The Hawaii United Okinawa Association welcomes each new year with the Uchinanchu of the Year (UOY) and HUOA Installation

Celebration. This year, the event was held on January 16. However, unlike previous years, the Legacy Ballroom at the Hawaii Okinawa Center was dark and silent. The Uchinanchu community did not sit shoulder to shoulder in the ballroom, they did not bring lei and gifts for their UOY or newly elected Executive Council members, they did not dine on a delicious buffet lunch or enjoy the festivities of the day together with family and friends.

The COVID-19 pandemic dictated our behavior. Mask wearing, frequent hand washing and social distancing had become the new norm. The UOY deserved to be recognized and the 2021 Executive Council needed to be installed. A solution was needed for this quandary.

Rewind to early 2020. President-elect Patrick Miyashiro was making plans for 2021. The Seventh Worldwide Uchinanchu Taikai was scheduled to be held and Pat was planning to take a large Hawaii contingent to Okinawa.

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www.huoa.org January/February 2021 Issue #190 Circulation 9,657

Inside This IssueUchinanchu of the Year and HUOA Installation Celebration ••••••••••••• Page 1President’s Message ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 22020 Uchinanchu of the Year Honorees •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 3HUOA Virtual Annual Installation (cont. from pg 1) •••••••••••••••••••• Page 4HUOA Virtual Annual Installation (cont. from pg 4) •••••••••••••••••••• Page 5President’s Theme/Warabi Ashibi •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 6Warabi Ashibi ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 7Ikuyu Madin •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 8Preserving Our Legacy ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Pages 9-11HUOA Donations/Kin Town Donation/JTB Donation/Club News ••••••• Page 12Club News ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 13HUOA YouTube Channel Turns 1/Ehime Maru/Mensore ••••••••••••••• Page 14Club News/Okinawan Proverb/Uchinaaguchi ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 15HUOA Schedule of Events/HOT Schedule ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 16

Uchinanchu of the Year and HUOA Installation CelebrationBy Joy Schoonover and Robbie Umeno

installation, continued on page 4,5 & 6

There would be reunions with friends and family and new friend-ships would be forged. “Heartfelt Meet and Greet” seemed like an appropriate theme. In September 2020, the Okinawan government officially announced the post-ponement of the Taikai until 2022.

Pat needed a new theme. He asked Grant “Masanduu” Murata Sensei for advice. Murata Sensei suggested “Chimugukuru Tiichi” (All hearts unite as one), a fitting theme based on the circumstances of the pandemic. Ginowan Shijin Kai member Morris Umeno designed a visual representation to express the strong Okinawan spirit that brings together the hearts and hands of people, united as one, for everyone’s success.

The Planning PhaseDisappointed but not discour-

aged, Pat and his planning committee, tri-chaired by Ellen Higa, Sandy Nishimoto and Robbie Umeno, held online meetings to plan and organize a virtual event. Ginowan Shijin Kai members willingly volunteered to help. There was lots of enthusiasm, but one big problem remained: the committee was mainly com-prised of retirees with minimal technological knowledge and skills.

Joy Schoonover took on the enormous challenge of produc-ing the virtual event. She Google-searched topics and watched countless hours of YouTube videos on how to set up, shoot and edit video clips.

The idea of putting together a Celebration Package was con-ceived. Charlene Tamanaha worked with Ron Hattori, General Manager of A Catered Experience (ACE) to come up with two bento options. The bento would include local and Okinawan favorites. Sisters Wilma Ogimi and Claire Matsumoto created a gift package to honor the occasion. Caro Higa set up an online

Live broadcast behind the scenes David Jones, Jon Itomura, Jay Higa, and Guy Miyashiro.

Lynn Miyahira at Jikoen pick-up.

2 Uchinanchu January/February 2021

President’s MessageBy Patrick Miyashiro

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.

UCHINANCHUIppee Nifee Deebiru... Mahalo!

Uchinanchu Donors January 1 to February 1, 2021.Robert Y. Miyahira Grover Miyasato Mitsuko Miyashiro Hannah Nakamura Thomas & Jean Nishimura Clement Oshiro Mark Perkins Kenneth Shimabukuro Lillian Shimabukuro

George Agena Ed & May Asato Jane Asato Gary Furugen Charles & Helen Higa Frederick T. Higa Sonia Honda Seizen & Helen Maeshiro Alice Masutani

2021 Calendar of EventsThe year at a glance!

March 27 HUOA’s Class and Play - Virtual

Jun 8-10 Children’s Day Camp - Oahu, TBD

Jun 18 Senior Health & Wellness Fair, TBD

Jun 22 Irei no Hi Rememberance, Virtual

Sep 3-5 39th OKINAWAN FESTIVAL, TBD

Sep 18 Autumn Matsuri, TBD

Oct 3-14 Study Tour in Okinawa, TBD

Oct 29 Uchinanchu no Hi Celebration, TBD

Nov 28-29 Winter Craft Fair, TBD

Dec 8 An Evening in Waipio Craft Fair, TBD

Check HUOA website – www.huoa.org for more information.

Masao Shiroma William Speed Evelyn Tengan Amy Tsuru Walter Wauke Wallace S. Yara Jan Yuen Trudy Zukemura

UCHINANCHUUchinanchu is the newsletter of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association. Although subject to change, issues will be published bi-monthly. Volunteer writers are wel-come. 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 mate-rial for clarity and accuracy.

HUOA President •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Patrick MiyashiroExecutive Director •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jon ItomuraEditorial/Production Services ••••••••••••••• MBFT Media: Arnold Hiura, Eloise Hiura and Hilma FujimotoADVERTISING INFORMATIONUchinanchu reaches over 9,700 households. For advertising rates and more information, contact us at: Tel: (808) 676-5400 – Email: huoa@huoa.org – www.huoa.org

Haisai Gusuuyoo. Ii Soogwachi Deebiru!

What an auspicious beginning to the New Year! The first-ever virtual Uchinanchu of the Year (UOY) & Installation

Celebration and bento sales were an exceptional success. There were 30 persons from 26 clubs who were recognized as their UOY. Thank you for your support of your clubs and the HUOA. Your dedication and hard work are most graciously appreciated.

I want to thank Lynn Miyahira for her outstanding leadership in 2020, navigating the HUOA through all of the diversions of the COVID-19 restrictions. We learned the benefits of doing meetings in the Zoom platform, such as allowing neighbor island clubs to par-ticipate in the meetings without inter-island travel. Another benefit is that once the meeting is over you just turn off the computer and you’re already home – no travel time to and from the meeting.

To David Jones – our president-elect for 2022 – and all the current officers and advisors, a great big mahalo for continuing to serve and support the HUOA.

We will remain alert in 2021 as to what is allowed and what is not during the covid pandemic. On a positive note, Sun Noodle and Central Pacific Bank Foundation have partnered with the HUOA to distribute 500 boxes of noodles to our 50 member clubs. Each club will receive 10 boxes containing 12 packets of noodles to be distribut-ed to their members – especially the kupuna who may be facing hard-ship due to COVID-19.

Nine HUOA officers volunteered to clean the Ehime Maru memo-rial on Saturday, February 6, in anticipation of the 20th year memo-rial service on February 9. Volunteering were: Clarisse Kobashigawa, Chikako Nago, Terry Goya, Aolani Yamasato-Gragas, Dave Arakawa, Eric Nitta, Roy Arakaki, Pat Miyashiro, and Jon Itomura.

