By Motoki Yamamori and Aidan Coleman, Honolulu, Hawaii
At the end of January, high school students proficient in Ryukyu performing arts from Okinawa immersed themselves in the diverse cultures of Hawaii for two weeks. The visit, organized by the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, aimed to broaden the students' understanding of the importance of traditional arts in the tourism industry and to foster their talents for excelling internationally as performers and contributors to the tourism sector. Their vibrant performances at the Ala Moana Center, including traditional pieces like "Yotsutake" and "Kuroshima Kuduchi," captivated shoppers, who gathered and captured the moments on their cameras.
In addition to their showcases at the Ala Moana Center, the students presented Ryukyu performing arts at various local high schools, the East-West Center, and during an Okinawan dance class at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, promoting cultural exchange with college students and the Okinawan community in Hawai'i.
Kikyonosuke Higuchi from Okinawa Shogaku High School reflected, "Although I have traveled to other regions like China and Vietnam to perform karate, Hawai'i offered a unique link to Okinawa that was entire new to me. Through this program, I accomplished something meaningful and forged lasting friendships." Ayaka Higa from Haebaru High School was inspired by the commitment of Okinawans in Hawai'i to preserve their culture, stating, "The resolve of Okinawans in Hawai'i to maintain the heritage of both Hawai'i and Okinawa moved me deeply."
