Mr. Yoshio Taira, who is currently a school principal in Nishihara, Okinawa, was a second grader when a U.S. fighter jet crashed into his school killing 17 and wounding 210 people. The incident has weighed on Mr. Taira's memories throughout his life and in recent years he has begun to talk about it in his efforts to contribute to peace as an Okinawan. Upon hearing of the Nuchi du Takara exhibit, Mr. Taira decided to come to San Francisco to meet and talk to people here. Mr. Taira has written about his experience for the newspapers in Okinawa and has given talks in Okinawa, Japan, and even in France.

The event will also feature Ryukyuan dancing by Instructor Kinuko Mototake of Azama Honryu Seifu Ichizen Kai Mototake Kinuko Ryubu Dojo USA and Mieko Merril of Miyagi Honryu.

For more questions about the above events or would like to help out, feel free to contact Wesley Ueunten (wiiuntin@gmail.com or 510-579-2711) or the National Japanese American Historical Society (415-921-5007). You can also visit the NJAHS website at: http://www.njahs.org/