A Study On Hawaii United Okinawa Association

Hawaii has the largest Asian population of a State in the United States, which the Japanese are the largest national minority. Okinawans account for about13%of Japanese’ population, meanwhile the Okinawan immigrants established the Okinawan (culture) center which is the first Japanese culture center in Hawaii, the Okinawa Festival is also the one of the biggest festival in Hawaii. Nowadays, the Okinawans have a significant impact on the economic and culture development of Hawaii community. All these achievements due to the Hawaii united Okinawa association’s excellent operation. Hawaii united Okinawa association was built in1951, which Original purpose is to united all the okinawans in Hawaii to participate in the rescue Okinawa mainland after World War II. However, because the Hawaii community’s skepticism attitude toward the Japanese diasporas activities and the okinawan immigrants failed attempts to established a joint Okinawa association in the past, the Hawaii united Okinawa association begin with a hard time. As the relationship between the United States and Japan changed, Okinawa play an important role in pacific. In order to relaxed the relations between US Army and okinawans, US military Government and Civil Affairs Department picked Hawaii united Okinawa association as the Okinawa-Hawaii friendship projects contractor. Hawaii untied Okinawa association’s diligent work attitude and constantly improve the operations enhanced the confidence of Okinawa immigrants to trust the association, more and more Okinawa local association take part in the Hawaii united Okinawa association. After more than60years of development, it combine the connection between Hawaii’ and local Okinawa, it spread the Okinawa traditional custom and culture in Hawaii, cultivate the Okinawa descents of ethnic consciousness, and now it make contribution to establish the worldwide okinawans network.