Protected: Uchinaaguchi 101 – Fall 2017 Audio Lesson (Members Only)

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Protected: 2017 Okinawa Bazaar

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Okinawan Identity & Our Languages

September 9 (Saturday), 6PM
Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute
Nisei Veterans Memorial Hall
$5 for OAA members, $10 for the public
RSVP: 310-532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com

A special event focusing on the native languages of Okinawa featuring guest speaker/musician from Hawaii, Brandon Akio Ing!

Gachimayaa – original song written in Uchinaaguchi (with English subtitles)

Let’s Sing Uchinaaguchi, Lesson 1 – animated language lessons

The story of Shūshin kaniʻiri – a song explaining a classical Ryūkyūan musical drama

Watch more:

• Let’s Sing Uchinaaguchi, Lesson 2
• Let’s Sing Uchinaaguchi, Lesson 3
• Let’s Sing Uchinaaguchi, Lesson 4
• Preview of Ing’s album, “Tiichi”
• Tinsagu nu Hana (traditional song)

Kempi Scholarship 2018 – 2019

Kempi students from Argentina, China, Bolivia, Peru, and U.S. participating in the Grand Sanshin Gathering during the 2016 Worldwide Uchinaanchu Festival. Photo courtesy of Maiya Gessling

Every year, the Okinawa Prefectural Government offers scholarships for young Okinawans (ages 18 to 35) to study in Okinawa for one year. This is a wonderful opportunity for young adults of full or partial Okinawan descent to learn about their ancestral heritage as well as develop relationships with local and international Uchinaanchu.

The program offers two options:

1. Study at one of the prefecture’s universities
2. Study a traditional art (e.g., sanshin, dance, textiles, lacquer, sanshin making, cuisine, etc.)

Application requirements include conversational Japanese skills (higher proficiency required for universities) and a relative or family friend who lives in Okinawa to act as a guarantor.

Applications are now available for Southern California applicants at the OAA office or via email by request: 310-532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com

The application deadline is September 11, but interested parties are encouraged to pick up and read through the application as soon as possible because it will be a highly extensive process.

Information Sessions:

• July 29, 1PM at the OAA Center, Room 103
• Mid-August (to be announced)

Here’s a short segment from OTV (Okinawa Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd) that talks about the program and interviews one of the OAA’s nominated participants (Japanese language only):

2017 OAA Members Picnic, Scholarship Awards, Okinawan Bon Dance

Artwork by Teak Oliver

Okinawa Association of America’s Annual Members Picnic
Sunday, July 16 • 11AM ~ 4PM (opens @ 10) • Whittier Narrows Park
750 Santa Anita Avenue, Area E-1, South El Monte • On-site parking fee: $6

(Non-members are also encouraged to attend the event and apply for membership)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PICNIC:
REASONS TO ATTEND & TIPS
SPONSORS
ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES
RAFFLE PRIZES
BENTO LUNCHES
BON DANCING
YOUTH ART CONTEST

Volunteers needed on July 15th and 16th. Click here to see the volunteer schedule and contact us to sign up: 310-532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com

2017 Scholarship for Students of Japanese Culture

Photo courtesy of Michelle Akamine, a past recipient of the scholarship

The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) is currently seeking applicants for the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (JPASC / Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai) scholarship award for exceptional students of Japanese culture. We can recommend up to two (2) OAA members (final selection will be done by the JPASC).

DEADLINE: JULY 17, 2017 (MONDAY)

Application Requirements:

• Current member of the OAA with no outstanding dues
  • If the applicant is a dependent, then their parent/guardian must be a current OAA member
  • If the applicant or parent/guardian is a member of another kenjinkai, you may apply through them
• Between 17 – 27 years of age
• Dedicated practitioner of a Japanese cultural tradition (e.g. arts, martial arts*, language)
  • * For martial arts, the applicant must have a minimum of ni-dan or equivalent

The applicant will need a recommendation letter from his/her instructor and the OAA, school transcripts, and passport photos.

Please contact the OAA for the application:
310-532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com

OAA Annual Scholarship for Graduating High School Students (Deadline: May 31)

DEADLINE: May 31, 2017

REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be fully or partially of Okinawan descent
• Parents (guardians) or applicant must be OAA member(s)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Must be graduating high school in 2017

The awards will be based primarily on academic accomplishments with due consideration given to extracurricular, community activities, and financial needs. The scholarship awards will be presented at the OAA’s Annual Members’ Picnic at Whittier Narrows Recreation Park on Sunday, July 16, 2017 (date subject to change).

APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE:
Download the OAA HS scholarship application checklist (PDF) and 2017 OAA Scholarship App (PDF) / 2017 OAA Scholarship App (WORD) today! Please contact the OAA for more information at oaamensore@gmail.com or 310-532-1929.