Maui to Celebrate Its First Shisaa/ Shisaa Awakening Ceremony First Time in Hawaii
Posted on 23 June 2009 | No responses
The snipping, cutting, tying, and painting are all finally over. Months of getting together and working on this shisaa project have paid off to create Maui’s first home made shisaa. Or should we say “Maui Built”. The Maui Ryukyu Culture Group has been getting together to learn and practice traditional Okinawan culture, arts, and history, with the help of Ukwanshin. Their young lion dancers, Dane and Kyle Oshiro, have been performing at the Paia Rinzai Zen’s Okinawan bon dance for the past few years, but have been borrowing the shisaa from the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. This year, they get to use their own.
This project experienced many trials, as the first head carved out in Honolulu was damaged during the resin application in Maui. This could have been a sign that it was meant for the shisaa to bee 100% Maui built. Next, afer hours of tying the fiber on some old nylon netting, it was decided to get much more sturdier netting which was ordered form the mainland. All the tedious work had to be undone and re tied to the new netting when it came in. It never hindered the enthusiasm of the members, as this project brought together old and young to sit, work and talk story
The shisaa will make its debut at this years Paia Rinzai Zen’s Okinawan bon dance on August 22nd. Before it’s debut however, there will be a “Shisaa Ujumun Iyaware” or lion awakening ceremony, which is traditionally done for all new lions which will be used for the protection and celebrations of the community. This ceremony is the first for Hawaii, and is rare to see, as even in Okinawa, its done only when a new lion is made to replace an old one. many from Honolulu plan to attend, and members of the Young Okinawans of Hawaii will be there to witness this, after having lent their shisaa to Maui for the past few years. Its like a passing of a torch. Passing the light on…the light of our Okinawan culture.
Kimono Making Class Begins: Sewing the Past to the Present
Posted on 9 June 2009 | No responses
Ukwanshin sponsored kimono class began last night with this first group of future kimono makers snipping and measuring out their material panels that will eventually come together to become their first self made kimono work. In the LooChoo,Okinawan tradition, this was a very important part of culture and everyday life. The sewing together of a garment also infused the spirit of the seamster, and the stitches were believed to help hold in the spirit an protect. That is why as part of the requiem ceremony after death, the stitches of the side panels were removed to release the spirit from this world.
The purpose of this workshop is to pass on this art form and to create a pool of kimono makers so that we have resources to be able to call upon for dance costumes, obon, or if anyone just needs a kimono. It was good to see that the group was all young members, as many who can sew now are in their 70’s or 80’s. Mrs. Miyashiro is the “shinshi” for the kimono workshop, and has a background in working with kimono making and repair from a young age, as her family had a material business in Kyoto. She is still spry and sharp at her young age of 81yrs.
There was a great response to the announcement of this workshop a couple of moonths ago, and the class filled within a day or two. We had to turn some away, but hope that we can have another session to accomodate others who would like to learn.
Tradition, Culture, Identity: Endangered Assets
Posted on 6 June 2009 | No responses
Presently, as we look into what we really know of our identity and culture, and how many people actually understand reasons for why certain things are done in connection to our culture, we find that there are many voids to fill. It seems that in any ethnic group, there are modern and commercial aspects of culture that are surviving, but at the same time choking the real traditions to death. Its unbelievable that to upkeep traditions, you must fight hard to be who you are.
Let’s look at some examples. In Okinawa, teachers who have been taught the traditions by the “ufu shinshi” of pre-war era, had great knowledge passed down to them. However, presently, they have taken on the Japanese tradition of Iemoto, and latched on to the commercial aspect focusing on making large sums of money off their students. The dances have taken steps farther and farther away from tradition. So much so that if the “ufu shinshi” were to come back this day, what they would see would be unrecognizable as Okinawan. They also change the dances every year so that those who do not go back to the parent school will be ostracized as a separated student. Thus, if a student and cultural practitioner were to study more deeply and continue the real traditions, they would meet opposition by the ruling majority who are influenced by non-Okinawan advisors and government.
