To join Itoman Shijin Kai, please email Shari Tamashiro at pigsfromthesea@gmail.com
Take a look at the Itoman Photo Album: https://hawaiimemory.smugmug.com/Itoman-Shijin-Kai

Our Shinnenkai is usually held on the first Sunday of March and our picnic is on a Sunday in July. At the Okinawan Festival, Itoman Shijin Kai runs the Saturday Volunteer Meal Room.

History of Itoman Shijin Kai Hawaii
Issei who emigrated from Itoman, Okinawa to Hawaii first formed an Itoman club in 1922. Although the early organization eventually dissolved in 1928, the founding efforts of its organizers — Jirō Kaneshiro, Hideo Oshiro, Kama Miyashiro, and Seitoku Uyehara — laid the groundwork for future generations.

In 1950, Nisei reorganized and re-established the club with 70 member families, marking the official beginning of the modern Itoman Shijin Kai. The 1950 officers were: Richard Gima, president; Konichi Kaneshiro, vice president; Tad Uyehara, treasurer; and Andrew Oshiro, secretary.

For our Issei and Nisei, Hawaii Okinawan clubs provided essential support in a new country, serving as a link to the motherland and a source of cultural connection. Seventy-five years later, while daily survival is no longer the club’s purpose, Itoman Shijin Kai continues to be a meaningful bridge to Itoman, Okinawa and to our Okinawan heritage and roots. We remain proud Itomanchu (people of Itoman) and Uminchu (people of the sea).

Itoman City is made up of Kanegusuku-son, Miwa-son (formerly Kyan, Mabuni, and Makabe), and Takamine-son.

Fun Fact: Aloha Tofu Factory, Gyotaku, Hank’s Haute Dogs, and Kin Wah Chop Suey all have Itoman roots.