2007 HUOA Leadership Study Tour

By Daryl Goto, Itoman Shijin Kai

There is a saying in the Ryukyus – Ichariba Chōde – once we meet, we are brothers.  Although I have heard of this saying before, it has never meant more to me than on this Leadership Study Tour.  To grasp the meaning of this proverb is to understand the heart of the Uchinānchu.  Whether you are Uchinānchu by birth, blood or at heart, we are brothers.

First and foremost, I would like to thank HUOA for the opportunity to participate in this Leadership Study Tour.  HUOA and Itoman Shinjin Kai’s financial support in travel costs for this trip has given me the chance to deepen my understanding of the Okinawan culture.

And, to my home club, Itoman Shijin Kai, for even considering and selecting me to participate.  For it was through their strong support and connections to Okinawa that I was able to participate in my homestay.

Over the years, HUOA and Itoman Shijin Kai have supported others who have gone before me and will continue to support others in years to come.  I sincerely thank both of these organizations deeply for this rare opportunity.
Having been to Okinawa before, I am still honored with a sense of pride, appreciation and respect toward the people of Okinawa, the land of my ancestors, whenever I return.  They continue to be helpful from those at Kencho (Okinawa Prefectural Government) to the people whom I have met on the street when asking for directions on several occasions during my exploring and wandering around Naha.

I would like to thank O.P.G. for their untiring efforts in organizing this memorable study tour.  Our group had the rare opportunity to meet with Governor Nakaima, Vice Governors Nakazato and Asato.  We also learned Eisa, which was highly energetic and fun,  to cooking gōya champuru (tasted great, less filling) to everything else in between.

I would also like to thank my host family, Mr. and Mrs. Chosei Yamazato, for opening their home for my homestay.  I was greatly surprised, just prior to this trip, to hear Mr. Yamazato knew of my grandparent in Okinawa.  How mystic it is, that of all the people in Itoman City, I homestayed with someone who knew and presently know my relatives in Okinawa.  I guess we were destined to meet.  His scheduling of my activities, his efforts and his constant communication with my relatives in Okinawa were unbelievable.  He was constantly on top of things.  It was through his untiring efforts, that I was able to meet with my distant relatives whom I did not even know existed.  I was able to see our family grave site and locate family names at the Peace Memorial Park.  I honor him with great respect and appreciation.

And to Mr. Yoshimasa Kamiya, for taking the time away from his family to be my translator for the two days of my homestay.  His knowledge of history and Okinawan culture was truly helpful in my understanding.  He also took the time, going out of his way to meet with the Leadership Group to give a brief history of the Battle of Okinawa at the Peace Memorial Park.

To me,  this trip and what I learned and experienced is another chapter in my life of what Ichariba Chōde means~how proud I am to be Uchinānchu.

Ippee Nifee Deebiru,
Daryl Goto

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