それを乗り越えた
先人会員にあらためて敬意を表すとともに、婦
人部のさらなる団結と発展を誓った。
国吉ジェーンさんの司会で開会し、物故
会員に黙とうが捧げられた後、国吉・県人会長
が祝辞を述べ「婦人部が今日まで県人会の
活動を支えてきた」と謝意を表した。島部長が
あいさつに立ち、婦人部創部の目的について
「個々の教養と価値観を高めるため」と強調。
「料理やクラフト講習会、フラワーアレンジメン
ト、講演会、旅行など、多岐にわたる活動を展
開してきた」と力強く説明した。
表彰式では、長年にわたって婦人部の発
展に貢献した県人会の芸能部と、顧問の比嘉
朝儀さんに表彰状が贈られた。芸能部は、婦
人部の諸イベントに余興を提供してきたことが
認められた。比嘉さんは、料理講習会で、琉
球の宮廷料理や庶民料理の歴史を紐解きなが
ら、料理デモンストレーションの品々を紹介した。さ
らに、恒例の新年親睦会では、その年の干支につ
いて、琉球の昔物語の中から基調講演を行って
いる。今年は、八重山編の「赤馬節の由来」につい
て昔話をし、参加者に往時の赤馬の面影を彷彿
させた。
ステージでは、芸能部の琉球舞踊、民謡、太
鼓、健康体操などが次々と披露され、会場は沖縄
比嘉朝儀 記
Afuso Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles (pictured left)
entertain the ladies of the Fujinbu. Fujinbu Chairperson
Mieko Shima presents certificates of appreciation to Chogi
Higa and Geinobu (accepted by Jane Kamiya).
(photo by Hiroko Higa)
の雰囲気に満ち溢れ、参加者は故郷へ思いを馳せた。
のど自慢の新垣達夫さんが「ありがとう」を熱唱し、会場は
熱気に包まれた。最後は、参加者全員で午年にちなん
で、童謡「お馬」を合唱し、カチャーシーで佳境に達し、祝
賀式典のプログラムを締めくくった。
Bunka-Bu (Culture Committee) Presents
Battle of Okinawa Lecture and Movie Screening
Saturday, June 21, 2014 • 1 PM - 3 PM
OAA Room #103 • FREE with RSVP
Please call the OAA to reserve a seat
Guest Lecturers: Representative Keiko Itokazu (live video from Okinawa, schedule permitting), House of Councillors of Japan, past
Okinawa Prefecture assembly member • Ayano Ginoza, Research Scholar at the UCLA
Center for the Study of Women, lecturer at UC
Riverside.
On June 21 (Saturday), the OAA Culture
Committee (Bunka-bu) will be hosting a free
"Irei no Hi" lecture and movie screening. The
purpose of this event is to provide an introductory lecture focusing on the Battle of Okinawa,
its historical context, and the lasting effects on
Okinawa and its people.
June 23 is a prefectural holiday in Okinawa
called "Irei no Hi," commemorating the end of
the Battle of Okinawa. Every year, Okinawans
pray for the lives lost during the devastating
battle from which approximately 150,000 civilians were killed or committed suicide.
We will also be screening two short documentaries at our June 21 event:
The Himeyuri Peace Foundation's documentary is narrated in Japanese with English subtitles over a
sequence of beautiful paintings by Ken Kaizu.
(photo provided by the Himeyuri Peace Foundation)
www.oaamensore.org ●
Okinawa Association of America
In "Typhoon of
Steel" (20 minutes,
English),
local
filmmaker
Gena
Hamamoto interviews
two
Uchinaanchu "kibei" (nisei
who were born
in America and
received
their
Okinawans were directly
primary education affected by the Battle of
in Japan or Okina- Okinawa with an estimated
wa). Takejiro Higa 150,000 civilian deaths.
and Frank Seiyu
(photo by T. Sgt. Glen A.
Higashi,
OAA Fitzgerald, Marine Corps, Public
Domain)
member,
served
as linguists and
interpreters in the United States Military Intelligence Service (MIS), saving countless lives
during the Battle of Okinawa.
