'Obama Girls' fly to Hawaii to cheer on Obama for U.S. presidency

Saturday 07th June, 03:00 AM JST

OBAMA —

A hula dance team from the Japanese city of Obama, calling themselves the ‘‘Obama Girls,’’ left on Friday to perform at a dance contest in Hawaii, where U.S. presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama was born and spent his childhood. Clad in dresses dotted with yellow flowers, the 15-member team cheered Obama for the presidential race with a hula dance in a departing ceremony in front of the Obama City Hall in Fukui Prefecture as about 100 citizens applauded.

The Hawaiian dance contest, which has about 30 years of history, will run from Friday through Monday local time. While in Hawaii, the team will also visit Obama’s office there. “It will be our honor to dance in Mr Obama’s hometown,’’ said team leader Chikako Shimizu, 35. ‘‘We will brush up our performance, hoping that one day we will dance before Mr Obama as he becomes president.’‘

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Latest 15 of 29 Total Comments Show All

USNinJapan2 at 12:01 PM JST - 7th June

What a shining example for all you non-Americans shamelessly endorsing Obama here on JT. Now you too can put on some island garb and show your support for your favorite American candidate! To join, write: webmaster@city.obama.fukui.jp
Sarge at 12:07 PM JST - 7th June

Harmless fun.
kboy at 01:57 PM JST - 7th June

First, this Hula troupe didn't just come up with this idea out of the blue; the whole town has been promoting their "connection" to Barrack Obama throught the Democratic leadership race. They made T-shirts (which you can buy on line), put up posters, had little festivals and such.

I think it's safe to say that they didn't do this because of any particular Democractic leanings in Fukui, but simply because the coincidence of having the same name was good for some exposure (the Japanese news took it in the spirit in which it was intended; as a bit of fun), and probably brought some tourists (and their money) to the town.

In light of that, the fact that a hula group from Obama-shi on their way to a competition in Hawaii would market their "Obama connection", is only natural, and all in good fun.
nisegaijin at 02:32 PM JST - 7th June

Too bad they don't have a clue that Obama's presidency will bankrupt the US and cause global economic collapse.
zzonkerr at 05:22 PM JST - 7th June

Hula dancers from Obama? I think that's cool. Thank God there's no town in Japan called "makkukein".

Nisegaijin - As if that train wreck hasn't started under Bush's watch?
HonestDictator at 06:15 PM JST - 7th June

This makes me laugh and cry at the same time... oh dear gawd this is ridiculous.
eresay at 07:17 PM JST - 7th June

bamboohat, you give new meaning to "vague." What a (ahem) "unique" post. Actually I'm very informed regarding politics thank you very much. So what can you bring to the discussion. At least come out and say you're not an Obama supporter rather offer us the inarticulate waffle you posted.
KaptainKichigai at 07:38 PM JST - 7th June

This is the absolutely stupidest publicity stunt of the year
blvtzpk at 07:42 PM JST - 7th June

If they're like most of these hula groups, 'Obama mamas' would probably be more accurate. ;)
LFRAgain at 09:05 PM JST - 7th June

It's just harmless fun. What's with all the sour grapes, people? Have a coke, smile, and lighten the hell up.
Wottock_Hunt at 09:20 PM JST - 7th June

I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with doing a dance for someone, just because you share a name.

I, for example, share a common epithet with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and keep writing to him, offering to perform an ancient Saxon Moon Dance for him and his grasping wife.

I haven't received a reply yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time.

Wottock Hunt.
Sarge at 10:13 PM JST - 7th June

"Obama mamas"

Har!
DanManjt at 02:50 AM JST - 8th June

This is getting embarrassing.

For her, I mean.
KaptainKichigai at 11:59 AM JST - 9th June

If it looks like it, acts like it and smells like, you call it what it is...And this is just....dumb
timorborder at 11:25 PM JST - 9th June

Too bad they don't have a clue that Obama's presidency will bankrupt the US and cause global economic collapse.

No Nise, that would be the presidency of the current chickenhawk, sorry incumbent.