Angwātā x Nīsētā: Okinawan Youth Identity Series

On Sunday, June 4th, the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) in Gardena invites you to the first in a series of presentations organized by young members of the local Okinawan community. (RSVP is required due to limited seating/parking)

Titled Angwātā x Nīsētā – "young women and men" in Uchināguchi, one of the languages of Okinawa – this series was created to provide a platform for young Okinawans to explore their roots through any medium that they see fit, be it lecture, workshop, or performance.

The inaugural event will include presentations from two yonsei (fourth generation) Okinawan Americans:

Elyse Izumi will present her undergraduate capstone project from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Titled "Ichariba Chōdē: Okinawan Identity in Modern Day American Society," Izumi based her research on her interviews with young Okinawans in the United States. "I tried to answer the question of how do we, as Okinawan youth, maintain identity, especially in a culture that doesn't even address our existence," she said. "From my research and interviews, I was challenged with a new question instead of how do we take control of our identity."

Joseph Yoshimasu Kamiya's "Yū nmari tōn: The Craft and Music of Sanshin" focuses on the traditional musical instrument that has become synonymous with Okinawan culture. The presentation and display is based on his experiences in Okinawa's kempi (government-funded) international student program where he studied for one year under the guidance of a professional sanshin craftsman.

The program will begin at 2:00 PM at the OAA Center in Gardena, Room 103 (16500 South Western Avenue; in the glass office building). Admission is free for current OAA members and $5 for the public. Due to limited seating/parking, RSVP IS REQUIRED by June 2nd: oaamensore@gmail.com, 310-532-1929. More information:oaamensore.org, facebook.com/oaamensore