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 12/11/2024💚💛😁🎄🎅🎁💝OKINAWA
Upcoming Events
2024 Community Service Volunteer Sign-Up & Winter Wonderland 5.0 - Serving 500 Families Holiday Food Items
Haisai LV Okinawan Club Members, Community Partners and Friends,
Join for Winter Wonderland 5.0 - Saturday, December 14th!
Las Vegas Okinawan Club is partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada, Asian Community Resource Center and other community organizations and businesses to host a food drive for Southern Nevada community members experiencing food insecurities this holiday season!
It would be appreciated if you can share this information with your friends and community members!
<Food Distribution Event Information & Eligibility> Any families who could benefit from this food distribution are welcome to come to the site early morning on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 9 am. Please arrive early to receive the food distribution. The entrance will be off Harris St. behind the Mater Academy charter school. <Date/Time/Location>
- Date/Time: Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 9 am
- Location: Mater Academy East Las Vegas
- Address: 3900 E. Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89110
<Food Distribution>There will be 500 Turkeys, canned food, and blankets to the first 500 families. This event is open to all community members, so please feel free to spread the word by sharing the event flyer with your friends and other community members. Please be informed that all items are distributed on a first come first serve basis, so please arrive early to receive the food donations. <Volunteer Sign-up>
If you would like to volunteer and be part of this meaningful day, we would greatly appreciate your help. Please use this link to sign up, https://forms.gle/rTdTG1g453StTYHh6.
Thank you for helping us make Winter Wonderland 5.0 a memorable event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Las Vegas Okinawan Club Invites you to: 2024 Okinawan End of Year Holiday Yuntaku Social Sushi Luncheon Bounen Kai
12/28/2024: Dec 28, 2024 Sat at 11:30 am - 2 pm
- Bounen Kai (End of Year) Yuntaku Social Luncheon
- Sushi Koma (Address: 8665 W. Flamingo Rd. Ste 127, Las Vegas, NV 89147;
- RSVP Text Keiko Rudder (702) 499-8301 or General (702) 350-2689
- $33.11 per person for All You Can Eat Sushi.Everyone is welcome. Non-members, family members and friends are welcome also!
- Wear your favorite Holiday Ugly Sweater!
2025 New Year’s Party Announcement *Save the date!
2025 New Year’s Party will be held on February 16, 2025, Sunday! (MEMBERS ONLY)
SAVE THE DATE!
Date: February 16, 2025 Sunday
Start Time: 12:30 pm
Location: Mesquite Club
Address: 702 E St. Louis Ave. Las Vegas NV 89104
Ticket Sale - Ticket sale will begin in mid-November. We will share more information with you.
Raffle Prize Collection- we will start collecting raffle prize starting November 15, 2024. If you would like to donate some items, please text Keiko Rudder at (702) 499-8301. If you plan to participate our World Okinawan Day potluck event on November 16, please drop it off to Keiko Rudder at Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha between 12 pm - 2:30 pm.
Cultural Performers - If you would like to perform at our 2025 New Year's party, please text Junko Cortez at (702) 210-4069 by, Sunday, December 15, 2024.
More information to come!
Hope you are excited to celebrate 2025 New Year with us!
2025 Okinawan Picnic - Save the Date!
Craig Ranch Regional Park
628 W. Craig Rd, North Las Vegas, NV 89032 (Village Lodge #1)
May 10, 2025 Saturday
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Food / Music / BBQ
More information to come!
Save the Date
Holiday Greetings!
"Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous and healthy new year"
Holiday Greetings!
"Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous and healthy new year"
Dear LV Okinawan Club members,
Happy Holidays! Happy New Year’s to you and Your Loved ones!
Looking back this year, we know that without your enthusiasm and support for our Okinawan Club community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We are grateful for the opportunities to meet kind and talented people from the club. We went out in the community to showcase our Okinawan culture and tradition as well as serving our community by donating food to families experiencing food insecurities, volunteering at Shannon West Youth Homeless Shelter, back to school giveaway event and much more with the Okinawan heart of kindness, Chimugukuru. We are grateful for your support. On behalf of the Las Vegas Okinawan Club, we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year!
LV Okinawan Club RSVP Contact List
- 事務局 Office Admin Junko Nakauchi (808) 227-9688
- 副会長 Vice President Keiko Rudder (702) 499-8301
- 理事 Board of Director Rumiko Hirano (818) 590-0774
Upcoming Events / Please join us at our events and gatherings!