Officers and committee chairpersons are planning various pro-grams throughout the year to promote, perpetuate and preserve the Okinawan culture in Hawaii. Details will be provided in the Purple Blast as programs are put in place. As always, please stay safe and maintain your health and Chimugukuru Tiichi.

For more about Pat’s theme, see story on page 6.

3UchinanchuJanuary/February 2021

2020Uchinanchu Of The Year Honorees

4 Uchinanchu January/February 2021

Honey. A commemorative program booklet was also included. A total of 884 Celebration Packages were distributed from 10 a.m. to noon.

At 2 p.m. (HST), the Uchinanchu of the Year and 71st Installation Celebration was broadcast to a worldwide audience of over 3,000. Emcee

Guy Miyashiro opened the formal program with a call to celebration pro-vided by Chinagu Eisa Hawaii. Pastor Russell Higa of Streams of Life Fellowship blessed the event. The outgoing officers, advisors and club representatives were recognized and Judge Karen Nakasone installed the 2021 Executive Council. Lynn Miyahira, outgoing President, talked about the difficulties faced by the Executive Council due to social dis-tancing requirements brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. President Patrick Miyashiro shared his goals for the year – adapt and survive; cre-ate a vision for the future, and promote, perpetuate and preserve the Okinawan culture in Hawaii. His primary concern is the health and safe-ty of the volunteers. He ended the speech with his favorite saying, “No worry, we get um.” Hawaii Governor David Ige and Dawn Ige; Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki; Ginowan City Mayor Masanori Matsugawa, and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi provided congratulatory messages and well wishes.

The 30 Uchinanchu of the Year from 26 Clubs were then honored. They spanned the generations from issei to yonsei, club membership from 75 years to less than two years. Respect for the past and an unselfish willingness to support their clubs and the greater community were

installation, continued from page 1

preorder form. Each family would receive a commemorative program booklet.

The Production PhaseMike Schoonover, Wilma Ogimi, David Jones, Jon Itomura, Copeland

Talkington and Ellen Higa joined the video production team. After many hours spent planning, scheduling, script writing, rehearsing, record-ing voice overs, adding transitions and special effects, videotaping, re-videotaping and editing the first virtual Uchinanchu of the Year and Installation Celebration was ready for broadcast.

Congratulatory letters, biographies and other written materials were requested, collected and edited by Jon Itomura, Robbie Umeno, Linda Kunihisa, Lauren Suekawa and Bonnie Miyashiro. The program book-let was designed and composed by Caro Higa and Morris Umeno. The color-coded sections of the pro-gram booklet are inspired by the vibrant hues of the bingata designs. The sections include con-gratulatory letters, biographies of the 2021 HUOA Executive Council and Uchinanchu of the Year, Program outline and photo-graphs of past HUOA Presidents.

The Big DayOn the morning of January

16, 2021, a steady stream of cars snaked slowly through the Hawaii Okinawa Center parking lot to pick up their Celebration Packages. Patrick was there to greet and thank them for their support. Across town at Jikoen Hongwanji Mission another pickup site was set up. Past President Lynn Miyahira and an almost life size poster of Patrick was there to greet and thank supporters. The Celebration Package consisted of the special bento, gift bag of three pieces of individually wrapped mochi, andagi provided by ACE and a bear-shaped bottle of Waimanalo honey from Hawaii Tropical

Organizing Committee Zoom meeting.Production team member Mike Schoonover.

Kachashi recording session with Pat and kids.

Bonnie Miyashiro and Nona Miyashiro wrap andagi.

HUOA pick-up: Gail Fuller, Amanda Higa, and Charlene Tamanaha. Wilma Ogimi, Sandy Nishimoto, and Charlene Tamanaha.

Chris Santomauro and Randy Morisako at Jikoen.

Pat’s son Mark Miyashiro and Courtney Takara direct traffic.

Terry Goya at HOC pick-up.

Prepping souvenirs at Jikoen: Leigh Morisako.

more photos on page 5

Behind the scenes with Joy Schoonover.

5UchinanchuJanuary/February 2021

common threads all the honorees shared. The formal program concluded with karii lead by HUOA Past Presidents John Tasato and Rodney Kohagura.

The entertainment began with the traditional piece, “Kazadihuu Bushi.” Emcee Jay Higa introduced the special joint performance by Patrick Miyashiro on taiko and granddaughter, Kaitlynn Canubida. The Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy performed “Shinnen No Yorokobi” and “Udui Kwadisa.” Chinagu Eisa Hawaii returned with an energetic “Dynamic Ryukyu”. The program closed with kachashi featur-ing some of the UOY honorees, members of the Installation Committee,

Pat’s recording session.

Pat, Sandy Yanagi and Kyra Pila at HOC pick-up.

and Okinawan government officials.

Even though we could not physically gather together, we could share the “same” meal while viewing the virtual cel-ebration from the front row seats in our living rooms and experience the excitement and pride of the Uchinanchu of the Year and 71st Installation Celebration.

Photographer Dave Au, Lynn Miyahira, Naomi Reagan, and Pat.

Pat and his daughter Marni Canubida at HOC pick-up Pat’s family at HOC pick-up: Daven Pila, Makayla Miyashiro, Matt Pila, and Aaron Pila.

Performance Recording Kaitlynn Canubida and Pat.

installation, continued from page 4

6 Uchinanchu January/February 2021

He worried that its meaning would be lost on people. His gut told him to search for something shorter, something that he would have no prob-

lem remembering and conveying in one breath. After appealing to Mark Higa, 2015 HUOA President, for help with the translation, he was steered to Sensei Grant “Masandu” Murata. And it was there that his theme, “Chimugukuru Tiichi,” took shape.

Aside from the unique wording of each theme, the artwork for the President’s logo also breathes life and character to the words. The vibrant purple and red in Pat’s theme are symbolic.

Purple is often associated with Uchinanchu pride, and the red immediately triggers images of a beautiful heart.

Pat’s bold yet gently unifying theme sets a distinct tone. It reminds us all to lean in and do our part, to open up our hearts and to lead compassionately, to selflessly search

out and place the needs of those next to us above our own, and to embrace the challenges of the year together and never apart. One can only hope that this beautiful spirit will indeed wash over us, uniting all of the hearts and hands of the HUOA community and supporters alike, moving in peace and harmony for everyone’s success.

Newly installed HUOA President Pat Miyashiro has selected a most fitting theme for 2021 – Year 2 of the pandemic. Pat’s theme fits

him well. Truly, the theme asks all of our members to open up their hearts and minds so that they can understand and anticipate the needs of others and then to support them through action, with words unspoken. It is a call to action and a reminder of what we all can accomplish when we work together as one body, with one mind, and beating vibrantly with one heart.

With decades of service under his belt, Pat is a long contributing member of HUOA organization and his ancestral club, Ginowan Shijin Kai. With his experience, he brings all of us comfort and assurance that even these daunting times shall also pass. When the circumstances around us say “no can,” Pat is the one who says “can.” His one-liners often bring outbursts of laughter at precisely the right time during often tedious and sometimes heavy planning meetings.

