Okinawa Association of America

What Okinawa Association of America does

The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Gardena, California, that serves the Okinawan diaspora in Southern California through cultural preservation, educational programming, and community-building initiatives. Founded over 110 years ago (predecessor Nanka Okinawa Kenjinkai formed in 1909), the organization operates from its OAA Center at 16500 S Western Ave and currently serves over 900 individual and household members. Its core offerings include tiered annual memberships ($15-$40/year for Student, Individual, and Family tiers, plus free Lifetime memberships for members 80+), multiple scholarship programs (High School Scholarship, Kempi Scholarship, Uchinaa Junior Study Program, JPASC Ikuei Scholarship), and recurring community programming such as Uchinaaguchi language classes, monthly senior gatherings, karaoke club, Nuchaashii potlucks, and the Women's Club, alongside annual events including the Picnic (held since the 1930s at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area), New Year's Party (Carson Community Center), Irei no Hi Memorial Day observance, Senior Appreciation Day, and the General Meeting.

The underlying technology stack is standard non-profit operational tooling: a public website (oaamensore.org), the Jigami-gwa email list (1,900+ subscribers), quarterly 'Haisai OAA News' newsletter (print and digital), Zoom for virtual classes, Google Forms for scholarship applications, Ko-Fi for online membership registration, and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube). The organization maintains the OAA Kamiya Library, a volunteer-catalogued collection of Okinawa-focused books and DVDs available for member borrowing. No proprietary software, mobile application, or AI/ML capabilities are evident.

The OAA's revenue model combines six streams: recurring membership dues (subscription), tax-deductible donations (monetary, car donations via Harold's Car Donation, workplace matching, in-kind, grocery loyalty programs with Ralphs and Food4Less, See's Candy Yum-Raiser), event revenue (raffle ticket sales, silent auctions, bento pre-orders, corporate sponsorship), and newsletter advertising ($35-$100/year). Distribution is regional (Southern California) via the physical OAA Center and event venues, supplemented by online channels. The organization's go-to-market is community-led, with growth driven by word-of-mouth through personal networks, cultural event participation, and intergenerational engagement. Strategic partnerships with the Okinawa Prefectural Government (Junior Study Program, Kempi Scholarship), the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (JPASC Ikuei Scholarship), and local sponsors (Kamiya Insurance, Keiro, Uyehara Travel) extend its program surface and institutional reach.

Name

Okinawa Association of America

Legal name

Okinawa Association of America, Inc.

Website

https://oaamensore.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1909

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Okinawa Association of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving the Okinawan diaspora in Southern California through cultural preservation, educational programs, scholarships, and community events, with over 900 members operating from its Gardena, California center since 1909.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural Heritage Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Alumni Benefits, Membership & Affinity Programs (EDALAOAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Alumni Events, Reunions & Regional Chapters (EDALAOAG), Fundraising & Annual Giving (EDALAOAB)

Keywords

• Cultural preservation programs
• Community membership organization
• Heritage language education
• Youth scholarship programs
• Community cultural events

Headquarters

HQ city

Gardena

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from individual, family, student, and lifetime members providing access to programs, events, and benefits.
2. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible monetary donations, car donations, workplace matching, and in-kind contributions for daily operations, events, and facility maintenance.
3. Event Revenue: Raffle ticket sales, silent auction proceeds, bento pre-orders, and sponsorship revenue from annual events including New Year's Party and Picnic.
4. Advertising Revenue: Advertisement space sales in quarterly newsletter 'Haisai OAA News' to member businesses.
5. Grocery Loyalty Programs: Ralphs and Food4Less Community Contribution Program where a portion of eligible purchases is donated to OAA.
6. See's Candy Fundraiser: Yum-Raiser storefront for See's Candy sales where OAA receives a portion of proceeds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The OAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization that promotes Okinawan culture and supports the Okinawan diaspora in Southern California through tiered annual memberships (Individual $25, Family $40, Student $15, Lifetime), recurring community gatherings, heritage-language (Uchinaaguchi) classes, annual cultural events (Picnic, New Year's Party, Senior Appreciation Day, Irei no Hi), and youth educational scholarships including the High School Scholarship, Kempi Scholarship (Okinawa Prefectural Government-sponsored), Uchinaa Junior Study Program, and JPASC Ikuei Scholarship.

