GINOWAN SHIJIN KAI

Brief History

    In 1912, twelve years after the first contract laborers from Okinawa arrived in Hawai‘i aboard the S.S. China Maru, a small group of isseis from Ginowan and Urasoe gathered in friendship to form an association to assist family and friends in times of need. The Ginowan-Urasoe Doshikai was the beginning of two separate clubs forming Ginowan Sonjin Kai and Urasoe Sonjin Kai. Members of Ginowan Sonjin Kai originated from 10 azas or districts of Ginowan City . The azas included Aragusuku, Chunna, Futenma, Ganeko, Ginowan, Kakazu, Maehara, Nodake, Oyama, and Uchidomari.

   During the 1930s, Ginowan Sonjin Kai held its first annual picnic. After the War, Ginowan club members engaged in providing war devastated Okinawa with clothing, food, goats, medicine and other donations. In the late 1970s, the Ginowan Sonjin Kai was renamed Ginowan Shijin Kai following the designation of Ginowan, Okinawa , from a son (village) to a shi (city) to reflect urbanization and a larger population. More recently, Ginowan members raised over $216,000 towards the building of the Hawaii Okinawa Center which was dedicated in 1990.

   Today, Ginowan Shijin Kai is one of the more progressive clubs, uniting several generations and providing leadership within the Hawai‘i United Okinawa Association. Club members actively support and participate in HUOA functions, projects, and special events as committee chairs and members. Ginowan club members also play a vital role in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Hawai‘i and Okinawa .

   The Club's annual picnics and shinnen enkai are held each year with more than 200 family members and friends coming together for fellowship, food, games, music, dancing, other activities to perpetuate their culture and heritage. Members also participate in a variety of HUOA sponsored sports activities such as softball, bowling, volleyball, and golf.