Chimugukuru Tiichi - One is able to understand and support with an unspoken word, the mind of another.

Pat’s journey in selecting the right theme was itself an interesting one. His first attempt resulted in a phrase that was too long and difficult to remember.

President’s Theme Chimugukuru Tiichi – All hearts unite as one.By Clarisse Kobashigawa

Warabi Ashibi - HUOA’s Children at PlayIn the spirit of keeping our multi-generational homes interactively learning and playing together, we are happy to introduce Warabi Ashibi - HUOA’s Children at Play feature. In this section we hope to encourage our youth to learn and play as we promote, preserve and perpetuate the Okinawan culture across all generations with a special focus on engaging our children.

7UchinanchuJanuary/February 2021

Coloring ShiisaaPeople believe that shiisaa

are guardians. They protect the house against evil spirits. They come in pairs. One has

its mouth open, and the other has its mouth closed. The open mouth shiisaa keeps evil spirits away, and the closed mouth shiisaa keeps good spirits in.Can you tell what these two

cute shiisaa are doing?

Credit in the shiisaa coloring: Gordon Uehara

8 Uchinanchu January/February 2021

A Capital Campaign of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association

Aloha Tofu Inc., Paul UyeharaAza Yogi Doshi Kai – Yogi VillageNancy Akamine Arizumi, Claire

Matsumoto, Wilma OgimiArashiro Ohana Charles & Gladys Tokunaga AsaoGeorge Bartels, Jr. & Doreen BartelsDr. Glenn M. & Lucille K. BivenFord & Daneil ChinenDr. Doris ChingAlton ChungFurugen Family Ltd. PartnershipGwen & Clayton FujieGaza Yonagusuku Doshi KaiGinowan ClubGinoza Sonjin KaiHaneji ClubHawaii Shuri-Naha ClubChristine & Stanley HigaHenry Shiyei Higa & Gladys

Matsue Higa by co-trustees Jane Akiko Kamiya, Alice Etsuko Higa & Edward Shisei Higa

Laverne HigaMark & Hanae HigaMildred HigaDr. Kyoko HijiridaHui Alu, Inc.Hui MakaalaHui O LaulimaCarol & Stanley IgeJocelyn IgeRalph & Jean IgeIn Memory of Melvin “Blackie” Iha and

Benjamin “Blackie” & Violet IhaRichard Iha, Jr.Yuriko InamineJon Itomura

Arthur KaneshiroInez & Lincoln H. Kaneshiro Jr.Nobuko KidaKin Chojin KaiRodney & Carol KohaguraPaul Y. & Kristi KomeijiThe Family of Richard and Kiyoko Kuba

- Lui, Chung, Morikami, Kuba-HoriAsako KuwazakiJane Setsuko & Won Kuk LeeMiki & Brian MaeshiroMavis MasakiDwight T. MatsudaRobert T. MatsudaSally & Hisashi MatsumotoKenneth & Amy MijoGordon S. & Faye E. MiyasatoGuy MiyashiroFlorence Sueko, Patrick

& Nona MiyashiroLawrence & Alice MorisakoCatherine MorishigeMark MugiishiRussell & Charlotte MukaiNago ClubNakagusuku Sonjin KaiCarol & Jackson NakasoneKaren NakasoneMitsuko Toguchi NakasoneNorman & Renette NakasoneOkinawa Genealogical

Society of HawaiiThe Family of Shinichi &

Utome OkuhamaOroku Azajin ClubKaname OshiroRuth OshiroYoshimori Oshiro

Yasuo and Chiyo SadoyamaSteven & Stephanie SaitoThe Family of Akira & Jane SakimaJane SerikakuChris & Shiori ShimabukuroEarl & Sue ShimabukuroHerbert & Lillian ShimabukuroR.K. & C. ShimabukuroBob & Mimi ShiromaGeorge & Pat TakamiyaCourtney TakaraKaren Keiko Tamae & Akira Sugikawa;

Roy, Dawn & Makana Sugikawa; Janet & Neal Yamanouchi

Tamagusuku ClubCyrus & Ann TamashiroGeorge & Emeline TamashiroJames M. Tamashiro Family, in memory

of Martha Kame TamashiroDaniel TenganMark & Joanie TeruyaCharles T. ToguchiLinda TorigoeDarryl UezuAlice S. UyeharaClayton & Cynthia UzaWahiawa Nakasone Family

Reunion & Golf TournamentMaurice & Jean YamasatoKenneth & Helen YanamuraNancy & Larry Yogi and FamilyYomitan ClubBob YonaharaHarold & Elsie YonamineIn Memory of Kenneth K.

& Hazel C. UeharaOn Behalf of Derek, Harold

& Joyce Asato

(Joined members who have either donated or pledged $10,000 or more to the 2M Campaign.)

Lillian ShimabukuroAmy E. Tsuru (2)In memory of Fusako Ikehara & Dennis Ikehara by

Rodney IkeharaIn memory of Alice K. Arakaki by Kita Nakagusuku

Sonjin Kai

Our Supporters

IKUYU MADIN KAI – 200 FOR 2M CAMPAIGN

Hui O LaulimaStanley & Carol IgeNobuko KidaDenise LiuKenneth & Amy MijoFamily of Akira & Jane Sakima by Howard Sakima

Wayne & Muriel ArakakiAza Yogi Doshi Kai - Yogi Village by Keith NakasoneAza Yogi Doshi Kai - Yogi Village by Myles NakasoneGwen FujieEric & Loretta FukunagaGaza Yonagusuku Doshikai

Donations listed below were received from December 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

Ikuyu MadinBridging from Generation to Generation - For Our Children!

T he Hawaii Okinawa Plaza opened its doors in late 2019 and is now home to five tenants. Rental income from the Plaza will go to the Hawaii United Okinawa Association to support its many cultural programs as well as the upkeep and capital improvements of the Hawaii Okinawa Center. Now that the Plaza is open for business, this campaign will be winding down. This accomplishment took years in the making and

would not have been possible without the help and support of the over 1,200 donors in Hawaii and Okinawa. Since our last report, we received $18,600.

In honor of our previous generations and in promise to those to come, “shikinoo chui shiihii shiru kurasuru,” we will greatly enhance our shared way of life, now and for future generations.

To all of our donors, we say Magukuru Kara Ippee Nifee Deebiru. – from our hears, thank you very much.

9UchinanchuJanuary/February 2021

Preserving Our Legacy2020 to 2021–Annual Giving Program

T hank you to the many members, friends and businesses that have responded to our 2020/2021 annual giving campaign. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone around the globe and we understand that 2020 has been an extremely challenging year for many people. That is why we are deeply grateful for the confidence you have shown in us.

As we begin a new year, HUOA looks forward to new promises and challenges. Your donation allows us to create a bright future for the HUOA and the Hawaii Okinawa Center. The new campaign started in November 2020 and by the end of the month we received a total of 891 donations, representing $162,741. We are forever grateful to all of you.

