The Okinawa Association of America held its annual bazaar/fundraiser on Oct. 12 at the OAA Center in Gardena, featuring entertainment, food, crafts, games and a raffle.
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, Los Angeles Branch.
Kids took a Warabi Eisaa workshop and then showed what they learned on stage.
Shorin Ryu karate demonstration by Shugyokan Dojo.
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who is running for re-election, dropped by. He said that although he is not of Okinawan background, he did grow up on a U.S. military base in Okinawa and has an appreciation of the people and culture. From left: Guitarist Troy Keoho, OAA President Shingi Kuniyoshi, Muratsuchi, singer/musician Kalyn Aolani.
Popular dishes included kakiage or vegetable tempura (above) and ashitibichi or pig’s feet (below).
Okinawa soba was served indoors.
Snow cones were big sellers. Also on the menu were sātā andāgī (Okinawa dango), nantu mūchī (Okinawa-style mochi), rafute donburi (braised pork belly over rice), and taco rice.
Hula dancers from local elementary and middle schools.
Students from El Marino Language School gave an eisaa-inspired performance.
Okinawan folk dancing by young members of Miyagi Ryu Nosho Kai.
Ryukyu Minyo Aikoh Kai sang folk songs and played the sanshin (shamisen).
Tomio Prehoda and Michelle Akamine of Teruya Sokyoku Kenkyukai played Okinawan koto music. Entertainment was also provided by Afuso Ryu Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Los Angeles, Halau Hula Moani‘a‘ala Anuhea, and Kazuaki Uehara, who performed music from the Yaeyama Islands.
Photos by J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo
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