Shari Y. Tamashiro-Preserving Okinawan Heritage: The Fight to Save Traditions, Community, and Food in Hawaiʻi

Nā Gushiku at Sōgwachi: Becca Doll-Tyler on When Clay Carries the Ancestors

Entering Sōgwachi with the Ancestors Okinawan New Year — Sōgwachi — is not simply a date.It is a returning. A cyclical turning toward ancestors, land, and continuity itself. This year, I entered Sōgwachi holding something tangible: Clay. Not symbolic clay.Not decorative clay.But cups inscribed with ancestral names — including my own lineage, Nā Gushiku. In this episode of the Loochoo Nation Podcast, I sit down with ceramic artist Becca Doll-Tyler to explore what it means when clay carries names, land, and ethical teachings into the present. Handmade, Small Batch, Rooted in Land Becca is the maker behind NINAZUMA Pottery, based in Ouray, Colorado. Her work is small-batch, wheel-thrown, earth-toned, and intentional. We begin our conversation with land. Clay is earth.Earth is place.Place is lineage. She speaks about the mountains surrounding her studio — how landscape shapes glaze, palette, pace. Not abstractly. Physically. There is no separation between environment and making. That grounding feels deeply aligned with Okinawan continuity. From Miyashiro to Nā Gushiku Like many Okinawan families, our surname shifted over time. Miyashiro is the modern rendering. But the older Uchinānchu place-based name is Nā Gushiku. Learning that name shifted something. Seeing it etched into clay shifted something again. Nā Gushiku is not just a surname.It is a place.It is geography carried forward. When Becca inscribed those names into earth, lineage became tangible. Not theoretical.Not genealogical.Held. Clay as Listening During the episode, Becca references Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act — particularly the idea that art is less about control and more about attunement. Pottery does not reward ego.It rewards presence. Clay collapses when rushed.Glaze reveals impatience.Fire exposes what you tried to hide. The process demands sincerity. That mirrors one of the Okinawan sayings we discuss: まくとぅそーけー なんくるないさMakutū sōkē nankuru nāisa Often simplified as “everything will be okay.”More accurately: If you live with sincerity and integrity, things will resolve as they should. Pottery embodies this ethic. Live rightly in the process — the result will hold. Cups That Carry Words These cups carry ancestral names and Okinawan sayings such as: いちゃりばちょーでーIcharibachōdē“Once we meet, we are family.” These are not decorative phrases. They are ethical instructions. Historically, Okinawan pottery — yachimun — lived in kitchens, not galleries. It held water, awamori, rice. It existed inside daily ritual. Becca’s work continues that lineage. These cups are meant to be: * Used * Washed * Shared * Passed on Culture survives through use. Sōgwachi: Cyclical Time Sōgwachi is about renewal — but renewal in Okinawan cosmology is not rupture. It is return. To begin the year holding cups inscribed with ancestral names feels less like starting over and more like stepping forward in continuity. Land → Name → Vessel → Ritual → Time. Clay remembers. Diaspora, Responsibility, and Quiet Work We also discuss diaspora awakening during the pandemic, the importance of speaking with elders, and the difference between cultural performance and cultural practice. Becca’s work does not attempt spectacle. It asks something quieter: How do we live with sincerity?How do we honor place while living elsewhere?How do we let earth teach us again? Clay does not shout. It endures. Soundtrack Special thanks to Harikuyamaku of Uchinā (Okinawa Island) for sharing his music with us. 🎵 Featured Tracks: Anigamahttps://buff.ly/46SHy3g [https://buff.ly/46SHy3g] Nachijin-myahkuniihttps://buff.ly/3AtfLdU [https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU] 🌺 Instagramhttps://buff.ly/46ThVzq [https://buff.ly/46ThVzq] 🌊 Mystic Islands Dub Albumhttps://buff.ly/4e9irMn [https://buff.ly/4e9irMn] Music shapes the tone of these conversations.Please support indigenous artists. If this conversation resonates, consider: * Speaking with an elder this week * Learning your older place-based name * Beginning Sōgwachi with intention * Supporting indigenous makers Culture survives through practice. Get full access to The Loochoo Nation Substack at loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe [https://loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

✋ Reclaiming Hajichi: An Okinawan Journey of Memory & Healing

An intimate conversation with Jill about hajichi, cultural loss, and healing. From her grandfather’s survival in the Battle of Okinawa to the shared grief and joy of reclaiming identity, this episode honors memory, resilience, and the quiet power of returning home. Get full access to The Loochoo Nation Substack at loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe [https://loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Reclaiming Roots: Teariki 'Pina' Simpson on Culture, Land & Legacy