"Himeyuri" (30 minutes, Japanese with English subtitles) recounts the harrowing experiences of the 222 high school students and 18
teachers who were forced to work as nurses
for the Imperial Japanese Army during the
Battle of Okinawa. This documentary was produced by the Himeyuri Peace Foundation in
Okinawa.
Disclaimer from Culture Committee chairperson
Joseph Kamiya: Okinawa's relationship with Japan
and the US is historically controversial, but it is necessary to explore and discuss. Though political in
nature, this event will present facts not agendas.
Haisai OAA News No 83 5
創立３５周年を祝う記念式典並びに祝賀会を盛大に催すサンデイエゴ沖縄県人会
ロサンゼルス市ダウンタウンから南へ約
１２０マイル離れたサンディエゴ日系人仏
教会ホールでサンディエゴ沖縄県人会（
富着保雄会長）は、２月２３日、創立３５周
年記念祝賀会を催した。当日はサンディ
エゴ地域の各界の代表者が集うなか、ロ
サンゼルスの沖縄県人会からの５０人の
参加者は、心地よい爽やかな天気に恵ま
れたオーシャンサイド・コースの２時間余
のドライブを楽しみながら仏教会に到着
した。
会場に集まった来賓や会員、家族や
友人・知人ら約３００人は、苦難を乗り越え
て県人会を創立した物故会員や県人会
創立当初からの会員にあらためて感謝と
敬意を表すとともに、同会のなお一層の
発展を誓いあった。
上原千明さんの愉快な司会で進行し、
先亡者への黙祷につづき、富着保雄会
長の挨拶、國吉信義・北米沖縄県人会長
が祝辞を述べた後、比嘉朝儀顧問がウ
チナーグチで祝辞を述べ、そして乾杯を
リードした。
昼餐を挟み、幕の内弁当に舌鼓を打ち
ながら表彰式には、県人会創立以来、長
年にわたる献身的なサポートで同会の発
展に顕著な貢献をされた北米沖縄県人
比嘉朝儀　記
Photo Above (L to R): San Diego Kenjinkai's President, Yasuo Fuchaku presenting Certificates of
Recognition to Yoneko Hilinski and Chogi Higa;
and a member of San Diego Kenjinkai presenting flowers.Top right: Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko
Los Angeles Branch entertains the crowd. (L to
R) Stephanie Ajifu, Roland Kazu Tang, and Kristin
Yamauchi. Bottom right: Dancers from Tamagusuku-Ryu Kansen-Kai Yonamine Keiko Ryubu Dojo.
(photo by Hiroko Higa)
会顧問の比嘉朝儀、サンディエゴ会員の米子ヒ
リンスキの両氏に感謝状 が贈呈された。
周りの参加者と歓談をしながら余興プログラム
に移り、玉城流冠千会の与那嶺恵子琉舞道場
の「踊りくわでいさー」で開幕、舞踊、民謡、琉球
国祭太鼓、カラオケ、寸劇、若者のアメリカンダン
ス、日舞など、実にバライエティーに富んだ余興
プログラムが繰り広げられた。会場は恒例のカ
チャーシーで沖縄ムードの雰囲気が漂い、最高
潮に達し、午後４時頃、３５周年の祝賀プログラ
ムを終了した。
Hanafuda Hawaii Style (Fujinbu Workshop) by Jane H. Kuniyoshi
On Friday, May 9, 2014, the OAA Fujinbu (Women’s Club) held a Hanafuda
Hawaii Style workshop with presenter
Helen Nakano from Hawaii. Mrs. Nakano,
a retired teacher, now has a passion to
bridge generations together by playing
this ancient Japanese flower card game
called Hanafuda. She came to realize that
this game could be a catalyst for bringing
families closer. She also found benefits
for the elderly by providing the mental
stimulation and social interactions they
need to keep alert and engaged. On the
other hand, the young ones today are so
bombarded with electronic devices that
they no longer have face-to-face interaction with their family members or even
friends. This is why Mrs. Nakano is driven
to change that by reintroducing this card
game to families of all generations.
Unlike the old deck of cards that the issei brought with them from Japan to Hawaii, Hanafuda Hawaii Style’s decks are
brighter and more colorful, with points on
6 Haisai OAA News No 83
them as well as
their suit (Hiki)
identification in
Japanese and
characters to
identify Yaku
combinations.
