Festival
Pick Up Stories
Itoman Haaray; a traditional and fun eve… [CULTURE Festival]
The Itoman Haaray takes place on the May 4th of the Lunar Calendar. This day is actually June 18th 2026 of the Gregorian Calendar. Most peop...Read More
Chasing the Dragon – The Naha Haarii [Festival]
The Naha Haarii Festival will happen during Golden Week from May 3-5, 10:00 ~ 19:00 at the Naha New Port. Haarii — meaning “dragon boat” in ...Read More
Golden Week, Japan’s Mega Holiday [CULTURE Family Festival]
Spring is here. And in Japan that means warmer weather, cherry blossoms, and rainy season. But, before the rainy season takes hold and shrou...Read More
2013.04.22
18th Iejima Island Lily Festival set for two-week run [Festival]
The 18th annual Iejima Island Lily Festival in northern Okinawa is making final preparations for its opening on Saturday. The free flower festival runs through Monday, May 6th, at ...
2013.04.20
Yambaru Umi no Eki Festival plays Sunday [Festival]
It’s a family-oriented festival coming up Sunday, at Yambaru Umi No Eki, the Sea Station in Yamakawa, Motobu Town. The free festival runs 1 p.m. ~ 9 p.m., with ‘Mahaina Village of ...
2013.04.20
Kume island Firefly Festival opens Saturday evening [Festival]
The finishing touches are being put on the program for Saturday evening’s Kume Island Firefly Festival, taking place at Sinkou Street, also known as Jin Jin Road. This festival is ...
2013.04.18
Dragon Boat Races kick off White Beach Festival [Festival]
Sunday’s a busy day for White Beach, as the White Beach Spring Festival puts the dragon boats in the water to begin a day of festivities. The day-long festival begins at 11 a.m. wi...
2013.04.13
Mama Festival in Okinawa to promote children [Festival]
Spring Mama Festival 2013 takes place in Ginowan Sunday, a festival developed to promote mother-and-child support by a Tokyo non-profit organization. The 11 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. event at...
2013.04.12
Camping, art and music ready at the 10th Takuji Festival [Festival]
Nanjo City is the weekend venue for a unique outdoor festival that features tent camping, a variety of different foods, art and music. The Saturday and Sunday Takuji Festival runs ...
2013.04.12
Countdown is on to spring Foster Festival [Festival]
The 2013 Foster Festival is just around the corner, slated for a two-day run with music food, amusements and more. Festivities will be held on Saturday, April 13th and Sunday, Apr...
2013.04.12
‘Firework Illusion’ is Saturday Kaiensai theme [Festival]
The first fireworks festival of the season is coming up Saturday night, and organizers of the Ryukyu Kaiensai are crossing their fingers the weather prognosticators are correct an...
2013.04.08
5th Koza Terurin Festival set for April 14th [Festival]
A festival named in honor of one of Okinawa’s greatest musicians, Rinsuke Teruya, will take place Sunday afternoon, April 14th, at Okinawa City’s Chuo Park Avenue. Admission is fre...
2013.04.04
WYUA brings Expo, Folk Music Festival to Naha [Festival]
Okinawa, once called the “emigration prefecture” for its wide ranging movement of its citizens, is now having its World Youth Uchinanchu Association team with the Naha Commercial C...
2013.03.25
Mihama Manga Mega Expo coming this weekend [Festival]
It’s an exposition in which anime lovers and costume lovers go into disguise as anime characters, and entertain Mihama crowds as the 3rd Mihama Manga Mega Expo. The event space at ...
2013.03.22
5th Okinawa International Movie Festival is a big deal [Festival]
By Bill Charles Theater lights are about to dim at three venues Saturday for the start to the 5th Okinawa International Movie Festival. The festival begins Saturday afternoon and r...
2013.02.15
Kunigami Village weekend fair promotes regional products [Festival]
Friendship between Kunigami Villagers and outsiders is the accent this weekend for the Kunigami Village Fair at the Kunigami Village Tourism Products Center. The annual festival is...
2013.01.24
Custom motorbikes to share sakura beauty in Nago [Festival]
It’s a first-time event as custom made motorbikes of Yanbaru will be presented as an exhibition in Nago City Saturday, not far from the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival. The customized...
2013.01.21
Industrial Festival showcases Okinawa City goods [Festival]
Okinawa City is putting the final touches on preparations for weekend’s Industrial Festival (Jan 26~27), a two-day combination of Okinawa products presentations and a host of famil...
2013.01.17
Cherry blossoms grace northern Okinawa [Festival]
By Bill Charles The color pink is everywhere across northern Okinawa this week –and we’re not talking about the popular clothing apparel—as the annual cherry blossoms burst into bl...
2013.01.10
Flower Festival at Okinawa World [Festival]
Flowers arranged in a variety of designs, including a large Okinawa lion dog, are highlights of an Okinawa World Flower Festival running through February 11th. The Okinawa World si...
2013.01.01
Tsuwabuki Festival runs until Jan. 20 at Nakagusuku Castle [Festival]
The ruins of Nakagusuku Castle are well known in Japanese history as the famous location for Tsuwabuki a.k.a. the Japanese leopard plant in Okinawa Prefecture. The yellow flowers o...
2012.12.28
35th Festival of Fire & Bell in Mabuni [Festival]
The Okinawa Association is finalizing plans for the 35th Mabuni Fire & Bell Observance New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day. The ceremonial festival takes place at Okinawa Peace ...
2012.12.23
Holiday spirit bright at Christmas Fantasy [Festival]
By Bill Charles Okinawa Zoo Park is being transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a laser light show. Shimmering snow and vibrant colors abound beginning the 21st at th...
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