In the early 1990's, I was invited by a friend to attend an event of the Okinawa Kai of Washington DC. I was very impressed by the many Okinawans that attended. So many Uchinanchu were there that I knew a part of Okinawa was in America.

My sister and I were separated when we were children growing up in Okinawa. Through the efforts of those friends of the Okinawa Kai of Washington DC,especially Shizuko Jacobson, I was reunited with my sister after 27 years. The friends that I have made in the Washington DC Okinawa Kenjin Kai will always be close to my heart.

I knew then I wanted to give something in return for my amazing good fortune. I suggested to my friends, Sachi Parker, Miki Larson, and Nobuko Leone that we should establish an Okinawa Kai in Ohio. All were very enthusiastic and with their help and hard work, we have accomplished in bringing many Uchinanchu together as members of the Okinawa Tomono Kai of Ohio.

Founder: Hatsue Butsko

Founders of Okinawa Tomono Kai of Ohio :

Hatsue Butsko	Miki Larson	Nobuko Leone	Sachi Parker

First Meeting Okinawa Tomono Kai of Ohio April 1995