Celebrating 110th anniversary of Okinawan-Argentinian Immigration
Participants celebrating the 110th Anniversary of Argentine Republic’s Independence and Okinawan Citizens’ Immigration, taken on July 15 at a hall in the Okinawa Industry Support Center in Naha City
July 23, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Hiroe Nakagawa
On July 15, the Okinawa-Argentina Friendship Association held the 110th Anniversary Celebration of Argentine Republic’s Independence and Okinawa Citizens’ Immigration at a hall in the Okinawa Industry Support Center in Naha City, Okinawa.
This year makes 110 years since Okinawan citizens first emigrated to Argentina in 1908, making it a milestone.
About 100 people including Argentinian ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Alan Beraud and Secretary Marcela Berone, along with Pan-American Association in Okinawa President Moritoshi Ohyama and nikkei (Japanese American) immigrant members participated in the celebration.
Japanese, Okinawan, and Argentinians deepened their friendship.
Ambassador Beraud praised Okinawa citizens’ achievements.
He said, “It has been 120 years since diplomatic relations between Argentina and Japan was established.
Those who have immigrated from Okinawa have established a big community that comprises 80 percent of the 54,000 nikkei emigrants in Argentina.
They have enriched the Argentinian society on a daily basis.
I hope that we are able to walk alongside one another to further foster our friendship and bond.”
Besides giving a congratulatory speech to Okinawan Center in Argentina President Akira Tamagusuku, the ambassador also showed his appreciation for the friendship between Okinawa and Argentina.
The two then exchanged letters of appreciation.
The association also sent letters of appreciation to Masayuki Ohshiro and Teiichi Minei.
Andreas Higo, a nikkei second-generation who is the director of the association also gave a lecture on the history of immigration.
Okinawa Shogaku Senior High School student Ryoma Nakagawa, who visited Argentina as a part of the Kaiho Yoshu Network Building Program, spoke about his experience.
Events, such as the Ryukyu Buyo (Ryukyu dance) and traditional performing arts performed by the Okinawa Shogaku Senior High School’s Area Studies Club livened up the celebration.
Traditional Argentinian cuisine and candy were also shared. People danced the Kachashi (Okinawan folk dance) and strengthened their bonds.
(English translation by T&CT and Chelsea Ashimine)
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