The International Okinawan Cultural Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Okinawa. Our mission is to keep traditional arts, stories, and values alive by making them accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds around the world.  We have been doing this for over forty years.

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Rooted in the spirit of community and respect, our foundation supports programs that highlight Okinawa’s unique history and living culture. We work with culture bearers, artists, and educators to offer traditional karate, Ryukyuan dance, Eisa drumming, language and history programs, and other cultural experiences that connect people to Okinawa’s past and present.

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Through classes, performances, and educational events, we create spaces where participants can learn, practice, and share in authentic cultural traditions. Our programs are designed not only to teach skills, but also to build understanding, pride, and cross‑cultural connection. Whether someone is discovering Okinawan culture for the first time or deepening a lifelong relationship with it, we aim to provide meaningful, high‑quality experiences.

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As a nonprofit foundation, we rely on the support of members, donors, and community partners to sustain and grow this work. Contributions help us fund scholarships, expand outreach to schools and community groups, support artists and instructors, and develop new programs that respond to the needs of our global community.

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Above all, the International Okinawan Cultural Education Foundation exists to ensure that Okinawa’s cultural legacy continues to thrive—honoring the past, empowering the present, and inspiring future generations to carry these traditions forward.

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