Please join us in 2021, in helping our community thrive and grow. It is through your continued contributions that we are able to have successful programs and upkeep our home, the Hawaii Okinawa Center. Ippee Nifee Deebiru!The following list of donors reflects contributions processed from December 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

PLATINUM ($2,500 - $4,999)In memory of Dr. James & Haruko Tengan by Daniel Tengan

GOLD ($1,000 - $2,499)AnonymousHui O LaulimaJocelyn A. IgeOshima & ItomuraLinda TeruyaFrancis & Fran ToyamaThad & Yoko WakasugiIn memory of Sanra & Ushi Goya & Family by Jeannette

GoyaIn memory of Rikichi Kohatsu by Joji & Ritsuko SetaIn memory of Teruo, Emily Emiko, Sakae, Kame & Kame

Oshiro by Stephen M. OshiroIn memory of Nancy H. Takara by Shinichi Takara & FamilyIn memory of June Nakama TaomaeIn memory of Kwanko & Kana Toyama by Toki & Pat

ToyamaIn memory of Seison & Kamata Yagi & Aaron Hatsuo

Oshiro by Sally

SILVER ($500 - $999)Anonymous (5)George & Doreen BartelsArleen & Keith KamitaEd & Bobbi Kuba Continued on Page 10

A. MiyashiroWilfred & Loretta MiyashiroKosei & Gail NagoAlben & Lynn NamihiraHenry H. TakaraGeorge & Emeline TamashiroJody TeruyaDavid UeuntenIn memory of Ansei & Edna M. Arakaki by the Arakaki

FamilyIn memory of Taru & Kamado Arakaki by Tomiko A. SeeIn memory of Tadao Beppu by Anita BeppuIn memory of Zenichi & Chiyoko ChibanaIn memory of Joe & Yoko Higashi by Henry M. & Sharon H.

HigashiIn memory of Harold Toshi Kaneshiro by Gaye OshiroIn memory of Shinko & Mieko Kuniyoshi by Karen LiuIn memory of Kozen Miyashiro by Mary Ann LundquistIn memory of Kosuke, Kame & Shigeru Nakasato by Stephen

M. OshiroIn memory of Kamado Oshiro, Tsuyako Oshiro & David

OshiroIn memory of Mr. & Mrs. Choyu Shimabukuro by Mrs.

Jason YuenIn memory of Edward T., Gladys S., Michael ‘Sumo’ Uehara

& Stacy

In memory of Masao & Shizue Yamashiro of Los Angeles by Dale M.

In memory of Frederick & Lillian Yogi by Lynette WilliamsIn memory of James Kiyoshi Yogi by Kay T. YogiIn honor of Sensei Masakazu Teruya by Nina Teruya &

JeffreyIn honor of Niwa & Nabe Tohara by Craig Tohara

BRONZE ($250 - $499)Anonymous (4)Cornell & Shirley AlosGary & Janet KaneshiroRalph NakamaDavid & Diane NakasoneLance ShiromaSteven Y. TakushiVirginia TanakatsuboGordon & June TsukamotoWesley H. WaniyaLawrence & Carole YamamotoIn memory of Wallace & Kay Chinen by Joyce N ChinenIn memory of Pauline Nakachi Hirasuna by Thomas

Hirasuna & JeanIn memory of Thomas M. Ikehara by Walter IkeharaIn memory of Bokuzen & Haruko T. Kaneshiro by Frances T.

10 Uchinanchu January/February 2021

Steven & Janyce MiyashiroLeroy NagasakoScott & Susan NakaharaMr. & Mrs. Harry NakahodoMildred S. NakamaStanley K. NakamuraWayne & Karen NakamuraJames S. NakasoneCharlene NekomotoSandra NishimotoDonald K. NittaRaymond & Betty OkuharaJeannene OshiroMomoyo OshiroNaomi OshiroNobuko OshiroRay OshiroYoshimori OshiroCharles & Elaine OtaMr. & Mrs. Russell G. OwensRichard S. OyamaRons Construction CorporationClyde & Sandra SakiharaEdward M. SakimaThomas & Kazuko SakumaLouis & Alice ShimabukuLillian ShimabukuroErnest & Lenore ShimaCharles ShiromaJulie ShiromaYuki T. SokeiKaren SugikawaToshi SullivanMiyoko (Doris) TakaraMorris T. TakushiChokatsu TamayoseDavid K. TeruyaShigeo & Grace TeruyaCynthia TomaShige ToyamaDoris T. UeharaEugene S. & Helen H. UeharaStanley UeharaAlan UyeharaYukio UyeharaRoy T. UyeharaElnora WakasugiBert & Mitsuko YamaguchiHelen YamamotoBryan I. YamashitaRobert & Norma YaraAlbert & Nancy YedaRichard & Kay YogiClayton & Shirley ZukeranIn memory of Ryoan & Naye Arakaki & Yasuko (Arakaki)

Takeda & Shigekazu Takeda by Gloria J. TakahashiIn memory of Shirley & Takeo Arakaki by Keith ArakakiIn memory of Taketo Asato by Clara GotoIn memory of Yuichi & Tsuyu Asato by Kenneth K. AsatoIn memory of Takeo Azama by Calvin AzamaIn memory of Wallace & Kiyoko U. Chinen by Karleen

ChinenIn memory of Bertha Kanako Ginoza Choo by Wendell

ChooIn memory of Alyce E. Funayama by Sharon FunayamaIn memory of Kiyuta & Ushi Ginoza by Edward Ginoza

FamilyIn memory of Shigeko Gushiken by Ai OgataIn memory of Charles Matsuhide Higa by Wayne HigaIn memory of Claudia E. HigaIn memory of Harry S. Higa by Roy & Doreen HigaIn memory of Seishu & Kami Higa by Wayne & Diane

MatsuokaIn memory of Sidney K. Higa by Hawaii Shuri-Naha ClubIn memory of Warren Teruo Higa by Geraldine HigaIn memory of Sandra Higuchi, & Chosei & Katy Arasaki by Cori

In memory of Dr. Phil Ige by Joyce N. ChinenIn memory of Thomas M. Ikehara by Emily IkeharaIn memory of Kama & Kamado Isa by Wayne & Corinne

TakaraIn memory of Kiyome & Takeo Isa by Rodney & Sharon IsaIn memory of Fumiko Ishikawa by Stanley IshikawaIn memory of Fumiko Ishikawa by Suzanne YamadaIn memory of Merle Tamanaha Kajiwara by Ralph KajiwaraIn memory of Charles K. Kakazu by Arlene, Jodie & Daryn

KakazuIn memory of Kenneth M. Kaneshiro by Edward KaneshiroIn memory of Akemi & Kaweo Kanoho by Nozomi KanohoIn memory of Seijin & Kame Kiyuna by Judith SheldonIn memory of Mr. Kameichi Kobashigawa by Ellen S.

MiyashiroIn memory of Mr. & Mrs. Kiichi Kobashigawa by Karen

MiuraIn memory of Mitsugi & Yoshiko Kobayashi by Christine

KobayashiIn memory of Emi Matsuda by Vicki HiranoIn memory of Francis Militante by Sue Ann MilitanteIn memory of Alan Miyahira & Warren Miyahira by

Leonard & Lorraine NehlIn memory of Miyashiro, Zentaro, Ushi & Walter Takashi by

Nancy Miyashiro WestIn memory of James & Nancy Miyashiro by Merl & Sharon

MiyashiroIn memory of Kosei & Haruko Miyashiro by Florence S.

