2007 HUOA
Leadership Study Tour
By Dexter T. Higa, Nishihara
Chojin Kai
Since this was my first trip to Okinawa, I was quite apprehensive. However, when we arrived in Okinawa in the late hours, we were warmly greeted by the members of the Okinawa Prefectural Government and I felt a heart warming comfort that was an unexpected highlight, as well as setting a positive tone for this incredible trip.
From a historic standpoint, our visits to the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, Heiwa no Ishiji, and museum served to enlighten me about the battle of Okinawa and the stark realities of how the battle affected the people and children of Okinawa. The Himeyuri Peace Museum and Monument also served to illustrate the harsh effects of the battle of Okinawa on the young female students.
The educational and cultural highlights were a visit to obzerve Daiichi Hirata at his studio with his students performing. This was an incredible experience! Of course, being taught the paranku dance by Daiichi Hirata's students and performing with them was an experience that will last a lifetime. Another experience that I will cany with ll1e in the years to come was learning to cook Okinawan dishes at Musasaki Mura and eating our own cooking. Awesome!
Although I was disappointed that the Naha Matsuri Parade and Naha Matsuri Tsunahiki was cancelled, we were treated with a life time experience by a visit to Sensei Terukina at his studio and being treated with a short performance by Sensei Terukina. A totally priceless experience!
I am deeply grateful to the Governor and the members of the Okinawa Prefectural Government, Mayor of Nishihara Cho, Jane Serikaku and David Arakawa from the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, the members of Nishihara Chojin Kai, and my fellow traveling companions in making this trip an enjoyable and rewarding trip. When you combine all these factors with the spirit of the Okinawan people, the trip could only be a successful and enjoyable experience.
DEXTER T. HIGA
NISHIHARA CHOJIN KAI