Our annual Senior luncheon held on December 6th, 2009 at the Hawaii Okinawan Center. Photographs by Lawson Kita and Ken Siu.
Tags: Young Okinawans of Hawaii HUOA Okinawa Ukwanshin Kabudan Hui O Laulima
On the grounds of Shuri Castle. During the Battle of Okinawa, the Japanese military used Shuri Castle for their base of operations. Shuri was bombed and totally destroyed by the advancing American army. It has since been precisely rebuilt from the ground up. You have to be really careful when walking around Shuri. Thankfully I did not trip. Enjoy!
The shore of Henoko Bay where the US Marines want to build their next base when they phase out Futenma Air Base. Note the pristine beauty and peacefulness of the village. Offshore is the natural habitat of the dugong, an endangered species that may become extinct if the base is built.
Taiko club entertainment at the Gushikawa Community Center. October 2009. At the end of the conference, the people came out to greet us despite the pouring rain outside from the typhoon. They made a great spread and after dinner and a few ( quite a few ) drinks, the children's taiko club performed for everyone in the center. We've received such warm welcome from all of the people of Okinawa during our visit in October.
Ukwanshin Kabudan with the Young Okinawans of Hawaii joining the Paia group in the awakening ceremony of their new shishimai. This is the only all-Okinawan obon in Hawaii
Tags: Paia Rinzai Zen Maui bon dance Young Okinawans Ukwanshin Kabudan shishimai Okinawa eisa
Hui O Laulima and the Young Okinawans of Hawaii participated in this no-holds barred grudge match to secure the top Iron Chef group. Secret ingredient? Miso !!! Everyone had lots of fun and all the appetizers and main dishes were deliciously ono!!
Tags: Jikoen Hui O Laulima
