Come join us for Chimugukuru: A Celebration of the Heart, Soul and Spirit of Hawaii's Okinawan Community (featuring storyteller Alton Chung). 100% of proceeds from this celebration support the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and Ikuyu Madin (HUOA Capital Campaign). The event runs from 1 pm to 9 pm, headlined by two special storytelling programs. Join us for some or all of the special events planned for the day.

Uchinanchu, come learn about your heritage and explore what it means to be Okinawan. Uchinanchu-at-Heart, come learn about Okinawa and become a part of the Hawaii Okinawa community.

Date: October 24, 2009 (Saturday) 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Hawaii Okinawan Center, Mililani Hawaii

For more information:
http://www.pigsfromthesea.com/

From the pigsfromthesea.com website:

ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL CELEBRATION!
10.24.09
Come join us for Chimugukuru: A Celebration of the Heart, Soul and Spirit of Hawaii's Okinawan Community (featuring storyteller Alton Chung). 100% of proceeds from this celebration support the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and Ikuyu Madin (HUOA Capital Campaign). The event runs from 1 pm to 9 pm, headlined by two special storytelling programs. Join us for some or all of the special events planned for the day.

Uchinanchu, come learn about your heritage and explore what it means to be Okinawan. Uchinanchu-at-Heart, come learn about Okinawa and become a part of the Hawaii Okinawa community.

This is a one-time event, so don't miss out! We are expecting a sold out performance, so buy your tickets now!

NUCHI DU TAKARA PROGRAM (1:00 PM-3:30 PM)
10.24.09
Stories are important. They have the capacity to reflect, unite and mobilize a community. They can inspire and they can teach. Nuchi du Takara tells five riveting historical stories of astounding integrity, courage and selflessness. Performed by award-winning storyteller Alton Chung, the stories share the experiences of Okinawans and Hawaii Okinawans during WWII.

Also featuring: Frances Nakachi (Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo) and Derek Shiroma (Okinawa Minyo Kyokai Derek Ichiro Shiroma Kenkyusho). Nuchi du Takara brings to life important stories that define our community, exemplifying the attitudes, values and heart that make being a part of this community special.

These historically accurate stories bridge the past to the present and bring to life incredible heroes to inspire and guide a new generation. These are the stories we need to pass down to our children and grandchildren.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES & TALK STORY (3:30 PM-6:45 PM)
10.24.09
A continuous series of cultural events and activities are scheduled. Please check back for a final schedule. Events include:

- Sanshin, taiko and dance performances
- Hairiest legs and Okinawan whistling contests
- Demos of Kachashi and Okinawan whistling. A host of short lectures.
- 4:30 pm: Alton Chung will do a special performance of Voices: Takejiro Higa's Story from his Okage Sama de program
- Food: Bake sale, Andagi! and a variety of food booths (Available from 4 pm).
OBAKE TALES (7:00 PM-9:00 PM)
10.24.09
Just in time for Halloween, Alton Chung will regale us with haunting Okinawan, Japanese and Hawaiian ghost stories.

Alton Takiyama-Chung is an award-winning storyteller. He grew up with the stories, superstitions and magic of the Hawaiian Islands. This combined with his Japanese and Korean roots, gives him a unique perspective to tell cultural tales and personal stories with a deep sense of reverence and authenticity. Not only does he breathe life into traditional Asian folktales with sensitivity and deep connection, but he can also touch into the fire of ancient Hawaiian legends and tell them with passion and respect. Alton also enjoys telling true stories of the Japanese-Americans during WWII, but his true passion is telling ghost stories. :)