In another example here in Hawai`i, a youth group whose leader chose to present tradition once again to its organization, was met with opposition by non-Okinawans and Okinawans alike, who have no foundation in the arts or culture. The oppositions’ claim was that modern innovations make it more culturally inclusive and acceptable to the young for the preservation of the culture. However, they fail to see that by the re-introduction of tradition, the membership more than doubled and sparked interest more than within the past few years together. The most vocal against tradition and culture has come from non-Okinawans who have joined an Okinawan club. How is it that we let this happen? How is it that those without the blood have the audacity to cause trouble within a community that is not theirs? When the modern, English music was introduced, those who would rather have tradition did not fight against it, but accepted the change. They did not force a vote upon their leader at that time. However, when the current leader wanted to try out going back to tradition, he is met with fierce opposition and tactics which made him look bad to the organization. The fault for any dissension lies in those who forced the vote instead of taking care of it within their board. However, it is very interesting that the so called group who claims to be so politically correct, to be “all inclusive”, cannot be fair for the trial of tradition. Is there a fear of what is real, or traditional? If these non-Okinawans are uncomfortable with what is really our identity and our culture, then they should go find somewhere else to “express” themselves. Don’t do it at the cost of what is rightfully ours. It is important to note that many have returned for the tradition and for their identity to an “Okinawan” club, and have brought many friends looking for this connection to their blood. However, non Okinawans, and those who are not educated or practitioners of the culture are hindering this hunger for identity. I believe that this act of intentional hinderance is an act of cultural genocide.
There are many other examples, such as a non Okinawan taiko advisor for a very large performing taiko group, teaching wrong information about Okinawan culture and practices.
Born with the blood and ancestory, why must we fight to protect our traditions within our own community? Is it because in this modern, fast paced world, people would rather take an easy way to pick and choose culture without working for it or acknowledging the practitioners or kupuna? Again, its the foundation that has become almost non-existent as more and more society becomes “all about me”. Tradition, culture, and identity shouldn’t have to take the backburner, or fight the tide. Its the obligation given to us by our ancestors that we need to fulfill and realize. Lastly, we must not let those without the blood , dictate to us how we preserve our identity, culture and traditions, which are already threatened. We should feel an urgency to upkeep and protect. Swim or drown. Umanchu tachimisooriyosai! Namaya ichabira choode! Uyafwafuji kutu miimanti, shimanchu nu takara. Nmarikara Shimanchu! Ichimadin Shimanchu! Okinawans we must stand together! It’s now that we must work and stand as one. We must protect the things of our ancestors, our Okinawan treasures(identity). We are born Okinawan, and will forever be Okinawan!
Himeyuri Survivor Speaks and Shares After 64 Years of Silence
Posted on 3 June 2009 | 1 response
Ukwanshin’s “gakumun Kai” series was blessed to have Mrs. Suetomi, who is a survivor of the Himeyuri Nurses Corps. The corps was made up of 300 student nurses, who were forced to serve the Japanese Imperial Army. According to Mrs. Suetomi, 1/3 survived. The other 2/3 perished from artillery of forced suicide. The gathering for this event was held at Jikoen Temple in Kalihi, and began with a movie of war testimonies. It showed various stories of survivors. One horrific encounter was a man from Tokashiki, who unwillingly killed his mother by bashing her head in with a rock. This was done because they were told that the Americans were coming, so to commit suicide and not be captured. For Mrs. Suetomi, it was the first time she saw live war footage since her experience. She expressed her gratitude to the almost standing room only crowd, as she felt consolation which helped her to tell her story, and make a personal commitment to share her story from now on. She said that these stories aren’t what people want to hear, but they must be told so that these things will never happen again. It is her way to work for peace. Everyone who came left with a better understanding of what went on during the war. 
Many were surprised at the horror and suffering that the Okinawans experienced. These events and stories are part of our history, and help us to understand our culture and identity.
Those of us who are involved with music and dance can appreciate the songs which connect us to these times, and we all can appreciate the feelings involved. It also connects us to our ancestors and what they went through. Despite so much suffering, it was very important to them to pass down our culture, history, and the arts. For this we must always be grateful. A thanksgiving that is never ending. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Suetomi, for her strength and sharing to inspire us, and to her family for taking the time to also share and come out to our event. Ippe nifwe debiru.
A rough translation of “Turaju Ondo”
Posted on 22 May 2009 | No responses
With all these thoughts about preserving who we are and protecting our past, I felt like sharing one of my favorite songs. It was one of those songs that grew on me as I grew up. Though I liked it purely for the melody in the beginning, the lyrics have become a guide for me as a culturalist, musician, and person. Sorry I’m not that versed in the language yet, but this is my understanding of the lyrics.
