Mensore! Welcome to Las Vegas Okinawan Club！ めんそーれ！ ラスベガス沖縄県人会へようこそ！
Giving back through life-changing experiences. - Updated on 04/16/2025 💝OKINAWA
Upcoming Events
2025 Okinawan Bon Dance Committee Presents: Okinawan Bon Dance Practice Schedule
A Unique Performing Arts of Okinawa
May & June Schedule
May 31 (5/31) Sat - 12:30 pm - 2 pm
June 14 & 28 (6/14 & 28) Sat - 12:30 pm - 2 pm
Location: Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha
Address: 4110 N M.L.K. Blvd. North Las Vegas, NV 89032
FREE & Open to Everyone
Everyone is welcome!
Come Visit us and experience instructor-led practice!
NO RSVP Required (Just stop by and join us!)
Contact
Vice President, Keiko Rudder (702) 499-2689
General (702) 350-2689
Visit our website for more information, https://nlvoc.org
Okinawan Bon Dance Practice YouTube Videos
- Asadoya Yunta - Practice YouTube Link (1. OAA https://youtu.be/ifGguxbbz4M?si=9izzMCjftgE2i6T1; 2. https://youtu.be/D35cS7KbmW8?si=7nS0OkqovokSrDTo; 3. Taiko https://youtu.be/zpQ7qm-wJug?si=noIRcpQdhdMGRmTl; 4. Taiko https://youtu.be/yHc1V4yXbCE?si=_Nn2oSbp_p1ZQlws)
- Kudaka - Practice YouTube Link (OAA https://youtu.be/xHzk2iL5Fzs)
- Suri Agari Bushi - Practice YouTube Link (OAA https://youtu.be/gjOOfF4CzPA)
- Tutankaani - Practice YouTube Link (https://youtu.be/vjyIxTbFhW8)
2025 Okinawan Picnic - Save the Date!
2025 Okinawan Picnic
(Bring Your Own Bento! No Potluck.)
- Date: May 10, 2025 Saturday
- Volunteer Needed at 10:30 am to help set up the venue
- Time: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
- Location: Craig Ranch Regional Park (Village Lodge e#1)
- Address: 628 W Craig Rd. North Las Vegas, NV 89032
- FREE Admission - Friends and family members are welcome!
- RSVP Required (Online RSVP Form, Please use https://forms.gle/awS2PvXHAmnU1ApV8
- To RSVP, Text your name and other participants names to our coordinators:
- Junko Nakauchi (808) 227-9688
- Keiko Rudder (702) 499-8301
- Rumiko Hirano (818) 590-0774
- Cultural Entertainment
- BYOB - Bring Your Own Bento or Pre-Order a Bento Box $15 each (Teriyaki Salmon or Chicken Karaage) Deadline to Pre-Order is April 20, 2025. Please use the links below.
- Fundraiser Menu Items (Please bring some cash to help with fundraiser)
- Raffle Drawing ($1 per ticket or $10 for 12 tickets)
- Pre-Order T-Shirt Sale $20 each (Pre-Order your size/color by $20 by Sunday, April 13, 2025) XXL will be additional $3 and XXXL or large will be additional $5.
- Okinawan Shaved Ice Fundraiser $5 per bowl
- Bake Sale Fundraiser (Separate information to come- Please bring some cash to support our fundraiser)
2025 Ryukyuan/Okinawan Dance | Kansen nu Michi Tirashi: Lighting the Path for Future Generations
2025 Ryukyuan/Okinawan Dance | Kansen nu Michi Tirashi: Lighting the Path for Future Generations
Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Kai Celebrates 40 Years with Kansen nu Michi Tirashi.
TORRANCE, CA: Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai (aka Kansen Kai) is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary with Kansen nu Michi Tirashi: Lighting the Path for Future Generations, a special performance taking place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance, California.
