THE 2ND WORLD WIDE UCHINANCHU FESTIVAL

Return to Your Islands for The 2nd Uchinanchu Festival in November '95

You can hear the theme song of The 2nd Uchinanchu Festival.
"Con el Sanshin en la mano"(Digest) by DIAMANTES (30 sec.: 242KB)

Joyous handshakes celebrate our meeting again. Emotions show in the tears. Crowds that move to the rythm of the Kachaashii. And now, 5 years later. The 4-day drama that joined Uchinanchu throughout the world, despite barriers and language, is about to be revived.

The 2nd Uchinanchu World Wide festival: From all parts of the globe to which Uchinanchu have scattered, a special event calls them back to Okinawa.

The four day Festival will take place from Nov. 16 to 19, 1995. The slogan: "Across the Seas, Across Language Barriers." Uchinanchu from abroad and Okinawa will present a festival of arts, culture, sports, education and industry, across a wide spectrum of interests as the beginning of a network of family and friends working for a better 21st century.

The main participants in these events will be you Uchinanchu living and working in other nations. Please avail yourselves of this opportunity for 4 days of meaningful interaction with others like yourself.

1. PURPOSE:

   The purpose of this event is to link from all over the world those who have a relationship with Okinawa Prefecture. For example, the event hopes to unite Okinawans living in different countries -- Kenjinkai, foreign students, Goodwill Ambassadors and non-Okinawans who have a relationship with Okinawa. This link is to develop information and human exchange in fields such as technology, economics, performing arts, culture and education in order to achieve mutual economic and social revitalization and establish Okinawa as a "Key Location for International Exchange in Southern Japan."

2. SIGNIFICATION:

   In 1990, the 1st Word Wide Uchinanchu Festival was held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japan. The intent of this festival was to support the prominent Okinawans worldwide and to promote exchange projects with countries Okinawans have migrated to.

   The 2nd Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival will involve a wider variety of people, including non-Okinawans who have close connections to Okinawa. The festival will encompass every aspect of "Okinawa." From the international viewpoint, the event enhances the regional development of Okinawa.

   1995 will mark the 50th anniversary of Word War II and an appropriate time to reconsider international exchage and promotion of world peace.

3. DATE:

   November 16 - 19 ( Thursday - Sunday )

   Festival eve parade ( Wednesday, November 15 )

4. PLACE:

   Okinawa Convention Center / Shuri Castle Park / Kokusai Street / Others

5. PROGRAM:(schedure table(176KB))

   (1) Evening Parade, (2) Opening Ceremony, (3) Traditional Arts Festival, (4) Goodwill Ambassadors' Conference, (5) World Uchinanchu Forum, (6) Okinawan Performing Arts Festival, (7) Soccer Game, (8) Gateball Tournarment, (9) Junior Conference, (10) World Uchina Bazaar, (11) The Grand Finale

THE OPENING PARADE

A parade will be held on the main street of NAHA, Kokusai Dori. People will wear their national costumes from nations across the globe.

OPENING CEREMONY

Following the dedication, an array of traditional flower hats will spread across the stage. The screen will show highlights of the 1st Festival and review Okinawa's recovery from the war.

FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL ARTS

An exchange concert will be held at Shuri Castle. There will be folk dances from all nations as well as Ryukyuan dance and new pops presentation by Okinawan bands.

CONFERENCE OF GOODWILL AMBASSADORS

The network of Uchinanchu across the globe is meant to support the activities of goodwill ambassadors in every country. It seeks better ways to communicate in an atmosphere of harmony.

WORLD UCHINANCHU FORUM

A series of specialized international conferences will be held to discuss economics,culture, and education.

OKINAWA TRADITIONAL ARTS EXCHANGE

From traditional to folk, and to new songs from Okinawa's rock and pop music.

SOCCER EXCHANGE MATCHES

From South America and other nations, we have invited Okinawan Nisei and Sansei professioal soccer players for a friendship match. Soccer training will be available for younger boys and girls.

INTERNATIONAL GATEBALL TOURNAMENT

Powerful teams from Okinawa and players from overseas areas will meet to show their refined techniques.

JUNIOR SUMMIT

Targeted at providing a network for the children who will inherit the 21st century. A tour of Okinawa and a beach party will lay the foundation for friendship.

WORLD UCHINANCHU BAZAAR

Products from all countries, videotapes, and catalogs will be on display. Look at, listen to and touch each nation's offerings. Take advantage of business opportunities.

THE GRAND FINALE

To close the the events of the 4 days, fireworks will light up the autumn night skies. Whistles and the final strains of the Kachaashii give expression to our growing desire for the next meeting.

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