One thing to note about Okinawan songs is that the lyrics don’t always work in the linear fashion we see in western-style poetry. Sometimes they are just incomplete phrases, or disconnected series of thoughts. To fully understand the poet, you need to look past the mechanics and focus on the imagery and the pure emotion the single words or phrases evoke. When you step back and take the verses as a whole, the real feeling of the words become clear and powerful.
Though I am not familiar with the background to this song, I was told that “Turaju” refers to Turaju Yama, which was a sacred hill in Okinawa that has been engulfed by a US military base. Presumably, the “Turaju Kai” might have been a group that formed to look after the area.
To view the song and translation, please click here: Turaju Ondo lyrics
To hear my version of the song (not a very good one, sorry), please click here: Turaju Ondo mp3
3660 on the Rise Dinner For $50 Donation
Posted on 22 May 2009 | No responses
We are taking orders for dinners at 3660 on the Rise in Ka`imuki, Wai`alae Ave. 3660 on the Rise is this years Hale Aina Award winner for Best Overall Hawaii Restaurant, and has offered to help Ukwanshin raise funds to help cover costs for the October trip to Okinawa. For each $50 donation, you’ll receive a coupon to exchange for a 3 course dinner, inclusive of soft drink, tax and tip. Your evening will begin with a fried calamari, seared ahi salad, followed by your choice of entre, (signature Tempura Farm Raised Catfish, Butterfish, or Shortribs). The evening will end with a duet of desserts, featuring the signature Chocolate Soufle Cake and a chef’s selection of the evening. Coupons may be ordered by contacting us at ukwanshinkabudan@gmail.com. Please make checks payable to Ukwanshin Kabudan, and send to PO Box 61307, Honolulu Hawaii 96839. Also, for your convenience, you may pay by credit card through our donations button on this site. Once we receive your donation, we will send the coupons out. Coupons will be available July, and valid through September of this year.
Nuchibana: Lei of Aloha
Posted on 15 May 2009 | No responses
Nuchibana was one of the 7 classical women’s dances of the Ukwanshin Udui or dances for the crownship. It was created by the court’s dance magistrate, Chokun Tamagusuku over 300 years ago. After the abolishment of the monarchy in 1879 by Satsuma, dances became mor comon in the villages, and fwa udui were created, which depicted the life of the hamlets. Nuchibana was adapted to a more lively set of songs and was called Nuchibana gwa, to distinguish it from the classical Nuchibana. Later on in the early 1900’s, the classical Nuchibana was given the title “Mutu Nuchibana” and the folk version, just “Nuchibana”. In this dance, the performer uses a lei prop which she had made form sakura blossoms floating in the river. She gathers them to make the garland, and floats them down the river hoping that her sweetheart in the next village would receive it. In the past, there were prohibitions on members of one village marrying with another village, so in this story of Nuchibana, the girl is secretly sending her token of love to the next village via the river. Okinawans used to string flower lei for special occasions and sometimes to decorate graves for designated memorials. They also gave it to the children as a sign of purity and for hopes of the children blossoming with knowledge and values, as children were also called “hana” or flowers. There is this similarity we see in Hawai`i as well, although in Hawai`i its a common practice and not uncommon to see lei being given for many occasions. Lei is a symbol of love as it is in the shape of a circle which has no end. It is also symbolid of a child’s arms that wrap around its parents, encircling them with their love. An open lei is used at graves and funerals as it is open and untied. As graduation comes, I hope you can think of some of these things, and also remember that its also an Okinawan cultural gesture to give lei.
Kudai Kuduchi:A Joyful Return Home
Posted on 15 May 2009 | No responses
‘Kuduchi” is a familiar word in the Nisei udui, or classical men’s dance genre. Not only within the court, but villages throughout Okinawa have also created “kuduchi” with their own stories. Usually having to do with travel, the lyrics are written in a more ‘waka” or Japanese poetic style, than the Ryuka, or Ryukyan style. One of the more famous, but less performed kuduchi is “Kudai Kuduchi”. This dance and song, tells of the return voyage from Satsuma, to Okinawa. The words are very detailed, from leaving Kagoshima, receiving papers of release, to the poetic discription of excitement and joy to return as the sails of the ships fill and the envoy races home to see people standing arm in arm awaiting their retuen on shore. A famous utaki, or sacred grove is mentioned in this song, and is still preserved today. Bin nu Utaki, is on a mountainous slope near the castle in Shuri, and was one of the landmarks that could be seen as you approached from sea. This was also one of the few utaki that the king came to worship at. If you have a chance, you should visit these historical sites on your next trip to LooChoo. For anyone connected to the Okinawan performing arts, these places make the songs and dances even more valuable.