Founded in 1984 by Keiko Yonamine Sensei, Kansen Atae no Kai has dedicated four decades to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of Ryukyu Buyo (Okinawan traditional dance) across the United States. This milestone performance will feature dancers and musicians from Hawaii, Okinawa, California, and Texas, bringing the vibrant artistry of classical Okinawa dance and folk traditions to the stage.
Kansen nu Michi Tirashi is a heartfelt expression of appreciation for those who came before us, shaping the art we hold dear today. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to preserving and sharing its timeless beauty with future generations. We give special thanks to Keiko Yonamine, whose vision and dedication continue to inspire and illuminate our journeys.
Date
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time
2:00 pm
Price
$45 General, $40 Student
Location
James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance, CA
Tickets: www.kansen.live/tickets
Media Inquiries
Contact Tamagusuku Ryu Kansen Atae no Kai at kansenataenokai@gmail.com or 951-444-9097
2025 Obon Festival by Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha
SAVE THE DATE! The 36th Annual Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha Obon Festival is Saturday, August 16, 2025 at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA ☸️ Hope to see you all then! #lasvegas #obonfestival #2025
Obon Festival
August 16, 2025
Location: Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA
Address 4141 Meadows Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107
2025 is finally here and another Obon Season is coming up.
Practice will be held at the Sanga Center:
4110 N Martin Luther King
N Las Vegas, NV 89032
10:00 am - 12:00
Dates so far are:
April 5, 19
May 3, 17, 31
June 14, 28
July 5, 19
Aug 2 or maybe 9
So... here is the dance list for the 2025 Obon Season in Southern District:
1. Bon Odori Uta
2. Akachan Ondo kachi kachi
3. Asadoya Yunta
4. Eijanaika
5. Hanabi Ondo
6. Jin Jin Hokkai Bon Uta uchiwa
7. Kuroshio Bayashi tenugui
8. Lantern Song
Vegas Picks:
9. Pokemon
10. Ichi Tasu Ichi (1 +1)
11. Shimaya Uta Ashibii
12. Lahaina Ondo
13. Lantern Song
14. Gassho Ondo
15. Kyushu Tanko Bushi
Save the Day! 2025 World Okinawan Day Celebration / Keiro-Kai (Nov 1, 2025 Sat)
Set up & Prep Day - October 31, 2025 Friday (Nevada Day School Off)
Event Date: November 1, 2025 Saturday
Location: Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha
Address: 4110 N M.L.K. Blvd, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
More Information to come!
Southern California Wildfire Relief Project
and a prosperous and healthy new year
Dear friends, community partners and Southern Nevadans,
This is Seiya with the Las Vegas Okinawan Club. Special thanks to our friends at Ninth Island Aunties for putting together toiletry kits this past week and those who dropped off toiletry items at Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha and 2 Scoops of Aloha.
LV Okinawan Club board of director, Rumiko Hirano and I made a trip to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank this past Tuesday, January 28 and dropped off toiletry items we received from our Southern Nevada community. We had the opportunity to meet Ms. LaTanya Tobin, a Volunteer Field Support Coordinator at Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and she shared about their wonderful programs and relief efforts to those impacted by the California Wildfire that took place earlier this month.
What's New?
2025 Okinawan Club T-Shirt Pre-Order
2025 Okinawan Club T-Shirt
Pre-Order
Please use this link to make a payment online, https://square.link/u/H0QOaDgc
Color: Red, Blue, Purple or Black
New Colors: Green and Pink
$20 Child Size: S, M, L
$20 Adult Size: S, M, L, XL
$25 XXL ($5 is added)
$27 XXXL ($7 is added)
2025 Uchina Junior Study Okinawan Youth Scholarship Program Application is OPEN!
Dear Las Vegas Okinawan Club members,
For any of our Okinawan youth who are interested in applying for the 2025 Uchina Junior Study program, please review the forwarded email and attachments.
This is the application information for the 2025 Uchina Junior Study program. Please let me know by Thursday, March 13, 2025 if your Uchinanchu (Okinawan) youth is interested in applying. Please also submit your essay and application to me by Thursday, March 13, 2025.
