Okinawa Association of America (OAA) Picnic

On Sunday, July 19, the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) held its annual picnic in South El Monte.

Founded in 1909 as the Nanka Okinawa Kenjinkai, OAA has played a longstanding role in bringing together the Okinawan community in Southern California.

First, OAA President Victoria Oshiro Nishiuchi gave opening remarks.
This was followed by the annual radio calisthenics conducted in the Okinawan language, as everyone joined in to get their bodies moving.

Special guests from the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California also offered congratulatory remarks.

The ceremony also included a scholarship awards presentation.
The scholarship is for high school seniors of Okinawan descent who are preparing to graduate.

The OAA picnic is a tradition that began in the 1930s with Okinawan immigrants and has been passed down through generations.
Today, it is held around the Obon season, providing an important opportunity for people of Okinawan heritage and those interested in Okinawa to connect and strengthen their ties.

Participants enjoyed bento lunches with family and friends, along with performances on stage and games, making the most of a summer day together.

As part of its activities leading up to the Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival in Okinawa next year, OAA will present a concert by the Okinawan band BEGIN on Saturday, October 31, at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.
For more information, visit the OAA website at OAAmensore.org.