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Cross-cultural communication and understanding all part of OCIABy: Kotoko Chinen Date Posted: 1999-07-03  Founded in 1989, Okinawa City International Association (OCIA)helps promote friendships and a better understanding between Japanese and non-Japanese communities through cross-cultural exchange activities. Under current president, Masaru Matsudou, approximately 100 members including a 22-member board of directors, make up the association. “We call our association ‘Okinawa City’ International Association, however, it's in name only,” said Peter Ku, vice president in charge of general affairs at OCIA. “We welcome anyone from both inside and outside Okinawa City to take part in our activities, or become a member.” To provide people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds opportunities to better understand one another, and have a load of fun together, OCIA plans to hold cross-cultural exchange events throughout the year. Upcoming events include the Okinawa City International Exchange Festival, Potluck parties, the Golden Run (marathon race), with more to be scheduled. Among them, the All-Okinawa Eisa Dance Festival will be held on August 28 and 29, and is one of the major summer events in Okinawa City to attract thousands of people from all over the island, both as spectator and participant. In fact, OCIA has its own Eisa dance team scheduled to perform on the 29th, and is inviting anyone interested in taking part an opportunity to come along and join in dance practices before the big event. “We have fifty or sixty people from youngsters to the elderly from foreign countries who join the event every year,” said Ku. “Eisa-dance might look difficult but, there're some patterns in it so, if you follow them, you'll be O.K. All the participants enjoy taking part in this cultural event every year and we're looking forward sharing it with many people this year, too.” Eisa dance practices are held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ryokuju-en in Okinawa City. The only outlay is for the costumes, and all participants must contribute $25 or ¥3000. For more information, call 939-1212 (ext. 2421). English-speaking staff can answer your questions. Also, OCIA begins Japanese language lessons this August. The course begins at the introductory level and students will learn basic Japanese conversation over a two-month period.. The fee for the course, which includes 10 lessons and a potluck party, is ¥3000 for non-OCIA members and ¥2500 for OCIA members. Classes are held on Mondays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For those who wish to enroll, sign ups must be completed by Friday July 23. For more information about enrollment, call 939-1212 (ext. 2421). |
   
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