On Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, the Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi’s Generations Ballroom.
The theme, “Yo-in – Lingering Resonance, Carried Forward,” reflected both the organization’s five decades of preserving Okinawan musical traditions in Hawaiʻi and its commitment to passing those traditions to future generations.
The program opened with gassho, a formal suite of three classical Ryukyuan songs — Kagiyadefu, Unna Bushi and Yuratiku Bushi — dating back approximately 400 years. Sensei who performed the Kagiyadefu dance were Lisa Nakadakari, Allison Yanagi and Yukie Shiroma.
Two pieces highlighting the distinctive sounds of the koto followed. The program described “Yida Shigagachi” as a piece that “places the sound and technique of the koto at the forefront,” with its intricate interplay showcasing the refined instrumental tradition passed from teacher to student.
“Tsushima Bushi,” the second piece, reflected the cultural exchange that has long influenced Ryukyuan music. Its place in the repertoire offered a reminder that musical traditions continue to evolve as they travel between people and places.
Shihan, or master teachers, from Okinawa then performed two popular modern numbers: “Tinsagu nu Hana,” a song about lessons passed from parents to children, and “Warabigami,” a beloved Okinawan lullaby.
The program concluded with “Shin Asadoya Yunta,” a modern adaptation of “Asadoya Yunta,” a favorite among audiences in Hawaiʻi. The finale brought together koto players, guest musicians and Chinagu Eisa Hawaii in a joyful celebration of the “relationships that continue to carry Okinawan music and culture forward.”
In his speech, Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu President Derek Fujio said, “We do this for all those who helped us on the path who are no longer with us, and even more so for those who continue to strive to perpetuate our legacy of Okinawan koto.”
Shihan Bonnie Naomi Miyashiro said in an email interview that “Yo-in exemplified the finest examples of the yuimaru and chimugukuru spirit.”
“Koyo Kai leadership from Okinawa, Seattle and Los Angeles joined the Hawaii membership together with masters of sanshin, teku (drum), kucho (fiddle) and hwanso (flute) for a wonderful celebration,” she said. “Representatives from local dance academies and Eisa groups combined their talents and willingness to further enhance the program. The support crew worked efficiently for a smooth transition to the success of the event. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the future of the chapter and the Ryukyuan performing arts looks very bright.”
The anniversary celebration brought together Koyo Kai members from Hawaiʻi, Los Angeles and Okinawa, as well as groups from across Hawaiʻi’s Okinawan performing arts community.
The Hawaiʻi shibu (branch) includes Ito Kazuko Sokyoku Kyoshitsu, Jane Kaneshiro Sozan Kai, Miyashiro Soho Kai, Soho Miki no Kai, Soho Ryuon no Kai and Yamashiro Yoneko Sokyoku Kenkyu Kai.
Guest groups included Azama Honryu; Azama Honryu Allison Tokuko Yanagi Geino Dance Studio; Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy; Jinpu Kai USA Kin Ryosho Ryukyu Geino Kenkyusho, Hawaii Shibu; Mitsufumi Ryu Taiko Hozon Kai; Ryukyu Koten Afuso-Ryu Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai USA; Ryukyu Koten Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyokai Hawaii Shibu; Ryukyu Koten Ongaku Afuso Ryu Owan Kiyoyuki Kenkyusho; Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai, Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo; Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai, Akiko Tome Ryubu Dojo; and Tamagusuku Ryu Shosetsu Kai.
The 50th anniversary celebration honored five decades of teaching, performing and passing down Okinawan musical traditions in Hawaiʻi. Through the dedication of its teachers, students and supporters, Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyo Kai Hawaii Shibu continues to carry the sound of the koto forward, keeping the music a living connection between generations and between Hawaiʻi and Okinawa.
