Okinawa Minyo Kyokai Hawaii
Preserving the Soul of Okinawa — Traditional Minyo Music & Culture in the Heart of Honolulu
Discover Our Heritage
Preserving the Soul of Okinawa — Traditional Minyo Music & Culture in the Heart of Honolulu
Discover Our HeritageOkinawa Minyo Kyokai Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Honolulu, dedicated to preserving, teaching, and celebrating the traditional folk music and cultural heritage of Okinawa. Founded by passionate members of Hawaii's vibrant Okinawan-American community, our organization serves as a living bridge between the ancient musical traditions of the Ryukyu Islands and the multicultural spirit of modern Hawaii.
Minyo (民謡) refers to the traditional folk songs of Okinawa — a rich musical tradition that has been passed down through generations for centuries. Accompanied by the distinctive three-stringed sanshin, Okinawan minyo songs tell stories of love, nature, the sea, and the everyday lives of the Okinawan people. These songs are an irreplaceable part of Okinawan cultural identity, and preserving them in Hawaii is at the heart of our mission.
Our mission is to preserve and promote Okinawan minyo music and cultural traditions in Hawaii through education, performance, and community engagement. We envision a Hawaii where the rich musical heritage of Okinawa continues to thrive and inspire new generations of performers and cultural ambassadors in the islands.
We offer a range of programs to teach, preserve, and celebrate Okinawan minyo music and culture in Hawaii.
Regular classes in Okinawan minyo singing and sanshin playing for students of all ages and skill levels. Our experienced instructors teach traditional songs, proper technique, and the cultural context behind each piece, ensuring that this precious musical heritage is passed on to the next generation.
Our members perform at cultural festivals, community events, and special occasions throughout the year, sharing the beauty of Okinawan minyo with audiences across Hawaii. We are proud participants in the annual Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) Okinawan Festival and other major cultural events.
Beyond music instruction, we work to preserve the broader cultural heritage of Okinawa in Hawaii — including traditional dance, language, and customs. We collaborate with other Okinawan cultural organizations in Hawaii and maintain connections with minyo organizations in Okinawa itself.
Hawaii has one of the largest Okinawan diaspora communities outside of Japan, and Okinawa Minyo Kyokai Hawaii plays a vital role in keeping that community's cultural heritage alive. Through our classes, performances, and community events, we have helped hundreds of Hawaii residents — both of Okinawan descent and from other backgrounds — connect with the beautiful musical traditions of the Ryukyu Islands. Our work ensures that the songs, rhythms, and spirit of Okinawa will continue to resonate in Hawaii for generations to come.
Join our community and help us keep the spirit of Okinawan minyo alive in Hawaii. Whether you want to learn, perform, or simply enjoy the music, we welcome you.
Whether you are of Okinawan descent or simply passionate about world music and cultural heritage, we invite you to join Okinawa Minyo Kyokai Hawaii. Membership is open to all who share our love of Okinawan minyo and our commitment to preserving this beautiful musical tradition in Hawaii. Please contact us to learn more about membership, classes, and upcoming events.
Contact UsInterested in joining our classes, attending a performance, or learning more about Okinawan minyo? Please reach out using the form below and we will be happy to hear from you.