Product overview

The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) operates a comprehensive community organization with a digital presence offering cultural, educational, and social programs. The core offerings include membership programs with tiered benefits (Individual, Family, Student, Lifetime), multiple scholarship opportunities (High School Scholarship, Kempi Scholarship, Uchinaa Junior Study Program, JPASC Ikuei Scholarship), and regular community events (annual Picnic, New Year's Party, Senior Gatherings, Uchinaaguchi language classes, Karaoke Club, Nuchaashii Gatherings). The organization also provides a library, volunteer opportunities, and various donation mechanisms to support operations. The products work together as an integrated cultural preservation and community-building ecosystem serving Okinawan-Americans in Southern California.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OAA Membership Program Tiered membership program offering Individual ($25/year, ages 18+), Family ($40/year, includes spouse and up to 4 dependent children under 18), Student ($15/year, ages 18-26 with student ID), and Lifetime (free for members 80+ after minimum 3 years paid) subscriptions with benefits including exclusive activities, library borrowing privileges, discounted event admission, scholarship eligibility, and newsletter delivery.
• OAA High School Scholarship Annual scholarship for graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent in Southern California, awarded based on academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, community contributions, transcript, essays, and financial need.
• Kempi Scholarship Scholarship program sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government selecting outstanding descendants of Okinawan emigrants for education and training at universities and traditional arts institutions in Okinawa Prefecture.
• Uchinaa Junior Study Program Annual immersion program bringing middle and high school students of Okinawan descent to their ancestral islands for a subsidized trip to learn about Okinawan history, culture, and nature alongside local Okinawan youth.
• JPASC Ikuei Scholarship Scholarship awarding exceptional students of Japanese and Okinawan culture, recommended by the Okinawa Association of America as a member of the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California.
• OAA Annual Picnic Annual summer community event featuring live performances, Okinawa-style Bon Odori, games, raffle drawings, water balloon toss tournament, chinahichi (tug-of-war), and high school scholarship awards presentation.
• New Year's Party Annual January event featuring live performances including Ryukyuan music and dance, lion dance, raffle drawings, silent auction, sake barrel ceremony, and induction of board members and officers.
• Senior Gatherings Monthly meetings held on 2nd Tuesdays for senior members featuring tea, donuts, yuntaku, rajio taiso calisthenics, and varying activities including craft classes, health seminars, and cultural sharing.
• Uchinaaguchi Class Online heritage-language class held on 2nd Fridays via Zoom teaching Uchinaaguchi, a native Ryukyuan language, led by resident expert and historian Chogi Higa.
• OAA Karaoke Club Monthly karaoke gatherings held on 3rd Saturdays featuring Okinawan folk songs, Japanese enka, Hawaiian favorites, and American classics for members and guests.
• Nuchaashii Gatherings Monthly potluck gatherings held on last Saturdays combining in-person and online formats, featuring self-introductions in Uchinaaguchi and Okinawan cultural presentations.
• Women's Club (Fujin-bu) Fujin-bu Women's Club hosting members-only luncheons to foster fellowship and celebrate the new year.
• Irei no Hi (Memorial Day) Annual June commemoration of the end of WWII's Battle of Okinawa, memorializing the nearly 150,000 Okinawan lives lost with educational events for the next generation.
• Senior Appreciation Day Annual September luncheon by invitation celebrating senior members with live performances, certificate ceremonies for members turning 90, and birthday acknowledgements.
• Annual General Meeting Annual November meeting where members read annual reports, express suggestions, vote for leadership positions, and hear presentations from Junior Study Program and Kempi Scholarship participants.
• OAA Kamiya Library Growing library of Okinawa-focused books, DVDs, and materials available for member borrowing with cataloging support from volunteers.
• Haisai OAA News Newsletter

