There are people working tirelessly to put down roots for Okinawan culture in the Philippines. Under the leadership of Chairperson Virgie Higa Solis (a 2nd-generation Okinawan-Filipino) and Vice Chairperson, Asahiko Yara, a 1st -generation Okinawan, the Philippine United Okinawa Association (PUOA) has formed a close partnership with the Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation, successfully running a series of events and evolving beyond a traditional prefectural association into a platform for economic and cultural diplomacy.
This article looks back at the journey so far by tracing the many events the two organizations have carried out together.
Activity Timeline: A Record of the Bond Between Okinawa and the Philippines
- 2018: PUOA (Philippine United Okinawa Association) founded — Established a new structure to replace the former POS (Philippine Okinawa Society, Inc.), laying the groundwork for cooperation with government and the Public Corporation.
- 2021: First Okinawa Food Festival held — [Co-hosted] A powerful showcase of Okinawa immediately after the pandemic.
- 2022: Relocated its base to “Ironman Steakhouse” — [Base] Became a permanent hub for Okinawan books and liquor.
- 2022–present: Exhibited a booth at the Emperor’s Birthday reception (Embassy of Japan) for four consecutive years — [Partnership] Official promotion of Okinawan products to the top tier of the diplomatic community.
- 2023: Second Okinawa Food Festival — [Co-hosted] Promoted tourism to Okinawa through its food and drink.
- 2023: Okinawan dance performance at SM Aura shopping mall — [Hosted/supported] Raised brand value through refined performing arts.
- 2024: Hosted a welcome reception for visiting Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki — [Partnership] Reaffirmed the bond among Uchinanchu (Okinawans).
- Ongoing: Cultural and economic exchange, attendance at memorial services for the war dead, community service, and building the Okinawa brand — maintaining the presence of Okinawa Prefecture and its diaspora in the Philippines, and prayers for peace.
What the PUOA–Public Corporation Partnership Means
The reason our activities have earned unwavering trust locally rests on three pillars.
1. A Continuous, Official Okinawan Presence
As seen in four consecutive years of exhibiting at the Japanese Embassy’s Emperor’s Birthday reception, and in organizing official receptions during the Governor’s visits, partnering with the Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation has established Okinawa’s standing as an “official, special partner” in the Philippines.
2. Cultural Exchange Centered on Makati City
Rather than simply holding events, PUOA operates its Makati City headquarters, “Ironman Steakhouse,” as a permanent community hub. There, visitors can browse Okinawa-related books, purchase prefectural specialties such as awamori and whisky, and take part in programs introducing eisa and Okinawan dance.
3. Facing History with Sincerity
Every year without fail, PUOA attends the memorial service for the war dead at the Calirayan Japanese Garden and lays a wreath. Beyond business or cultural and economic exchange, this stands as proof that PUOA members with ties to Okinawa sincerely honor those who came before and engage seriously with the region’s history — an important activity that must continue.
In Closing — Looking to the Future
With the continued strong backing of Okinawa Prefecture and the Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation, PUOA will keep serving as a bridge between the Philippines and Okinawa, creating new value in both culture and the economy — so that the bonds our predecessors built can be passed on securely to the next generation.
First Okinawa Food Festival https://youtu.be/h8fPbrc6N6A?si=KaUkqAbkcNYu0NXT
(November 26, 2021)
Second Okinawa Food Festival https://youtu.be/mqns_C0zAVg?si=olkukvb83aBrKMIg
(November 20, 2022)
An Evening in Okinawa Mini Concert https://youtu.be/p88WR8KKRDE?si=hpXfYrbK4wIuhZCc
(May 10, 2023)
Welcome Reception for the Visiting Okinawa Governor https://youtu.be/O3DdkN5XAxw?si=0K7kLvgeVTb17pjC
(February 4, 2024)
Okinawa Gin and Okinawa Island Blue Tasting https://youtu.be/L2FpaOshftc?si=nBrrZlaW9KRYnVrq
(September 9, 2025)
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