In August 2019, a group of middle school and high school students from Miyakojima Island spent a few days in Hawaii to improve their English and learn about Hawaii and American culture. Miyakojima is part of the Ryukyuan island chain of which Okinawa is part. The students stayed the first few days at Hawaii Tokai International College, located in Kapolei. Their chaperone was local boy Ryan Ohta.

I happen to be teaching Sociology 100 at the time of their visit. During a break time, I presented them with a box of ono coco puffs from Liliha Bakery. It was fun and meaningful connecting with fellow shimanchus (island people).

WUB is committed to supporting students, the future generation of shimanchus and uchinanchus, and strengthening our ties with fellow uchinanchus around the world.

Robert Arakaki

Please see my 2018 article “Greeting Miyakojima Students.”