MiyashiroIn memory of Shigeharu & Ann Morita by Clyde B. MoritaIn memory of Steven & Thelma Nagamine by Jean

ShimabukuroIn memory of Mr. & Mrs. Koroku Nakama & Hiroshi

Nakama by Rosalind NakamaIn memory of Mr. & Mrs. James K. Nakanishi by Mr. & Mrs.

SusumuIn memory of Albert N. Nakasato by Roy & Doreen HigaIn memory of Kameju & Tsuruko Nakasone by Gilbert

NakasoneIn memory of Yukichi & Toku Nakasone & Hiroshi & Tsuru

ShiromaIn memory of Jean K. Nishikawa by Roy & Doreen HigaIn memory of Stanley Osamu Owan by Mitchell OwanIn memory of Baba chan Chiru Sakihara by Kim Yamauchi-

WahlbergIn memory of Grandpa Seki by Lisa CarvalhoIn memory of Shigeru & Soyo Serikaku by Carol Y. MatsuoIn memory of Shigeru & Soyo Serikaku by Ellen UjimoriIn memory of Elton & Hideo Shimabukuro by Lily

ShimabukuroIn memory of Fukusei & Teruko Shimabukuro by Joy

ShimabukuroIn memory of Reynold Shimabukuro by Sally ShimabukuroIn memory of Richard & Iris Shimabukuro by Lyanne

Shimabukuro-HijiridaIn memory of Sanra & Kamado Shinsato by Allan &

Charlotte HashimotoIn memory of Thomas T. ShiromaIn memory of Seizen & Tsuru Taba by Ed & Helen (Taba)

GinozaIn memory of Kame & Kamato Taira (Ginowan) by Tylar

UmenoIn memory of Yeikichi & Ushi Tamanaha by Karen K.

TamanahaIn memory of William & Gertrude Terukina by Jennifer A.

TerukinaIn memory of Harry Y. Toyama by Howard & Jane TakaraIn memory of Hideko Tsukayama by Karen ArakawaIn memory of Mitsuko Tsukenjo by Stacy Kanayama-TrivediIn memory of Measagi & Saku Yago by Nancy & Jenna

TeruyaIn memory of Tsuneo & Aiko Yamashita by Don & Chris

YamashitaIn memory of Patsy & Mac Yonamine by Leighton &

Sharynne SakamotoIn honor of Shoichiro Itomura by Lisa ItomuraIn honor of George Tokuhama by Robin & Stephanie

Tokuhama

Preserving Our Legacy2020 to 2021–Annual Fund DriveContinued from Page 9

In memory of Bokuzen & Haruko T. Kaneshiro by Sandra S. & Carl S.

In memory of Seisuke & Ushi Kaneshiro by Wini SakaiIn memory of Masao & Shizue Nakasone by Mr. & Mrs.

James T. KuboIn memory of Larry Masami Nashiro by Joyce PattersonIn memory of Clyde K. Sato by Gloria M. SatoIn memory of Jane S. Shiroma by Masao ShiromaIn memory of Yoshiaki Shiroma by Coletta J. ShiromaIn memory of Robert Tamaye & Travis Richardson by

JoanneIn memory of Mosei & Chiyo Yahiku by Jean T. TsudaIn memory of Carl T. Uyeunten by Arline UyeuntenIn honor of Seiko & Hatsuko Kaneshiro by Karen K. Street

CONTRIBUTOR ($100 - $249)Anonymous (20)Michael M. ArakakiPauline ArakakiPriscilla ArakakiArashiro OhanaRoyden ArashiroEd & May AsatoJane F. AsatoVivian CheeFord ChinenAnita & Jesse ChoiSusan ClaveriaSally DangJ. Nakamoto DilleyGwen FujieSundae FunaiLarry S. & Audrey K. GiboTsuneo GoyaWayne GushikenWilliam & Sylvia GushiJane S. HigaJames & Aileen HiramatsuFrancis HirashikiNora Y. N. IgeRichard IgeAkira & Barbara IhaDavid IhaNorman IkeiJoseph T. ImaiBrian S. IsaShirley IsaraJanice IshiaraLee IshiaraShigeru & Fumiko IshikawaTakashi & Janet ItoMr. & Mrs. David JohnstonDennis KaneshiroInez KaneshiroSandra M. KaneshiroMary S. KanetakeKent & Steph KatayamaValerie KatoStephanie KirimitsuMae T. KishimotoTom & Karen KiyabuClarisse KobashigawaEdwin KobashigawaSheri KobashigawaKenneth & Suzanne KohaguraKimiko KohaguraPaul KomeijiKaren & Patrick KubotaHenry & Carol LauWilliam & Loreen LeongRichard MaruyamaAmy MatanoCarolyn MatsuuraDan MendaShirley E. MiyahiraArlene MiyamotoKimie MiyashiroRose Miyashiro Continued on Page 11

11UchinanchuJanuary/February 2021

Kent TeruyaWilliam & Mitsue TeruyaRonald M. ToguchiBrian & Faith TokeshiStanley S. TokudaSharon ToyamaRaymond & Toyo TraderGreg & Kristine UramotoAgnes YamaguchiJana YamashiroYasuo & Irene YamashiroCarl & Sandra YanagiKeone YoungIn memory of Walter Chur by Jean C. ChurIn memory of Sachio Isagawa by Patsy R. IsagawaIn memory of Masei & Kama Miyasato by Eleanor HoshideIn memory of Roy H. Tominaga by Sunny S. TominagaIn memory of Helen K. Yamanuha by Bert YamanuhaIn loving memory of Patrick L Shaw (Yara by Janet S. Shaw)In honor of Bob Nakasone by Eric ChangIn honor of Seijun & Mineko Tamashiro by Sally Sakaitani

Preserving Our Legacy2020 to 2021–Annual Fund DriveContinued from Page 10

FRIEND ($99 AND UNDER)Anonymous (17)George AgenaAndrew & Shirley ArakakiMiles T. ArakakiMae ChungSkye Coo DarnellJill FukuiGeorge & Blanche GalasinaoClara Goto (2)Terry Lee L. GoyaSteven GushiReiko HarrisCarolina HigaMichael HigaRoss & Lorna HigaDon & Leona HongoThelma HoChantel IkeharaBetty InadaCharles IsaraPauline Higa IwamotoCarol KadenaJoseph KamiyaDonald N. KaneshiroEllen F. KaneshiroPaul & Shirley KaneshiroReagan & Rene KannoKenneth S. KatoDiana F. KawaguchiDiane KawakamiAlice KimEric Kimura & Debra KobashigawaAlice N. Kishimoto

Cynthia KishimotoDerrick & Sherry KobayashiDarren KonnoJason LouieMelvin & Nancy MasudaKathleen MatsudaBarbara Y. MishimaLinda Jean MiyahiraDwayne MiyashiroPatrick MiyashiroKenneth & Frances MiyazonoHazel (Teruya) MurakamiMr. & Mrs. Melvin MurakamiNorman NagoMr. & Mrs. Manabu NakamotoHatsuko NakataSally S. NakataFlorence NashiroKenn & Iris NishihiraMr. & Mrs. Thomas NishimuraRobert S. NoharaMarjorie OkuharaRoberta OnoKaren OshiroDoreen Oshiro-TulangMark & Frances PerkinsJason RaquinioPaul & Sumiko ReinertsonEdward & Jane ShiromaJoanne ShohoCourtney TakaraChisato TakedaJohn TamashiroPamela Tanaka

12 Uchinanchu January/February 2021

Hui Makaala Announces the Shinki Kuniyoshi Memorial ScholarshipBy Kevin Higa

Hui Makaala is happy to announce a new component to the current Scholarship Program—the Shinki Kuniyoshi Memorial Scholarship

award beginning this 2021 school year. Hui Makaala has been awarding scholarships since 1947 and are proud of the hundreds of recipients that have completed their educational careers to become the leaders of yesterday, today and our future.

