Okinawan cultural seminar gives Airmen insight on history, society Published Dec. 3, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- About 100 Airmen of all ranks attended an Okinawan cultural seminar sponsored by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Okinawa liaison office at Kadena's Schilling Community Center, Dec. 2. The seminar, which hosted a guest speaker on the history and culture of Okinawa and a Karate demonstration, was held as a means to help strengthen community ties between servicemembers and their Okinawan neighbors. "It was a great cultural exchange," said Masahiro Nakamoto, master Karate sensei for the Okinawa Traditional Kobudo Preservation Society and demonstrator at the seminar. "Knowing each other's culture is the best way to create bonds between people." The event began with a guest speaker, Kazuhiko Nakamoto, who gave a brief history of key events on Okinawa, from the formation of the Ryukyu Kingdom to World War II and the battle of Okinawa, to more recent eras with the Koza Riot of 1970. Afterward, a Karate demonstration allowed those attending the opportunity to "fight" each other under quick instruction of master Nakamoto. Though similar seminars have been held at different bases on Okinawa over the past few years, this was only the second time one was held at Kadena. "I think overall it was a really good success, and I think that more of these should go on because it will give more people better insight and perspective into the culture they're currently living in," said 1st Lt. Jamie Davis, 18th Contracting Squadron contract specialist and coordinator for the event. Lieutenant Davis said the base expects to host more seminars to keep Airmen informed about the Okinawan culture. "I think it's very important for Airmen to learn these things," said Airman 1st Class Samuel Ronan, a member of the 18th Component Maintenance Squadron and participant in the Karate demonstration. "I enjoyed it a lot. I felt it was very informative."