The Utah Okinawa Kenjinkai is a vibrant community dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich culture and traditions of Okinawa while fostering connections between Okinawans and the people of Utah. Founded on the values of heritage, friendship, and cultural exchange, our organization brings together members from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Okinawa’s unique legacy and strengthen ties across generations.
Members
As of January 2017, the Utah Okinawa Kenjinkai proudly has 88 registered members. These members come from diverse backgrounds, including:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Members: Okinawan members who moved to Utah, known for its strong connection to the Mormon faith.
Pioneer Members: Those who started the tea club before the Kenjinkai was officially established after moving to Utah.
Spouses of U.S. Military Personnel: Individuals married to military members stationed in Okinawa.
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT | Mayumi Cole
VICE PRESIDENT | Christine Richards
TREASURER | Kay Glazier
WEB | Lauren Maguire
UCHINA AMBASSADORS | Maiko Mundell
UCHINA AMBASSADORS | Etsuko Chidester
UCHINA AMBASSADORS | Mitsuko Chinen Davies
UCHINA AMBASSADORS | Haruko Miyara Ookubo
KAIGAI KOUROUSHA | Michiko Maguire
Where We Are
American Eagle with wings outspread, grasping six arrows in its talons, symbolizes protection in peace and war. Bee Hive is the symbol of industry. Sego Lily is a symbol of peace. Draped American Flag is the symbol of our support to the nation. “1847” is the year the Mormon Pioneer entered the Salt Lake Valley. “1896” is the year Utah was admitted as the 45th state (January 4, 1896). (Cited reference: utah.com)
Learn more about Utah.
Where We Are From
The outer circle of this symbol represents the ocean. The white circle symbolizes a peace-loving Okinawa and the inner circle symbolizes a globally developing Okinawa. In short, the mark symbolizes “Ocean” “Peace” and “Development.” It was decided on the symbol of Okinawa prefectural in 1972. (Cited reference: pref.okinawa.jp)
Learn more about Okinawa.
Activities
Every year, we hold a new year’s party, an end-of-year party, a summer picnic, and a day bus tour trip to Nevada. Some members perform Okinawan dance or music as entertainment for others. We are actively in Salt Lake County (mid-to-north) and Davis County (North).
Thanks to Master Akiko Kaneshiro who teach Okinawa folk songs and classic music and as well as Kenjinkai Okinawa dance group led by Ms. Mitsuko Davis, Utah Okinawa Kenjinkai members have been performing Okinawan traditional performing arts at several events in Utah, such as Nihon Matsuri (Japan Festival), and Living Tradition Festival which many different cultures all over the world perform their traditional performing arts, and many more local events.
We held 15th Anniversary party in November of 2005. About 300 people joined the party and it was very successful.
Ms. Mitsuko Davis who was recognized and awarded as Uchina ambassador by Okinawa Prefecture hosted first Ryukyu Traditional Special Program in Salt Lake City in 2010 and was successfully enjoyed by many Japanese descents and local people.
In October 2015, we held 25th Anniversary Party in Salt Lake City was successfully celebrated including a special video message by Diamantes.
In October 2016, about 40 Kenjinkai members joined the 6th World Uchinanchu Festival.
The Future
Our vision includes continuing to celebrate and share the vibrant culture of Okinawa in Utah through traditional performing arts, fostering connections that endure for generations.
We hope to inspire the next generation of young Okinawans to join and carry forward the cherished legacy of our Kenjinkai.
Utah Okinawa Kenjinkai ユタ州沖縄県人会 