Shinki Kuniyoshi was a 1952 Hui Makaala scholarship recipient and went on to become a successful civil engineer with his own Honolulu firm of Sato-Kuniyoshi Associates. Shinki attained his undergraduate degree at UH Manoa and his graduate degree at the University of Illinois. Shinki passed away at an early age of 41 with his wife, the former Hanako Lydia Nakama from Maui, by his side. Hanako graduated from Roosevelt High School and UH Manoa with a degree in Education and has since joined Shinki. The Kuniyoshis are proud parents of three children—Dr. Julie Kuniyoshi, California, Jon and Todd (Maria Chun) Kuniyoshi of Oahu.

The four-year scholarship award back in 1952 while attending Maui High assisted Shinki to obtaining his graduate degree and being so appreciative Shinki vowed to give back to the community. Shinki has, indeed, given back to Hui Makaala with an incredibly generous bequest. Hui Makaala is so grateful that its scholarship program has a sound legacy with the addition of the Shinki Kuniyoshi Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship application forms can be obtained by visiting the Hui Makaala website at: www.huimakaala.org,, or through high schools around the state. The deadline for 2021 applicants is May 31, 2021.

HUOA DONATIONSDecember 1 - January 31, 2021

HUOA sends a sincere ippee nifee deebiru to the following donors:

V. C. Y. ChockEM Hawaii Inc.

First Hawaiian BankRaymond & June Higa

Stanley & Christine HigaRaymond & June Higa

Roy & Doreen HigaColleen H. Hokutan

Ralph & Jean IgeHenry & Evelyn Isara

Christopher Ifuku IwamuraJTB Cultural Exchange Corp.

Takashi KajiwaraRobert & Jeanne Kaneshiro

George S & Joyce S. KaneshiroRichard & Gwendolyn Maeda

Molly NakaharaChris Obizoza

Jeffrey OnoOroku Azajin Club

Doris OshiroMilton TamanahaCarolyn Tengan

Dexter & Val TeruyaSandra & Miles Yasui

In Memory of Margaret Okaneku Asato by Rodney KohaguraIn Memory of Nancy Akamine Arizumi by Rodney Kohagura

In Memory of Winnie Detwiler by Fidelity CharitableIn Memory of Hatsue Higa by Hui O Laulima

In Memory of Janet Matsu Hirata by Rodney KohaguraIn Memory of Herbert Hayashi by Chatan-Kadena Chojin KaiIn Memory of Thomas I. Isara by Ronald and Carol Miyashiro

In Memory of Harold Toshi Kaneshiro by Chatan-Kadena Chojin KaiIn Memory of Annie Uyehara by Chatan-Kadena Chojin KaiIn Memory of Betsy Sakihara by Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai

In Memory of Paul S. Tengan & Les Jun Higa by Tengan Bohannon

SHURI CASTLE DONATIONClifford & Jaye Kobashigawa

Sueo & Ruby Uehara

JTB DonationMahalo to the JTB Cultural Exchange Corporation for its continu-

ous support of the HUOA, even during these tough times! The JTB Cultural Exchange Corporation (JCEC) makes donations to organiza-tions that contribute to cultural exchange between Japan and the United States and decided to support the HUOA with a $2,000 donation.

On December 17, they visited the Hawaii Okinawa Center and present-ed Jon Itomura with the $2,000 gift.

Kin Town DonationMahalo to Kin Town, Okinawa, for donating 30,000 yen to HUOA

in honor of the 120th Anniversary of Okinawan Immigration to Hawaii. It all started with Toyama Kyuzo – the father of Okinawan Immigration – who is from Kin Town. Toyama helped thousands of Okinawans create what is now the worldwide Uchinanchu network. Thanks to the diligence and strong ties of our Kin Chojin Kai club here in Honolulu and Kin Town, Okinawa, the two also became Friendship Cities in 2020. Message from Mayor Hajime Nakama:

We really appreciate the support of Jocelyn Ige, Lynn Miyahira and other members of HUOA in helping us form this Friendship City agreement between Kin Town and Honolulu. We would like to make a donation as an expression of our gratitude, and we hope that it can be used to support your activities.

I hope that the coronavirus pandemic will end and we look forward to see everyone again in 2021.

Kin Town’s Mayor Hajime Nakama

(L-R): Christopher Li and JTB Honolulu Branch Manager Kyoji “Kevin” Koitabashi, President of JTB Hawaii Mr. Kitagawa, Jon Itomura, and the president of Tachibana Enterprises Tatsuo

Watanabe, responsible for JTB Hawaii public relations.

13UchinanchuJanuary/February 2021

learning experiences along with fellowship and fun among its members. They are 303 members strong and have for years put on the cultural dis-play at the Okinawan Festival as well as the annual summer Children’s Day Camp. Anyone interested in learning more about HOL can contact gwenfujie@gmail.com.

Aza Gushikawa Welcomes in the New YearBy Wendy Horikami

Aza Gushikawa Doshi Kai rang in the New Year on Saturday, January 31, 2021 by conducting a Drive-Through Bento pickup at

Jikoen Temple. Each of the 110 participating member families received a bag of rice and gift card along with their pre-ordered bentos and andagi to celebrate the Year of the Ox.

Children and those individuals who attained the auspicious age of 80 were recognized with specially designed gift bags.

Congratulations to this year’s lucky drawing winners Daniel and Diana Tengan! Daniel is the son of club founder, issei Dr. James H. Tengan.

Hui O Laulima Virtually Installs New Officers for 2021Not to be deterred by the pandemic, the women of Hui o Laulima

virtually elected and installed its new officers for 2021 during their last meeting of 2020. The officers took their oath of office from then-HUOA President Lynn Miyahira. They are as follows:

This photo is a hands-to-heart Zoom photo of their first meeting of 2021.

President - Gwen FujiePresident-Elect - Jane Au1st Vice President - Cynthia Uza2nd Vice President - Jocelyn IgeRecording Secretary - Laura Ajimine

Corresponding Secretary - Miyoko HataTreasurer - Sonnette MuramotoAsst. Treasurer - Bertha ArakawaAuditor - Bobbi KubaImmediate Past President - Audrey Gibo

Hui o Laulima is a diverse group of women ages 20-plus to 90-plus who are interested in “giving a helping hand” (“laulima”), preserving, perpetuating, and promoting Okinawan culture and the arts, and sharing

Check-in tent

Pre-ordered Bento distribution.Shinnen Enkai welcome banner.

Shinnen Enkai entrance.

Grand prize and grand prize winner.

