2020 Uchinaa Junior Study Program

PLEASE NOTE:
This page is intended for members of the
Okinawa kenjinkai/association in Los Angeles, California.
Please contact your nearest kenjinkai/association to apply!

ATTENTION OAA MEMBERS!

The Uchinaa Junior Study Program (formerly the Junior Study Tour) is an annual immersion program that brings middle and high school students to the islands of Okinawa.

Sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government, elected students are given an all-expense-paid trip to study Okinawan history, culture, society, and diaspora, with an emphasis on nature, peace, and identity. Students will also be given the opportunity to interact with Uchinaanchu from around the world as well as students from Okinawa, with the hope that bonds and understandings will develop between overseas Uchinaanchu and their mother island.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10, 2020 (MONDAY)
It may be delivered in person, mailed, or emailed, but it MUST be in the OAA office before 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time). The application process is extensive, so please do not wait until the last minute.

If you are an OAA member, please continue reading for eligibility and more information ⤵️

OAA Mini Craft Fair 2019

December 8, 2019 (Sunday)
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (extended time!)
OAA Center, Yamauchi Building
16500 S. Western Ave., Gardena, CA 90247

ミニ•クラフト•フェア (手作りクラフトなど)
１２月８日 (日) • 午前９時〜午後２時
沖縄県人会会館 • 山内ビル

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OAA Okinawa Bazaar 2019

Flyer by Jeff Shimane

Okinawa Association of America’s
Annual Okinawa Bazaar & Fundraiser
Sunday, October 6, 2019 • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Facebook Event Page

OAA Center
16500 South Western Avenue, Gardena 90247
(Please use street-side parking)

Click on a link below to learn more:
ABOUT | TIPS | ENTERTAINMENT | RAFFLE PRIZES
FOOD BOOTHS | SHOPPING | KIDS ACTIVITIES
VOLUNTEER | DONATE | DISCOUNTS

2020 Kempi Scholarship for Young Okinawans

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 (April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021).

Titled the Okinawan Emigrants’ Descendent and Asian Scholarship Program (or colloquially known as the “kempi scholarship”), “this program selects talented youths of Okinawan descent living abroad […] to participate in exchange study at a host university or training at local businesses or traditional arts facilities. Participants have the chance to not only deepen their understanding of Okinawan history, culture, and customs, but also to grow into exemplary individuals capable of actively serving as a bridge between their home country and Okinawa.” (excerpt from the official application)

Click below for more information and application requirements.

2019 Scholarship for Students of Japanese Culture (Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai)

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 and Okinawan culture.

DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2019

Each Southern California-based kenjinkai (prefectural association) can recommend up to two (2) of their members and the final selection will be made by the JPASC.

BEGIN Tickets: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Tickets for the OAA’s 110th Anniversary Celebration Concert featuring BEGIN are now on sale! We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help with the ticket purchasing process. Please read these carefully before buying.

• How do you buy tickets?
• Can I choose where I want to sit?
• Are there discounts for children, students and seniors?
• Is there lap seating or childcare at the venue?
• Are there wheelchair accessible seats?
• I never received an email confirmation for my tickets, what should I do?
• I can’t find my tickets, what should I do?
• What is your refund policy?

2019 “Utayabira, Wuduyabira” Okinawan Music & Dance Concert

May 19, 2019 (Sunday)
James R. Armstrong Theatre (Map)
3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, California 90501
Program at 2 p.m., doors at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 each
General admission (first come, first served)