NCRR Delegation to Celebrate Obon with Cuban Japanese on the Island of Youth Event (part 2 of 2)

During his visit, the idea of sending a delegation from the Japanese American community to the Island of Youth during the obon was suggested. This is the one occasion that the Japanese in Cuba get together as a community.   On August 4, the delegation will leave for a 10-day trip to Cuba to meet with Cuban Japanese in Havana and to observe obon on August 12 on the Island of Youth. Their obon includes visiting the gravesites, a community potluck, demonstrations of karate, origami making and wearing of the yukata. Delegation members will share some of the "bon odori" dances performed in the Japanese American community. The delegation includes members of NCRR, as well as Miyamoto who will help teach the dances. In Havana, the delegation will meet with the Society of Japanese to exchange their experiences and to explain the redress campaign by the Japanese American community. The delegation hopes to learn more about the history and current situation of Japanese in Cuba and to share this information upon its return.

Bring Medecine/Bringing Seed
Another important goal of the delegation is to bring medicine for pain ( Tylenol and Salonpan) and gastritis ( Peptol Bismol) as well as Japanese foods ( nori, dired miso soup, noodles). The Island of Youth community has also requested vegetable seeds. All proceeds from a fundraiser will go to the purchase of these much-needed items, which are difficult to obtain due to the United States embargo and trade blockade against Cuba. Donations can be made to NCRR and sent to 231 East Third Street, #G-104, Los Angeles, CA 90013 with "Delegation to Cuba" noted on the check. For more information call: Sandy Maeshiro (310) 837- 7989 or Mayumi Masaoka (323) 665-5616.