OKINAWA LOCAL TOUR GUIDE'S BLOG

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival 2012

2012-01-27T12:32:00.005+09:00

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival 2012

This year's cherry blossom festival in Nago City will be scheduled:

Jan. 28 (Sat) - Jan. 29 (Sun)

Festival Schedule (Flyer front)

Scroll down to look the back of the flyer.

This year's Nago Cherry Blossom Festival offers a few new programs, including "Transit Mall" on Nago Main Street, "Nago Tug-of-War" and free shuttle service.

I hope visitors take advantage of the shuttle service because it will take you all the way up to the top of Nangusuku Hill where you can look down the spectacular view of the pink carpet of flowers spreading on the hillside. There are two observatories on top of the hill; the North Observatory and the South Observatory. So, if you come down to Nago by car, park your car at Nago Fishing Port and find a bus stop for the shuttle. Take the bus all the way up to the hill and get of at the North Observatory. Although the bus will not take you to the South Observatory, I recommend that you take the view from the South because pine trees surrounding the North Observatory have grown up too tall, blocking the view. The two observatories are only 160 yards apart, so you can easily walk from the North Obs. to the South Obs.

After spending sometime on top of the hill, you can slowly hike down to the hoot of hill where you can start to see the line of food vendors. At the hoot of the hill, you will see Orion Beer Brewery nearby. The tour of the factory is open to everybody (legal drinking age is 20 or older in Japan--if you are younger, you'll be offered soft drink), but you need to call 0980-54-4103 to make reservation in advance.

From the foot of the hill, follow a path along Kouchi river a little more than half a mile toward the Bay of Nago (the opposite side of the hill), you will soon reach Nago Main Street. Where the path and the main street meet, you'll see a great banyan tree standing in the middle of the street. The festival head office will be set up next to the tree.

From the tree, stroll down the main street toward Nago Cross Roads, where you can take a look at a few bakeries in and near the newly built Nago Public Market Place.

From the market place (Nago Cross Roads), the parking area at Nago Fishing Port is only 300 yards away.

Lastly, I strongly recommend that you bring an umbrella or a raincoat; we usually experience heavy rain during the period of cherry blossom festival here. Also, it is always a good idea to exchange US dollar into Japanese currency in Naha or Chatan areas before you head down toward Nago because there is no currency exchange service in the festival area. (The nearest currency exchange machine is available in Nago JUSCO, which is about 2 miles away from the festival area.)

If you have difficulty in walking a long distance or in going up or down steep stairs, you might want to wait for a later shuttle to get down the hill. If you take a shuttle at the North Observatory bus stop, it will take you down to the nest stop at a shop next to the Bank of Ryukyus Nago Branch. To get to the main street from there, walk about 50 yards toward the Bay of Nago.

If you are reading this blog on your PC, click here to view the shuttle service route and the location of the South Observatory on Google Map

On the map...A=Bus Stop #1, B=Bus Stop #2, C=Bus Stop #3 & North Observatory, E=South Observatory, E=Bus Stop #4

If you are reading this on your mobile, click the map

below to view the route map.

Nago Half Marathon--deadline for entry, Dec. 28th

2011-12-14T14:25:00.000+09:00

Nago Half Marathon (Okinawa, Japan) will be held on February 5th, 2012, Sunday.

A pamphlet with the application/payment form can be obtained at each municipality's board of education, gymnasium and athletic stadium in Okinawa as well as at each branch of Ryukyu Shimpo newspaper corporation.

Here is the URL of the event organizer's website (Japanese language only)
http://www.nago-marathon.com/index.htm

If you are a non-Japanese person living/working in Okinawa, you might need to seek a help from a Japanese person for translation, etc.

Deadline for the application: Dec. 28th, 2011.

Mura Odori, or Dance Festival of Village Community

2011-11-24T13:49:00.001+09:00

Mura Odori, literally means dance festival of village community, takes place in most rural communities and smaller islands throughout Okinawa. This particular festival took place in a community called Makiya in northern part of Okinawa in September.

In this community, like other communities in the prefecture, has a sacred area called "Ashagi" where divine entities are entertained with the dance performance dedicated by the locals. The stage faces a hill that stands at the back of the community where gods or the spirits of the remote ancestors reside to offer blessings and good harvests.

Locals gather in the evening and each donate money for the event. The space is filled with many people including the residents living within the community and the natives who now live in urban areas in the southern part of the island.