Nifē dēbiru Pina for the yuntaku! Teariki ʻPina’ Simpson is a Māori community leader, educator, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt based in Taranaki, Aotearoa (New Zealand). With deep ancestral ties to multiple iwi—including Taranaki, Ngāti Te Kura, Ngāti Kahu, and the Kingitanga line through King Tāwhiao—Pina’s life is rooted in whakapapa (genealogy), cultural reclamation, and indigenous sovereignty. Pina is a passionate advocate for the revival of te reo Māori and traditional practices. He runs an eight-acre homestead where he raises cattle and chickens, embracing sustainable living and contributing to Aotearoa Kai Gatherers, a grassroots movement dedicated to restoring health through indigenous food systems. One of the early pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Aotearoa, Pina has spent decades teaching across the country and beyond, founding the Māori Nationals tournament and mentoring a generation of practitioners. He has also led programs for children with ADHD, using jiu jitsu as a healing and empowering modality. Brother to renowned te reo expert Keri Opai, Pina is part of a legacy committed to language, wellness, and self-determination. His work bridges physical discipline, cultural pride, and a fierce dedication to the future of Māori communities. 🎙️ In this conversation... Pina Simpson opens up about the lived experience of reclaiming Māori identity in everyday life—from childhood memories of casual racism to the emotional significance of receiving his moko kauae. He speaks candidly about the colonial pressures that shaped his family—such as grandparents who were fluent in te reo but didn’t pass it down due to the violence of assimilation—and the personal awakening that drove him to reconnect with culture and language from a young age. The discussion also explores Pina’s reflections on the Treaty of Waitangi and the current political climate in Aotearoa, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for Māori self-determination and justice. He shares thoughtful observations on the social fabric of Aotearoa, the complex relationships among Māori, Pākehā, and newer immigrant communities, and the unifying effect of cultural resurgence in recent years. Touching on everything from food sovereignty to the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, the conversation is grounded, unscripted, and real—offering insight into how one person’s journey becomes part of a wider movement for reclamation, resilience, and community. 🎧 Native Affairs Interview: https://bit.ly/3FRW4yX Māori BJJ (Whātōtō) Nationals: https://bit.ly/4jbxsPU 🎵 Big thanks to Harikuyamaku of Uchinā (Loochoo) We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Harikuyamaku for granting us access to his beautifully remixed timeless tracks from the Mystic Islands Dub album. His soulful music adds a unique touch to our podcast, enriching the listening experience for all of you. Nifē dēbiru, Harikuyamaku! 🎵 Featured Tracks: * Anigama: https://buff.ly/46SHy3g [https://buff.ly/46SHy3g] * Nachijin-myahkunii: https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU [https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU] 🌺 Instagram: https://buff.ly/46ThVzq [https://buff.ly/46ThVzq]🌊 Mystic Islands Dub Album: https://buff.ly/4e9irMn [https://buff.ly/4e9irMn] Connect with us: https://bit.ly/49sRWQD [https://bit.ly/49sRWQD] Get full access to The Loochoo Nation Substack at loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe [https://loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Shari Y. Tamashiro-Preserving Okinawan Heritage: The Fight to Save Traditions, Community, and Food in Hawaiʻi

Nifē dēbiru Shari for the yuntaku! Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the deep-rooted connections between Okinawan heritage, food, and community. Our guest shares a fascinating personal journey of discovering and preserving her Okinawan ancestry, from family ties in Hiroshima and Itoman to the cultural traditions that shape her identity. We explore the historic and deeply traditional Meizato Tsunahiki, a tug-of-war event with strict customs that highlight the resilience of Okinawan culture. Along the way, we also uncover the role of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) and the efforts made by community leaders—like her own father—to create financial stability through the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza project, ensuring a legacy for future generations. But this story isn’t just about the past—it’s also about how food serves as a powerful link to culture and community. We take a closer look at the history of Okinawan-owned restaurants in Hawaii, from pioneering eateries to modern-day establishments keeping traditional flavors alive. Our guest shares the inspiring story of her involvement in saving local Okinawan restaurants, including the beloved Sunrise Restaurant, through grassroots fundraising and community-driven initiatives like the Okinawan Feastival. It’s a testament to the spirit of Yui Maru—helping one another and preserving a vibrant culinary and cultural heritage. Stay tuned for an enriching conversation filled with history, resilience, and, of course, delicious food. Shari Y. Tamashiro is a third generation Okinawan and fourth generation Japanese Cybrarian at Kapiʻolani Community College, University of Hawaiʻi (UH). She often serves as a bridge between UH and the local Okinawan community to connect university resources and expertise and to enhance community archivism and projects. She is passionate about storytelling (especially Hawaiʻi Japanese and Okinawan stories) and documenting primary source materials in her community. She curated the Looking Like the Enemy exhibit at the Pearl Harbor National Monument, as well as the Battle of Okinawa and 100th, 442nd RCT, MIS, and 1399 exhibits. She is the first foreign and female World Eisa Ambassador. Instagram: https://buff.ly/4hIwnz3 [https://buff.ly/4hIwnz3] Website (Okinawan Feastival): https://www.hawaiiokinawans.com/ [https://www.hawaiiokinawans.com/] Culturized Podcast: Japanese & Okinawan Culture in Hawaii: https://bit.ly/412jatL [https://bit.ly/412jatL] HUOA Yuntaku Live! Ep 27 - Shari Tamashiro - Hawaii Okinawa Restaurant Project: https://bit.ly/418BTUw [https://bit.ly/418BTUw] Hawaiian Airlines Magazine: Hana Hou-A Tale Of Two Islands: https://bit.ly/3Qnh6Yn [https://bit.ly/3Qnh6Yn] We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Harikuyamaku from Uchinā, Loochoo, for granting us access to his beautifully remixed timeless tracks from the Mystic Islands Dub album. His soulful music adds a unique touch to our podcast, enriching the listening experience for all of you. Nifē dēbiru, Harikuyamaku! Anigama: https://buff.ly/46SHy3g [https://buff.ly/46SHy3g] Nachijin-myahkunii: https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU [https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU] Instagram: https://buff.ly/46ThVzq [https://buff.ly/46ThVzq] Mystic Islands Dub album: https://buff.ly/4e9irMn [https://buff.ly/4e9irMn] Connect with us: https://bit.ly/49sRWQD [https://bit.ly/49sRWQD] Get full access to The Loochoo Nation Substack at loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe [https://loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Professor Bixia Chen-Okinawan Sacred Spaces