A potential candidate shall have a good character and is in good standing with Las Vegas Okinawan Club and is willing and able to represent our club, be willing and able to volunteer at our club events and outreach events between May 2025 through May 2026 and also willing and able to learn at least one of the Okinawan traditional performing arts such as Okinawan taiko, sanshin, karate, Okinawa traditional dance, etc.
Please take a careful review of the attached documents when considering to apply in case you or your child would like to apply.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by replying to this email.
Thank you!
Toiletry Donation Drive for LA Wildfire Relief -
Project Invitation - Toiletry Item Bagging Day
- Date: February 9 2025 Sunday
- Time: 11 am - 12:30 pm
- Location: 2 Scoops of Aloha
- Address: 9620 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nv 89123
Point of Contact: Junko Nakauchi, Vice President (808) 227-9688 Keiko Rudder, Vice President (702) 499-8301
If your organization or business would like to participate in this community project, please reach out to me, at (702) 781-4588. If you would like to donate in-kind toiletry items, please consider purchasing some toiletry items via Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=toiletry+bulk+items&crid=1IF77TBHMJ0S4&sprefix=toiletry+bulk+items%2Caps%2C114&ref=nb_sb_noss_1) and ship toiletry items to the following address:
ATTN: Las Vegas Okinawan Club 9165 Nanjing Ave. Las Vegas, Nv 89148 or
ATTN: Las Vegas Okinawan Club 4467 Verdiccio Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89141-4243
"Yuimaru" is an Okinawan phrase, which means the "Circle of people" or "Spirit of cooperation". Yuimaru is a core concept of Okinawan culture and identity, which is reflected in the way Okinawans support each other and take care of neighbors during hard times.
2024 Community Service Serving 500 Families Holiday Food Items - Past Event Successful
Winter Wonderland 5.0.
Special thanks to our Secretary, Lynn Oshiro for representing Las Vegas Okinawan Club ラスベガス沖縄県人会 and volunteering at Winter Wonderland 5.0. Food distribution! LV Okinawan Club donated funds and blankets and served over 500 families together with our friends from Ninth Island Aunties, Asian Community Resource Center , Na Hula and many more organizations this holiday season!
ラスベガス沖縄県人会を代表し、ウィンターワンダーランド5.0食糧配布でボランティア活動をしていただいた書記の大城リンさんに心より感謝いたします。ラスベガス沖縄県人会は、このホリデー シーズンに資金と毛布を寄付し、第 9 島アンティーズ、アジア コミュニティ リソース センター、ナ フラなどの友人たちとともに 500 世帯以上に食糧配布のサービスを提供しました。
2024 Thanksgiving Food Distribution was successful! Thank you for supporting this project!
Las Vegas Okinawan Club is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization and is a proud partner in supporting the Ninth Island Aunties Food Drive for Thanksgiving Food Giveaway event on November 23, 2024 collaborating with other local Nonprofit Organizations like Asian Community Resource Center, Operation Aloha Action and Na Hula Hali'a Aloha Cultural Preservation.
We were able to reach 100 + families together to provide Thanksgiving food distribution this year. Thank you so much for supporting this project! The families received a Turkey and other Thanksgiving items to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thank you for your kindness and supporting our Southern Nevada community!
2024 Shannon West Homeless Youth Center - Community Service
Special thanks to our own, Cathi Minami of Ninth Island Aunties for a partnership to collaborate to help Shannon West Youth Homeless Shelter, monthly meal service and dessert donation service!
Noa Oyadomari, the son of Duke & Jennifer Oyadomari, our Okinawan Club members, represented the Las Vegas Okinawan Club to help with dinner service on Saturday, September 7 at Shannon West Youth Homeless Shelter. We are proud of Noa for stepping up to show the Uchinanchu (Okinawan) spirit of "Yui Maru", In Okinawan native language, it means "Helping each other or mutual aid" that's embedded in our Okinawan culture, "to help others for the benefit of all". We are proud of you, Noa!