News From Okinawa: Mayor Iha Demands Base Removal
Posted on 14 May 2009 | No responses
Ginowan mayor gives opinion on agreement to relocate U.S. Marines to Guam
Okinawa’s Ginowan City Mayor Iha Yoichi at a House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting on April 8 stated his opinion on the Japan-U.S. agreement to implement the relocation of a part of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in Okinawa to Guam. The gist of his statement is as follows:
“The plan to relocate about 8,000 U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa to Guam gave us hope that Ginowan citizens would be relieved of the burden of hosting the present U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station and that Okinawans’ burden of U.S. bases would be reduced if the land to the south of the U.S. Air Force Kadena Base site is returned to Okinawa.
However, listening to government explanations, I do not see any indication of reducing the Okinawans’ burden of U.S. bases or of removing the danger associated with the Futenma base.
The set of plans to promote the relocation of a part of the U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa to Guam and to push ahead with the construction of a new U.S. base in the Henoko district of Nago City should also include a plan to return the land south of the Kadena base to Okinawa. The plan was to be completed by March 2007, but the government has done nothing.
On the contrary, we have not been informed as to which U.S. Marine Corps units in Okinawa will be relocated to Guam. Eventually, the government explained that when it said that 8,000 U.S. Marines will be moved to Guam, it is not a real number but just a target number. What is more, it was shocking to hear the government say that 8,000 out of 15,000 U.S. Marines -5,000 more than the number of U.S. Marines actually stationed in Okinawa as cited during the bilateral negotiations aimed at completing a ‘Roadmap’ for implementing the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan- would be relocated to Guam.
U.S. government reports have made me believe that all U.S. Marine Corps air units stationed at the Futenma base, except for KC-130 refueling aircraft units, were moving to Guam.
Why does the government assert that 8,000 marines, who are going to Guam from Okinawa, are mainly command-related personnel and that it is not the actual number of personnel to be relocated? If the government is paying about six billion dollars for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps to Guam, it should first relocate all operational units from Okinawa because they are the heaviest burdens for the people of Okinawa. As for the Futenma base, I demand that it should be relocated out of Japan as early as possible and that the government achieve its elimination in order to reduce the burdens of the bases on Okinawa.
At the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo in February, I met with Raymond Greene, the secretary in charge of political-military affairs at the embassy, and I was shocked to hear him explain that even after the relocation of 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam, another 10,000 U.S. military personnel will be brought in to maintain the fixed troop level at 18,000. If that is true, it is unacceptable to most Okinawans.
If that is what the ‘roadmap’ is really about, the government should immediately withdraw all the plans, including the construction of a new base in the Henoko district of Nago City, and should also freeze Japan’s financial support for the relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam. I really hope that the Diet in the relevant committees of the both Houses will fully discuss whether or not the relocation plan will actually ease the burdens of the bases on Okinawans to the extent that it can convince all Japanese people.”
- Akahata, April 9, 2009
_Excerpts from Japan Press Weekly
In another related story….
Japan’s Diet approves funds for Guam move
By David Allen and Chiyomi Sumida, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, May 16, 2009
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Japan’s Diet approved a bilateral accord Wednesday that obligates Japan to pay $2.8 billion for the move of 8,000 Marines and their families to Guam.
The money is to be used for construction projects related to the move of the major Marine commands on Okinawa. In all, Japan has agreed to pay $6.09 billion of the estimated $10.27 billion cost for the project.
The remaining money will be paid in loans and investments, which do not require approval by Japan’s legislature. The $6.09 billion does not include the cost of building a new air facility on Camp Schwab to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
The move of the Marines to Guam is expected be completed in 2014.
“I am greatly pleased that the Diet endorsed the accord, which has a significant meaning to reduce the burden of Okinawa while maintaining the deterrence power of the military in the region,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone told reporters in Tokyo following the Diet vote.
