Channel 53 (Spectrum) and 1049 or 1053 (Hawaiian Telcom)
Subject to change, without notice. [For updated information, call (808) 834-0007.
Hawaii Okinawa Today’s new episodes premiere on the first Saturday of the month and repeat the following Thursday at 5 p.m. on ‘Olelo Community Media Channels. HOT shows are not aired on the fifth Thursday of the month. Programs are subject to change without notice. For updated information and streaming on-demand programming visit olelo.org.
A performance by the Nene’s on a beach in Naha, Okinawa.
“Nënës, Part One,” Saturday, Aug. 21; repeat on Thursdays, Aug. 26 and Sept. 2, at 5 p.m.
The “Nënës” are a group of four women — Terumi Yasura, Mayuko Higa, Nagisa Uehara and Maki Nakamoto — who sing Okinawan folk songs and play traditional instruments. The group’s performance was held at the Hawaii Okinawa Center on June 29, 2010, presented by Sadao China in a benefit concert celebrating HOC’s 20th anniversary.
“Nënës, Part Two,” Saturday, Sept. 4; repeat on Thursdays, Sept. 9 and 16, at 5 p.m.
Performing in “Nënë’s, Part Two” are minyö (folk music) performers Sadao China and Yasuko Yoshida.
“Nënës, Part Three,” Saturday, Sept. 18; repeat on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m.
This episode includes a bonus feature called “Omoide, Down Memory Lane” in remembrance of Hawai‘i’s influential and inspiring Okinawans: James Yoshimi “Jimmy” Iha, Lorraine Kaneshiro, Kiyoshi Kinjo, Wayne Miyahira, Shoei Moriyama, Albert “Doc” Miyasato, Harry Seisho Nakasone, Kikue Kaneshiro, June Arakawa and Akira Sakima.
Note: No showing on the fifth Thursday of the month, Sept. 30.
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association YouTube channel was initiated in January 2020 to help keep Hawai‘i’s Okinawan community connected through the COVID pandemic lockdown. But due to its success and ability to reach Okinawan communities beyond the shores of the 808 state, the HUOA YouTube programming is flourishing and here to stay!
One of HUOA’s most popular shows is “Yuntaku Live!” — a champuru (mix) of talk-story and entertainment where live viewers can interact with cultural experts and practitioners by posting questions or comments. The hosts and guests respond in real-time bringing a new level of interaction with audiences from Hawai‘i and around the world. Tune in to the HUOA YouTube or Facebook pages every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Here is the line up for August:
“Yuntaku Live! Okinawan Genealogical Society of Hawaii,” Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
It’s been over 120 years since the first Okinawans arrived in Hawai‘i. For many, the familial bonds between their descendants here in Hawai‘i and their families in Okinawa have forgotten or lost contact with their relatives from their homeland.
Concerned with this trend, the Okinawan Genealogical Society of Hawaii’s mission is to “Promote, preserve and perpetuate our Okinawa family heritage through education research and networking.”
OGSH has made a huge effort to create a database of over 50,000 Okinawans who immigrated to over 29 countries around the world from 1900 to 1937. It contains emigrant names, birth dates, passport numbers, travel dates, addresses in Okinawa and other destination countries. Anyone can access the database at huoa.org/nuuzi/clubs/OGS/ogs.html.
Tune in to this episode of “Yuntaku Live!” to enjoy an inspiring and educational talk-story with OGSH’s active members and leaders.
“Yuntaku Live! Hui Makaala,” Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m.
Formed in January 1946 with 60 members, Hui Makaala is an Okinawan scholarship organization whose goal is to promote the Okinawan culture and Uchinanchu Spirit through awarding educational scholarships to Hawai‘i’s college-bound students who have an interest in and have contributed to the rich tapestry of Okinawan culture.
The name “Hui Makaala” is derived from the Hawaiian language words “hui,” meaning club, group or association and “makaala” meaning ever alert, vigilant and watchful. Together, “Hui Makaala” implies an organization ever alert to serve, work and strive together.
Tune in to this episode of “Yuntaku Live!” to enjoy a talk-story with Hui Makaala’s leaders and active members.
For more upcoming episodes and virtual programs from HUOA, subscribe to the HUOA YouTube channel (youtube.com/channel/UC61hEnfb8TenI9Aq6o_dTnQ), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/HUOA.org) or visit the website huoa.org.
