Saturday, 23 March 2019, 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Forum Featuring Yasuhiro “Denny” Tamaki
Windward Community College
45-720 Keaahala Road, Kaneohe, Oahu
Hawaii Hale ‘Akoakoa, Conference Rooms 101, 103, 105
Free and open to the public.

Governor Yasuhiro “Denny” Tamaki

Ukwanshin Kabudan is honored to welcome Yasuhiro “Denny” Tamaki, newly elected Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, to the 5th LooChoo Identity Summit. ʻImi ni Miru Uchinā” – Kukuru uchiawachi chibaranaya! “Our dreams for Okinawa joins our hearts together to go forward!” Keeping this thought in mind, Governor Tamaki graciously accepted Ukwanshin’s invitation to participate in this Summit. This is his first trip to Hawaii, and he is looking forward to meeting with the Hawaiʻi community to share what is happening in Okinawa. 

This is a great opportunity for Governor Tamaki to “talk story” and interact with community members, especially those involved in Ryukyuan language and culture revitalization as well as environmental protection and conservation. The Governor has expressed an interest in engaging with Hawai`i’s diverse community that may include other indigenous groups, academia, tourism representatives, and all who recognize the ongoing concerns that challenge our people. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of discussion with this amazing and courageous “LooChoo Nu Kwa” (child of LooChoo), whose fight for democracy for Okinawa has brought him great respect for Shimanchu on an international scale.

Please note that this special engagement is open to the public, free of charge, after the closing of the second day of the Summit. Please expect that there will be some ‘wait time’ to enter the building as there will likely be a lot of activity as we wrap up Day 2 and prepare for the Governor’s presentation. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding. Uchinānchu spirit! Parking close to Hale ‘Akoakoa may be occupied by Summit participants but there is ample parking on campus so please allow for walking a little distance to the event venue. We will have parking monitors to assist anyone with special needs.

Sunday, 24 March 2019, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Windward Community College
45-720 Keaahala Road, Kaneohe, Oahu
‘Akoakoa Building

For general seating reservations:
Online link: voices_from_the_homeland
Call: 808-781-9658
Ticket price: $30.00

Click image to view PDF.

This year’s musical concert to conclude the 5th annual LooChoo Identity Summit will showcase the songs and dances of Yaeyama. Yaeyama has long been known as a region rich in the performing arts. Local music artist Hiromi Kinjo and graduate students from the Performing Arts program at Yaeyama High School and Norin High School have thrilled audiences with their heart-felt performances. Summit attendees will have preferential reserved seating (concert ticket included in Summit registration). General seating tickets for the public are available for purchase. Please join us for an exceptional musical experience!

Ukwanshin Kabudan is excited to announce that Gov. Denny Tamaki will be adding his voice to our “Voices from the Homeland” concert. The Governor will present a keynote address to open the concert. It will be interesting to hear him share his stories and memories of being Uchinānchu.

Any questions? Please email ukwanshinevents@gmail.com or phone 781-9658. If you are interested in registering for the LooChoo Identity Summit, please visit our website at: https://loochooidentity.org/