Okinawakai of Washington D.C.
- Activity base
- North America(United States of America/Washington, D.C.)
- Okinawakai of Washington D.C. About
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Membership Approx. 400 (As of 2017) Established 1983 Chairperson Itsuko Asato (2017-2018) Organization Overview ・The organization started in order to provide educational opportunities for our members and to enhance the understanding of Okinawan culture and heritage. Originally named the "Legacy Group", it had 23 members with Masayuki Kishimoto as the First President.
・Since nobody wanted to fill the President's position, the organization was operated by Board Members Dennis Asato, Mayumi Folta, Yoshie Heysel and Linda Miyoshi during 1990-1991.
・The President's term in office is 1 year and selected thru elections.
・1 Vice President, 2 Secretaries, 2 Treasurers, 2 Cultural Directors and an Educational Fund Committee.
・Our organization is named "Okinawa Kai" instead of "Kenjinkai" because membership of this organization is open to not only Uchinanchus but also to any person who likes our Okinawan culture and supports our activities.
・60% of our members are from Virginia, 30% from Maryland and 10% from DC and other areas (as of 2008). Many of them are women married to American military personnel or Americans they met while studying in the US.Affiliated Org. 2 Related Org. None Publication Yes - Okinawakai of Washington D.C. Activity contents
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URL http://okinawakai.org/ Description ・The Spring Party and Picnic is held to deepen friendship among members.
・Participated in the Folk Festival and Passport DC Embassy Tour; volunteered at a Okinawa-related event held at a textile museum.
・Held events with Okinawan themes related to Okinawan cuisine, culture and exchanges.
・Will hold our 35th Anniversary Event on April 21, 2018.Own scholarship program Yes
Provide high school and university graduation gifts, and cultural scholarship for Okinawan performing arts and martial arts.Exchange with other region Yes
Invited performing arts groups from Hawaii, California and Okinawa for exchange opportunities.Other Okinawa related matters ・Okinawa Avenue in Rockville, MD is a street name in a housing area built after the war.
・A replica of the "Bell of Gokokuji" is located at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
・A memorial stone named the "Ryukyu Stone" is inserted into the Washington Monument.
・The Tropical Conservatory was built and named for Haruo Kaneshiro, the father of tropical bonsai.
・The George Washington University Okinawa Collection features our history, culture, politics and art.
