On Friday, Oct. 30, the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) will host the World Uchinānchu Day Mini-Expo at the Toyota Meeting Hall, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tickets and more info: oaamensore.org/wud, (310) 532-1929. Discount for current OAA members.
Celebrating stories, music, and traditions that highlight Okinawa’s rich cultures and resilient history, the mini-expo takes place the evening before OAA’s much-anticipated concert featuring renowned Okinawan band BEGIN (Oct. 31, 2 p.m., at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center). Tickets: oaamensore.org/begin
World Uchinānchu Day was officially established in 2016 by the Okinawa Prefectural Government to honor the first-generation Okinawan emigrants and to strengthen and connect the global communities that they built.
Workshops: Okinawa-style Bon dance, sanshin (traditional instrument), Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan language)
Performances: Choichi Kai Los Angeles (traditional music), Elite Performance Martial Arts Studio (Isshin-ryū karate), Kansen Atae no Kai (traditional dance), Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Los Angeles
Booths: Traditional food samples (limited quantities), local creatives, past recipients of the Okinawan Emigrants’ Descendant and Asian Scholarship Program (Kempi)
Panels: Past recipients of Okinawa Prefectural Government-sponsored study abroad programs
Special Guests: Representatives from the Okinawa Prefectural Government to present about the 8th Worldwide Uchinānchu Festival or Taikai, a global homecoming for Okinawans around the world to gather in their ancestral islands. Held every five years, the next Taikai will be on Oct. 27-31, 2027.
More: Displays (visiting the islands), printed games for kids, raffle drawing
A local food truck called Shake Ramen will be on site offering their signature ramen and rice bowls (vegan option available). Portions of each sale will be donated to OAA. Note: Food order not included with purchase of mini-expo ticket.
The mini-expo aims to set the tone for OAA’s year-long The Road to Taikai journey. This campaign of cultural activities, Taikai information sessions, fundraisers, and other special programs will culminate next year with the celebratory 8th Taikai.
Whether you’re Uchinānchu, Uchinānchu at heart, or anywhere in between, everyone is welcome! Come and learn about the Okinawa/Ryūkyū culture and experience the ichariba chōdē spirit (“once we meet, we’re siblings”).
The Toyota Meeting Hall is located next to the James R. Armstrong Theatre. Parking is free.