2025 OAA New Year’s Party

The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) held its New Year’s Party and Officer’s Osstallation on February 2 in Carson.

The OAA is a nonprofit organization with a history spanning over 110 years, dedicated to fostering friendships among its members, providing mutual support, and contributing to the local community.

This year’s New Year’s party welcomed over 400 attendees. True to the OAA’s commitment to preserving and passing down Okinawan culture and performing arts, the celebration opened with traditional Okinawan music and dance.

For the second consecutive term, Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi was inaugurated as the OAA president.
California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who was born in Okinawa, served as the installer, leading her and the newly appointed officers in their oath of office for the new term.

After this, representatives of the distinguished guests delivered speeches, followed by the sake barrel ceremony.
Attendees born in the Year of the Snake were invited to the stage, where everyone joined together in a toast to celebrate the new year.

Among the many Japanese prefectural associations in Southern California, the OAA is the largest. However, it faces the challenge of engaging younger generations.
During the period when activities were restricted due to COVID-19, many volunteers who had supported the association’s efforts disengaged.

Japanese Government Wildfire Aid

The Japanese government has donated 2 million dollars to the American Red Cross to support the victims of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The handover ceremony took place on February 5th in Los Angeles.

The Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone, attended the ceremony and handed over the donation certificate to Joanne Nowlin, the CEO of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is providing information related to wildfire assistance and waiving passport application fees for disaster victims.
For more details, please visit the website of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.