- 2024 Okinawan End of Year Holiday Luncheon Bounen Kai : 12/28/2024: Dec 28, 2024 Sat at 11:30 am - 2 pm - Bounen Kai (End of Year) Yuntaku Social Luncheon at Sushi Koma (Address: 8665 W. Flamingo Rd. Ste 127, Las Vegas, NV 89147; RSVP Text Keiko Rudder (702) 499-8301 or General (702) 350-2689/ Bring $33.11 cash/check for payment per person for All You Can Eat Sushi. Everyone is welcome. Non-members, family members and friends are welcome also!
- 2025 New Year’s Party 02/16/2025: Feb 16, 2025 Sat 1 pm - 3:30 pm New Year’s Party at Mesquite Club (702 E St Louis Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104); Check-in starts from 12 pm; RSVP Required with a full payment with a completed form by January 15, 2025, Wednesday. Contact our representatives for inquiry and review the information sheet included in the newsletter.
- 2025 Okinawan Potluck Picnic 05/10/2025: May 10, 2025 Sat 11:30 am - 2:30 pm at Craig Ranch Regional Park (628 W. Craig Rd, North Las Vegas, NV 89032/Village Lodge #1) Bring a dish to share. Enjoy food, music and Spring weather! Everyone is welcome. Non-members, family members and friends are welcome also! RSVP Required.
「楽しいホリデーシーズンと、豊かで健康な新年をお祈りします。」
親愛なるLV沖縄クラブ会員の皆様、安全で楽しい休暇、年末年始をお過ごしください。謹んで新春をお祝い申し上げます。 ２０２４年度は大変お世話になり、誠にありがとうございました。今年を振り返ると、沖縄県人会のコミュニティに対する皆様の熱意とサポートがなければ、私たちの今日の姿はなかったでしょう。皆さんのように親切で才能のある人々に出会う機会に感謝しています。私たちは、沖縄の文化と伝統を紹介するため、また、沖縄の優しさの心、チムグクルとともに、困難に直面している家族への食料の寄付をしたり、年度初めに地域の子ども達に文房具をシャノン・ウェスト青少年ホームレス・シェルターでのボランティア活動などを通じて、地域社会に貢献するために地域社会に社会貢献及び奉仕を行ました。皆様のご支援に感謝いたします。ラスベガス沖縄県人会を代表して、あなたとあなたの愛する人たちが、楽しいホリデーシーズンと、平和で豊かな新年を迎えられることをお祈りします。
ラスベガス沖縄県人会 予約連絡先
- 事務局 事務局 中内じゅん子 (808) 227-9688
- 副会長 副会長 ケイコ・ラダー (702) 499-8301
- 理事 平野るみ子 (818) 590-0774
ご招待：今後のイベントの日程について。是非ご参加ください。
- 2024年末忘年会ランチ会: 2024年12月28日: 2024年12月28日土曜日午前11時30分〜午後2時 - 忘年会（年末）寿司コマでのゆんたくソーシャルランチ会（住所：Address: 8665 W. Flamingo Rd. Ste 127, Las Vegas, NV 89147; RSVP要予約 ケイコ・ラダー(702) 499-8301 または一般 (702) 350-2689までテキストを送ってください。 寿司食べ放題の支払いには、1 人あたり 33.11 ドルの現金または小切手をご持参ください。飲み物等、食べ放題メニュー以外の品は別に支払い。
- 2025年新年会 02/16/2025: 2025年2月16日土曜日 午後1時～午後3時30分 新年会場所Mesquite Club (702 E St Louis Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104);出欠確認は、2025 年 1 月 15 日水曜日までに必要事項を予約用紙に記入し、全額お支払いいただく必要があります。お問い合わせは予約連絡先の担当者までご連絡ください。詳細は別紙をご覧ください。
- 2025 沖縄県人会 ポットラックピクニック: 2025 年 5 月 10 日土曜日、午前 11 時 30 分 - 午後 2 時 30 分、クレイグ ランチ リージョナル パーク (628 W. Craig Rd, North Las Vegas, NV 89032/Village Lodge #1) 皆で音楽と春の天気、食事を楽しみましょう！要予約。予約担当者まで参加希望と連絡ください。どなたでも大歓迎です。会員以外の方、ご家族、お友達同士のご参加も大歓迎です！一品持ち寄り。要予約 。
What's New?
2024 Thanksgiving Food Drive & Distribution Donation Request
2024 Thanksgiving Food Drive & Volunteer Sign Up
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.
Special Thanks to Aunty Cathi Minami of Ninth Island Aunties (https://www.ninthislandaunties.com/)
Las Vegas Okinawan Club will be adopting 5 families experiencing food insecurities this Thanksgiving to provide Thanksgiving food in collaboration with Ninth Island Aunties. Individuals and families must fill out the form (https://forms.gle/1dosdSNZsmUvEp6b6) by October 30, 2024 and verify information to be eligible for the food distribution. A representative from the Las Vegas Okinawan Club will contact the family once the form is filled.