Nifē dēbiru to Dr. Chen for the yuntaku! In this episode, Dr. Bixia Chen shares her fascinating journey from growing up in rural Fujian, China, to studying and settling in Okinawa. She explains how her background in Marxist economics and English teaching led her, unexpectedly, into researching Okinawan sacred spaces, known as utaki, and the cultural significance of feng shui in shaping local villages. We learn how these sacred sites are at the core of Okinawan spiritual life—places where ancestors are venerated, deities are invited during festivals, and the landscape itself is carefully designed to offer protection from harsh elements. She also sheds light on the role of noro priestesses, the unique blend of Chinese, Southeast Asian, and indigenous influences on island customs, and why local communities prefer to keep their utaki private rather than turn them into tourist attractions. Along the way, we hear about the importance of fukugi windbreaks, the subtle differences between utaki and ashagi structures, and the challenges of preserving traditional rituals in modern times. This conversation offers a window into Okinawa’s harmonious interplay of nature, culture, and spirituality—one that continues to adapt while striving to protect its deeply rooted heritage. Dr. Bixia Chen, born in April 1975 in Putian, Fujian Province, China, is a researcher and educator in landscape ecology, with a specific focus on East Asian rural landscapes and the conservation of Fukugi windbreak forests in Okinawa. Dr. Chen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Fujian Normal University in 1996 and later earned a Master of Economics from the same institution in 2001. She pursued further studies in Japan, receiving her Master’s degree in Agricultural Science from the University of the Ryukyus in 2005, followed by a Doctorate in Agriculture from Kagoshima University in 2008. Dr. Chen has held various academic and research positions, including roles as a lecturer at Fujian Normal University and a postdoctoral researcher at United Nations University. Since December 2013, she has been an assistant professor and then associate professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of the Ryukyus, where her research focuses on traditional village landscapes and the ecological roles of homestead windbreaks. Her work has been widely recognized, with honors including the Japan Coastal Forest Society Award in November 2018, and the Okinawa Research Encouragement Award in January 2024. Dr. Chen has authored over ten books and published more than 80 research papers, contributing extensively to the understanding and preservation of cultural landscapes in East Asia. Notable publications include Traditional Rural Landscapes in Island Topography in East Asia (2012) and Fukugi Avenues of the Ryukyu Archipelago (2023). Dr. Chen can be contacted at: Office Phone: 098-895-8773 Email: chenbx@agr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp [chenbx@agr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp] Chen, B. Utaki and Ashagi: Sacred forests in the Ryukyu Islands: https://bit.ly/4jcIV2x [https://bit.ly/4jcIV2x] Additional show notes (community work in progress): https://bit.ly/3W99SKP [https://bit.ly/3W99SKP] We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Harikuyamaku from Uchinā, Loochoo, for granting us access to his beautifully remixed timeless tracks from the Mystic Islands Dub album. His soulful music adds a unique touch to our podcast, enriching the listening experience for all of you. Nifē dēbiru, Harikuyamaku! Anigama: https://buff.ly/46SHy3g [https://buff.ly/46SHy3g] Nachijin-myahkunii: https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU [https://buff.ly/3AtfLdU] Instagram: https://buff.ly/46ThVzq [https://buff.ly/46ThVzq] Mystic Islands Dub album: https://buff.ly/4e9irMn [https://buff.ly/4e9irMn] Connect with us: https://bit.ly/49sRWQD [https://bit.ly/49sRWQD] Get full access to The Loochoo Nation Substack at loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe [https://loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]