The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is proud to announce “The Road to Taikai,” a year-long campaign uniting its community and supporters in anticipation of the 8th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival in Okinawa from Oct. 27 to 31, 2027.
“The Road to Taikai” campaign kicks-off with a weekend of festivities on Oct. 30 to 31, 2026. The headlining event is slated for Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m., when Okinawa-based BEGIN will take the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center stage for its first-ever Los Angeles concert. Tickets will be on sale starting July 18 at www.oaamensore.org/roadtotaikai.
It has been a long time coming. BEGIN was first scheduled to perform in Los Angeles on Sept. 1, 2019, as part of the OAA’s 110th anniversary celebration — but visa complications forced a postponement. The rescheduled date, March 28, 2020, fell just as lockdowns began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven years later, the OAA is determined to finally make it happen.
“We have endured two major roadblocks,” said Vicky Nishiuchi, OAA President, “but in true Uchinanchu (Okinawan) spirit, we are working to make BEGIN’s first Los Angeles concert a reality for its fans here in the U.S. Okinawans have a word for persevering and never losing hope. It’s chibariyo!”
On Friday, Oct. 30, the OAA will celebrate World Uchinanchu Day (WUD) in concert with Okinawans around the world. WUD is celebrated annually on Oct. 30 to unite Okinawans and honor the global diaspora. Recognition of the day was officially declared at the closing ceremony of the 6th Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival. BEGIN, all of whose members are based in Okinawa, is a beloved fixture of the festival year after year.
For more information on “The Road to Taikai,” including the BEGIN concert and the WUD event, visit www.oaamensore.org/roadtotaikai. Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact lesleychinen@oaamensore.org for details.