Awesome collection of stories! I'm yonsei, 4th generation. My great grandfather, Taru was born a Yamashiro, but an adopted Tengan, that came from Aza Gushikawa, in what is now called Uruma-shi. 😊
Sansei. Father Yomitan, mother Nago. From childhood family attended Okinawan services under Kame Shimabukuro, considered the only Okinawan shaman outside of Okinawa. We couldn't do a thing without consulting her..renting house, where we lived, other life's decisions etc. Weird. Not much else Okinawan. No Okinawan food, art, language etc. Bon dance strictly eisa, no naichi stuff. Danced in graveyards at times, serious about ancestor, nothing entertaining. Mother offered food in home shrine everyday, always flowers to honor ancestors. Serious stuff. Grew up, became a Christian. Studied art under Charles E. Higa. Studied music under Dick Aoyama. Singer/songwriter since 1970's. Creating Okinawan/Japanese-American hybrid songs. Love and admire kadekaru rinsho (Famous Okinawan singer) Strong politically on issues of race and human rights, not equality. Love is not equal, love is powerful and sacrificial; why? Because everyone is too weak to make a difference.
What generation are you? Let us know!
Awesome collection of stories! I'm yonsei, 4th generation. My great grandfather, Taru was born a Yamashiro, but an adopted Tengan, that came from Aza Gushikawa, in what is now called Uruma-shi. 😊
This is terrific!!!
Sansei yea
Sansei. Father Yomitan, mother Nago. From childhood family attended Okinawan services under Kame Shimabukuro, considered the only Okinawan shaman outside of Okinawa. We couldn't do a thing without consulting her..renting house, where we lived, other life's decisions etc. Weird. Not much else Okinawan. No Okinawan food, art, language etc. Bon dance strictly eisa, no naichi stuff. Danced in graveyards at times, serious about ancestor, nothing entertaining. Mother offered food in home shrine everyday, always flowers to honor ancestors. Serious stuff. Grew up, became a Christian. Studied art under Charles E. Higa. Studied music under Dick Aoyama. Singer/songwriter since 1970's. Creating Okinawan/Japanese-American hybrid songs. Love and admire kadekaru rinsho (Famous Okinawan singer) Strong politically on issues of race and human rights, not equality. Love is not equal, love is powerful and sacrificial; why? Because everyone is too weak to make a difference.