CULTURE
Pick Up Stories
Remembering Reversion and Driving on th… [History]
When Okinawa was returned to Japan on May 15th, 1972, part of the package was an entirely new set of challenges that needed to be met. For O...Read More
Tanabata is precursor to Obon season, an… [CULTURE]
Tanabata, also known as “Shichiseki” that takes place on July 7th, is one of the five season-related celebrations in Japan. Empress Koken is...Read More
Day of Naha: Immerse Yourself in the Cap… [Community CURRENT ISSUE]
July 8th is Naha Day in Okinawa. This special occasion originated from the use of play-on-words or rather, a play-on-numbers. Naha’s two syl...Read More
2016.03.14
2nd Sho Dynasty built prosperity of Ryukyu Kingdom [Ryukyu History]
By Hoshin Nakamura, NPO Okinawa Language Center Because of the revolt of Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle against Lord Gosamaru of Nakagusuku Castle and against King Sho Taikyu of S...
2016.03.10
Music Town event to focus on Okinawa’s mixed culture [Ryukyu History]
An interesting event combining photo exhibition and a panel discussion is scheduled to take place Saturday at Koza Music Town. The event aims to explore the mixed culture of the U....
2016.03.07
Akainko made first music to Okinawan sanshin [History Ryukyu History]
Friday, Mar. 4, is known as the Sanshin Day, and everyone knows that sanshin is the instrument of choice for Okinawan music, but where did that music originally come from? Accordin...
2016.03.07
What happened before and after the First Sho Dynasty? [History Ryukyu History]
Ryukyu Kingdom seems to have had several dynasties early in its history, such as Tenson and Shunten dynasties, An old history document called “Chuzan Seikan” (中山世鑑) tells that ther...
2016.02.26
Yaese Town opens spring season with Yaese Hakkei Festival [Community]
Although we may still have a few cold days ahead, the spring is approaching fast, and on Sunday, Feb. 28, a spring festival called Yaese Hakkei Festival will be held at Kochinda At...
2016.02.23
All of Okinawa joins music on Sanshin Day [Community]
Sanshin has an unique place in Okinawan people’s heart, so it’s only natural that the instrument has its own day, Mar. 4th. Former RBC radio station chief Naohiko Uehara is credite...
2016.02.23
Emergence of Ryukyu Kingdom [History Ryukyu History]
By Hoshin Nakamura According to archeological findings in the Ryukyu Islands between 1962 and 1983, the oldest human skeleton on Okinawa was found in the Yamashita Cave. The skelet...
2016.02.18
Onna Fair showcases community beyond resorts [Community]
Onna Village on the east coast of Okinawa is best known as a municipality with the biggest concentration of resorts on Okinawa. It’s also the home to the Okinawa Institute of Techn...
2016.02.17
POPs stage youth musical “Harmony High” on Foster [Community]
The Pacific Okinawa Players is staging youth production ‘Harmony High,’ a high-energy musical for the whole family starting tomorrow at the Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium....
2016.02.14
NPO offers comprehensive two-semester course into Ryukyus [Education Ryukyu History]
By Hoshin Nakamura Okinawa Language Center is offering a course on the history and culture of the Ryukyus titled, “An Introduction to A History & Culture of the Ryukyu Islands”...
2016.02.12
OIST presents music of Japan’s national instrument [CULTURE]
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is presenting a free Koto concert on Saturday, Feb. 27th at OIST Auditorium. The concert begins at 14:00 with doors to the venue ope...
2016.02.09
Drinking and driving is no way to go on Okinawa [Community]
By David Higgins Although the annual holiday season and all the celebration is now over, and all the partying and drinking that usually goes with it, it’s also a good...
2016.02.04
Geien invites public to English language kumiodori workshop [Community]
Mini theater Geien in Oroku, Naha, is a place where independent performers can find a stage to show their talent. According to its owners, it was created as a place where front lin...
2016.01.14
Muuchii’s big lunar day is celebrated Sunday [CULTURE]
Muuchii is the day that in Okinawa is traditionally considered as the beginning of the winter. It’s December 8th according to the lunar calendar, which by the Gregorian calendar th...
2016.01.02
‘Operation Save Noa’ reaches fundraising target [Community]
Officials at NGO ‘Operation Save Noa,’ an organization set up to support one-year-old girl Noa Onaga who suffers of a severe case of dilated cardiomyopathy and needs to get an imme...
2015.12.17
Itoman Peaceful Illumination sends greetings of peace to world [Community]
The 17th Itoman Peaceful Illumination continues the tradition as one of the longest running annual illuminations on Okinawa. Now in progress running through Jan. 3rd, the display i...
2015.12.08
Fisherina area in Chatan aims to become Mecca for marine leisure [Community]
The west-coast areas of Chatan Town are some of the most relaxing resort areas on Okinawa with a large international community. Especially Mihama district is very active and urban ...
2015.11.30
Pictures of ‘Spring’ reflect Japanese erotica through the ages [History]
By David Higgins Reflect if you can how people used to view pornography just 10 years ago, when the Internet had a dial-up connection, and we used to have to wait for pictures to s...
2015.11.20
Pointillist collaboration exhibition at Shuri Kannondo temple [CULTURE]
One of the best known and most popular artists in Okinawa, pointillist Kiyota Oshiro, is holding his newest art exhibition at Shuri Kannondo temple that is one of the most famous a...
2015.11.17
Nanjo showcases best of residents’ gardens [Community]
Twice a year Nanjo City organizes an increasingly popular special week-long event, when public can walk through and tour private gardens in the city. The fall event begins Saturday...
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