Report on Keiro Kansha No Hi By Allison Arakawa The Keiro Kansha No Hi celebration held on Sept. 15 was truly a special event. I felt fortunate in being able participate in honoring many of the senior Okinawans from the community. I was surprised at the large turn out and even more so, the massive amount of food! In true Uchinanchu style, there was enough to go around twice, if not more. I was really impressed with the Okinawan Association building, as well as the space that this joyous event was held in. It was obvious that the hard work, love and commitment of the Okinawan Community in Los Angeles was responsible for the center's site. This event was the first that I had sung at since moving to California from Hawaii. It was truly an honor to perform for the generation of elders to whom, my generation owes much gratitude. Although the faces for me were different at this party, the familiar sense of pride and spirit was undeniably present. The rhythmic Okinawan music, the laughter and of course, last but not least, the kachashi...made me feel like I was home. Allison Arakawa started singing Japanese music with Harry Urata at the age of 4. In 1994 she received a scholarship to attend the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa to study the Japanese language and Okinawan culture. During that time, she studied Okinawan Minyo under renowned composer Tsuneo Fukuhara and Minyo singer Chieko Iha of the Four Sisters. She also learned Okinawan sanshin and Koten Ongaku (Classical Okinawan music) under Choichi Terukina Sensei, who was recently honored as a Japanese National Living Treasure. In May of 1999, she was the Grand Champion winner at the live broadcast NHK Nodojiman held in Hawaii.

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