If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact Aunty Cathi at (702) 635-2782. Please text her first since she has a day job and may not be able answer your call right away. Please allow a day or two for Aunty Cathi to respond back to you.
The next service dates are included in the flyer attached and they are: October 5, Nov 2, and Dec 7, Saturdays between 4 pm - 6 pm Please contact Aunty Cathi for confirmation of time and volunteer responsibilities.
New - Learn Contemporary Okinawan Taiko Drum!
琉球國祭り太鼓 Ryukkyukoku Matsuri Daiko Las Vegas Chapter
Did you know that Las Vegas Okinawan Club ラスベガス沖縄県人会 is a proud sponsor of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko (RMD) Las Vegas chapter?
Come learn Okinawan Taiko with RMD Las Vegas Chapter!
Please contact for FREE trial!
September 2024 Schedule (Tentative)
10/17 Thursday Oct 17
10/26 October Oct 26
FREE Trial Available! Come visit us!
Facility Rental Fee
Single Member
$15/month
Family Member
$25/month
Practice Location:
Las Vegas buddhist Sangha
4110 N M.L.K. Blvd, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
琉球國祭り太鼓 Ryukkyukoku Matsuri Daiko
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko” is a creative taiko group that is overwhelmingly popular among young people and represents Okinawa with its unique choreography and dynamic drumstick handling that incorporates karate forms based on the traditional Okinawan performing art of Eisa.
Serving the southern Nevada Community - Community service
Past Event - Back to School Supplies Giveaway with City of North Las Vegas (08/03/2024)
The kids and families are so happy today!
We had a blast giving away free school supplies and haircuts to our community today! ✏️📓
Special thanks to the City of North Las Vegas for the partnership opportunity with Las Vegas Okinawan Club ラスベガス沖縄県人会!
We donated supplies and volunteered, so North Las Vegas kids can start school successfully.
Past Event - Rice Drive by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department - Asian American Pacific Islander Alliance (August 17, 2024/9 am - 12)
Special thanks to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Asian American Pacific Islander Alliance for doting 500 (10lbs each) bags of rice to Southern Nevada's AANHPI community!
Our members, Jennifer Inocencio, Robyn and Duane Izumi, and Daniel Kroll volunteered to help distribute the rice to our AANHPI community in Southern Nevada! We appreciate our volunteers for their time and contribution!
July 6, 2024 Sat - Water Bottle Distribution to Homeless Community
On July 6, 2024 Saturday, Las Vegas Okinawan Club donated cold water bottles to a homeless camp in the Las Vegas area that we serve regularly. The community members were grateful for this cold water donation. Please consider donating water bottles at these times/dates. All donations will be directly distributed to homeless individuals who endure extreme temperatures during the summer in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is experiencing extreme heat at 118 ℉degrees (47.7℃ celsius ) this week.
Drop Off Dates and Times During Obon Dance Practice
- July 15, Mon / 2 pm - 3 pm
- July 27, Sat / 1 pm - 3 pm
- August 5, Mon / 2 pm - 3 pm
- August 10, Sat / 1 pm - 3 pm
Drop Off Location: Tian Beverage (Okinawan Community Center side)
Address: 5240 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89118
Please text at (702) 350-2689 if you would like to donate water bottles.
For our homeless and economically disadvantaged community members, staying hydrated during the summer heat can be a matter of life or death.
If you'd like to help that effort, you can donate using the form below or drop off bottled water at designated location at our next event or gathering during the summer months.
