About Us
The Ukwanshin Kabudan (Ukwanshin Performing Arts Group) was founded by Eric Wada and Norman Kaneshiro in the mid 1990s as a gathering place for serious practitioners of the traditional performing arts of Ruuchuu. Though the group’s main focus is perpetuating and spreading the beauty of our performing arts, we look at a wide range of cultural and social issues to develop and help others develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of our heritage. Through various activities ranging from stage productions and ad hoc performances, to workshops and backyard discussions, we hope to spark serious thought and discussion not just among descendent of Ruuchuu, but for people around the world. As the ukwanshin centuries before carried diplomatic relations, commerce, and culture, we hope to carry out to the world peace and wealth for the human experience and spirit through the performing arts of our ancestors.
(The Ukwanshin Kabudan logo was designed by Jeffrey Nakama and symbolizes the strong roots of the group in both Hawai‘i and Okinawa and also the strong ties that bond the two island groups. The hibiscus is one of several flowers that can be found in both places.)