Ukwanshin Kabudan 御冠船歌舞団

Ukwanshin Kabudan presented its first workshop, and Okinawan Cultural Celebration “Kariyushi” at the JACL Center.  It was one of the biggest events for both the fledgeling Okinawa Kenjin Kai and JACL.  A standing room crowd of about 200 filled the room as presentation of Okinawan intsruments, music and dances were given, in conjunction with examples [...]

We’re off to a busy summer season, helping out the Young Okinawans of Hawaii with eisaa, bon dances in Honolulu.  Also on the schedule is Lahaina Maui, Rinzai Zen Mission Paia, Maui with the Maui Ryukyu Culture Group, Hawi Jodo Mission with the Kohala and Kona Okinawa clubs, and ending in August with a workshop, [...]

From June 1-4, the Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai held its annual Okinawa Children’s Day Camp at the Maui Okinawa Center. “Warabincha”, children, were treated to an array of activities which helped them to learn about Okinawan and Japanese culture.  Many of the things the chhildren got involved with, were hands on, and which allowed the [...]

“Danju Kariyushi” played to a sold out audience that experienced laughter, tears, nostalgia, history, and connection to identity. Stories that many had heard in bits and pieces unfolded on stage and connected pieces that brought closure to some and enabled others to fit in the missing pieces to understand stories they had heard before.
Short clips [...]

Great connections have been made so far, as we were privileged to meet with Matayoshi kanjeeku in Shuri.  He is the 7th generation of silversmiths who made hairpins for the royalty and aristocrats in Shuri.  His humble words to us about him not wanting to sell his “jifwa” or women’s hairpins, because lack of understanding [...]

The Maui Okinawan community came together August 22nd for the rare treat of awakening its first shisaa/lion.  What made it more special was that the shisaa was made entirely in Maui, by Maui members of maui Ryukyu Culture Group.  The Shisaa awakening ceremony was the prelude to the Paia Rinzai Zen Mission’s Bon Dance Festival, [...]

The Young Okinawans of Hawaii have started their bon dance season already, but this year, there’s an obvious change in appearance and purpose. With the help of Ukwanshin Kabudan, they have learned what obon is all about, and the importance of connecting this season with their ancestors through the songs and dances that have [...]

The fourth study tour presented by Ukwanshin will be departing for Okinawa on October 19-28th. The theme of our tour and conference is “How Do We Preserve Our Identity and Culture.” As in the past, we try to avoid the commercial, tourist areas, and focus on places that connect us to history, culture, [...]

Jikoen Temple was once again filled with Okinawans wanting to learn and hear about their culture. This time, the topic was on Okinawan obon. The celebration, rituals, meaning and values were all covered, along with explanation on eisaa and how it ties in to obon. This year, Okinawa obon falls on September [...]

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 [...]