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Okinawa Association of America (OAA) | Gardena, CaliforniaPreserving, promoting, and perpetuating Okinawan culture Sign up for our email list:https://tinyurl.com/oaa-email-list The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Okinawan culture in the greater Los Angeles area. Formed by first generation immigrants (issei) over a century ago, the OAA has grown into a multi-generational organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year including cultural presentations, performances, and senior-focused activities.The OAA's decades of service have garnered accolades including the 2025 Community Organization Recognition Award (Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California), 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year (nominated by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, 66th District) and 2019 Frances K. Hashimoto Community Service Award (Nisei Week Foundation). OAA leaders have also been recognized by the Okinawa Prefectural Government as Overseas Goodwill Ambassadors and Next Generation Representatives. ANNUAL EVENTS:• January – New Year's Party• February/March – Women's Club New Year Gathering• February/March – Sanshin Day• April/May – Okinawan Craft Fair• May – Kajimayaa Seniors Club Luncheon• June – Irei no Hi: Remembering the Battle of Okinawa• July – Picnic and Okinawa Bon Dance• September/October – Senior Appreciation Day• October – World Uchinaanchu Day Celebration• Special events include cultural workshops and performances, family- and senior-focused activities, screenings, and more!MONTHLY ACTIVITIES:• 2nd Fridays – Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan Language) Class (Members Only)• 3rd Saturdays – Women's Club Gathering• 3rd Saturdays – Karaoke Club (Members Only)• Last Saturdays – Nuchaashii Potluck Gathering

4th generation Asian American, Ryūkyū (Okinawa) x Japan (Fukuoka) roots



Akina Nishi is from Los Angeles, California, and is currently completing a teacher preparation program at Cal State Long Beach. A graduate of UCLA, Akina majored in Japanese & Applied Linguistics with a minor in film studies. During her time at UCLA, she took part in several Japanese student organizations to improve her Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge. She’s also been involved with the LA Nikkei community as a volunteer for Japan Film Festival Los Angeles. In her free time, Akina enjoys cafes, museums, concerts, and movies. She’s a fan of J-pop, K-pop, and Carly Rae Jepsen. Her favorite thing to snack on in Little Tokyo is monaka matcha ice cream!
Akina began volunteering with Discover Nikkei in summer 2024. She’s helping us out behind the scenes with English-Japanese translations for our Instagram page and around the website! She has also participated in our annual Nikkei Chronicles series. We are so grateful to Akina for her help!
What do you like most about Discover Nikkei?
I love that Discover Nikkei is a place to freely express who you are, your experiences, and your story. It gives us a chance to learn from each other and grow as a community. I can relate to a lot of the stories that people talk about on Discover Nikkei, and it feels good knowing that my feelings are validated and shared.
How do you connect to your Nikkei identity?
I go to Little Tokyo often. I like going to the cafes, the shops, and bakeries and supporting the small businesses. It’s especially nice in the mornings. Little Tokyo has been special to me since childhood, almost like a second home
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