July 6, 2024 Sat - Shannon West Youth Homeless Shelter Community Service
Special thanks to our own, Uchinanchu Aunty Kaki South and Ninth Island Aunties for the collaboration opportunity to serve the youth residents dinner. Together, Las Vegas Okinawan Club and Aunties donated fruits and cookies. The youth residents were enjoying the treats and sharing their thanks with us, which made me happy. 😊☀️🙏🫶🌞🥰
ホームレスシェルターに滞在する青少年達にディナーを提供するコラボレーションの機会を提供してくれた我ったーうちなーんちゅのキャシー南さんとナインス・アイランド・アンティーズに特別に感謝します。ラスベガス沖縄県人会とアンティーズ（おばさん達）は一緒に果物とクッキーを寄付しました。若い入居者の方々も感謝の気持ちを伝えてくれて、美味しそうに食べていましたのでとても嬉しかったです。 😊☀️🙏 🌞
HELP of Southern Nevada’s Shannon West Homeless Youth Center (SWHYC) provides services for at-risk youth, age 16-24, that are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. SWHYC provides safe and stable housing, basic needs/food, intensive case management, person centered case plan, housing stability plan, education assistance, employment assistance, assistance in transitioning to own apartment, addiction and mental health services, health and wellness, financial literacy, activities of daily living and supportive services. At capacity SWHYC can house 150 youth.
ネバダ州南部のシャノン ウェスト ホームレス青少年センター (SWHYC) のヘルプは、ホームレスまたはホームレスになるリスクのある 16 歳から 24 歳の若者にサービスを提供しています。 SWHYC は、安全で安定した住居、基本的なニーズ/食料、集中的なケース管理、個人中心のケースプラン、住居安定プラン、教育支援、雇用支援、アパートへの移行支援、依存症とメンタルヘルスサービス、健康とウェルネス、金融リテラシーを提供します。 、日常生活活動および支援サービス。 SWHYC は最大で 150 人の青少年を収容できます。
https://www.helpsonv.org/shannon-west-homeless-youth-center
#Uchinanchu #Aunties #NIA #Okinawans #Ryukyuans
April 7, 2024 - Homeless Outreach * Food Distribution
Our community partners, The Promise Las Vegas, The Hope, Na Hula and volunteers got together to provide food distribution, toiletry items, clothes water to help our un-housed community to ensure they receive what they need. Special thanks to Charles Herring of Na Hula for donating food items.
2024 NIA Easter Basket Project (March 16, 2024 Saturday)
2024 NIA Easter Basket Project (March 16, 2024 Sat)
Special Thanks to our community partners for collaborations, especially our own Okinawan Club member, Cathi Minami of Ninth Island Aunties for putting together this event.
Our community partners, Asian Community Resource Center, Operation: Aloha Action and Ninth Island Aunties collaborated together to put over 100 Easter baskets and food baskets to distribute to low incomes families/children. The Easter food baskets will be distributed to Las Vegas Metro Police Department (Downtown Area Command, WestCare Nevada and 2 Clark County School Distribute classes as well as referrals from our partners.
Special Thanks to our team and partners, Ninth ISland Aunties, Operation: Aloha Action and 2 Scoops of Aloha Las Vegas Drive Inn for your support allowing us to make today happen.
Because of your kindness just over 100 children will receive something special this Easter. A gift made with lots of ALOHA!
2024年NIAイースターバスケットプロジェクト
協力してくれたコミュニティ パートナー、特にこのイベントを企画してくれた沖縄クラブのメンバーである Ninth Island Aunties の Cathi Minami に感謝します。
私たちのコミュニティ パートナーであるアジア コミュニティ リソース センター、オペレーション: アロハ アクション、およびナインス アイランド アンティーズが協力して、100 個を超えるイースター バスケットと食品バスケットを用意し、低所得の家族や子供たちに配布されます。イースターフードバスケットは、ラスベガスメトロ警察署（ダウンタウン地域司令部）ネバダ州ウェストケア、およびクラーク郡学校の2校のクラスの配布、およびパートナーからの紹介）に配布されます。私たちのチームとパートナー、Ninth Island Aunties、Operation: Aloha Action、および 2 Scoops of Aloha Las Vegas Drive Inn のサポートに感謝し、今日の実現を可能にしました。
あなたの親切のおかげで、このイースターには 100 人を超える子供たちが特別なものを受け取ることになります。 ALOHAをたっぷり使ったギフト！
Past Event - February 2024 - Food Distribution
At Las Vegas Okinawan Club, we strive to improve the lives of underprivileged children and individuals in our community by providing them with water, food, clothes, toiletry items and other items. Our aim is to break the cycle of poverty and give these children a chance at a better future. On behalf of Las Vegas Okinawan Club, we want to extend our sincerest gratitude for partnership with The Promise Las Vegas, Gene Haas Foundation and Asian Community Resource Center for their donation and partnership. This will have a significant impact on helping individduals and families in criss within the unhoused communiy as they make progress. Thank you so much for your kindness and. generosity!
