Vision
OAANY's mission is to cultivate mutual friendships among Okinawans and their families, those with an interest in Okinawan culture, as well as other Okinawan Associations.
About
OAANY has a proud history, wide reach, and diverse makeup.
Since 1983
OAANY has been serving the Okinawan American Community since 1983. We are proud to have a long legacy of Uchinaanchu in the Northeast.
100+
Current members as of 2024. Our members come from all over the globe, including places like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. OAANY is open to all persons of Okinawan heritage as well as people of non-Okinawan descent.
7+ States
While OAANY is New York based, we serve many states in the Northeast including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Events
OAANY Uchinaaguchi sshi Ashibana (Let's Hang in Uchinaaguchi)
Dates: Monthly Oct 2026 - May 2027
Exact Dates Coming Soon!
Format: Hybrid, 2 hours (including: formal lesson, community-building activity, hanging out/yuntaku/snacks).
Join OAANY community members to learn, practice, and share Uchinaaguchi in a stress-free environment. We will practice basis with community members, learn about the history and significance of Ryukyuan languages, watch Okinawan films and listen to music, and play Uchinaaguchi games to build community.
Register here!
Contact information: zackpedwards@gmail.com
Champloo:
Okinawa Identity Symposium
Saturday, November 7
Doors: 12:30
Event 1:00pm - 7:00pm
New York University, Kimmel Grand Hall
238 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
The Okinawan community continues to evolve across generations, geographies, and lived experiences. This symposium creates a dedicated space to explore these questions through scholarship, storytelling, cultural expression, and dialogue with emphasis on the East Coast experience.
Tickets are limited, registration is required.
End of Year Celebration
End of Year Celebration
Sunday, December 13, 2026
OAANY's end of the year gathering. It's a chance for new and old members as well as friends, family, and others who are interested to share a meal and celebrate the completion of another year together.
See our Instagram for details
Irei no Hi
Irei no Hi
Annually on June 23
Every June, we commemorate Irei no Hi with gathering organized by 'Stand with Okinawa NY' held on the steps of the NYC Public Library.
Summer Picnic
Summer Picnic
August 2027 Date Coming soon
OAANY's summer picnic gathering. It's a chance for new and old members as well as friends, family, and others who are interested to share a meal and celebrate together. See our Instagram for details.
Get in touch
We are excited to hear from you!
That being said, please know that OAANY is an entirely volunteer-run organization. Please reach out via our contact form and someone will get back to you as soon as we are able. Thank you for your understanding and patience!
Resources
8th Worldwide Uchinaanchu Festival, Sekai no Uchinaanchu Taikai
8th Worldwide Uchinaanchu Festival, Sekai no Uchinaanchu Taikai
Pre-Festival: October 27, 2027
Main Festival: October 28–31, 2027
Every five years, Uchinaanchu from around the world gather in Okinawa to celebrate our culture, heritage, and global community.
While details regarding OAANY’s participation are still to come, we encourage everyone to save the dates and start looking ahead to this special gathering.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. Until then, mark your calendars—we’ll see you in Okinawa in 2027!
Okinawan Emigrant's Descendant and Asian Scholarship Program
(Kempi Scholarship Program)
Okinawan Emigrant's Descendant and Asian Scholarship Program (Kempi Scholarship Program)
Application period typically begins in September with an early November March application deadline.
The Okinawan Emigrant's Descendant and Asian Scholarship Program is a highly competitive scholarship program offered annually to kenjinkai a descendant of an emigrant from Okinawa Prefecture.
Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to pursue education and training at universities, businesses, and institutions dedicated to Okinawa’s traditional arts. The program aims to foster the next generation of individuals who can serve as bridges between Okinawa and their home countries, helping preserve the Uchinā Network for future generations while promoting international exchange and strengthening ties with Okinawa..
Junior Study Program
Junior Study Program
Application period typically begins in February with a March application deadline.
The Uchina Junior Study Program (formerly Junior Study Tour) invites students of Okinawan descent to Okinawa Prefecture to learn about the history and culture of Okinawa while staying with young Okinawan people of the same age. The aim is to deepen their understanding and ties to their Okinawan heritage, and to nurture the next generation that will carry on the Worldwide Uchina Network.