If you know any individuals or families experiencing food insecurities and could benefit from this Thanksgiving food drive, please
Submit your referral(s) by Wednesday, October 30, 2024 and include name (of person picking up the food items), ethnicity and how many people are in the family.
- The food distribution/pickup is scheduled for November 17th, Saturday (Pickup time to be determined soon). Recipients must pick up from the ACRC office. ID is required.
- Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Pickup Time: 11 am
- Pickup Location: Asian Community Resource Center 1771 E Flamingo Rd 113 A, Las Vegas, NV 89119
- All referrals must be confirmed by Ninth Island Aunties.
Please complete this form by Sunday, October 27, 2024 (https://forms.gle/1dosdSNZsmUvEp6b6)
Volunteers Sign Up
We are seeking 3 volunteers from Las Vegas Okinawan Club to help with the food distribution. Please text Aunty Cathi Minami of Ninth Island Aunties at (702) 635-2782 if you would like to sing up to volunteer. Volunteer task is to help with passing out food. If you have any further questions, please contact Aunty Cathi directly by texting. Please allow her a few days to respond as she has a day job and may not be available for immediate response.
Donation for NIA Thanksgiving Food Drive
All proceeds go to families experiencing food insecurities during Thanksgiving Holidays. Please make a donation by November 17, 2024. Suggested amount is $20 to prepare a meal kit with Thanksgiving food items. Please use this link to make a donation https://square.link/u/uxdMFyEh or Zelle (lasvegasokinawakenjinkai@gmail.com). Any amount is appreciated.
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.
2024 Past Events & Gatherings
Past Event -Keiro Kai, Senior Celebration Party, Keiro No Hi (October 8, 2024 Tuesday)
Special thanks to our kind volunteers and Okinawan Sanshin Club students for hosting 2024 Keiro Kai 敬老会! Families and friends gathered to celebrate our seniors over age 80 for their health, longevity and their contribution to our community this week!
㊗️🥳🌺🎊🎁🏃♂️🙏😍😄🇺🇸❤️
2024年度の敬老会を主催してくださった親切なボランティアと沖縄三線クラブの生徒たちに心より感謝いたします。今週は、80歳を超えた高齢者の健康、長寿と皆さんの社会への貢献を感謝して祝うために家族や友人が集まりました。
#Uchinanchu #Okinawan #琉球 #琉球民族 #沖縄人 #Keiro #敬老会 #うちなーんちゅ
A Japanese tradition to express respect for their elderly, to thank them for their contributions to society and to celebrate longevity of life.
Past Event - Las Vegas Obon Festival (08/24/2024)
Lots of happy faces at Sangha’s 35th Obon festival! Las Vegas Okinawan Club proudly participated in this year’s OBON Festival, held on Saturday, August 24th, in Las Vegas. The event, organized by the Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha, is a time-honored tradition that honors the memories of loved ones.
This year’s OBON Festival, held at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA, featured a variety of cultural performances, vendors, and exhibits by community partners.
Past Event - Summer Cool Down Party - 08/17/2024 Saturday 12 pm - 3 pm
Special thanks to our volunteers and board members for volunteering to set up the venue for our "Summer Cool Down Party"! We welcomed new members, had our last practice session for Bon dance/Okinawan Eisa, and enjoyed our company. Much gratitude for Kazuko Welzel for preparing Andagi donuts, Keiko Rudder, Vice President and Junko Nakauchi, Office admin for preparing Okinawan style Obon food! We appreciate everyone for their support to make our special gathering and a welcoming space for everyone! :)
Past Event - Okinawan Obon Dance Practice - 06/29/2024
Having fun dancing Okinawan Bon dance and practicing! We had our members from Utah joining us today! Thank you for your support😊🙏☀️🌺🌞🫶
今日は沖縄の盆踊りの練習をしました。テンヨー節です。ユタ州在住の会員もはるばるユタ州のセントジョージから来てくれました。皆さんに感謝です😊
Past Event - Yuntaku Social Brunch - Sat, June 22, 2024
About 50 members of Okinawan Club got together for a Brunch at South Point Casino’s Garden Buffet and had a great time eating and Yuntaku chatting this past weekend!
Special thanks to our AANHPI officers from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Office of Community Engagement team for joining us!
The officers are of Japanese, Filipino and Native Hawaiian descent from Hawaii! 🙆🏻♂️🥰☀️😊🇺🇸🎉
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
