A little about Tuigwaa-chan

Hai-tai!    My name is Helen Yamada.  I grew up in Hawaii learning       to appreciate Okinawan culture from both my parents.  Although     my father was haku-jin which means Caucasian.  He was proficient in Japanese language, culture, history, and more. While stationed in Okinawa (Navy/Air Force), he met my mom.  He loved my Okinawan mother ( 普久原 富士子) and things Okinawan. 

Last year, I was nominated to an officer position of Okinawa Kai of Washington DC.    I am fortunate to be able to serve another year.  I am learning so much and making many friends.  

I hope to continue to learn more about Okinawan culture to share with friends and family.  One day I hope to meet my Uncle Chogi and show him how strong Uchinanchu spirit is so far away - not forgotten just because his youngest sister (my mom) left Okinawa when she was young.  Paying respects to my ancestors remains a priority as well (those who passed away like aunts, uncles, grandparents).

I am seeking certification in both sanshin (string instrument) and odori/ryubu (dance).  I am interested in being able to  one day teach at the Community Colleges or University here on the East Coast. 

In order to get to my goal (teaching), I am interested in becoming polished at sanshin and odori/ryubu.  I seek more experience to become a great performer to inspire others and one day an inspiring teacher.

Okinawan Treasures

Help Tuigwaa-chan gain the experience needed by having her perform Okinawan odori (dance) or sanshin 三線 at your next event.  Help her share Okinawan culture through  traditional Okinawan Arts.

Her goal is to also inspire our younger generation to take a more active role.

Please consider a performance for your loved one's birthday party or other special event.

• Sanshin 三線
  
• Ryubu (Dance)

Blog Page ~ Chirp with the small bird

Tuigwaachan.wordpress.com

(still learning ;)

Tuigwaa-chan on the Air!

Yes, catch the small bird on Blog Talk Radio.  Her show is called:                                                                            "Radio Okinawa by Tuigwaa-chan"

CALL IN NUMBER at 5:30pm EST

Phone (646) 200-3322

Description: Exploring Okinawan culture wtih     Tuigwaa-chan (Helen Fukuhara 普久原 Yamada) through sanshin, ryubu (dance), and a variety of other aspects such as arts and crafts, language, history, folk tales, foods, and more. 

Focus will include Okinawan events locally (DC area), other parts of the USA, and hopefully beyond (world-wide). 

Although her show highlights Okinawan culture, she hopes everyone in some way can benefit from the general perspective of how one searches and identifies with their heritage, honors customs, respects parents, and sets an example (hopefully good) through leadership to their family, friends, and ultimately community. 

Contact information

Call or email to arrange a performance for your family, friend, celebration, or school (cultural) functions.