OAA Geino-Bu 15th Anniversary Celebration
June 9, 2002 was an auspicious, happy day for the OAA Geino-Bu, for the Performing Arts Division of the OAA celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a marvelous banquet luncheon at the Torrance Marriott.
360 people attended the banquet. Miyoko Itokazu, a Kempi Scholarship recipient at the Ryukyu University, 2001-2002, served admirably as bilingual Mistress of Ceremony for the first half of the program. Mieko Shima, President of the OAA Geino-Bu, greeted and thanked everyone for their tremendous encouragement and support to the organization and its endeavors to perpetuate and share the performing arts of Okinawa with the community and especially the younger generation.
Congratulatory messages were given by Chogi Higa, President of OAA, and Tak Nishi of the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai. Mr. Higa presented certificates of appreciation from the OAA to the teachers and advisors representing the 23 dance and music studios of the OAA Geino-Bu. Mrs. Shima presented certificates of appreciation (kanshajo) from the Geino-Bu to the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai (Kunio Shiba, President), the OAA Fujinkai (Ethel Asato, President), and to the past President of the OAA Geino-Bu, Keiko Yonamine.
Aiko Majikina, General Chairperson of the 15th Anniversary Committee, presented a kanshajo to Mieko Shima who graciously and generously served as OAA Geino-Bu President for two consecutive terms. Ms. Asato gave a heartfelt message of thanks on behalf of the recipients Seiichi Shimabukuro, Vice-Chairperson, announced the recipients of the awards and certificates of excellence in the performing arts (dance, sanshin-koten and minyo, koto, and taiko) for 1997-2001.
Prior to lunch, George Asato, Geino-Bu Music Chairperson, led everyone in a rousing “kanpai” as we toasted to the continued success of the OAA Geino-Bu!
The sumptuous luncheon (choice of steak or grilled salmon) was followed by fabulous entertainment by members of the Geino-Bu. Yasumasa Nitta served as Master of Ceremonies for this portion of the program. Guests were treated to fourteen dance and musical numbers, including “Akanma”, “Hanjo Bushi”, “Mutunuchibana”, “Otomegasa” and “Udui Kwadisa”. The minyo musical numbers included “Utano Ejun”, “Yutaka-Bushi”, “Henzakouta”, “Gushikenkouta”, “Miyarabi Yunta”, “Jintoyo” and “Shimameguri”. In addition, there was exceptional karaoke singing.
The afternoon’s entertainment concluded with youthful, energetic Okinawan taiko drum dancing, and culminated in the traditional “kachashi” , the exuberant free-form Okinawan dancing in which everyone simply jumps up and dances for joy.
Special congratulations to General Chairperson, Aiko Majikina, Vice-Chairpersons Mieko Shima and Seiichi Shimabukuro, and Banquet Chairperson Miyagi Nosho for a successful, wonderful celebration! We hope to see you all next year at the OAA Geino-Bu’s annual “Utayabira, Wuduyabira” spring program, and in five years at the 20th Anniversary celebration! Chibariyo, OAA Geino-Bu!!
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