Okinawa hosts fair to celebrate 125th anniversary of migration to Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Department store in Okinawa hosted its first Hawaii Fair to celebrate Okinawan migration to the islands.

Organizers say although Hawaii Fairs are common in malls across Japan, this is the first one held at Ryubou Department Store in Naha, Okinawa’s capital.

Organizer Manabu Yamashiro says it’s a special year marking the 125th anniversary of Okinawans’ migration to Hawaii.

To celebrate, they wanted to showcase local favorites from the Aloha State including Aloha Lemonade, Moloka’i Hot Bread and the famous Leonard’s Bakery.

Okinawa resident Suzuki Katone made sure she got her fresh malasada fix.

“When I was young, I went to Leonard’s in Hawaii and I loved it,” said Katone.

Fair celebrations included hula performances and shopping for popular brands including Aloha Collection and Tori Richards.

“It’s so nice, very good,” said Waikiki resident Momo Inada.

Waikiki has been Inada’s home for 23 years. She flew out to Okinawa to join the fun and hosted a weaving lesson booth.

Nori Sakamoto is the owner of Pioneer Saloon, located on Monsarrat Ave near Diamond Head. The popular food spot is known for their plate lunches, which includes their miso butterfish plate.

Sakamoto said their pop-up was a success during the seven-day fair.

“It was fun, a lot of people came down, I saw so many smiles. Yeah I love it,” said Sakamoto.

Organizers say they plan to bring the fair back next year.

In our Holoholo series, Jolanie Martinez takes us across the islands to find hidden gems, fun places, and interesting people. Do you have a hidden gem or story in your town? Let us know about it at holoholo@hawaiinewsnow.com.