Join us for this special event, the first in a new program series presented by Discover Nikkei...

In October 2006, over 4,900 people from around the world attended the 4th Worldwide Uchinanchu Taikai Festival in Okinawa to reconnect with their heritage and culture. The Center for Migration Studies at the University of the Ryukyus surveyed these participants and will present their findings revealing how Okinawans connect beyond the island borders.

FREE with Museum admission. Light reception to follow.

RSVP required to 213.625.0414 ext. 2227 or rsvp@janm.org. Limited spaces available, so please reserve early!

PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION - Understanding the Nikkei experience through Uchinanchu global networks
- Akemi Kikumura-Yano (CEO, Japanese American National Museum)

PRESENTATION - Okinawan Society beyond the networks: Survey Findings
Presenters: Center for Migration Studies, University of the Ryukyus
- Hiroyuki Kinjo (Language and Cultural Studies)
- Naomi Noiri (Sociology)
- Kentar? Kuwatsuka (Human Geography)

PANEL DISCUSSION - Opportunities and challenges for creating cultural exchange and dynamic connections
Moderator / Facilitator: Lane R. Hirabayashi (The George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair, Asian American Studies Department, University of California at Los Angeles)
Panelists:
- Yuko Yamauchi (Okinawa Association of America, Inc.)
- Wesley Ueunten, (Asian American Studies Department, College of Ethnic Studies, San Francisco State University)
- Hiroyuki Kinjo, Naomi Noiri, Kentar? Kuwatsuka (University of the Ryukyus)

Q & A SESSION
An English / Japanese translator will be on hand to assist with questions

CLOSING REMARKS - Lessons learned
- Akemi Kikumura-Yano

RECEPTION
Light refreshments provided. Plus, special cultural performances!

This program is organized by the Center for Migration Studies at the University of the Ryukyus and the Japanese American National Museum in collaboration with Lane R. Hirabayashi, Aratani Endowed Chair, Asian American Studies Department at University of California at Los Angeles and the Okinawa Association of America Inc.
Photo by Naomi Noiri