CULTURE
Pick Up Stories
Shiimi: A time to remember and honor th… [CULTURE]
April marks the beginning of one of Okinawa’s most important and sacred religious ceremonies, known locally as shiimi. This particular cerem...Read More
Shisa get their day on Thursday [History Living]
April 3 is the “Day of Shisa” in Okinawa. Four is SHI, and three is SAN in Japanese. This is why April 3rd is the Day of Shisa. The day was ...Read More
Sanshin, The Heart and Soul of Okinawa [CULTURE]
The sanshin is easily the most recognizable musical instrument in Okinawa. Its distinctive, high-pitched sound can be heard throughout the i...Read More
2013.11.04
Classic Ryukyu dolls showing at exhibition [History]
Hand crafted dolls have a long history in Japan, but Ryukyu dolls, which are said to be especially beautiful because of the way they’ve been fabricated through the ages, are now th...
2013.11.01
Traditional Shuri parade is prayer for peace [History]
By Naomi Nakamatsu The ancient Ryukyu Kingdom comes alive for the day Sunday as the Shuri Castle Festival parade takes place on the castle grounds before spilling out onto nearby s...
2013.10.28
Peace Memorial Museum presents special exhibition [History]
The effects of the Battle of Okinawa 68 years ago are being analyzed now through an Okinawa Prefectural Museum special project focusing on “The Battle and what Okinawan Japanese Im...
Invitation to solve Halloween Puzzle! [Community]
Koza Shopping Street Federation will be holding “Halloween Town in Koza 2013” this weekend, and on the 31st. The event will be held in the Ichibangai shopping mall and ...
2013.10.25
Lion Dance Festival is something bit different [CULTURE]
There are festivals, and then there are special festivals, including Sunday’s 28th Shishimai Festival, which keys on the traditional lion dance. The Shishimai Festival taking place...
2013.09.30
Kume Island has lot to offer for short trip [CULTURE]
By Naomi Nakamatsu According to a tradition, Kume Island has been known as a rice-producer in Okinawa, and this is also where derives its name from. Kume was a rice island. It is u...
2013.09.30
Yambaru Byobu Exhibition opens Tuesday at OIST [CULTURE]
Yambaru Byobu, the collective name for traditional folding screens with the animals and plants of Yambaru painted on them, is the theme for a month-long exhibition starting next we...
Vendors wanted for Oct. 26-27 Okinawa Tomodachi Works [Community]
Onna Village has created a new opportunity for Okinawans, Japanese and foreigners to get to know each other better, via Okinawa Tomodachi Works, a community event planned for late ...
2013.09.22
Byron Jones is ‘almost Okinawan’ [Community]
By Jun Ikemura In the tight-knit community of professional Sanshin players on Okinawa, Byron Jones stands out in more ways than one. The 44-year-old American has been playing the S...
2013.09.19
Global Village hosting Belly Dance Night [Community]
Belly dancing is quickly becoming a global art, and Okinawa’s enthusiasts are lining up for an evening show to demonstrate the dancers’ skills on Saturday. The evening program tak...
2013.09.18
Shuri Castle Park Mid-Autumn Celebration this weekend [CULTURE]
Living National Treasures of Okinawa will perform music and dance at Shuri Castle Park Saturday and Sunday as the park celebrates the Mid-Autumn season. The events take place in th...
2013.09.15
Kitanakagusuku packs history and future [Community]
By Jun Ikemura Most Americans have heard of Kitanakagusuku Village, although many are confused about the difference between it and Nakagusuku Village, which is just down the road. ...
2013.09.12
KIP introduces Viva Mexico! To Okinawa [Community]
Viva Mexico! Koza International Plaza is helping Mexico celebrate its independence on Sunday with a special afternoon presentation at its Okinawa City premises. KIP will be present...
2013.08.29
Lacquer ware techniques exhibition now at Urasoe Museum [CULTURE]
“The Sculpt method in Ryukyu and Asia exhibition” is the theme of a new, long-term exhibition at the Urasoe Museum. The exhibition will run at the Urasoe City Museum through Decemb...
2013.08.29
Hai Sai Tsuboya-Yaki Exhibition on final stretch [CULTURE]
The Hai Sai Tsuboya-Yaki Exhibition is moving into its final week at the Naha Tsuboya Yachimun Museum. The exhibition, which began Tuesday, August 20th, ends Sunday, September 8th....
2013.08.19
Obon brings ancestors back to Okinawa homes [CULTURE]
For three days from Monday through Wednesday, many private businesses on Okinawa will be closed, although all retail shops, restaurants and all public offices stay open. It is Obon...
2013.08.16
Ichihanari Art Project is popular with artists and guests alike [CULTURE]
The Ichihanari Art Project is under way in Ikei Village, open to artisans and visitors daily through September 1st. Admission to the Ichihanari Art Project, which is taking place a...
2013.07.22
Jimmy Onishi Exhibition ~ Challenging & Innovative [CULTURE]
A colorful art exhibition is now under way at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, presenting Jimmy Onishi’s “Challenging & Innovations.” The exhibition, which open...
2013.07.17
International Theater Festival kicks off July 20th [CULTURE]
By Bill Charles The Kijimuna Festa 2013, an International Theater Festival in Okinawa catering to the young audience, is finalizing its program for an eight-day run beginning July ...
2013.07.17
Traditional Lacquer Art Exhibition in progress to 21st [CULTURE]
The Urasoe City Art Museum is featuring an exhibition on Japanese lacquer art centering on Ryukyu Shikki through Sunday, July 21st. The exhibition is being held for the first time ...
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