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. From our volunteers to our board members, everyone at Las Vegas Okinawan Club is committed to our mission and the children we serve.
2024 Uchina Junior Study-Full Scholarship by Okinawa Gov
Okinawan Youth group Studying Okinawan History, Culture and Tradition during 07/28/2024 - 08/02/2024
ラスベガス沖縄県人会のウチナーンチュの一人、エレインとマーク・ロンデスの息子であるアイゼーアが、沖縄の文化、伝統、文化を学ぶために沖縄県政府から全額支給される奨学金で今週沖縄に来ていることを皆さんと共有できることを非常にうれしく思います。世界中のウチナーンチュとの歴史。アイゼーアの祖母は沖縄本島の金武町出身。
全米すべての沖縄県人会の中でアメリカからの学生はわずか 4 人だけ選ばれました。世界中の海外沖縄県人会から選ばれる沖縄子弟の学生は 11 人だけです。 2年連続でラスベガス沖縄県人会の若きスターを送り出すことができて幸運です！
On behalf of the Las Vegas Okinawan Club, We are very excited to share that one of our own Uchinanchu from the Las Vegas Okinawan Club, a son of Elaine and Mark Rondez, Isaiah is in Okinawa this week on a full scholarship paid by the Okinawa Prefecture Government to learn Okinawan culture, tradition and history with other fellow Uchinanchu around the world. Isaiah's grandmother is from Kin town of the mainland Okinawa island.
There are only 4 students from the United States of all Okinawa associations in America, and only 11 teenagers of Okinawan descent are selected from overseas Okinawa kenjinkai associations across the globe. We are fortunate to be able to send our LV Okinawan Club young stars 2 consecutive years!
Photo credit: Uchina Junior Study Program
Okinawa Prefecture Government
Club Membership Application 会員申し込みについて
Join Las Vegas Okinawan Club in spreading kindness
At Las Vegas Okinawan Club, we believe that every act of kindness can make a difference. Join us in spreading kindness and making the world a better place for everyone.
Community Service / Philanthropic Initiatives
Our Philanthropic initiatives
If you are interested in volunteering and community service in 2024, please visit our "Community Service Event & Information Form" here, https://forms.gle/mNhoyKhAWTdPiRpY8
We will be updating this form throughout the year and it'll be a one-time stop to get information with our community outreach and community service projects. For Shannon West Homeless Youth Center project and Easter Basket projects, please contact Auntie Cathi Minami at (702) 635-2782; she is also included in this email.
Las Vegas Okinawan Club has several partnerships with local nonprofits and communities to better serve our Southern Nevada community! Our community service initiatives include:
1. Shannon West Youth Homeless Center - Dessert /baking goods delivery to Shannon West Youth Homeless Center once a month together with Ninth Island Aunties.
https://www.helpsonv.org/shannon-west-homeless-youth-center
2. Hunger Relief and Education Support for At-risk Children - Las Vegas Okinawan Club participates in Back-to-School Event to distribute school supplies, Easter Food Basket Giveaway and early literacy books each year.
3. Senior Services for Minority and Immigrant Individuals and Families -
Senior Keiro Program - our senior citizens gather semi-weekly or weekly to practice Taiko drum and Okinawan dance. We often go to lunch together or potluck lunch and spend quality time together for craft workshop, Karaoke and other activities.
