CARSON —?The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) held its 2024 New Year’s party — marking its 115thyear —?on Jan. 21 at the Carson Community Center with over 400 people in attendance.
Emily Ishii served as emcee for Part 1 of the program and Lauren Higa was emcee for Part 2.
The kaimaku (opening classical music) consisted of “Kajadefu Bushi,” “Yisa Bushi,” “Medetai Bushi” and “Yuratiku Bushi” performed by Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai (buyo), Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles Shibu and Ryukyu Minyo Kyokai Hokubei Shibu (sanshin), Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Los Angeles Shibu (koto) and Mitsufumi Ryu Taiko Hozonkai Gushi Atsushi Renjo (taiko).
A video created by Joseph Yoshimasu Kamiya and Emily Ishii chronicled OAA’s 2023 activities. A moment of silence was observed for members who passed away during the past year.
Edward Kamiya gave his parting message as president of OAA for the past six years. He is the third member of his family to serve as president, following in the footsteps of his father, Charles, and brother, Kenneth.
Kamiya presented certificates of appreciation to outgoing board member Noriko Tokuyama Chung and outgoing Geinobu chairperson David Yoshimichi Shinjo, who were unable to attend.
The new president, Victoria Oshiro Nishiuchi, a long-time board member and committee chairperson, thanked Kamiya for his service.
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), who was born in Okinawa, installed the 2024 board members, officers and chairpersons. In addition to Nishiuchi, the board members are Brian Arakaki, Edward Kamiya, Yoneko Nakamura, Joan Oshiro, Michael Toguchi, Aiko Tokunaga, Yoshihiro Tome, Amy Oshiro Tran and Kristin Yamauchi.
The 2024 chairpersons are:
Building: Edward Kamiya and Harold Kameya
Computer Class: Cindy Arakaki Wicker and Violet Nishihara
Culture: Joseph Yoshimasu Kamiya
Fujinbu/Women’s Association: Joan Oshiro
Geinobu/Performing Arts: Yoko Kono
History: Yukikazu Nagashima
Kajimaya Seniors Club: Yoneko Nakamura
Karaoke: Vicky and Mitsuo Nishiuchi
Library: Monica Solis
Membership: Yuko Yamauchi
Seisonenbu/Youth Group: Yoshihiro Tome and Hiroshi Yamauchi
Uchinaaguchi/Okinawan Language: Chogi Higa
Young Okinawans of Southern California: Michel Toguchi
Greetings were delivered by Kazue Kitagaito, president of Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai (Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California), and Consul Aya Ishii of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. Other special guests included Gardena Mayor Tasha Cerda.
Honored guests took part in the kagami-biraki (sake barrel) ceremony. Long-time OAA leader Chogi Higa led the kampai/karii (toast). Attendees who were born in the Year of the Dragon (Tachi-dushi) were invited up to the stage.
The second half began with jikata (dance music) performed by Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles Shibu and Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyokai Los Angeles Shibu: “Higasa Odori,” Momoko Yasutomi and Miyo Ajifu; “Kubama Bushi,” Joy Afuso and Yuko Yamauchi; “Shin Densa” and “Hiyamikachi Bushi,” Ishihara Haruo Ryukyu Minyo Kenkyusho.
“Mimura Udui” was performed by Okinawa Americana, followed by “Kohaku”-style karaoke by Chogi Higa, Mitsuo Nishiuchi and Masao Tobaru.
“Hatoma Nagashi,” a buyo piece, was performed by Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai. Halau Hula Moani’a’ala Anuhea, led by Kumu Nani Aiu-Quezada, presented hula dances representing different islands. Shishimai (lion dance) was performed by Kyosuke Kataoka and Asuka Kataoka of Shishigumi L.A.
A martial arts demonstration was given by kids and adults from Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Association.
The raffle drawing was conducted by President Nishiuchi and Tamiko Uyehara of Uyehara Travel, who donated a $200 travel voucher for the grand prize, which also included $400 cash. The winner was Norie Morita.
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch performed “Tachi Utushi,” “Kariyushi no Yoru” and “Atchamee.” During the last song, everyone was asked to get up and dance.
Gold sponsor of the event was Kamiya Insurance Agency. Silver sponsors were Keiro and Kinjo Insurance & Financial Services.
Photos by J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo