Posted on 6 February 2010 | No responses
When Boa Sr, as she was known, died last week, she was believed to be about 85 years old. Her husband had died years beforehand, and Boa, whose name means “land” or “earth” in the Bo language, had no children.
In 1858, when the British decided to colonize the Andaman Islands and use them as a penal colony, they estimated that 5,000 Great Andamanese lived there.
“At first, the British didn’t notice any difference between the tribes,” said Sophie Grig, senior campaigner at Survival International.
But in 1879, a British officer named M.V. Portman was appointed officer in charge of the Andamanese, and after years of attempting to acclimate them to life as British subjects, Portman wrote “A Manual of the Andamanese Languages,” which distinguished the differences among tribal languages.
Portman’s own obituary, which appeared in The Times on Feb. 22, 1935, reads:
In many parts of the islands the natives were still either ferocious enemies or at best half-tamed; and his work consisted in making contact with them and very gradually bringing them to recognize the value of British rule.
“When people are dispossessed from their land and their way of life, they often turn to alcohol,” Grig said. “It’s not surprising, and it was very much true in the case of the Bo.”
In 1970 the Indian government began relocating the Bo to a settlement of concrete row houses on Strait Island. Boa Sr was moved in 1978, and Abbi said she often said that she missed her old life in the jungle.
Posted on 1 January 2010 | 1 response
Haisai Gusuyoo! Happy New Year and may you have a healthy and prosperous 2010!
Although we don’t actually welcome in the year of the Tiger till February 14th, many of us have , or are celebrating the start of a new decade. What will it have in store for us? Looking back at this past year for Ukwanshin, there has been so much to be thankful for and so many blessings on our work and the many people who have gotten involved with project Ukwanshin. It seems that there is a hunger for the culture and identity, and also for the reconnection to the ancestors who came before us and practiced our culture. Hope fully this will continue and grow stronger through this year.
One observation I did see though, that is a sign of the times in many families is the loss of families spending time, especially in the new year and also young ones staying with close family and friends to help make food and enjoy together. The sharing of food was very essential before to share whawts going on with each other, learn cooking and also to just spend time together. I’ve heard many Okinawans say that they don’t make the food that their grandparents or great grandparents did, because they don’t know how, or that the families don’t get together…or worse…”it’s too humbug”. Home made food..especially for this kind of time, is actually nourishment for our bodies, and also…for our soul. Okinawans beleive that something made by others has the spirit of that person, and is actually a gift that we take into ourselves when we eat. It ties into the belief of the weavers who made the cloth for their loved ones and beleived that the cloth was a sort of protection. I can see how valuable it was in the many songs that talk about food and how the elders made it for the children. References to the different foods and nostagia in being able to eat something that grandma made is very prevolent in many folk songs. This should not end there, but should live in our families and homes.
We look forward to being able to continue our workshops and programs, and wish you a safe and happy new year!
Posted on 27 November 2009 | No responses
"Yanaji" A lesson for life
“Yanajiwa miduri, Hana wa kurinayi, fwitu wa tada nasaki, nmi wa niwui”
Such simple words form the classical song “Yanaji”, but as many “ufu bushi”, classical music pieces, this Ryukyu poem expresses deep meaning that is so simple to understand if we look at the symbols it envokes. In these words, we can basically find so many answers to our problems and misunderstandings. Our ancestors understood this and have passed this down to us through the songs and dances, but due to the modern and technical interference, our sublime senses have been shut down and our human pride has taken over.
As we enter the new year of 2010, “Yanaji” holds answers to facing the new year, and to reconnect to our identity. It shows us our path and helps in making decisions. The words use nature to symbolize and remind us that we are part of a natural cycle. ”The deep green of the willow as it bends and sways shows values of humility and beauty. The deep red of the peony shows the aesthetic beauty which extends to our identity. As people, we must show compassion as a vital virtue, and the subtle but sweet smell of the plum blossom extends an invitation to be humble”
If we look around, nature responds to its natural cycle everyday. Even the smallest blade of grass, with the morning dew shining with the reflection of the sun, shows joy in the return of the morning and gives thanks to another day. We are not machines, but a being of nature that has a connection to our ancestors. I compare it to the 200 year old “matsu” or pine tree that stands strong on the cliff and grows greener every year as it endures winds, rain , heat and cold. It drops its seeds to create new generations which in turn become other pine that have the same identity of its parent. Its only when the identity through tampering from the outside is introduced , that the identity changes and sometimes leads to the demise. Each part of nature has its own identity and treasure to contribute to the world. If we can understand to keep connected and always refer to our roots, we may find it easier to cope, although we may find it hard at times since this is not the act of the majority. However, this is our contribution, and our natural obligation. ”Wakamatsi ya miduri, kugani hana sachuru, tani kara nmariti, yugafu churasa” The young pine is so green, the beautiful flower(child) blooms, from the seed we are born, how beautiful it makes the world.
Posted on 25 November 2009 | No responses
Happy Holidays! We have 2 offers for those of you who would like to get something for your donation to Ukwanshin. The first is Poinsettia plants that will be available December 5&6th at Kamemoto Nursery in Manoa, or we can deliver too. Each plant is in a 6-8″ pot and stands about 2ft tall with multiple blooms. Decorate your house or give to someone for a $10 donation. The second is a preset dinner for a donation of $50. This is the same as we had before. Prepared by Chef Russel Siu of 3660 on the Rise, you’l start with a salad, choice of selected entre, and dessert duet. Tax, tip and soft drink included.
Let us know if you want to take advantage of these holiday offers. The 3660 Dinners will be available from January through March, but tickets will be on sale till end of December.
Email us at ukwanshinkabudan@gmail
Posted on 8 November 2009 | 2 responses
This Sunday, November 8th, Okinawans showed their opposition by surprising the government with over 21,000 citizens gathering at Ginowan to protest the Henoko plans, as well as show their dissatisfaction at the way the Futenma Base resolution is being handled. The expected crowd was 3000. Mayor Iha of Ginowan said that the closing of Futenma should not mean that the dangers and burden from Futenma be transferred over to the people of Henoko. Currently, the government has been trying to pit Okinawans against each other by saying that the Henoko residents are being selfish in not relieving the dangers of Futenma and allowing the airstrip to be built offshore at the mouth of Oura bay. The waters there are home for endagered and indigenous sealife, including the Okinawan manatee. The residents of Henoko and Oura depend on the sea for their livelihood by gathering muzuku seaweed, fish, and shellfish. Organizers to the event considered this a success and hope that it will send a message to US President Obama’s visit this month. In the meantime, Okinawans are upset and have criticized Okinawa Governor Nakaima’s absence and trip abroad to the US during this event. Nakaima will be arriving in Hawaii on Sunday for a few days.
Over 21,000 strong turn out for rally against US base expansion
Posted on 4 November 2009 | No responses
Kumu Kahua’s production of the play “Voices From Okinawa”, by Jon Shirota, brings to the forefront, the many problems Okinawans are facing and with the reality of hardships, decisions and the continued treatment of them as second class citizens in the Japanese society .
The story takes place in modern day Naha Okinawa and Ginoza village. A young part Okinawan-American sansei is teaching at an English school in Naha and decides to have his students tell a story to practice their conversational English. At the apprehension of the school principal, the students relate personal experiences one by one as real life experiences that are connected to political and social problems unfold. The thorn in the Okinawan’s side though seems to be the continued US military presence and the problems the Okinawans have been facing for the past 60 years. American military arrogance, occupation, public disturbance, lack of adherence to the local laws, and also rape issues are brought up through the students’ stories. The most emotional is the personal story of a female student being raped by an American serviceman, and also the land issues with military bases in Okinawa.
The topics which were brought out in “Voices” are real issues that need to be talked about today, especially in the local Okinawan community. The Hawaii United Okinawa Association has lacked in providing information or even supporting Okinawa on these issues, which in turn has left most of the community ignorant of the importance of the education about Okinawa’s continued struggles even to this day. As we were told time and again in Okinawa last month while we were on tour there..”the Battle of Okinawa has not ended”.
With the current situation of Futenma and Henoko coming to head right now, this play comes at a great time to help understand what is going on, and the Okinawans’ struggles to try and balance everything while still trying to retain their land. The disturbing helplessness by the Okinawans to apply local punishment to US military that have broken laws, such as robbery and rape, are still a reality till today…everyday.
Despite minor glitches and transitions in the scenes that seem out of place to the seriousness and weight of the stories, the message and “voices” are there and well represented. I was struck however, upon talking withthe main character “Kama” after the show, that he had no idea that these things were still happening in Okinawa. I think if the cast had some time to be exposed to information of what is really going on in Okinawa and see that the stories they are portraying are a reality everyday to this day, it would make the play even more strong and have more of an impact on the audience.
The play runs for five weeks from now through December. Call the Kumu kahua Theater for information on show times etc. It is a play worth seeing, especially for Okinawans.
Posted on 29 October 2009 | No responses
The Ukwanshin Gakumun Tour was an amazing experience. Signs and happenings throughour our tour showed us that our ancestors are still closely connecte to us and want us to continue their legacy. The kinds of emotions the flowed through and brought together not only the tour members, but also the people we met, was great. I believe it hit everyone in the gut. It gave a stronger foundation of who we are as shimanchu, and also a purpose for continuing the legacy.
The weather held up when it needed to. The typhoon changed its path away from us. Reltaives were found for some, and connections re established. Unexpected information on family trees being brought out and shared to make the connections even stronger. Also, a possible voice from the past that called Okinawa relatives to foretell the arrival of the first grandson of the family’s first Okinawa visit. The laughter and tears were all a part of the energy that actually strung all of us together, as words didn’t have to be spoken, but we could understand what everyone was going through and thinking. The meeting with the two living treasures, Matayoshi, and Taira, was a priceless experience which gave us a glimpse into the past as well as a tangible symbol of the real Okinawan heart. However, it was kind of sad to think thay they will not be with us forever, and within a decade or so they may be gone. It is now our obligation to continue their “chimugukuru” and do what we can to pass on our real identity. The time of shame and prejudice on our Okinawan identity is passed. It is now time for us to realize our inborn obligation and to remember who and where we are connected to that makes us shimanchu. For most of the members on our tour, I think they have made a commitment to continue the journey. We are the rocks that will come together to make our identity and culture strong again. One rock at a time, one person at a time. Being Okinawan is in us.
Posted on 26 October 2009 | No responses
Matayoshi kanjeeku, National Living Treasure, inspirational and humble.
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 about it and that many people use it just as decoration. He said that when he makes any now, he just wants to give it to people or places that knokw the spiritual value of it so that his legacy can be left in those areas or with those people.
Connecting and sharing at the conference in Gushikawa
The conference in Gushikawa brought discussion and people from different parts of Okinawa. The majority of ideas and feelings expressed was that it is a dangerous and vital time in Okinawa right now to preserve and pass on the culture and history. There was also some expression that Okinawans are comfortable with the language clubs, and events they have, and the boom in popularity of the performing arts. However, they are not realizing that those things are just providing a shell right now and not the spirit or soul of the language and arts.
The evening ended with a koryu kai or fellowship dinner with the Gushikawa people. It was a night of unexplainable connections, music, laughter, and aloha.
The next day we started with a historical journey which connects us to the legend of Morikawa no Shi. This legend says that an angel came down to this spring to bathe. Before going into the waters she took her wings off and went down. As she was bathing, Morikawa comes by and sees her in the river. He falls in love with her and finds her wings. He hides it and disables her from going back to heaven.
Mori no Kawa no Kawa
The story goes on to explain that the two eventually got married and had two children. The son was beleived to become the first king of Ryukyu.
From Morikawa, we left with a special guest on board the bus. Professor Satto is from the Okinawa Kokusai University. He lead us to and explained the terrible US helicopter
crash in which the US military broke international laws when they occupied the university property for 2 weeks and removed vital evidence. They never even reprted what happened to the pilots of the helicopter. This was to show the dangers and also the continued stress and problems Okinawans are dealing with, and how the two powers, Japan and US are still abusing the Okinawans without the respect they would be olbiged to give in their own laws and land.
Can you see military presence in this katachiki pattern? Airples, parachutes, etc
We conntinued by bus to the Sakima Art Museum, which is on the boundries of Futenma US Marine Air Base. It was very interesting to see the art there that depicted Okinawa’s war struggles, bothe now and in the Battle of Okinawa. The Sakima Art Museum is funded by the Sakima family who have decided to use their income from family land on base, to send a message about the importance of Okinawa’s preservation and to not forget the war. Also, to educate on the current situations in Okinawa pertaining the the bases and the effects they are having on the local people.
Mr. Sakima has connections to Hawaii through the late Akira Sakima. He has been continuously working to bring in art from various artists, which depict Okinawa’s strive for peace and the understanding of the war and base issues. We were very lucky to have him be our guide through the museum, as he explained the varoius art pieces and their symbolism and meanings.
The last room of huge murals depicted the life and suffereing during the battle of Okianwa and the life people experienced in the caves. As you look close into the depth of each work, you can clearly see that every kind of suffering and age was depicted in the dark ghostly images that told the story of the long days and nights of uncertainlty and pain. It gave everyone a time to think and reflect about how much our ancestors went through and agian reminds us of why we are doing what we are and why we went on this tour.
After a day of heavy and thought provoking places, we relaxed with the /gushhikawa kasshin Daiko group’s advisors at a minyo club in Kita Nakagusuku. The well known singer, Mr. Tsuha, was our host, along with his wife, who cooked up a great pread of Okinawan food. We were told that it was just going to be pupus, but it was actually dinner….including…of course…”shima” or awamori.
The next morning we left central Okinawa to go north. Our first stop was to the village of Kijoka at Ogimi son. Here we met with Toshiko Tiara sensei, who is the National Living Treasure for the preservation of the “basa/ bashofu” banana fiber art. We watched as this spry 90 year old ladt gave us a tour of the facilities and process of the basa. She walked just as fast and wasy as some of our group members! The intricate and time consuming work left everyone in awe. At the beginning of our tour, the
Exquisite rolls of banana fiber from Taira's Kijoka workshop
Haebaru kasuri amazed everyone on the work involved, but this process was more intense as they make everything from growing the fiber trees, to the threads, and finall y weaving the cloth. It was very hopeful news that she has 20 apprentices weaving with her at this time to keep up the art.
AFter the walk thorugh tour of the workshop, we were given a chance to watch the video of the banana fiber process. While watching Taira sensei asked me why some of our members had pictures of older people on their bags and stuff. I explained to her that it was because we were returning in place of our issei who could never make it back to Okinawa after dreaming that they could make money and return back one day to continue their living. I told her that our tour focused on making connections to what our ancestors left behind, and a connection to our identity.
A true living treasure: Toshiko Taira
We then presented her with something very traditional in our identity as Okinawans. Besides some omiyage from Hawaii, Norman sang “natsukashiki Furusato”, which expressed our aloha to her and through the words expressed that we are always worrying or thinking of the okinawa people , as they may be of us. Taira sensei broke down in tears and so did everyone else. The connection of the heart and true “chimugukuru” was experienced then. It was unexplainable.
Taira sensei then said, “Theres many problems Okinawa people face right now.” She worries about Futenma, and sees that everyhting is becoming focused on money, as people are forgetting the values. She said that the music brought memories of when she returned to Okinawa after the war and how people connected and helped each other. There was a strong sense of caring….especially for the elderly, and she felt that with us. She is an amazing lady. Despite being a National Living Treasure, her humbleness, love and wisdom outweighs that title, and makes her much more valuable than any title can give her. We thank her from our hearts and wish her many more healthy years to come.
Barbed wire stretched across the beach to keep local Okinawans out of their own places to gather seaweed and fish.
After leaving Taira Sensei’s place we headed to the east side of Nago to visit the sit in area of Henoko. For over 10 years, the locals…led by the elders of the area, have been fighting for the presrvation of the ocean there as well as the wildilife and their land. The plans to build a reef runway offshore and to expand Camp Schwab into the waters there, will have a great effect on the wildlife, especially the Dugong, or Okinawan Manatee. It is here again that we saw the laws that the US fights for outside, 
being broken, by the US itself. The ocean and land here is the life of the people, as they still farm of the land and the sea for their survival. They can go the the stores and department vendors, but they have chosen to keep the life that was passed down to them. For the elders, this is the only life they know, and they don’t care about the money. They are happy just the way they are now
Norman playing sanshin at Henoko
The last day of the tour together, we left Kanucha to start going back south by way of Nakijin. The Nakijin Castle has now been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Area. From just 3 years ago, they have expanded and built new parking area, a bigger museum, and and area of shops and toilet facilities. Continued archealogical work is being done as many former walls of the castle have been restored.
