JANM Free Family Days: Okinawan Traditions | Japanese American National Museum

About the Event

FREE ALL DAY

In conjunction with the opening of Sugar/Islands: Finding Okinawa in Hawai‘i, join us for a day of performances, crafts, and activities celebrating Okinawan culture.

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES:

Okinawan Shiisaa: Resembling a cross between a dog and a lion, the shiisaa is a mythical beast believed to have the power to ward off evil. Statues of shiisaa are often seen in front of buildings, typically in pairs. Make your own shiisaa at our craft station!

Okinawan Lei Making: Originally created for use in a traditional dance, the Okinawan nuchibana lei has come to symbolize many things, including love, purity, hope, and remembrance. What will your nuchibana lei symbolize?

Okinawan Pastries: Sample saataa andaagii—delicious deep-fried pastries, while supplies last.

Souvenir Photo Booth: Show off the crafts you made, or just show your JANM pride, and take home a souvenir photo of you and your family, courtesy of Nerdbot.

Ruthie’s Origami Corner: Make a paper kariyushi shirt, the Okinawan version of a Hawaiian aloha shirt.

Okinawan Gifts Raffle: Stop by our survey table to claim a small prize and enter a raffle to win special gifts from Okinawa. Sponsored by the Okinawa Association of America, Inc.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES:

11:30 a.m.: Learn to draw a pair of shiisaa in our drawing workshop.

1 p.m.: Listen to live sanshin-minyo (traditional folk songs accompanied by Okinawan banjo) performed by Yuna and Tida.

1:15 p.m.: Enjoy traditional Okinawan dances performed by Tamagusukuryu Kansen-Kai, Yonamine Keiko Ryubu Dojo.

1:30 p.m.: Take in a stimulating concert by Aloha Time Machine, featuring reggae- and blues-influenced ukulele player Jason Arimoto and Afro-Cuban percussionist Brad Ranola.

2 p.m.: Join us for a panel discussion and reception on the occasion of the opening of our new exhibition, Sugar/Islands: Finding Okinawa in Hawai‘i. Curator Krystal Hauseur, PhD, and artists Laura Kina and Emily Hanako Momohara will talk about the ideas, histories, and inspirations behind their exhibition.

3 p.m.: Enjoy an authentic Okinawan taiko performance by the Los Angeles branch of Ryukukoku Matsuri Daiko, founded in Okinawa in 1982.

3:30 p.m.: Close out the day with some bluegrass-inspired pop by Okinawan musician Banjo Ai.

3:50 p.m.: Winners of the Okinawan Gifts Raffle will be announced!

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