Young Okinawans Int'l Gathering and Conference (Wakamono Taikai 2013)NEW

The Worldwide Youth Uchinanchu Festival (Wakamono Taikai), a global gathering created by and for young Uchinanchu (Okinawans) and Uchinanchu-at-heart, is set for July 18~21 at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center (Torrance, CA). This one-time event offers the opportunity to connect with Uchinanchu from other states and countries as well as activities to explore our collective and individual identities. The 4-day conference includes international performances, socializing and networking, group discussions and projects, and insightful workshops featuring prominent Uchinanchu educators, artists, business leaders, and expert practitioners in Okinawan culture and traditions. Please visit our website for the conference schedule

The purpose of the workshops is to offer insights and contexts with which participants can explore the conference's theme and mission. Workshop leaders and panelists include (subject to change):

• Byron Fija, Okinawan language instructor and musician from Okinawa
• Gena Hamamoto, assistant director at UCLA Center for EthnoCommunications and independent film producer (Typhoon of Steel and The Crumbles)
• Jon Itomura, past president of the Hawai'i United Okinawa Association
• Janice Kinjo, celebrity make-up artist (Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Braxton Sisters)
• Scharine Kirchoff, textile artist and owner of Ryukyu Heritage Textiles (Houston, Texas)
• Aiko Majikina, classical Okinawan dance instructor in Los Angeles (Majikina Honryu Majikina Aiko Ryubu Dojo)
• Tamari Miyashiro, U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, 2012 Olympic silver medalist (indoors volleyball)
• Rene Nakasone, practice leader consultant at Kaiser Permanente – California
• Annmaria Shimabuku, assistant professor at University of California, Riverside (Japanese Language, Literature, and Thought)
• Jon Shirota, author and playwright in Los Angeles (Lucky Come Hawai'iand Voices from Okinawa)
• Ken Uechi, restaurateur in Los Angeles (Katsu-Ya restaurants)
• Wesley Ueunten, assistant professor at San Francisco State University (Asian American Studies) and musician
• Ken Yamauchi, current advisor and past branch leader of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko – Los Angeles

Participants in the 18-35 age range are encouraged to download our registration form – http://wyuausa.wordpress.com/registration – and mail it along with the $150.00 registration fee to: Okinawa Association of America, 16500 S. Western Ave. #203, Gardena, CA 90247. Please make checks payable to "OAA Wakamono Taikai." Payment plans and limited volunteer discounts are available; please contact the OAA at 310-532-1929 for more information. The participation fee covers daily lunches, access to all activities, a souvenir bag, and a pre-order for the conference DVD.

Anybody outside of the age range (18~35) is welcome to attend the conference as an observer for a flat registration fee of $50. This fee will only guarantee access to the opening and closing celebrations (July 18 and 21), which will feature performances, speakers, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Conference registration has already begun with confirmed participants from Okinawa, Brazil, Peru, and various U.S. cities! The organizers strongly encourage local Uchinanchu and Uchinanchu-at-heart to get involved with this one-time event. The 2013 Wakamono Taikai will be the first of its kind in North America and plans travel to Europe in 2014 and Asia in 2015.