The Young Okinawans of Hawaii (YOH) hosted their 41st Annual Holiday Senior Luncheon on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Hawaii Okinawa Center in Waipio. This beloved event honors Hawaii’s senior community, celebrating their contributions to preserving Okinawan culture. As noted in the event program, “We thank your generation for perpetuating the cultural heritage we proudly celebrate today.”
This year’s luncheon featured a delightful mix of traditions, community, and entertainment. YOH members served bento lunches to each guest, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. Emcees Aaron Hoo and Max Lee guided the program, which showcased a variety of Okinawan performances.
The event opened with an energetic call to celebration by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii. Lunchtime entertainment was provided by Yuttai Kwattai, whose modern Okinawan musical arrangements set the tone for a joyful afternoon. Guests were also greeted with heartfelt holiday messages from Hawaii United Okinawa Association President Brandon Nakasone and YOH President Brandon Ufugusuku Ing.
The entertainment continued with performances by Urizun, a talented group featuring Shelby Oshiro, Chantel Ikehara, Kaeo Shiroma, Derek Fujio, and Jacob Higa. Ukwanshin Kabudan, comprising Norman Kaneshiro, Eric Wada, Keith Nakaganeku, Terry Higa, and Brandon Ing, followed with soulful Okinawan music.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Shoshin Dance Company (SDC), a group of former and current University of Hawai‘i students who have trained under Yukie Shiroma. They performed a mix of traditional and modern Okinawan dances, including Tanchamē, Mimura-bushi, Iwai-bushi, and fusion pieces like Let’s Sing Uchinaaguchi! Lessons 1 & 2, choreographed by Yukie Sensei and featuring songs by Brandon Ing. Jiutē musicians from Ukwanshin Kabudan and Yuttai Kwattai provided live accompaniment for the dances.
Adding an interactive element, Jane Higa led attendees in Radio Taiso calisthenics, helping everyone work off some holiday calories. The event concluded with a lively grand finale of kachāshī, a freestyle Okinawan dance that brought everyone to their feet in celebration.
The Young Okinawans of Hawaii’s annual luncheon continues to unite generations, blending tradition with modern creativity to honor the past and celebrate the future.
The Young Okinawans of Hawaii is a non-profit association whose goals are to stimulate interest in and promote learning about the history of Okinawa and its people, to promote the preservation and perpetuation of the cultural heritage of Okinawa and to provide social activities that will foster goodwill and friendship among its members.
