2026 OAA New Year’s Party

The New Year’s Party and officer installation ceremony of the Okinawa Association of America, or OAA, was held on January 18 in Carson.

The OAA is a nonprofit organization with a 117-year history.
It promotes friendship among its members, supports the local community, and preserves Okinawan culture.

This year, all officers continued from last year, including President Vicki Oshiro-Nishiuchi for the third year.
During the installation ceremony, the oath of office was administered by Al Muratsuchi, a California State Assembly member born in Okinawa.

At the ceremony, a commemorative plaque was presented to architect Skyler Kogachi, AIA, who was involved in the renovation of the OAA Center in Gardena, the association’s headquarters.

This was followed by a kagami biraki ceremony.
Participants born in the Year of the Horse were invited to the stage to join a toast with approximately 450 attendees.

The event concluded with members performing various Okinawan arts, celebrating the start of the new year with enjoyment.