In some ways there is alot of good that has been done through the designation by UNESCO. but also the draw back is that many native practices and rituals are prohibited due to the UNESCO regulations. Locals are restricted from using incense at prayer places in these areas, and rituals etc have to be reported prior to doing it. There is also an admission fee applicalbe to all…even if you are a local or going for s spiritual purpose. Maybe Okinawans can try to get the same priviledges as Hawaiians, who are free from admission and ritual prohibitions at places like the National Parks in Hawaii.
Our luchtime at Drive In Hawai`i.
Yokoi san presenting the katachiki banners to Young Okinawans of Hawai`i
We stopped on the way at the Okashi Goten, or Porsche Sweet Potato Confectionary on our way back to Naha. Everyon’s mind went to try and finish shopping as we were leaving the next day.
many people came to the hotel to rop off gifts, and talk story for the last time, and the katashiki artist, Yokoi cam by to drop off the katachiki everyone worked on at his place at the beginning of the tour. The pieces were amazing, as everyone’s artwork took on an identity of the maker. Everyone did a great job! He then presented the Yound Okinawan’s Of Hawaii with two banners he had done, that represented the clubs eisa. That was a great and unexpected gift to the 4 members of YOH. A great finally to the tour for them.
Posted on 25 October 2009 | No responses
Our gakumun tour left Naha City and headed south to the Shimajiri area. We first stoped at Haebaru town which is known for the beautiful Ryukyu Kasuri, or handwoven textiles with splashed ikat patterns. The Kasuri Kaikan there had weavers from its guild working on some very intricate and delicate pieces, while the sound of the looms seemed to keep a rythm as the thread was pased through the warp. Okinawan textiles are known to have the spirit of its creator woven iinto them, and it is that fact that makes it so valuable and personal. 
Used to pay taxes to the Satsuma government, this art was once an art of suffering and tears. It has now been made into something of pride and personal value.
Everyone got to see the time and tedious work that goes into making a roll of kasuri. The fascination of the individual threads and construction of patters through dyed, careful laid out fibers amazed , but at the same time, while looking around, the median age for the weavers was in their 70’s. This brought the realization of where this art was, wonder about what is going to happen to its future. We then proceeded to the Haebaru History and Cultural Museum. This new building was not yet opened to the public, but we were invited by its curator to visit and see the
displays they had up. It was amazing as we walked through and heard information about some things we never knew existed in Okinawa. One of those things was a shrine which was set up by the Japanese army during the war. This shrine 
held a picture of the emperor and the people were intsructed to bow and pay respects to it every morning and evening, and upon passing it. It was all part of the brainwashing program that was set up for the Okinawans, as the Japanese had already known in advance what was going to happen, as they fortified themselves in preparation for the land battle on Okinawan soil. There was also part of a wall that was riddled with holes and gauges from a bomb that was used to destroy a water tank where Okinawan civillians were hiding in. It killed 2. Besides artifacts and histories of the terrible battle of Okinawa, there was also exhibits on the culture of Okinawans and the Haebaru town. It seemed as though this small museum was put together with much heart and care, as compared to the cold and distant energy in the large prefectural museum the other day. 
This museum was built with the purpose of education so that the children of the town would learn and pass down their history and culture. It opens in November of this year, and will be a great instrument in keeping Haebaru alive. We congratulate the people of Haebaru.
We continued our treck south as we mad eour way to Himeyuri memorial. This was the beginning of a heavy and thought provoking afternoon for us, but was also interrupted with the contrast of young Japanese students yelling, playing and running in this place of past, horrific death and suffering. Why the Okinawa people allow this, I don’t understand. After Himeyuri, we went down a little ways to the Peace Memorial Museum. This hit many of us hard as the graphic pictures and visual aids of the war wrenched the hearts. To think that this happened to our ancestors, we can never really understand their suffering, but continue to carry on what they innocently died for. This kind of museum and movement in the community gives me hope that Okinawa’s true history will still be passed down for ore generations.
We ended our daylight time that day at Seifa Utaki, which is the most sacred site on the Okinawa mainland. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The last time I had visited this place was over 10 years ago, and I could clearly see the changes. A large parking lot was installed, as well as a visitors center, new paved paths, and of course…admission. It has become very accessible, and conpared to before, tourists have put this on their “must see” list. All is good, however, on the other hand, the local Okinawans are restricted form practicing their rituals there in the way that it had been done for the past 500 years at least. They also charge the priestesses, but at a discount rate, for admission to do their rituals. In this sense, Hawaiians have an advantage as they can enter their sacred sites free, should they be going for “religious’ purposes.