At the workshop,
Helen
explained the
significance of
certain cards
such as the
only man in
the deck of 48
cards
called Hanafuda workshop attendees learning to play the game with the new cards.
“Ono no Tofu.”
shi, and Fujinbu chairperson Mieko Shima
She also talked
about the significance of the crane and -- enjoyed themselves playing and having
the story of the “Rabbit in the Moon.” The fun. There were smiles and laughter evgame is easy to learn and fun to play for erywhere. If you’re interested in purchasing cards, contact Mieko Shima at (310)
persons ages 5 to 95 years.
Those who attended -- including board 532-1929 (OAA Office). For more informembers, OAA president Shingi Kuniyo- mation about Hanafuda Hawaii Style, log
on to hanafudahawaii.com
www.oaamensore.org ●
Okinawa Association of America
Uchinaanchu at Tule Lake:
The OAA History Committee continues to work on the next publication
(dubbed History Book II).
The History Committee is currently
looking to interview people of Okinawan
decent who were interned at Tule Luke
during WWII. If you or someone you
know is interested in sharing their story with the History Committee, please
contact the committee at:
English/Japanese Email
[email protected]
English Preferred Email
[email protected]
OAA Members in the News
The Haisai OAA Newsletter writers do not always have time nor space for
full articles about recent OAA member achievements. We welcome short
write-ups and/or pictures with captions of OAA members describing their
achievements. Please send your submissions to [email protected].
"KEMPI" SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Congratulations to OAA member Collin Hoo, one of the recipients of the
2014 Okinawa Prefecture International Student Program (formerly Kempi
Scholarship)! Collin arrived in Okinawa on April 5th and is currently studying
Japanese language and Okinawan culture at the University of the Ryukyus (or
"Ryudai," located in Nishihara, Nakagami District on Okinawa Island).
CHARLES M. KAMIYA AND SONS, INC.
DBA: KAMIYA INSRUANCE AGENCY
Edward K. Kamiya
President
373 Van Ness Avenue, #200
Torrance, CA 90501
CDI #0G93824
Telephone:
(310) 781-2066
Direct: (310) 781-2069
Facsimile:
(310) 961-9516
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kamiyainsurance.com
Collin Hoo was welcomed in
Okinawa by friends he met at
the Wakamono Taikai! (Standing) Mano Taira, Karina Satomi, Mr. Kugai, Collin Hoo,
Takatada Kinjo, Mr. Goya.
(Kneeling) Chiho Higa, Akino
Oshiro, Minami Tamamoto, Kizuku Nitta, Munehiro Nitta.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY PUBLISHED
OAA member Masako Kimura Streling has published
an autobiography titled "I Thought The Sun Was God,"
now available through Kinokuniya in Little Tokyo, Amazon.com, and BarnesAndNoble.com. A donated copy
is available at the OAA Kamiya Library. Subtitled "The
Spiritual Journey of a Descendant of the Last Satsuma
Samurai Clan," Masako's book recounts her early years
in Ishigaki (part of the Yaeyama Islands), marrying an
American soldier, the racism she faced in the United
States, and their struggles as Christian missionaries in Masako Kimura
Japan. All of these life events are strung together by her Streling, author of
discovery of faith, purpose, and self. She also includes "I Thought The Sun
many aspects of Okinawan history, culture, and life in Was God"
the first half of the book.
The book was reviewed by Mark McLaughlin at Forward Clarion Reviews (4 out of 5 stars). He writes: "Moving among these many
worlds makes her story an intriguing, engrossing, and eye-opening tale, one
that deserves a special place in any Women's Studies course or any class on
modern Japan."
In January, Masako was a speaker at a TEDxYouth lecture series hosted
by Val Verde High School. The full 21-minute video can be seen on YouTube
(search "Masako Kimura Streling TEDxYouth"). Congratulations to Masako!
www.oaamensore.org ●
DONORS CORNER:
We apologize if we missed anyone. Please let
us know, so we can acknowledge your donation in a future issue. (As of May)
In memory of Shinki & Matsu Asato - $100
Stanley Asato
Kajimaya Club - $200 Hiroshi Yamauchi
Membership $20 - Ethel Asato
General $2,000 - Choichi & Eiko Terukina
• $200 - Ethel Asato • $75 - Miyoko Shima
• $50 - Ukwanshin Kabudan • $20 - Robert
Okazaki • Carmen Ikemiyashiro • $10 - Ray
Uchima
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Disclaimer: The OAA does not endorse or sponsor any of the businesses,
services, or products advertised here.
