Author Archives: loochoo77

Acknowledgment: Mahalo to Eric Wada and Ukwanshin Kabudan, Ed Kuba, and Rodney Inefuku for this notice.

Last updated 10/7/18  5:00 PM To read the PDF version of The Okinawas1: Their Distinguishing Characteristics, click the image below. From the cover: Okinawan Studies No. 2 The Okinawas: Their Distinguishing Characteristics Confidential Office of Strategic Services Honolulu, Hawaii March 27, … Continue reading →

The Honolulu 2018 Okinawan Festival was held at the Hawaii Convention Center (Sep. 1 & 2) instead of Kapi’olani Park for the first time. I was concerned about the size of the center. Would it be able to accommodate all … Continue reading →

SATURDAY SCHEDULE 9:30 AM – Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu Derek Fujio, President & Sara Nakatsu, Vice President | Jane Kaneshiro Sozan Kai | Bonnie Miyashiro Soho Kai | Yamashiro Yoneko Sokyoku Kenkyu Kai | Yasuko Arakawa Aki no … Continue reading →

There’s a lot to see and do in Okinawa during the summer. Here’s a great starter list that I found in Okinawa Stripes (6/10/18). I added a video (or photo when videos weren’t available) to each to give you a sense of … Continue reading →

I received the following message from raquvar: Hello Jim. I wonder if there are any relatives of my grandmother, Haru Teruya, in Hawaii. I remember my mother telling me stories about Haru’s relatives that had emigrated to Hawaii and were … Continue reading →

The Okinawa Prefectural Library set up an issei immigration genealogical reference service booth during the 6th Sekai Uchinanchu Taikai that took place from Oct. 27-30, 2016. The service searched 1st generation immigration records for information such as name in kanji, birthplace, travel … Continue reading →

Message from Leilani Beardsley (5/29/18): I am trying to find Shikina, Mayeshiro and Takushi families in Okinawa My response: Leilani, I’m publishing your comment as a post in hopes that those with information will respond. -Jim

Received from Anonymous 5/28/18: I’ve been trying to trace Taira family in Okinawa. My grandparents migrated in late 1800 or early 1900 to Hawaii, settling first in Kaneohe than in Kalihi. If you have any info, I’d appreciate. Growing up … Continue reading →

Note: A big mahalo to my nephew, Derek Mukai, for this information. -Jim Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii is delighted to present “The Dawn of Ryukyu” on July 24, 2018, at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. This special event can be enjoyed … Continue reading →

From: Colin Sewake (colin.sewake@icloud.com) Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 2:00 PM To: 瀬分 善久 Subject: Looking for Sueko Higa (Tobaru-cho, Shuri-shi)

Op-ed by Pete Shimazaki Doktor Star-Advertiser, 7 Jan. 2018 I returned recently from a delegation of U.S. military veterans to Okinawa, to witness the devastation from the ongoing U.S. military occupation since 1945 — with construction of yet another military … Continue reading →

The following are excerpts from Nasrine Bendjilali et al., “Who Are the Okinawans? Ancestry, Genome Diversity, and Implications for the Genetic Study of Human Longevity From a Geographically Isolated Population,” The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 69, Issue 12, … Continue reading →

Last updated 3/25/19 10:55am

I wrote this for the Uchinaaguchi “cause.” Note that there is a Japanese translation at the bottom. -Rodney Inefuku Kutuu By Rodney Inefuku Uchinaaguchi translation by Toma Shisei of Yomitan, Okinawa It was the first day of spring in Chicago. Uree … Continue reading →

Last updated 6/3/17 6:58am “Alfredo Casero // Shima Uta en Japón,” YouTube, uploaded by aeroder flax on 6/18/15. Alfredo Casero, an Argentine musician, actor and comedian, recorded “Shima Uta” in 2002, the first single from his album, Casaerius. His cover … Continue reading →

Hi All, Hope you all can find time between Christmas shopping to stop over at the East-West Center gallery this Sunday to listen to me talk and sing. The event is titled “Mimi-gusui: Life Sustenance Through the Ears” and will … Continue reading →