The finally of the day was the katachiki, or bingata, workshop at Yuhsuke Yokoi’s place in Tamagusuku. He made a special stencil and design just for our group. Everyone tried their hand at it, and got to take home a very personal gift. The night ended with Yokoi.his wife, and students giving us a great dinner made by Mrs. Yokoi. The group was beginning to see the kind of warmth thats part of our Okinawan identity. It isn’t hard to fathom, as we have the same kind of reciprocation in Hawaii.
Posted on 22 October 2009 | No responses
Ukwanshin’s Gakumun Tour departed on its journey back to the home of our ancesotrs, and taking on board the members of all the groups that Ukwanshin has been working with, including the Maui Ryukyu Culture Group and a few from the mainland. For many, this was the first visit to their “home”, or place of their issei. The eight hour flight from Honolulu to Osaka, for the connection to Okinawa seemed to last forever, as the excitement kept everyone anxious to get there. The idea of being able to return and represent the first generation Okinawan family members who never really made it 
back, made this trip even more valuable. Everyone looked forward to what lied ahead, and many kept on flipping back to the channel that showed the progress of the flight. For the Young Okinawans of Hawaii, it was the first time in over a decade that members of the group went on this kind of tour, to study and learn about their roots and history. Their hope is that it will make their club stronger, and also build leaders who are more knowledgable and aware of their identity and culture.
Ukwanshin was also fulfilling its purpose by bringing precious cargo of 3rd and 4th generation Hawaii Okinawans, who have never been to the land of their grandparents. To be able to finally connect and set foot on the soil where our ancestors left over a hundred years ago, is an awesome experience. We could clearly see how the modern day Ukwanshin” is the vessel that continues to bring people together or to journey and make important connections.
After the arrival in Osaka, and clearing customs, everyone got a quick bite in the Osaka terminal and then it was off to our connecting flight. We were greeted in Okinawa by the ever supportive group of Gushikawa friends. The unexpected cool breezes that greeted us, were a welcome addition to the already warm greeting. The weather in Okinawa was so much cooler than the weather we had left back in Hawaii.
After check -in at the hotel, the group had a welcome Okinawa soba snack , and the exhausted members retired to their rooms for the night, anticipating a full first day the next morning.
We were also very happy to have Garrett Kam join us from Bali. Garrett is originally from Hawaii and now lives in Bali where he is the curator for Bali’s Arts Museum. He is a valuable source of information for our connection to the Southeast Asian influences in Okinawa textiles and language.
The first full day began with a great spread at breakfast. About 80% of the buffet was Okinawan food! Maasaibitan! Ono loa!
continuing our Ukwanshin tour tradition, we started off the tour at Shuri’s Tamaudun, royal tombs, to pay respects to roayal families and ask them to be with and watch over us on our tour. The group then split up into two groups and we visited the Shuri Castle and a Shuri weaving shop. It was amazing to see the rare art of Shuri style weave being done before our eyes.
After the castle, we ate lunch at Shuri Dunchi, which is an old traditional Okinawan house that has been turned into an Okinawan resteurant. Its located right on the historical Kinjo Ishidatami, or stone paved road. This area is protected and preserved by the Okianwan government
. Our lunch included fu champuru , muzuku, rice,and soup with taro stems. While eating we enjoyed the surroundings of peaceful gardens and a pond. After luch we continued on to the Naha City Historical Museum. We were treated to a presentation by the museum’s curator, Masaaki Hokama. He gave us a lecture on the Ryukyu history and how the 1879 admission to the Japanese prefectural identity also heralded the beginning to demise of Okinawan culture, due to the prejudice and other things Which caused many Okinawans to give up their language , culture, and , idientity.
Later on we had the privilege to go the the Okinawa Prefectural Performing Arts University. Here we toured the grounds and also sat in on soem classes. We were given the opportunity for dialogue but with a larger group . In the dialogue, which was offered by Kaneshiro sensei, we could see the lack of 
understanding and need for foundational growth. 