2023 HUOA Leadership Tour
September 28 – October 9, 2023

Meet the 2023 HUOA Leadership Tour Participants

Kat Duran-Higa, Shinka Hawaii
Anna Gima, Yonabaru
Jacob Higa, Nakagusuku Sonjin Kai
Kelly Emelia Higa, Kitanakagusuku Sonjin Kai
Lisa Kaneshiro, Aza Gushikawa
Kori-Jo Kochi, Hawaii Shuri-Naha Club
Marcie Moribe, Young Okinawans of Hawaii
Amanda Nitta, Chatan-Kadena Chojin Kai
Kylie Sato, Bito Doshi Kai
Shari Tamashiro, Itoman Shijin Kai
Tris Tanaka, Ginowan Club
Tristen Tasato, Ginowan Club

In 1980, 37 men and women went on the first young leaders tour initiated and sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government and the City-Town-Village Associations in Okinawa. In 1993, HUOA – in partnership with the Okinawa Prefectural Government and the sponsoring HUOA Clubs – sent 15 young adults to Okinawa. Subsequent HUOA Leadership Tours ensued with the last one occurring in 2007.
Many of our current HUOA leaders recall their own life-changing experiences on past Leadership Tours. This tour involves formal meetings with government and business leaders. Additional and important elements of the Leadership Tour are a weekend homestay with the participants’ family or friends and meeting with civic leaders from their ancestral town or village. HUOA President Clarisse Kobashigawa returned from her 2023 Aisatsu Tour inspired and motivated to offer our younger generations the opportunity to learn and connect through Okinawan culture.
We hope to bring back this unique experience that can inspire a new generation of future leaders. “It’s long overdue and needs to come back,” says Kobashigawa.
This year, 15 participants will be selected from across all of the Okinawan clubs. They will travel to Okinawa in the first week of October 2023 and immerse themselves in Okinawan history and culture. Their trip will culminate in the annual (Naha Tsuna Hiki – Giant Tug of War).
Our future leaders will return to Hawaii re-energized and enthusiastic, wanting to lead their clubs and engage with the HUOA perpetuating a rich thriving community into the future. We hope to make selections in May 2023 which will allow for ample time for Leadership tour fundraising. This amazing experience is sponsored in part by HUOA and the respective club so tour cost is very affordable for participants.