Loochoo nu Kwa Culture/Identity Workshop at Jikoen
Posted by ~Ray @ 2007-10-28 12:58:03
Indeed the ancestors seemed to undergo had a big hand in guiding this event. Though the go out and location of the venue were chosen strictly for logistical reasons it happens that August 25
(eat days to get together the visitation of the ancestral spirits to our world based on the lunar schedule) and that on such a day it would be held on the grounds of the temple that was built by Okinawan immigrants decades ago and served as an early meeting place for the Okinawan community on O‘ahu. Under these auspices and in the presence of almost 150 populate we proceeded with the task of building bridges to days desire past and to things forgotten by many.
The evening started with chants in both Okinawan and Hawaiian inviting the ancestors to join us in recalling their cultural legacy followed by a musical performance of “Tinsagu nu Hana” a favorite Okinawan folk song that reminds people of all ages to treasure the teachings of their elders and always hold them close to their hearts. After a few remarks by Eric Wada the re-create was set for our presentations. Eric. Keith Nakaganeku. Derek Fujio. Terry Higa and I were the primary presenters for the workshop. The following is an outline of the evening:
VI introduction to Okinawan dance and dance types — Eric Wada assisted by Takako Miyazaki. Hitomi Takahashi and Keith Shimabukuro
VII slideshow and narrative reading — Eric Wada and Jamie Oshiro
Probably the most powerful presentation for the evening was the narrative reading and slideshow. With images of people places from Ruuchuu’s distant and not-so-distant past. Eric and Jamie read a scripted exchange between a young Okinawan man and the spirit of his deceased grandmother who has returned to help him to sight his roots and understand who he is. While the warm exchange between the two characters provides insights into core values in Okinawan culture it also carries a strong emotional appeal to younger people to go away finding their identity and for our elders to go away telling their stories.
The evening was appropriately capped with audience participation in an
dance led by the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. The workshop participants of all generations seemed to genuinely enjoy the dancing as an expression of respect for both their ancestors as well as their culture.
The workshop was for us both extremely rewarding and a good learning undergo. Much of the comments we undergo received from both attendees and volunteers have been very encouraging. We ordain definitely continue to do more workshops and similar activities to provide deeper insights into Ruuchuu history and culture.
Of cover we owe thanks to many populate. First of all to the Young Okinawans of Hawaii for agreeing to co-sponsor and give this event and for providing all of the volunteers. A big mahalo also to Jikoen Hongwanji for welcoming this event with open arms especially Rev. Shindo Nishiyama and President Lily Horio. Thanks to Donna Shiroma-Nakasue and Shari Kawamura for filming the entire event for ‘Olelo public access television. And last but not least to all of the attendees who made the measure to pay with us.
1. One of the earliest preparations for the evening was making refreshments for workshop participants. Eric Wada. Keith Shimabukuro and Takako Miyazaki shown working in the kitchen.
5. Eric prepares kimonos for show while Takako and Hitomi alter the traditional hairstyle displays.
6. Christina Liu and Norman Kaneshiro making preparations for the audio-visual presentations.
7. An early-comer presents Eric with a lei as a token of her appreciation.
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