UPCOMING EVENTS
LIST OF MONTHLY & ANNUAL HAPPENINGS
MONTHLY EVENTS
ONLINE UCHINAAGUCHI CLASS (MEMBERS ONLY)
2nd Fridays, 7 PM Pacific Online via Zoom オンライン・ウチナーグチ・クラス (会員のみ) 毎月の第2金曜日、19:00から オンライン(Zoomで) Uchinaaguchi katayabira (let's speak Uchinaaguchi)! Study Uchinaaguchi – one of the native Ryūkyūan languages – with Chogi Higa, the OAA's resident expert and historian. In addition to teaching useful words and phrases, Higa-shinshii (sensei) dives into Okinawan culture and history. |
KARAOKE CLUB (MEMBERS ONLY)
3rd Saturdays, 6 - 9 PM, $5 Admission Bring your own dinner or preorder a bento (limited) カラオケ・クラブ (会員のみ) 毎月の第3土曜日、18:00〜21:00、入場料5ドル 夕食を持参するか、弁当を事前注文する Majun utayabira (let's sing together)! Sing your heart out to Okinawan folk songs, Japanese enka, Hawaiian favorites, and American classics. The casual and welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for shy beginners and karaoke enthusiasts alike. |
NUCHAASHII GATHERINGS (HYBRID)
Last Thursday of the Month In-Person Potluck at 7 PM Online via Zoom at 7:30 PM Pacific 毎月の集まり会 (バーチャルと対面) 毎月の最終木曜日 持ち寄りは19:00から オンライン (Zoomで) は19:30から What started as a local potluck has expanded into a hybrid gathering accessible by community members near and far. Each month we practice self-introductions in Uchinaaguchi and explore Okinawan culture or identity through informal presentations and open sharing. |
ANNUAL EVENTS
NEW YEAR'S PARTY • 新年宴会
JANUARY – Yii soogwachi deebiru! The OAA kicks off the year with live performances (including a classical music and dance ensemble), raffle drawings, a silent auction, a toast for guests who were born in that year's zodiac cycle, the swearing in of elected leaders, and more. |
WOMEN'S CLUB NEW YEAR'S PARTY
婦人部親睦会 FEBRUARY/MARCH – The Fujin-bu Women's Club gathers to ring in the new year and foster fellowship with a special members-only luncheon. |
IREI NO HI • 慰霊の日
JUNE – The OAA commemorates the end of WWII's Battle of Okinawa and memorializes the nearly 150,000 Okinawan lives that were lost with special educational events to inform the next generation about Okinawa’s wartime experience and its connection to current issues. |
PICNIC • ピクニック
JULY – A community tradition since the 1930s! Enjoy a summer afternoon with games, live performances, raffle drawings, water balloon toss tournament, chinahichi (tug-of-war), and the only Okinawa-style Bon Dance in Southern California. That year's high school scholarship recipients are also acknowledged. |
SENIOR APPRECIATION DAY
敬老感謝の日 SEPTEMBER (By invitation only) – A special luncheon celebrating our senior members with live performances, a certificate ceremony for members who turn 90 that year, birthday acknowledgements, and more. |
GENERAL MEETING • 総会
NOVEMBER – Current members are invited to read annual reports, express suggestions or concerns, and vote for open leadership positions. Students who participate in the Junior Study Program or Kempi Scholarship may give a presentation at the General Meeting. |