The Loochoo Nation Podcast

Entering Sōgwachi with the Ancestors Okinawan New Year — Sōgwachi — is not simply a date. It is a returning. A cyclical turning toward ancestors, land, and continuity itself. This year, I entered Sōgwachi holding something tangible: Clay. Not symbolic clay. Not decorative clay. But cups inscribed with ancestral names — including my own lineage, Nā Gushiku . In this episode of the Loochoo Nation Po...

An intimate conversation with Jill about hajichi , cultural loss, and healing. From her grandfather’s survival in the Battle of Okinawa to the shared grief and joy of reclaiming identity, this episode honors memory, resilience, and the quiet power of returning home. Get full access to The Loochoo Nation Substack at loochoonation.substack.com/subscribe

Nifē dēbiru Pina for the yuntaku! Teariki ʻPina’ Simpson is a Māori community leader, educator, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt based in Taranaki, Aotearoa (New Zealand). With deep ancestral ties to multiple iwi—including Taranaki, Ngāti Te Kura, Ngāti Kahu, and the Kingitanga line through King Tāwhiao—Pina’s life is rooted in whakapapa (genealogy), cultural reclamation, and indigenous sovereig...

Nifē dēbiru Shari for the yuntaku! Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the deep-rooted connections between Okinawan heritage, food, and community. Our guest shares a fascinating personal journey of discovering and preserving her Okinawan ancestry, from family ties in Hiroshima and Itoman to the cultural traditions that shape her identity. We explore the historic and deeply traditional M...

Nifē dēbiru to Dr. Chen for the yuntaku! In this episode, Dr. Bixia Chen shares her fascinating journey from growing up in rural Fujian, China, to studying and settling in Okinawa. She explains how her background in Marxist economics and English teaching led her, unexpectedly, into researching Okinawan sacred spaces, known as utaki, and the cultural significance of feng shui in shaping local villa...

Nifē dēbiru to Paul for the yuntaku! Far Side Music Ltd., founded by Paul Fisher in Japan in 1991, has become a vital hub for promoting Okinawan, Japanese and Asian music globally. Initially intended as a short-term stay, Fisher's 11 years in Japan led him to recognize a gap in the market for 'undiscovered' music, prompting him to launch his own sales initiative. The company now manages various ar...

Nifē dēbiru to Micah for sharing his story! Ancestral Quest and Cultural Awakening Micah's story is one of self-discovery and cultural reconnection. He has been exploring his family history, which has deepened his understanding of his Uchinānchu heritage and strengthened his ties to his ancestral roots. Embracing Oral Traditions Through his research and personal experiences, Micah has gained a ren...

A big thank you to Flor Kaneshiro for her stunning contributions to our Umui Project and for taking the time to chat with us. Flor hails from La Plata, Argentina, where she was born in 1983. Now, she resides in the picturesque Junin de los Andes in Patagonia. As an accomplished illustrator, she also teaches drawing at a local children's school. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Flor has a passion for...