14 Uchinanchu January/February 2021

(L-R): Pat Miyashiro, Terry Goya, Roy Arakaki, Dave Arakawa and Jon Itomura.

gety known to man. Often shifting between the Chaya and the

Legacy Hall, they constantly sought to make the viewer’s experience better and better, often digging into their own pockets to enhance the visual experience for a global audience – strang-ers united by the common bond of celebrating and perpetuating Okinawan culture.

DJ spearheaded the prep that occurred ear-lier in the week or the week before, taking extra precaution with Chris Iwamura to film perfor-mances on stage or out in the Takakura garden while abiding by COVID-19 rules. Add to that the hours spent interviewing guests ahead of the show, developing content so that each show had a special one-of-a-kind feel.

Add to that the hours spent in pre-produc-tion, editing and prepping video content prior to the weekly shows and, after each show, in post-production, ensuring that each new episode was ready for upload to the HUOA YouTube channel. Hours were spent break-ing down the backdrops, cameras, computers, screens, lights and wires…and in a blink of an eye the next week was upon them. A special thank you goes out to our next generation – Jacob Higa and Copeland Talkington – for con-tributing their time and effort to assist with the

weekly Yuntaku Live shows. Thus, “sweat equity” can’t even come close to describing the dedica-

tion of this group that single-handedly created and then turned the HUOA YouTube Channel into a channel that reached out to an unknown audience and provided comfort and joy when it was so badly needed.

The newly installed officers extend their sincere thank you for the count-less hours that have been poured into the HUOA YouTube channel in just one year and hope to see it further succeed and grow. Happy Birthday HUOA YouTube Channel!

Ehime Maru CleaningOn February 6, HUOA Executive Council members participated

in the clean-up of the Ehime Maru Memorial at Kakaako Park in Honolulu. The Ehime Maru, a high school training ship from Japan, was tragically struck on February 9, 2001 by the USS Greenville submarine, killing nine. Various prefectural groups and Japanese organizations help to maintain the memorial throughout the year. Family members from Japan arrive annually to attend the memorial service.

The term “sweat equity” has taken on a new meaning for the HUOA. While Uchinanchu have always been known for their work ethic – as showcased year after year in the physical-ly demanding event known as the Okinawan Festival – in 2020, the term has taken on a dif-ferent meaning as we hastened to find a new way of doing things. Just ask Chris Agena, for-mer VP of the Communications and Information Committee, and Chris Iwamura, member of the newly formed Digital Media Team.

On January 23, 2021, the HUOA YouTube Channel officially turned one. And if this past year was any indication of the value it brings to a world still searching for the “new normal,” it’s definitely here to stay.

This past year was battered by one unfore-seeable event after the next. Just when we began to ask, “Could this possibly get any worse?” We were reminded that yes, yes it can.

Thankfully, we had the weekly “Yuntaku Live” shows to turn to each week. For one to one-and-a-half hours every Tuesday, one could tune out the week’s events and escape into what was comfortable and known…while learning important lessons about the history and culture of the Okinawans. Tapping into that knowledge through song and dance reassured us that we could get through times of uncertainty just as our ancestors did.

Our weekly hosts – Immediate Past President Lynn Miyahira, President-Elect David (“DJ”) Jones, and Executive Director Jon Itomura – virtually stepped into our homes and made us all feel that we were a collective body of one no matter where we happened to live. The platform that made the weekly talk story series a worldwide event was the serendipitous pre-lock-down birth of the HUOA YouTube Channel in January 2020 by Chris Agena.

Lynn Miyahira recalls, “Little did we know how important the HUOA YouTube channel would become. COVID-19 forced us to reach out to mem-bers in new ways and the HUOA YouTube channel proved to be a hugely successful resource for us to reach our current members, as well as new audi-ences around the world.”

Our engaging hosts brought on guest after guest each week and provided an entertaining look at all facets of the Hawaii-Okinawan connection and culture. But the success of each episode depended on a lot of prep work and behind-the-scenes work. Week after week, a dedicated crew of volunteers made their way to the HOC and set up a spiderweb of backdrops, lighting, cameras, tables, computers, microphones, and all things electronic and gad-

Mensore Dr. OhnoOn February 2, Dr. Shun Ohno, a professor from Seisun University in Tokyo, visited the Hawaii Okinawa Center at the invitation of Dr. Rick Higashionna. Dr. Ohno is currently conducting research on Japanese and Okinawan immigration to Hawaii, including how cultural influences and involvement have impacted fourth, fifth,

and sixth generation Hawaii Okinawans.

HUOA YouTube Channel Turns 1 By Clarisse Kobashigawa

Year 1- Interesting Stats:2400 New Subscribers 

2 Million Minutes Watched 21 Countries Reached 

11,000,000,000 Calories Consumed Watching Weekly Yuntakus & Virtual Events

The HUOA receives a few cents for every commer-cial that’s played, so an easy way to help HUOA finan-cially is to keep our videos on repeat and watch them over and over again.

If you’re enjoying our HUOA YouTube content, it’s important that viewers subscribe  to our HUOA YouTube channel and click the notify option. By sub-scribing, viewers will be notified whenever  we post new videos and schedule a live stream event such as Yuntaku Live. Our subscription count is also essential for HUOA in promoting our culture and events through video. The higher the subscription count, the more YouTube assists in spreading our content to viewers who may be interested in HUOA. The higher subscrip-tion count also helps in our fundraising efforts through our YouTube ad revenue sharing program. It’s really easy to subscribe and it’s FREE! You can go to Youtube.com and search “Hawaii United Okinawa Association”. Click on our HUOA Youtube channel and click on the big red “Subscribe” button!

Mensorewelcome!welcome!

(L-R): Eric Nitta, Aolani Yamasato-Gragas, Pat Miyashiro, Clarisse Kobashigawa and Chikako Nago.

HUOA librarian Charlene Nekomoto, Dr. Rick Higashionna, Dr. Shun Ohno and Jon Itomura.

15UchinanchuJanuary/February 2021

Volunteers Christmas Drive-thruDue to COVID-19 restrictions, we switched the traditional Volunteer

Luncheon to a Drive-Thru Bento pick-up on December 21, 2020. Ippee nifee deebiru to our Gardeners, Kin Gardeners, Monday Crafters, HOT Video Crew, librarians and office volunteers who have been very supportive during these very unusual times.

(L-R): Council Chair Emeritus Ron Menor, Managing Director Roy Amemiya, 2020 HUOA President Lynn Miyahira, 2021 HUOA President Patrick Miyashiro, Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club President Greg Kuwazaki, Oroku Aza Jin Club Representative Beverly Tayra, Oroku Doshi Kai

President Kelly Brown, and HUOA Executive Director Jon Itomura.

(L-R): Sandy Yanagi, Laura Ajimine, Jane Tateyama, June Tamashiro, Kaaren Takara, Renette Nakasone, Bonnie Miyashiro, Caro Higa and Corinne Takara.

and Zoom became the method of meeting communication. John Tasato led the group. Tri-chairpersons of the event were Ellen Higa, Robbie Umeno and Sandy Nishimoto. The many committee members worked diligently

and tirelessly toward a first and very successful virtual “Uchinanchu of the Year” and Installation Celebration with prepaid drive-thru pick-up bentos.

