The Okinawa Association of America (OAA), one of 2023’s California Nonprofits of the Year, will host their fifth Annual Okinawan Craft Fair on April 27 (Saturday), 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the OAA Center’s parking lot in Gardena (outdoors).

The Okinawan Craft Fair was originally pitched by then high school student Melissa Oshiro Tran, who has volunteered at various OAA events throughout her youth. Though smaller than other craft fairs, this outdoor boutique stands out in that it will include Okinawa-themed items such as accessories, art prints, bags, buttons/pins, clothing, greeting cards, postcards, stickers, and more. The organization hopes that this will be a big draw, as Okinawan items are rarely available at local stores, festivals, and other fairs.

The OAA also hopes that the event will provide an unintimidating, community-based platform for youth artists, independent creators, and hobbyists to showcase their talents. (Vendors listed below)

Yukino Yeganeh is a mother and crafts as a form of stress relief. “I enjoy meeting people who share the same love for Okinawa and fellow crafters who can highlight the Okinawan culture in such creative ways.” Yeganeh is one of many Okinawan community members who use fabric with traditional patterns in their handicrafts.

Jody Lake, the founder of JootooClothing.com, drives from Temecula to participate in the craft fair almost every year. “[I love] all the great and wonderful people I’ve met over the years. I love being a part of this Okinawan community and being able to share in our culture and see what other [vendors] make as well.” Lake’s brand incorporates traditional Bingata motifs into modern-style shirts and hats.

The first-ever “mini” craft fair was held in December 2018 with a humble 6 vendor tables. Due to its success, 2019 saw vendors and crowds nearly double. The OAA’s first large in-person event since the pandemic lockdown was the 2022 craft fair, which was held outdoors for safety purposes. The new setting brought an even larger crowd, so it was decided that all future craft fairs would be outside.

“I see more young crafters with innovative ideas, and the [OAA Craft Fair] is becoming a unique opportunity to bring in fresh angles to see Okinawan culture,” Yeganeh said.

Lake plans on making the drive from Temecula once again for this year’s event. “And the stories behind [everyone’s] crafts – it motivates me to continue and work harder. I feed off their passion for our culture!”

The OAA Center is located at 16500 S. Western Ave. in Gardena. The event will be held outdoors in the parking lot. Pets not allowed (service animals permitted). For parking and more information, please visit oaamensore.org/craftfair or contact the office: (310) 532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com. Follow the OAA on Facebook/Instagram @oaamensore

There will be a special “meet the vendors” potluck on April 21 (Sunday), 4 - 6 p.m. at the OAA Center’s Yamauchi Bldg. (online access via Zoom starting from 4:30 Pacific). RSVP: tinyurl.com/nuchaashii24

The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and promoting Okinawan culture. Formed by first generation Okinawan immigrants (issei), the OAA has grown into a multi-generational organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year including cultural lectures, performances, social gatherings, and senior-focused activities. 2024 marks the organization’s 115th anniversary as well as the 25th anniversary of the OAA Center in Gardena.

VENDORS LIST
(Listed vendors or items subject to change without notice)

• AIMEE BUDAY, KIM KOBASHIGAWA, MONICA SOLIS – Beaded jewelry, candles, crocheted flowers, handwoven towels, lavender sachets, playing cards, postcards, stickers | Etsy (Kim) | Instagram (Kim) | Instagram (Monica)
• CEL LA FLACA – Stickers, t-shirts, commissioned art, saataa andaagii, poundcake, enamel pins | Website | Instagram
• HIRO MELODY EDINGTON (from Oceanside!) – Handicrafts with Okinawan print fabric (coasters, hair ties, key straps scrunchies, and more)
• TERESA FUKUSHIMA – Soy bean candles
• JANE'S HOMEMADE (from Berkeley!) – Baked goods, hard candies, gumdrops | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• JOOTOO CLOTHING (from Temecula!) – Clothing, tote bags, and hats | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• MELISSA'S CREATIONS – Notebooks, keychains, stickers, stationary, art | Instagram
• MIXI-MART – Posters, prints, stickers, handcrafted goods (crochet plushies, hand sewn cup coasters, lanyards, and more) | Website | Instagram
• MUMIN + KII – Sweatshirt with Okinawa cotton print trim, coin purses made with Okinawa prints, Okinawa sweet potato mochi steamed with ginger leaves
• DANE NAKAMA – Ceramics, paintings and drawings | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• NINAZUMA POTTERY (from Colorado!!!) – Pottery mugs and tumblers (“ichariba choodee” and hajichi designs), ishigantō pieces | Website | Instagram
• RYUKYUKOKU MATSURI DAIKO LOS ANGELES BRANCH – Hoodies, t-shirts, stickers, calendars, pens, pins | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• SHIMA PLAYLIST DUSHI-NU-CHAA – Featuring artists from the islands and in the diaspora (art, buttons, charms, original music, pins, postcards, Ryūkyū Kingdom playing cards, stickers, zines) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• SHISHIGUMI L.A. – T-shirts, stickers | Facebook | Instagram
• TAMAGUSUKU RYU KANSEN ATAE NO KAI – Wooden keychains, kimono’s, zori's, obi's | Facebook | Instagram
• TIERRA MURRA BY ECOMMSHIPMENTS – Clothing from kimono, microwave bowl holders, jewelry, luggage tags, Okinawan fabric, Okinawan jewelry, scrubbies | Website | Facebook
• UMUTU DU TAKARA – Necklaces, handwoven placemats, handmade Okinawan-styled kusudama, jewelry
• WHITE MOUNTAIN TREASURES – Quilts, towels, mini lanyards, buttons