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Okinawan music and dance performance: ‘Loochoo nu Kwa, Children of Loochoo’
Norman Kaneshiro-sensei emailed information on an Okinawan music and dance performance his group has lined up for March 28, 2008, a Saturday. Titled “Loochoo nu Kwa, Children of Loochoo,” the performance featuring the talented members of Ukwanshin Kabudan will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (<rant>for those like me who are irritated…
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Lecture: Okinawan Identity and Independence
Dr. Taira is Emeritus Professor of Labor Economics and Industrial Relations at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and for the past two decades has been the Editor and Publisher of The Ryukyuanist, a newsletter which has connected and informed scholars and researchers of Okinawa Studies of developments in the field. He has written extensively on…
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Garrett Kam: Breezes from Lands Below the Winds in the Ryukyus
BREEZES FROM LANDS BELOW THE WINDS IN THE RYUKYUS Southeast Asian Influences in Okinawan Culture Wednesday, 22 August 2007 3:30-4:30 pm Tokioka Room, Moore Hall 319 Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Ryukyu Kingdom was the main trade link between East and Southeast Asia, even transporting goods from SouthAsia to China and Japan. The…
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In Hawaii: Hanayakara, Ryusei Daiko & Naha Daiko
The girls of the group Hanayakara are so cute and talented that they could possibly be thought of as the Okinawan version of the popular J-pop group Morning Musume. Hanayakara will be performing in Hawaii at 2pm on Friday (8/31/07) at the Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Centerstage and at 4:05pm on Saturday (9/1/07) at the…
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In Hawaii: Miiuta Taishou Winner Takayuki Oshiro [Unconfirmed]
Last year, one of my favorite upcoming utasaa, Akane Murayoshi, came to Hawaii as part of Radio Okinawa’s annual Miiuta Taishou Grand Prix winner’s prize. This year’s (the 18th annual) grand prix winner is Takayuki Oshiro (his nickname is ‘Ootaka’ おおたか) who will be performing his winning composition, “Sakasanaya∼”. The YouTube clip above is Ootaka…
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In Hawaii: Churamana
Name sound familiar? Yup, I recently posted an entry about Churamana here and we’ll have a chance to see them live in Hawaii on Friday, August 31, 2007 at the Okinawan Festival in Kapiolani Park. They’ll be performing as part of the “Aloha Concert” set starting from 8pm with Kumu Hula Sonny Ching & Halau…
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In Hawaii: Rinken Band
It looks like it’s confirmed, the group that put the “O” in O-pop, Rinken Band, will be performing a free, wait, let me say that again, FREE (yes, doesn’t it look better emphasized and bold?) concert in Honolulu on Saturday, September 1, 2007. Opening for them will be “Hawaii’s Largest Bon Dance” (yeah, I wish…
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Identity ‘Roochoo nu Kwa’ Children of Loo Choo
A very big congratulations to the Ukwanshin Kabudan (out of Hawaii) team of Eric Wada, Norman Kaneshiro and Keith Nakaganeku, for their “Identity ‘Roochoo nu Kwa’ Children of Loo Choo” performance at the Uruma Shimin Geijutsu Gekijou Hibiki Hall on Saturday, June 16, 2007. It’s weird (well, not really that weird) that I found out…
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Happy Shiisaa (4/3) Day!
Okay, we have Sanshin Day (3/4), Sanba Day (3/8), Gooyaa (bitter melon) Day (5/8), and now, *gulp* Shiisaa Day (4/3)? I think I’m missing something here. Koto Day (9/10)? Know of any other special days in Okinawa?
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Keith Nakaganeku and Calabash at Borders This Week!
Want to hear one of the most beautiful voices on the island? How about a chance to listen to Hawaiian, Japanese and Okinawan music at the same place? Well, you’ll get all of those great things if you step away from your Mac/PC and head on over to the Borders at Victoria Ward Centre this…
Karakui 