The Okinawa Association of America recently held its New Year’s party at the Carson Community Center in Carson with about 430 people attending.
Kaimaku (opening classical music) featured “Akanma Bushi,” “Shura Bushi” and “Medetai Bushi.” Sanshin performers: Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai Los Angeles Shibu. Koto peformers: Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyokai Los Angeles shibu.
A “Year in Review” video created by Joseph Yoshimasu Kamiya and Emily Ishii was shown.
Ishii, who served as emcee, called for a moment of silence in memory of OAA members who passed away since the last gathering.
Victoria Nishiuchi delivered the president’s message, which was followed by the installation of the 2026 officers, board members and chairpersons by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who grew up on U.S. military bases in Okinawa.
In addition to Nishiuchi, this year’s officers and board members are Brian Arakaki, Noriko Shimoji Cuaron, Edward Kamiya, Yoneko Nakamura, Joan Oshiro, Kay Osorio, Michel Toguchi, Aiko Tokunaga, Yoshihiro Tome, Amy Oshiro Tran, Harold Wickersham, Hiroshi Yamauchi and Kristin Yamauchi.
The 2026 chairpersons are: Building – Edward Kamiya, Harold Kameya; Culture – Joseph Yoshimasu Kamiya; Fujinbu (Women’s Association) – Joan Oshiro; Geinobu (Performing Arts) – Nobuko Ajifu; History – Yukikazu Nagashima, Jane Yamashiro; Kajimaya Seniors Club – Yoneko Nakamura, Noriko Shimoji Cuaron; Karaoke – Vicky and Mitsuo Nishiuchi; Library – Monica Solis; Membership – Yuko Yamauchi; Scholarship – Ken Yamauchi; Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan Language) – Chogi Higa; Young Okinawans of Southern California – Michel Toguchi.
A special presentation was made by Nishiuchi and Muratsuchi to architect Skyler Kogachi for his work on the renovation of the OAA Center in Gardena.
Consul Tomoyuki Yamagata greeted the gathering on behalf of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.
Taking part in the kagami-biraki (sake barrel ceremony) were Nishiuchi, Muratsuchi, Yamagata, Edward Kamiya, Tamiko Uyehara of Uyehara Travel, Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai Vice President Miyako Nishimoto, and Kitty Sankey of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California.
People born in the Year of the Horse were invited onto the stage to drink a toast, led by OAA member Sue Watanabe.
Part 2 of the program, emceed by Brian Arakaki, started with sosaku buyo (original choreography), “Higashikuma Udui,” performed by Majikina Honryu Aigen no Kai. followed by uta-sanshin pieces “Mensore Bushi,” “Somare Bushi” and “Chibariyo,”performed by Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai Los Angeles.
“Kudai Kuduchi,” a zo udui or modern buyo, was performed by Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai, followed by “Shishimai” (lion dance) by Shishigumi Los Angeles.
Martial arts demonstrations were given by USC Kendo and Tsukasa Gushi, 9th-dan hanshi in Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do and Ryuko Tsuru Karate Kobudo.
Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai performed a modern buyo, “Nuchibana,” and Ishihara Haruo Ryukyu Minyo Kenkyusho performed two minyo (folk music) pieces, “Sunabe no Hama” and “Urizun no Uta.”
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles brought the program to a lively conclusion with “Awase,” “Chikyu Kyoudai” and “Mirukuminari.” Finally, everyone was invited to take part in “Kachaashii/Atchamee” dancing.
The grand prize in the drawing, $1,000 cash donated by Uyehara Travel, was won by Janet Yamaguchi.