Date: June 22, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Place: Hawaii Okinawa Center Legacy Ballroom

Each June, we gather at the Hawaii Okinawa Center to honor and pay tribute to our ancestors, and the entire Okinawan community who endured the tragic Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Some bravely survived to share their harrowing experiences, while many lost their lives. Through heartfelt recollections, music, prayers, and the unity of family, we come together on June 22nd (Hawaii Time) to pray for peace and to commemorate those we have lost.

This year, our event carries the theme “Nuchi du Takara – Life Is a Treasure: How Survivors Treasured Life After the War”. We invite you to join us as we honor the memory of our fallen ancestors and share the inspiring stories of those who overcame the war’s challenges, especially those who thrived in their new lives in Hawaii.

Program to include:
– Prayer by Bryan Yamashita
– Video clippings of the Battle of Okinawa
– Performances by Nidaime Teishin Kai and Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai
– Interview with a Battle of Okinawa survivor.
– Guest speakers: Byrnes Yamashita (President, Nisei Veterans Legacy and Member, OGSH and Haneji Clubs) and Brianne Yamada Nitahara, granddaughter of Kaua‘i survivor Mrs. Lois Kobashigawa

– FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
– POT LUCK STYLE- please bring a dish to share if you are able (water, coffee, and tea) will be provided)

Everyone is welcome. Please share this information with family and friends, especially our youth so that they may learn more about their Uchinaanchu history.

🌺 Watch Our Irei no Hi Commemoration on ‘Ōlelo TV 🌺
We invite you to watch the Hawai‘i United Okinawa Association’s Irei no Hi Remembrance Special on ‘Ōlelo Channel 53. This special program features beautifully edited highlights (1 hour, 59 minutes) from our commemoration.

If you’re short on time, we especially recommend tuning in at the 7:30 PM mark to witness Frances Kuba’s exquisite hula to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” 🌈 Her performance is truly moving. Additionally, the presentation by Byrnes Yamashita is a standout moment not to be missed.

📺 Broadcast Schedule (ʻŌlelo 53):
Thursday, August 8, 2025 – 7:30 PM

Friday, August 9, 2025 – 3:30 PM

Saturday, August 10, 2025 – 10:00 PM

Wednesday, August 14, 2025 – 9:00 AM

Thank you for your continued support in honoring this important remembrance.

With Aloha,
Gwen Fujie and the HUOA Club Sustainment Committee