(Photos by MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS / Rafu Shimpo.

food-centric documentary and Kanata no Senkō: Lightning Over the Beyond a deeply emotional exploration of war – together they demonstrate the spectrum of the Ryūkyūan/Okinawan experience: surrounded by rich cultural heritage as well as the after-effects of World War IIs devastating Battle of Okinawa.The 19th annual JFFLA is set for Sept.

Okinawan actors Shōgen and Awich deliver unforgettable performances with nuanced restraint.The Kanata no Senkō: Lightning Over the Beyond screening is a collaboration with Japan Film Festival Los Angeles (JFFLA).Intense situations (non-violent).

and brief scenes of alcohol consumption.interviews and staged scenes are woven together with gorgeous landscapes of Uchinaa (Okinawa Island) and mouth-watering close-ups of food and cooking.

2024 marks the organizations 115th anniversary as well as the 25th anniversary of the OAA Center in Gardena.

a chef in Yanbaru (the northern region of Uchinaa).many wearing yukata or happi coats.

a bounce house and a giant slide.People of all ages paricipated in Bon Odori.

There were also carnival games.Dancers from around Southern California participated in Bon Odori.