Okinawa Association of America
Haisai OAA News No 83 7
Place
Stamp
here
Ichi nu Ichimadin: From Generation to Generation
Okinawa Association of America, Inc.
501(c) (3) non-profit organization
OAA Center
16500 S. Western Avenue #203
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: (310) 532-1929
Fax: (310) 808-9280
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.oaamensore.org
Okinawa Association of America
Place Address Label here
Upcoming Events & Activities (subject to change)
Haisai OAA News Staff
EDITOR/LAYOUT
Kristin Yamauchi
WRITERS
Michael George, Chogi Higa, Joseph Kamiya,
Jane H. Kuniyoshi, Shingi Kuniyoshi, Vicky
Nishiuchi
June 1
6月1日
Kajimaya (Senior Citizens) Club
Anniversary Celebration
カジマヤー高齢者クラブ記念
パーティー
June 8
6月8日
Martial Arts Committee (MAC)
Seminar
マーシャルアーツ・コミティー主催セミ
ナー
June 21
6月21日
Irei no Hi/Battle of Okinawa Lecture
and Movie Screening
「慰霊の日」沖縄戦レクチャーと映画上
映（文化部）
PROOFREADERS
Michael George, Chogi Higa, Joseph Kamiya,
Shingi Kuniyoshi, Vicky Nishiuchi, Yuko Yamauchi
July 12
7月12日
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chogi Higa, Hiroko Higa, Joseph Kamiya
July 13
7月13日
OAA Annual Picnic
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
県人会ピクニック
This is the official newsletter of the OAA, Inc.
Contributions are welcome. For newsletter committee approval, email your article to
[email protected] no later than
August 4, 2014 for the next issue.
July 20
7月20日
Minyo no Yuube (Evening of Folk
Music) Show
「民謡の夕べ」(芸能部：琉球民謡協会
北米支部)
Back cover image is of Stephanie Ajifu from
Tamagusuku-ryu Kansen-kai Yonamine Keiko
Ryubu Dojo dancing at the Fujinbu New Year's
Party/60th Anniversary event.
Haisai OAA News No. 83
Picnic bento preparation and truck
loading at the OAA Center
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
ピクニック準備・ボランティア募集
July 30 - 2014 3rd Wakamono Taikai
August 1
(Dusseldorf, Germany)
7 月 3 0 日 - 第3回世界若者ウチナーンチュ大会
(ドイツ・デュッセルドルフ）
8月1日
th
Aug 15 - 17 60 Anniversary Celebration of Oki8 月 1 5 日 - nawa immigration to Bolivia (Contact OAA for info, including forming
17日
a Gateball team)
ボリビア沖縄移住地入植60周年記念
祭民（ゲートボール・チーム募集）
www.oaamensore.org
www.oaamensore.org ●●
October 12
10月12日
OAA Annual Bazaar
バザー
Denotes non-OAA event
当県人会以外の行事
Weekly Activities (subject to change)
• COMPUTER CLASS ($5/class): Every
Thursday 10am - 12noon, Friday 1
- 3pm, and Saturday by appointment
only. コンピューター・クラス
Monthly Activities (subject to change)
• VOLUNTEER DAY: 1st Tuesday of every
month 第1火曜日：ボランティア・デー
• HISTORY BOOK II MEETING: 1st Saturday of every month
第1土曜日：歴史部会議
• UTA-SANSHIN CIRCLE: 2nd Sunday of
every month (subject to change)
第2日曜日唄三線サークル
• UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS ($2 donation/
class): 2nd Friday of every month
第2金曜日 ウチナーグチ クラス
• KARAOKE CLUB ($5/admission): 3rd
Saturday of every month
第3土曜日：カラオケ・クラブ
Okinawa
Okinawa Association
Association of
of America
America