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One hundred years to the date the first 26 Okinawan immigrants arrived in Hawaii, the Hawaii Okinawa Center will present "Nuuzi Kakiyabira -- Rainbows: Bridges in Time," based on the experiences of this group. Tribute marks Okinawans’
Hawaii landing 100 years ago
The drama will be formally presented at approximately 11:45 a.m. Saturday at the center's Legacy Ballroom, as part of the Okinawan Centennial festivities. The program is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. with speeches, a Buddhist memorial ceremony and unveiling of an 18-ton memorial rock from Kin Cho, Okinawa.
Tickets for the free event are unavailable, but the public is welcome to watch a free dress rehearsal 7:30 to 9 tonight at the Hawaii Okinawa Center, 94-587 Ukee St. Call 676-5400 for information.
"Nuuzi Kakiyabira" tells the story of Toyama Kyuzo -- regarded as the "father of Okinawan overseas immigration -- and his early struggle to journey to Hawaii, where immigrants were put to work on sugar plantations, then endured World War II, faced post-war changes, experienced a rebirth of cultural pride and finally passed down their heritage to a younger generation.
The performance is being directed by Jim Nakamoto, who headed McKinley High School's drama program until his retirement.
Performers featured in "Nuuzi Kakiyabira" include members of Ryukyu Kobudo Taiko, Hawaii Shibu, Jikoen Hongwonji Choir, Young Okinawans of Hawaii and Afuso-ryu Hawaii Sandaa Kai. There will also be Hawaiian music and hula by kumu hula Blaine Kamalani Kia, chant by Big Island kumu hula Puanani Kanahele, and songs from Broadway musicals.
Star-Bulletin staff
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