Community Forum: Okinawans and Their Global Networks
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Okinawa is well known as a prefecture of emigrants. More Okinawans, also known as Uchinanchu, have immigrated to other countries in the world before and after World War II than from any other prefecture in Japan. They have established communities abroad, but have retained strong bonds that continue to tie them to Okinawa through global networks.
In October 2006, over 4,900 people from twenty-one countries around the world came to Naha, Okinawa to attend the 4th Worldwide Uchinanchu Taikai (festival). The Uchinanchu Taikai is a very unique event that allows Uchinanchu from all over the world to return to the islands to reconnect with their heritage and culture, and to redevelop linkages to their ancestral land.
Approximately 800 participants completed a survey conducted by the Center for Migration Studies at the University of the Ryukyus at the Taikai to find out how Okinawans connect with each other beyond the island borders.
On March 1, 2008, three professors from the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa presented their survey findings at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California. Following their presentations, they were joined by Yuko Yamauchi of the Okinawa Association of America and Wesley Ueunten of San Francisco State University for brief presentations and a discussion about Uchinanchu Identity and the future of the global network with scholars and the local community in Los Angeles.
Following the program, a reception was hosted by Lane R. Hirabayashi, George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair of the Japanese American Internment, Redress, and Community, Asian American Studies Department of the University of California at Los Angeles which featured light refreshments and cultural performances.
This event was organized by the Center for Migration Studies at the University of the Ryukyus and the Japanese American National Museum in collaboration with Lane R. Hirabayashi, George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair of the Japanese American Internment, Redress, and Community, Asian American Studies Department of the University of California at Los Angeles; and Okinawa Association of America, Inc.
A report of this program is available in Japanese: フォーラム通じ「ウチナーンチュの交流」呼びかける
このコレクションの日本語版はこちらです。
>> コミュニティフォーラム： 沖縄人とグローバルネットワークの追求
Slides in this album |
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A well-attended programWith over 170 people in attendance, the panelists and participating organizations were very pleased with the turn-out.
Community Forum: Okinawans and Their Global Networks attendees |
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The program beginsAt 2pm, the program began with the University of the Ryukyus professors taking their seats along with a translator.
Introduction of Community Forum: Okinawans and Their Global Networks by Chris Komai |
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Chris Komai welcomes the audienceChris Komai, Public information Officer of the Japanese American National Museum, opened the program by welcoming the attendees and introducing Akemi Kikumura Yano.
Chris Komai |
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Akemi Kikumura YanoThe new CEO of the Japanese American National Museum provides an overview of the program and shows a brief video clip from the 4th Uchinanchu Taikai before introducing Lane Hirabayashi, the moderator for the program.
Akemi Kikumura Yano |
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Lane R. HirabayashiThe Moderator/Facilitator for the program was Lane R. Hirabayashi, the George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair, Asian American Studies Department, University of California at Los Angeles. Hirabayashi introduced the panelists from the University of the Ryukyus.
Lane R. Hirabayashi |
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Hiroyuki Kinjo presents his findingsThe first speaker was Hiroyuki Kinjo, Associate Professor of Language and Cultural Studies, Center for Migration Studies, University of the Ryukyus. His specialty is Cultural Study of Spain, Linguistics, and Sociolinguistics. His current research interests are Uchinanchu Identity and networks. He presented an overview of the survey findings and …
Hiroyuki Kinjo |
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Video - Hiroyuki Kinjo 1Watch his presentation. 1 of 2
Okinawans and Their Global Networks - Hiroyuki Kinjo, Part 1 |
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Video - Hiroyuki Kinjo 2Watch his presentation. 2 of 2
Okinawans and Their Global Networks - Hiroyuki Kinjo, Part 2 |
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Naomi NoiriThe next speaker was Naomi Noiri, Associate Professor of Sociology, Center for Migration Studies, University of the Ryukyus. Her specialty is Comparative sociology. Her research interests are Amerasian, Nikkei, and foreigners in Okinawa. Her presentation was entitled "Identity, Uniqueness of Hawaii and Gender of Uchina Networking". It is available to …
Naomi Noiri |
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Video - Naomi Noiri 1Watch Naomi's presentation. 1 of 1 |
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Kentaro KuwatsukaThe final presenter from the University of the Ryukyus was Kentaro Kuwatsuka, Associate Professor of Human Geography at the Center for Migration Studies. For this Uchinanchu Survey, he was responsible for collecting data and creating a database. His presentation was titled "Geographical Experiences of Uchinanchu's Migrations Between the Birthplace …
Kentarō Kuwatsuka |
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Yuko YamauchiFollowing the presentations by the professors from Okinawa, they were joined on the stage by two additional panelists. Yuko Yamauchi represented the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. on the panel. She talked about her personal experiences as a participant in a past Uchinanchu Taikai which occurred while she was living …
Yuko Yamauchi |
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Video - Yuko Yamauchi 1Watch Yuko's presentation. 1 of 2
Okinawans and Their Global Networks - Taikai Stories Part 1 |
bokinaka
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Video - Yuko Yamauchi 2Watch Yuko's presentation. 2 of 2
Okinawans and Their Global Networks - Taikai Stories Part 2 |
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Wesley UeuntenThe last panelist to speak was Wesley Ueunten, professor in the Asian American Studies Department, College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. He spoke about heart-to-heart communication and how important it is to Uchinanchu people using personal stories and anecdotes. Read some of his own stories in his …
Wesley Ueunten |
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Video - Wesley Ueunten 1Watch Wesley's presentation. 1 of 2
Okinawans and Their Global Networks - Family Stories Part 1 |
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Video - Wesley Ueunten 2Watch Wesley's presentation. 2 of 2
Okinawans and Their Global Networks - Family Stories Part 2 |
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Reception programThe official program ended with the Q & A, but many people stayed for the light reception that followed which included Okinawan cultural performances.
Community Forum: Okinawans and Their Global Networks attendees |
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Q & AThere was a lot of participation in the Q & A session following the panelists' presentations.
Mo Nishida |
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Sanshin performancePanelists Wesley Ueunten, Yuko Yamauchi and Naomi Noiri played the sanshin (Okinawa shamisen) together. The three of them had practiced and played together for the first time just hours before the program started! |
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Ryukyukoku Matsuri DaikoNext was Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko. They are a local Okinawa taiko group associated with the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. |
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Very energetic!Okinawa taiko is very energetic. The group played their drums with Okinawa music played in the background. |
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Jon Shirota & FamilyPlaywright Jon Shirota attended the event with his family. Shirota's "Voices From Okinawa" was playing at East West Players. Read about the connection between his play and the University of the Ryukyus in his article: "Discovering "Voices from Okinawa".
Jon Shirota and Family |
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Atualizado em Jun 28 2021 1:49 a.m.
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