Merchants on the “Gate 2 Street,” a street stretching from the Goya intersection to Kadena Air Base Gate #2 in Okinawa City, are organizing a morning event called “Morning at the Gate Street” this Sunday, Mar. 27th. The event starts at 08:00 and ends at 14:00.

The aim of the event is to change the image of the area from that of a military and night town spot to an ordinary city neighborhood. 16 cafes, clothing shops and other businesses are joining forces to organize the event.

The street is home to many bars and live houses that mostly cater to the U.S. military clients, but owners say they have suffered economic damage in the past because the military’s disciplinary actions have set the businesses off limits or banned drinking off base.

In addition, the construction of giant shopping centers in areas close by has affected the street shops as local people flock into the malls. On the other hand, some cafes, sundry shops and clothing stores in other areas that are open from the morning have become popular, especially among female customers.

The event organizers came up with a concept that combines fashion, health, natural and high quality. They say the aim is to get the public’s attention and change the image of the street from nightlife and drinking. The shops participating in the event include a bakery using natural ingredients, vegetable cafe, gardening shop, yoga studio, craft shops and others. The location of the event the small park called Uechi Grass Field near KAB Gate #2.

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