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Women's Association (Fujin-Bu)

Chairperson: Ethel Asato

The Fujin-Bu was organized in 1954. The purpose of the Fujin-Bu was for self-improvements. At these gatherings the women learned how to enhance their cooking skills and sewing creativity. They also went on trips, heard lectures, and learned to dance as well.

During the organized era the women were very young in age and were full of energy and flexibility. Their energy flowed through in preparing foods and desserts for the annual Kenjinkai picnics. The women also entertained by dancing the "Eisa" and were always a big hit.

In the mid-1970s, the women had a chorus group and had an "Evening of Okinawan Performing Arts." They sang sentimental Japanese songs and the ever popular "Wakare no Isochidori." The group was well received with a thunderous applause.

In the early years the women sponsored "Keirokai" (Honoring the Elderly) and visited members that were residing at the Keiro Home. Some of the women that were involved in visiting the elders have passed on, or are now residents themselves at the Keiro Nursing Home. Their support was also seen at the annual "Shinnen Enkai" and at gatherings when there were visitors from Okinawa.

Today, most of the women members are "senior citizens." They are enjoying the "golden years" learning to cook healthy, simple dishes. For senility prevention, they are keeping their hands and minds busy learning to fold origami, sashiko stitchery, and other craft projects.

Slowly, the Fujin-Bu voyage ship is sailing into the sunset and their energy is limited. Our spirits are high and seeking helping hands from the younger generation. Yoroshiku.

Our presidents from start to present were and are: Toshiko Hirashiki, Sachiko Tengan, Natsuko Nakaya, Yukiko Tamanaha, Nobuko Yamashiro, Janet Tamashiro, Ethel Kamiyama, Mieko Higa, Miyako Kinjo, Matsuko Fong, Yoshiko Gushiken, Hisako Miyashiro, Betty Iwata, Tomiko Akamine, Fumiko Higa, and Ethel Asato.

 


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