CULTURE
Pick Up Stories

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

Hina dolls bring health, happiness to sm… [CULTURE]
‘Hina Matsuri is one of the customs that most people in Japan no more observe but that gives an insight to the Japanese thinking and traditi...Read More

Lunar New Year ushered in this weekend [Community]
Unless someone ventures into Itoman City this weekend, it’s unlikely that anyone would realize that Tuesday is Lunar New Year. The Lunar New...Read More
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 ...
2013.07.09
Ryukyu Philharmonic introduces “IO” Chamber Orchestra [CULTURE]
The Ryukyu Philharmonic Orchestra is ready for the first regular concert of the season, featuring its Chamber Orchestra IO. The Thursday, July 18th concert has doors opening at 6:3...
2013.07.04
237 years… and going strong [Community]
By Bill Charles Americans around the world are planning picnics, barbeques, parades, speeches and fireworks over the next few days as the United States celebrates its 237th birthda...
Residents invited to join clean up project dressed in costume [Community]
The Okinawa City Residents Activity and Exchange Center is looking for volunteers to join a planned clean-up project called “Kasou de Seisou” planned for July 13th in downtown Okin...
2013.07.03
Historic horse races brought to Kodomo no Kuni [History]
Traditional horse racing was once a big thing on Okinawa, pushed aside by World War II, but now being revived by Kodomo no Kuni. The Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni, Zoo & Museum is rea...
2013.06.23
Child Abuse Campaign features “Umareru” documentary [Community]
A child abuse prevention campaign is slated for Okinawa in the form of the 10th Issaigassai Festival in late June, with a documentary a cornerstone event. The June 30th festival ta...
2013.06.21
Gallery Shop hosts Aya Uezato Original Exhibition [CULTURE]
Independent painter Aya Uezato is in the spotlight through Sunday at the Gallery Shop Kufuu. Uezato, who’s talents were unveiled in the prefecture in 2011, wrapped formal education...
2013.06.21
International community joins commemoration [Community]
By Bill Charles The Battle of Okinawa ended 68 years ago this month, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Okinawa, United Services Organization, United Seamen’s Service and vete...
2013.06.17
Fudemoji Art meets Okinawa at Prefectural Museum Gallery [CULTURE]
By Jun Ikemura Syusui Taba has been hard at work for months, tweaking her original calligraphy style for the Fudemoji Art Exhibition that opens Tuesday at the Okinawa Prefectural M...
2013.06.16
‘Art of Patience’ at Urasoe Art Museum exhibition [History]
It’s called the Art of Gaman, or for many of us, the Art of Patience, and it’s the theme of an exhibition running through the end of this month at the Urasoe Art Museum. The Art of...
2013.06.16
Searchlights add symbols of peace 22nd, 23rd [Community]
Searchlights which criss-crossed Okinawa skies during the Battle of Okinawa in the Spring 1945 are to be illuminated again on June 22nd and 23rd, but for the purpose of promoting t...
2013.06.16
Cinema classics showing daily in Naha [History]
Some of the world’s most successful motion pictures are showing on the Okinawa big screen, or will be doing so over the coming weeks as part of the long-term 10 a.m. film festival....
2013.06.07
Historical Ryukyu stamps featured in exhibition [History]
Nearly 150 different postage stamps depicting the Ryukyu Islands are on exhibit at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum’s Historical Exhibition Room on the first floor. The Ryukyu stamps...
2013.06.06
Three-day Sword Exhibition & Demonstration begins Friday [CULTURE]
More than 50 Japanese swords and accessories will be on view Friday through Sunday at a special Sword Exhibition and Demonstrations at the Naha City Bunka Tenbus Center. Okinawa’s ...
2013.06.05
Child Art Exhibition now open at Prefectural Art Museum [CULTURE]
Okinawa Prefectural Art Museum is offering a special Child Art Exhibition through the summer months, all aimed at getting kids interested in art. The exhibition opened this month a...
2013.05.17
Ryukyu Treasure Exhibition expands historical focus [History]
Shuri Castle Park is about to embark on a new exhibition showcasing restoration activities to protect cultural assets related to the Ryukyu Kingdom’s lost history. The new exhibiti...
2013.05.17
Lacquer Culture Exhibition draws crowds in Urasoe [CULTURE]
A Lacquer Culture Exhibition — A Connection and spread of the culture of URUSHI lacquer exhibition – is well in progress at the Urasoe City Art Museum. The exhibition runs th...
2013.05.17
Ryukyu Glass Exhibition kicks off [CULTURE]
The venue in Yaese a bit out of the ordinary, but the Ryukyu Glass Exhibition which gets under way tomorrow is well worth the visit. The Ryukyu Glass Exhibition will run daily thro...
2013.05.14
Dream Garden Market set for Thursday at Oto-Ichiba [Community]
The Dream Garden Market, a showcase of handmade goods by local artisans, will be open this Thursday, May 16th, at Koza Music Town. The market, which is free, runs 11 a.m. ~ 3 p.m. ...
2013.05.10
Mother’s Day shows family appreciation [Community]
By Bill Charles Sunday is Mother’s Day, a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, and the influence moms have worldwide on practically everyone. Okinawa’s jumping into the swi...
