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.

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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)

OAA Annual High School Scholarship 2019

APPLICATION FORM:
Please contact the OAA office
oaamensore@gmail.com, (310) 532-1929

DEADLINE:
Hand-delivered to the OAA office by 4 p.m.
on MAY 31, 2019 OR postmarked by MAY 31, 2019

(If mailing the documents, it is the responsibility of the applicant to inform the OAA office about submission and follow-up to confirm delivery.)

Every year, the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) recognizes and rewards graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent. The selection process will be based on the student’s academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, community contributions, transcript, essays, letters of recommendation, financial need and special consideration for community hours at the OAA.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Graduating high school seniors (class of 2019) who will attend college in the 2019 – 2020 academic year
• Children of Okinawan ancestry
• Children of parent(s) who are current members of the OAA
• Students with a GPA of 3.0 and above

REQUIREMENTS:

• Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, coach, mentor or counselor on official letterhead with person’s title (family recommendations will not be accepted)
• Two (2) essays
• Transcripts
• Application must be typed, printed out, and signed (handwritten applications will not be accepted)
• All required documents must be postmarked by May 31, 2019* OR hand-delivered to the OAA office by 4.p.m. on May, 31, 2019

Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the OAA Annual Picnic on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Whittier Narrows Park (South El Monte, CA) where scholarship awards will be presented. Recipients are asked to attend this event or send a representative to receive the award from the OAA President.

 

Camp Warabi 2019 – Cultural Summer Program for Children

Shiisaa art by Flor Kaneshiro

「キャンプ•ワラビ」
子供向け沖縄文化プログラム

A fun, immersive summer program for 4th – 8th graders
to learn about Okinawan culture, history, identity!

July 8 – 12, 2019 (Monday – Friday)
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
OAA Center, Yamauchi Building

EXTENDED Early-Bird Fee (by June 14, 2019):
$200 member • $235 non-member
Includes daily lunches, snacks, and drinks; camper t-shirts; and workshop materials

REGISTRATION FORM (PDF)
Please download the registration form, print it out, and mail it to:
OAA, 16500 S. Western Ave. #203, Gardena, CA 90247

Want to be a counselor/youth leader? Click here to find out more

2019 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: MARCH 29, 2019 (FRIDAY)
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, documents, and more information ⤵️