Global Uchinanchu community connects across borders, celebrating the first “World Uchinanchu Day,” together

Global Uchinanchu community connects across borders, celebrating the first “World Uchinanchu Day,” together

Claudia Oshiro singing arm and arm with Okinawan-descended children from all over the world


 

October 31, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Okinawa Prefecture hosted “World Uchinanchu Day,” which was designated last year the 6th International Uchinanchu Festival, on October 30 at the ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Okinawa Harbor View in Naha.

The event was attended by 230 people from Okinawa Prefecture and its towns in addition to people from the business community and various cultural figures.

Both Okinawan and Okinawan descendants abroad who attended formed closer bonds, committing themselves to Okinawan pride, culture, and unity.

 

At the first-ever celebration of its kind, Okinawan folk singers Sadao China, Hajime Nakasone, and Vanesa Oshiro performed music backed up by fellow Uchinanchu from all over.

Singers Kazufumi Myazawa and Alberto Shiroma (from the band Diamantes) teamed up with the performance group Requios for an Eisa dance, accompanies by the enthusiastic clapping of attendees.

 

The hall in Naha was connected by video and sound to the Brazilian Okinawan People’s Association, who took part in the celebration remotely.

 

Governor Takeshi Onaga said, “I hope that the World Uchinanchu Day will continue to broaden and strengthen the global Uchinanchu network.”

 

Former Okinawa Television newscaster Shinichi Maebara, whose coverage has spanned around 500 Okinawans from 35 countries, touched upon the fact that there were a large number of Okinawans all over the world who inherit traditional art and spirit, saying, “I hope that the World Uchinanchu Day will actually serve as a day for us to think about what the Uchina spirit is.”

 

Finally, the second-generation Argentinian born singer Claudia Oshiro performed the song used in the World Uchinanchu Day commercial, “Mirai Kanae.”

Oshiro locked arms with foreign-born youth who participated in the “Uchina Junior Study,” where they learn about Okinawan history and culture, singing with passion.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

Go to Japanese


　


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