Born Again Uchinanchu revisits the important milestones and cultural movements that contributed to the Okinawan community’s phenomenal growth between 1980 and 2000. It encourages us to reflect on four cornerstone values that have guided the Uchinanchu community for over a century: yaaninju (family), yuimaaru (working together), ukaji deebiru (with deep gratitude) and chibariyo! (to persevere).
In April 2026, Oroku Azajin club members began reading the Born Again Uchinanchu book. We met 3 times over a 6-week period to discuss themes, share reflections with each other, and learn more about what it means to be Uchinanchu in Hawaii. We also invited and learned from special guests who provided more context and background to the stories in the book.
Here are some resources if you would like to start a book club for your Club.
A book club is a small group of people who read the same book and come together to talk about it. The goal is to share reactions, ask questions, learn from each other, and enjoy the story more through conversation. It can be casual, social, thoughtful, or all of the above — basically a shared reading experience that builds connection.
Meeting #1 - Read chapters 1-3
Foreword by former Governor John D. Waihe‘e, III
Prologue: The Dawning of An Okinawan
Chapter 1 Going Home
Chapter 2 Planting New Seeds in Hawai‘i
Chapter 3 Okinawan Festival … Sharing Uchinanchu Aloha
Meeting #2 - Read chapters 4-6
Chapter 4 Home Sweet Home
Chapter 5 Gifts of Chimugukuru
Chapter 6 Maui’s Chibariyo! Story
Meeting #3 - Read chapters 7-end
Chapter 7 Okage Sama De: The 1990 Okinawan Celebration
Chapter 8 A Century of Okinawans in Hawai‘i
Chapter 9 Generation Next: The Young Ambassadors
Chapter 10 Living the Culture
Afterword: Former Governor David Y. Ige
Born Again Uchinanchu website
Book review by San Times
"Born Again Uchinanchu" Book Lecture
"Born Again Uchinanchu" UH Book Talk
These can be used as conversation starters or not used at all.
What does the phrase “born again Uchinanchu” mean to you before reading the book? How does the prologue and early chapters begin to shape or challenge that idea?
The 1980 study tour participants felt both excitement and apprehension before meeting their Okinawan relatives. Have you ever experienced a moment where you reconnected with your heritage in a way that felt unfamiliar or intimidating?
Many Sansei grew up two generations removed from their immigrant grandparents. How does distance—geographic, linguistic, or emotional—shape cultural identity?
What role do you think family stories play in keeping cultural memory alive?
Chapter 3 highlights the early Okinawan Festival and the power of community networks. What makes a cultural festival more than just an event? What makes it a vessel for identity?
The book emphasizes the warmth and generosity shown to the Hawai‘i group during their homestays. What does “home” mean in the context of diaspora? Can you have more than one?
The book highlights chimugukuru (heart, spirit) and ukaji deebiru (deep gratitude). How do these values show up in your own life or community?
Why do you think gratitude is such a central part of Uchinanchu identity?
The chibariyo spirit could be described as “indomitable.” What examples of perseverance stand out in these chapters?
How does perseverance differ from resilience? Are they the same?
Maui’s community story is highlighted as uniquely powerful. What does this tell us about how different islands or regions shape cultural expression?
The 1990 Okinawan Celebration and the building of the Hawaii Okinawa Center were major milestones. What does it take for a community to create something that lasts beyond one generation?
The book asks what it means to “live the culture” rather than simply observe it. What does “living the culture” look like in everyday life? How do you personally live your culture—or how would you like to?
The book highlights four cornerstone values: yaaninju (family), yuimaaru (working together), ukaji deebiru (gratitude), chibariyo (perseverance). Which of these feels most essential for the next generation? Why?
These can be used as take home activities or completed during the meeting or not used at all.
Pick one:
Write a short paragraph about: A moment you felt connected to your heritage.
Write a short paragraph about: A hope you have for future generations.
Pick one:
Write a short paragraph about: A person in your life who embodies yuimaaru (mutual help).
Write a short paragraph about: An example of yuimaaru (mutual help) you’ve witnessed in the Hawaii-Okinawan community.
3. Consider an Okinawan cultural value. Think of examples from the book and/or from your life. Think about what you can do to pass on or share this value with others.