“The government of Japan will continue to hold consultations with local government bodies, in accordance with the road map of realignment agreed to in May 2005, to steadily implement the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan, including moving of Marines from Okinawa to Guam.”
Not everyone was happy about contributing so much money for the project. The bill was rejected by the House of Councilors, dominated by opposition parties, Wednesday morning. However, the House of Representatives, dominated by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its allies, overruled the upper house vote.
The bill is considered a treaty and is expected to be enacted 30 days after passage.
The pact on the Guam move was signed by Nakasone and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in February.
Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima was cautious in making a comment on the Diet’s action.
“I understand that the accord is to give a legal ground for the Japanese government to carry out realignment projects,” Nakaima said, according to Susumu Matayoshi, chief of the prefecture’s Military Affairs Office.
“I believe the realignment, which involves moving Marines to Guam from Okinawa and the closure of military bases located south of Kadena Air Base, contributes to reduction of the burden. In this sense, it should be steadily carried out.”
He stressed, however, that he was still opposed to current plans for the new airfield on Camp Schwab. Nakaima wants the V-shaped runways, planned to be built on the tip of Cape Henoko and extending into Oura Bay, to be placed farther offshore.
In a prepared statement from his Tokyo office, Osamu Ashitomi, Liberal Democratic member of the House of Representatives from Okinawa, welcomed the passage of the accord.
“It is a big step toward a new era for Okinawa,” he said. “The accord will facilitate both closure of military bases on Okinawa and the move of Marines to Guam. The people of Okinawa must cope with the changes with strong commitment and determination.”
Okinawa groups opposed to the new air station voiced their displeasure with the Diet’s action.
Kantoku Teruya, a Social Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives, complained that the move “is in a package deal that includes construction of a new gigantic military facility at Henoko. For Okinawa, such changes are rather a growth of military presence.”
Added Teruya: “It is absolutely unacceptable that the government uses our taxpayer money to help move a foreign military.”
Traditional Eisaa vs. Entertainment
Posted on 14 May 2009 | 3 responses
As we approach summer, the drums of eisaa practice, or bon dance, is beginning to fill the air around recreation centers, and practice halls. The drum beats herald the coming of the obon season, where it is believed the ancestors of our families return home for their once a year visit and mingling with families for three days. Traditionally, 13th-15th of July in the lunar calendar, which will fall on September 1-3 this year.
The eisaa tradition began with nembutchaa, or buddhist chanters going around to the villages and chanting sutras accompanied by hand held drums. This developed into the eisaa we see today. Traditionally, the eisaa groups are made up of single young men and women. The men hit the drums, while women dance. During the tridium of obon, they perform in the village streets, visiting the houses, to entertain the visiting ancestors. The group is accompanied by sanshin players. This tradition has been passed down by the eldersa and advisors of the village, and can be seen mostly in the “nakagami” or central region of Okinawa.
Popularity of Okinawan culture however, has lead to the formation of many groups in Japan and around the world. Some groups, especially within Japan and Okinawa, have become groups for hire, for parties, and celebrations, or stage. Music has also been added which is recorded, or not even Okinawan. Acrobatics and even hula have also crept in, making it a departure from what eisaa really is about.
Eisaa is not for the benefit of the living. In Okinawa, our dedication and love for our ancestors is strong. So strong that we set aside this very important three day memorial during the summer to remember and bring back traditions recognizable to the ancestors. It is a festival and performance to honor the deceased. To take away from this, and have it become an everyday commodity takes away the special place eisaa holds for our culture and ancestors, especially when its done as a business to make money. It kills the excitement that leads up to obon. Hearing the drumming at the beginning of summer adds to one’s own heartbeat in anticipation of the obon season. It brings us back to the good memories of our ancestors, and realization of our connection with them during this time, when we share the same traditions and songs passed down. In Hawaii, practice has begun on Friday evenings in Ka`imuki, at the Kilauea Recreation Center near Kapi`olani Community College. Practice begins at 630pm. The eisaa is lead by the Young Okinawans of Hawai`i. They have looked towards bringing back tradition and learning what their ancestors’ eisaa is all about by bringing in tradtitional eisaa moves and trying to go with all Okinawan music. The hope of tradition continues with groups like this.