The Ginowan Shijin Kai New Year Shinnen Enkai held on March 8, 2020 was our last club celebration. This happy event was pub-lished in the March/April 2020 HUOA Newsletter. A combined 2021 Shinnen Enkai and picnic event to be held virtually is tentatively being planned for July 2021. More details to follow.

The current Ginowan Shijin Kai officers will con-

tinue for 2021, President: Sandra Nishimoto, Vice President: Joy Schoonover, Treasurer: Garrett Iha, and Secretary: Carol Kohagura. Advisors and Aza Representatives will also continue to serve. Contact your Aza representatives for any club concerns.

Ginowan Shijin Kai NewsBy Jane Nakamura

January 16, 2021. Patrick Miyashiro was installed as President of HUOA in a virtual celebration. Sandra Nishimoto was honored as Ginowan

Shijin Kai’s Uchinanchu of the Year.2020 was a year like no other year we have experienced! Except for

our New Year’s celebration, planned activities were cancelled because of the coronavirus and City mandates initiated on March 23 that essentially “locked down” Oahu to keep residents safe.

We looked forward to the fun and gatherings of the annual picnic planned for August 9, 2020 but they were cancelled. The Okinawan Festival chaired by president-elect Patrick Miyashiro was also cancelled, but instead it was held “virtually.” These annual events usually brought together friends and families locally, from the mainland and Japan.

Pat organized and ran a successful online drive-thru andagi sale on July 19. Several clubs were involved in the event. Ginowan Club mixed the batter for the andagi with task assignments made prior to the date. A short meeting, temperature and health were checked before starting the mixing process at 6 a.m.

Planning for Pat’s installation as president began in October 2020. Because of the pandemic restrictions, face-to-face group meetings were impossible

Trees Mark 120th Anniversary of Okinawan ImmigrationMayor Kirk Caldwell directed the planting of a grove of trees at

Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii and the 60th Anniversary of the Sister-City relationship between Honolulu and Naha. The 16 Rainbow Shower trees were planted near the southern entrance of the popular park on December 30, 2020, Managing Director Roy Amemiya was joined by members of the HUOA, Council Chair Emeritus Ron Menor, Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation Director Michele Nekota, park and urban forestry staff for the planting and dedication.

A delegation from Naha led by its Mayor Mikiko Shiroma was planning a visit to Honolulu in May 2020. The coronavirus pandemic put a halt to those plans; instead, this planting of trees and the dedication of a plaque to mark the event took place.

Okinawan Proverb Aratama nu tushi ni tan tu kuubu kazati kukuru kara shigata wakaku nayusaEnglish:Decorate with charcoal and kelp on New Years and you will become younger at heart and body

Source: Komago ni tsutaetai shimakutuba, Kugani Kutuba. Okinawa Proverb. By Muneharu Zamami

Uchinaa-guchi(Okinawan language)

Word of the MonthJanuaryTan, n. Same as shimiShimi, n. Charcoal. Also tan.FebruaryKuubu, n. Sea tangle, kelp, sea weed(Excerpted, with permission, from the Okinawan-English Wordbook, by Mitsugu Sakihara, edited by Stewart Curry, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 2006)

Pat with Ginowan Club tri-chairs: Elaine Higa, Robbie Umeno and Sandy Nishimoto.

Our new episodes premiere on the first and third Saturday of the month at 7 pm and repeat the following Thursdays at 5 pm on ‘Olelo Community Media Channel NATV 53. All our shows are submitted in high definition (HD) format (except some older re-run episodes). ‘Olelo currently offers HD programming on Hawaiian Telcom’s channels 1049 and 1053.All ‘Olelo shows are streamed on the Internet at www.olelo.org. Our lat-est shows are available on-demand on the same ‘Olelo website at: What’s on; OleloNet Video On demand; then search for keyword “Okinawa”. The HUOA website www.huoa.org has links to the site.This TV schedule is also available on the HUOA website, which will be updated should any changes occur.Because of the pandemic, ‘Olelo has allowed us to show previously aired shows in place of new shows. So, we are taking advantage of that, and you will see some re-runs of episodes that we hope you will enjoy. You can express your choices by emailing hot@huoa.org.

Mar 6 Sat 7 pm, Mar 11 & 18 Thurs 5 pm - (Re-run) HUOA Highlights 2018, the many activities of HUOA throughout the year 2018.Mar 20 Sat 7 pm, Mar 25 & Apr 1 Thurs 5 pm - (Re-run) Amawari, the Lord of Kimutaka Spirit, Show One. The performance is the contem-porary version of an outstanding historical play of the Ryukyu Kingdom (Kumiodori) performed by the students of junior and senior high schools in Uruma, Okinawa. Directed by Daiichi Hirata, this event was held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on November 28, 2008.Apr 3 Sat 7 pm, Apr 8 & 15 Thurs 5 pm - (Re-run) Amawari, the Lord of Kimutaka Spirit, Show Two. The performance is the contempo-rary version of an outstanding historical play of the Ryukyu Kingdom (Kumiodori) performed by the students of junior and senior high schools in Uruma, Okinawa. Directed by Daiichi Hirata, this event was held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on November 28, 2008.Apr 17 Sat 7 pm, Apr 22 Thurs 5 pm - (Re-run) Amawari, the Lord of Kimutaka Spirit, Show Three. The performance is the contempo-rary version of an outstanding historical play of the Ryukyu Kingdom (Kumiodori) performed by the students of junior and senior high schools in Uruma, Okinawa. Directed by Daiichi Hirata, this event was held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on November 28, 2008.

BENTOS FOR EVERYONE!

TO PLACE AN ORDER, CALL (808) 677-7744Minimum order of five (5) bentos. Please place orders 4 days in advance.

While supplies last

Seasonal Bento SpecialsReady-to-Eat

Okazuya Bento - $9.00/personMochiko Chicken · Hash Patty

Shoyu Hot Dog · SpamChow Fun · Fried Rice

Keiki Bento - $5.00/personBoneless Teriyaki Chicken

Nori Musubi · Vegetable TempuraTamagoyaki

Filipino Bento - $11.55/personPork Adobo · Chicken Inasal

Fish Sarciado · PancitGarlic Fried Rice

Hawaiian Bento - $15.00/personKalua Pig · Laulau

Awapuhi Chicken · PoiSteamed White Rice · Lomi Salmon

Macaroni Salad · Haupia Square

Important notes for our March-April calendar entries: *Any event not already cancelled or postponed will be subject to change given the unforeseen actions that may be taken by the State and County, including entries marked ‘TBD’** All 2021 EC and BOD meetings will be conducted on ZOOM video conference until further notice

March 202110 Executive Council meeting, ZOOM Video Conference 7pm24 Board of Directors mtg, ZOOM Video Conference 7pm27 Virtual Class: Karate Man, Origami Making 11am-noon; please see ad in this issue of Uchinanchu

April 202114 Executive Council meeting, ZOOM Video Conference 7pm22 HUOA Karii Event postponed to 4/21/22 IMPORTANT: All entries listed below continue to be on hold until further notice.Classes • Other Meetings at Hawaii Okinawa Center

HUOA SanshinIchi Go Ichi EIkebanaKaraoke niteMonday CraftersOkinawan Genealogical Society mtgsUchinaaguchi

*Subject to Change (entries as of 2/17/21)