4. Las Vegas Homeless Camp Food Distribution - members help coordinate food pickup and deliver for food distribution to a homeless camp near the Las Vegas Strip once a month. Our partnership with "The Promise" allows for helping those in need. Please visit https://www.instagram.com/thepromiselv/.
5. Food Drive for Struggling Families - Las Vegas Okinawan Club's new initiative is to help to feed families and individuals in need in our Southern Nevada community, and food and monetary gifts donated by caring community members are a vital part of making that happen. If you have non-perishable food you are not using or not going to consume, please consider to donate and drop them off at our club events and gatherings.
Learn More
Please visit our "Philanthropic Initiatives" page to learn more about our community service projects.
Learn Basic Uchinaguchi! (Okinawan language)
Learning Uchinaguchi!(Okinawan)
These are some words and phrases in the Okinawa/Ryukyuan language (sometimes referred to incorrectly as a hogen 方言 or dialect though it is quite different than Japanese in pronunciation). It is known as uchinaaguchi うちなーぐち. There are actually several variations, as regions and different islands technically had their own languages! Most of these below will be from the main island language group. Unfortunately fewer and fewer people these days can even speak uchinaaguchi. https://www.onookinawa.com/home/learn-uchinaguchi/
Learn Traditional Okinawan performing arts
Cultural Class: Okinawan Traditional Dance by Masako Frost Sensei
Ryukyuan dance can be basically categorized into “Traditional Dance”, “Zo Dance” and “Creative Dance”. Traditional Dance is developed as being performed on the stage for entertaining Imperial envoys (Sapposhi) from China during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and came to attain greatness in the 18th century. Traditional Dance is classified into four kinds; the old married couple’s Rojinodori, young boys’ Wakashuodori, young men’s gallantry expressed in Nisaiodori, and the Onnaodori female dance performed with fascinating Bingata-dyed colorful costumes. The Zo Dance appeared after Haihan-Chiken, the abolition of clans and the establishment of the prefectural system (after 1879). Adopting music and culture of commoners, it became popular. “Creative Dance” is created by dancers of modern times, and superior works are still being created one after another. In 2009, Ryukyuan Dance was designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property. https://www.nt-okinawa.or.jp/traditional-okinawan-performing-arts/english/ryukyudance_en.html
Okinawan Cultural Performing Arts Class: “FREE” Okinawan Sanshin Private Lesson Instructor: Kazuko Underhill
The Sanshin music of Okinawa can be roughly divided into traditional music and folk songs. Generally called traditional music, they are the court music from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, which developed by being used for Kumiodori and the traditional dance. The folk songs have been handed down among the common people with their origin in traditional songs and traditional music. Source: https://www.nt-okinawa.or.jp/traditional-okinawan-performing-arts/english/sanshin-music_en.html
Our Sanshin instructor, Kazuko Underhill teaches Okinawan Sanshin at her residence for free. Please contact (702) 371-3149. Please text first if you are interested in learning Okinawan Sanshin.
Food Drive Initiative to Help Our Community
Make a Difference in Nevada
Las Vegas Okinawan Club's new initiative is to help to feed families and individuals in need in our Southern Nevada community, and food and monetary gifts donated by caring community members are a vital part of making that happen. If you have non-perishable food you are not using or not going to consume, please consider to donate and drop them off at our club events and gatherings. For questions, please text (702) 350-2689.
Restauraunt Discounts
Exclusively for LVOC members!
Restaurant Discounts - We are so grateful for the generosity of Okinawa Onigiri & Ramen Tatsu! Please support local businesses!
Las Vegas Okinawan Club members are eligible for a 10% discount at these two restaurants. Please make sure to present your valid membership card!
- Okinawa Onigiri - Phone (702) 844-8857 Address: 4258 Spring Mountain Rd #102, Las Vegas, NV 89102 OPEN EVERYDAY 11am - 9pm https://oonigiri.com/
- Ramen Tatsu - Phone (702) 629-7777 Address: 3400 S Jones Blvd #6, Las Vegas, NV 89146 OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30am - 10pm https://www.ramen-tatsu.com
