Founded in 1989, Okinawa City International Association (OCIA) helps promote friendships and a better understanding between Japanese and non-Japanese communities through cross-cultural exchange activities.

Under its current president, Masaru Matsudou, approximately 100 members including a 22-member board of directors, forms the association.

Peter Ku is the vice president of OCIA in charge of general affairs. According to Peter Ku, "We call our association 'Okinawa City' International Association, however, it's in name only." He welcomes anyone from both inside and outside Okinawa City to participate in the activities, or become a member.

OCIA's goal is to provide people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds opportunities to better understand one another, and have a load of fun together, OCIA plans to hold annual cross-cultural exchange events including the Okinawa City International Exchange Festival, potluck parties, the Golden Run (marathon race) as well as the all-Okinawa Eisa Dance Festival also known as Zento Eisa. Zento Eisa is typically held in either August or September. This year, Zento Eisa 2010 will be held September 3rd - 5th.

Click here to read the July 1999 Japan Update article about OCIA written by Kotoko Chinen