Quantifiable outcome

• 432 attendees at 2026 New Year's Party - largest attendance since pre-pandemic
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Harold's Car DonationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Car donation program partner since 2017. Company picks up donated cars from donors' homes, resells or parts out vehicles, and donates a portion of net proceeds to OAA. Handles all DMV paperwork and receipts, making car donation easy for donors.
• Kamiya Insurance AgencycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor of OAA Picnic and New Year's Party. Donated raffle prizes including 43/43 inch Smart TV. Long-term community supporter of OAA events.
• KeirocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor of OAA Picnic. Healthcare-focused organization serving Japanese American seniors.
• Uyehara TravelcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGolf cart sponsor for Picnic and Special Grand Prize Sponsor for New Year's Party ($1,000 cash prize). Travel agency serving the Okinawan community.
• Kinjo Insurance & Financial ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor of OAA New Year's Party.
• Shima PlaylistminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated Hello Kitty gift basket for Picnic basket raffle.
• Ryukyukoku Matsuri DaikocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerforming arts group that provides live Ryukyuan drumming performances at OAA Picnic and New Year's Party events. Key cultural partner for traditional Okinawan entertainment.
• Young Okinawans of Hawai'i (YOH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHawaiian organization that provided choreography influences for Okinawa-style Bon Dance and music recordings for OAA Bon Dance program.
• Okinawa Prefectural GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment sponsor of Uchinaa Junior Study Program and Kempi Scholarship. Provides funding, program administration, and international coordination for Okinawan youth cultural immersion and study abroad programs.
• Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (JPASC/Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organization for prefectural associations in Southern California. OAA is an affiliated kenjinkai. Co-sponsors Ikuei Scholarship for exceptional students of Japanese/Okinawan culture.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Uchinaanchu Network: A worldwide network of Okinawan diaspora organizations referenced as an OAA competitive advantage. Directly comparable as a peer kenjinkai-style Okinawan heritage organization, though the specific website is not confirmed and detailed comparison is limited to its listed relationship with OAA.
• Young Okinawans of Hawaii (YOH): A youth-focused Okinawan diaspora organization in Hawaii that partners with OAA on cultural programming (e.g., Bon Dance choreography). Directly comparable as a generationally-targeted Okinawan cultural engagement organization.
• Keiro: A Japanese-American senior-focused health and social services organization and a core OAA event sponsor. Comparable as a culturally-rooted Japanese-American nonprofit serving a similar demographic base with programming overlap in senior engagement and community wellness.
• Hawaii United Okinawa Association: The largest Okinawan prefectural association in the United States, serving the Okinawan diaspora in Hawaii with cultural events, scholarships, and the Hawaii Okinawa center. Highly comparable to OAA in mission (Okinawan cultural preservation, youth programs, hall rentals, senior engagement) and in kenjinkai-style membership structure.

Broad incumbents

• Japanese American National Museum (JANM): The preeminent national museum and cultural center preserving the history and culture of Japanese Americans. Comparable in mission scope (Japanese-American cultural preservation) but operates at significantly larger scale across exhibitions, education, and advocacy, with a Los Angeles Little Tokyo campus.
• Japanese American Citizens League (JACL): The oldest and largest Asian-American civil rights organization in the United States. Comparable as a Japanese-American membership-driven nonprofit offering scholarships, chapters, events, and advocacy — though serving a pan-Japanese-American mission rather than Okinawan-specific.

Regional players

• Japanese American Association of New York: A New York-based Japanese-American cultural and community organization offering language classes, cultural events, and networking. Comparable mission and structure (membership nonprofit, cultural programming, senior engagement) but operating on the opposite coast with no overlap in geography.
• Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California: A San Francisco-based Japanese-American cultural and community center offering classes, events, and senior programs. Highly comparable operating model to OAA (membership, classes, events, senior services) but serving the Northern California Okinawan/Japanese community instead of Southern California.
• Little Tokyo Service Center: A Los Angeles-based Japanese-American community development nonprofit offering social services, senior programs, and cultural activities. Comparable as a regional Japanese-American community nonprofit operating programs with overlapping target demographics (seniors, families, youth) in Southern California.

Emerging players

• Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC): A San Francisco Japantown-based youth-serving nonprofit offering college access, scholarships, and cultural programming. Partially comparable in its scholarship administration and youth cultural-immersion programming, though narrower in mission than OAA.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@oaacentennial/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/oaamensore
• Instagraminstagram.com/oaamensore
• Xx.com/oaamensore
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/okinawa-association-of-america

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Okinawa Association of America