On Sept. 6, a couple hundred members of the Okinawa Association of America gathered at the Ken Miller Recreation Center in Torrance to celebrate their elders at the annual Senior Appreciation Day.
Joseph Kamiya, who assisted in the programming of the event, explained why the event is essential. “Community is such an important factor for healthy living. The purpose of this event is to be a celebration of our members’ health and longevity, and we also recognize that it’s creating opportunities for them to gather, yuntaku (talk story), and of course eat well!”
The OAA-organized event included the traditional bento lunch, a certificate ceremony for the seniors, and a festive entertainment program. This year, they also had volunteer students from the North High School Key Club, a student-led service organization that had participated at numerous OAA events.
“In the Okinawan community, seniors hold a special place of honor and respect. They are more than elders — they are keepers of our culture, traditions, and collective memory,” explained Chogi Higa, who founded the Kajimayaa Senior Citizens Club along with the late Edward Tamae. “Through their stories and experiences, they connect younger generations to the past while helping guide their family and community into the future.”
As part of the celebration, special appreciation was given to community members who reached significant milestones. OAA President Victoria Nishiuchi presented the certificates while Setsuko Fujimoto presented each honoree with a floral bouquet.
Turning 90 this year were James Miyasato, Mitsuko Moon, Hideko Nishimura, Alice Sasaki, and Haruko Wehner. Hideo Hirano, along with other seniors who had previously turned 90 before this year’s event, were included in the presentation. Although Yuriko McGowan and Helen Miyashiro were unable to attend, their names were also acknowledged.
The community also celebrated Ivy Toma, who reached the remarkable age of 97 and was recognized as a kajimayaa, an important Okinawan milestone. “Kajimayaa” literally translates to “pinwheel,” which represents the circle of life in Okinawa.
Reaching the extraordinary age of 100, Yasuichi Moromisato was honored as a centenarian, marking a truly special achievement and celebration of a life well lived.
Yuko Yamauchi, OAA’s executive director, stated that the recognition presentation was her favorite part of the event. “Seeing real-life examples of Okinawan longevity and to be able to honor them in the spirit of Tusui ya takara (Elders are treasures).”
The celebration also brought generations together through a diverse program of entertainment that reflected the richness of Okinawan and Japanese-American culture.
Chaaganjyuu Taisō, featuring Yuina Arakaki, Noriko Shimoji Cuaron, Esther Matsubara, Mitsuo Nishiuchi, and Yuko Yamauchi, started the afternoon with a group exercise, followed by Amelia Yamauchi, who provided a classical music performance on the oboe. Ishihara Minyō Kenkyūsho, led by Haruo Ishihara-sensei and featuring Yoshiaki Chinen, Misa Furugen, Tysai Hamagawa, and Masumi Hamagawa, shared customary Okinawan music.
Guests also enjoyed lively karaoke performances by Fiona Yamauchi and Chogi Higa, founder of the OAA Karaoke Club, who entertained the audience with an upbeat rendition of a “matsuri” song. The program also featured a kendō demonstration by Yuina Arakaki, a guest from Okinawa, adding another unique cultural element to the celebration.
Ryukyuan dances were presented by Miyagiryu Noshokai, featuring Yaeko Miyazato, Itsumi Jacomo, Hiroko Ikemiya, Chiemi Kinjo, and Gail Wong, as well as Miyagiryu Toyomukai, featuring Janet Dixon and Kiyomi Rutledge.
The entertainment concluded with the energy and spirit of taiko drumming from Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles Branch, featuring Rentaro Suzuki, Phoenix Baker, Momoko Katsuta, Emma Clarke, Nina Clarke, and Lana Clarke. The program finale concluded with the traditional Kachaashi, where participants take part in a collective Okinawan folk dance to cheerful, fast-paced music.
Reflecting on the festive celebration, Kamiya recalled a particularly memorable moment when the granddaughters of longtime OAA member and leader Shigeko Yamauchi performed at the event. “This was their first time performing at an OAA event. It was especially meaningful because Shigeko-san celebrated her tōkachi (88th birthday) this year — a significant milestone of longevity in Okinawan culture.”
OAA President Victoria Nishiuchi shared similar sentiments, saying, “What made this event especially memorable for me was seeing how proud Mr. Yasuichi Moromisato was of his centenarian certificate and how proudly he held it up for photographs.”
Nishiuchi added, “I look forward to presenting Mrs. Moromisato with her certificate when she reaches 100 years old next year.”