Shishi-Mai, or dance of lion, is popular throughout Asia. For those of you who have observed Lion Dance in China, you many notice the lion looks a lot different, appearing to be wilder and primitive.(Sorry, the photo is too dark.) This is kids' favorite; small children gather before the stage and try to touch the beast to prove themselves of bravery. Still the same scene as I did a few decades ago.

Two of professional dances; they are trained at a dance school. Countless number of traditional music and dance schools still exist in Okinawa. This is why Mura Odori is not limited to certain parts of the island but held in almost all communities each year.

Dragon Boat Race Event Has Been Cancelled Due To Typhoon

2011-08-06T17:16:00.000+09:00

Nago City Mayor's Cup Inter-Business Dragon Boat Race, which was slated for August 7th, Sunday, has been cancelled, according to the race organizer, Nago City Tourism Bureau.

Okinawa has been hit by TY 1109 (MUIFA) for the last 2 days and it is very likely that gusts will brow tomorrow as well. I made a phone call to Nago City Tourism Bureau to find out their decision of cancelling the tomorrow's boat race event and they answered yes.

If you live in Okinawa and know someone who were going to take part in the race or to watch the boat race, please pass the information around.

For more information, please call 0980-53-7755 (Nago City Tourism Bureau).

**Nago City Mayor's Cup Inter-Business Dragon Boat Race is an annual boat race held in the City of Nago in Okinawa, Japan. Dragon boat race originates in ancient China and has spread to many parts of East Asia. In fishing villages and towns in Okinawa, this is a religious/cultural ceremony as well as a sport; it is still held as a ceremonial event for large hauls of fish and safe journeys on the ocean. Nago City used be a fishing town with a good natural port located in the deep bay, so the boat event in Nago fits to that category of culture, too. What's unique about this event is that among all dragon boat race events in Okinawa, this is the last and larges boat race event of the year and has been established as the last boat race in Okinawa, where participants from all over the prefecture consider the race to be the event to decide the strongest team. Winning the tournament is considered to be an honor among dragon boat teams in Okinawa.

Fisherman's Wharf in Yomitan, Okinawa

2011-07-13T18:16:00.000+09:00

Fisherman' Wharf in the township of Yomitan, in the central region of Okinawa, Japan.

When I discovered this place more than 15 year's ago, I instantly knew this restaurant would be one of my favorite eateries I would go on a regular basis. Away from the crowded, noisy areas of the central Okinawa, this place embraces everyone with its calm surrounding and the endless expansion of the ocean. Many might imagine this place would be always full of people because of the beautiful location, but there are always plenty of seats available whenever I go without reservation. (Not that I mean you don't have to make reservation. It's always a good idea to reserve your seat for dinner.)

At what time do I go there? I definitely go there to view a sunset while dining. Beautiful scenery should be a part of the meal here, right on the beach. The time of sunset varies depending on the season; In June and July, the sun sets rather late, after 7:00 PM in Okinawa and sets early during the winter. But I think visitors should go to the place during the summer season simply because the sunset over the East China Sea during the season is the most picturesque.

A small chapel has been established on the terrace

overlooking the East China Sea.

The colors change right in front of your eyes around the

time of sunset. This is why I recommend that you get there

before the time of sunset.

On the other side of the sky, the moon was already high

above us, slowly increasing its radiance as the night sets in.

The color of the sand turned into pink at this time.

Dinner tables and chairs comfortably spaced.

The entrance of the restaurant, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

By the time we left the place, the moon was already taking

the starring roll on the stage of night sky.

Direction from Naha Airport to Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant in Yomitan, Okinawa

Fisherman's Wharf Website here

Don't Miss Okinawa's Largest Fireworks Event, this weekend

2011-07-13T01:55:00.003+09:00

Celebrate the mid summer with splendid fireworks this weekend.

Having a summer festival without fireworks is just like having a dinner without main dish. Do not miss the main part of the summer festival at Okinawa Ocean Expo Park (where world's famous Churaumi Aquarium is located) slated for July 16, Saturday at 8:00PM, admission free.

However, I strongly recommend that you get there earlier in order to find and keep a good place to watch fireworks. If you leave home too late, chances are you get caught in a traffic jam and be late for the last firework.

I scanned and posted a copy of the fireworks festival flyer. Copies of the flyer are available in most of convenience stores in Okinawa, and traffic information is printed on the back of the flyer.

Click the below picture to enlarge.

A number of bus companies are offering tour services.

If you want to drink rather than driving, I recommend

that you take advantage of those services. Call and find

out the fair and bus schedules.

Traffic Information (Japanese & English)

Click the below picture to enlarge.

Don't worry if you arriving at the park during the daytime. There are plenty of things you can do at the park. If you have never been to Churaumi Aquarium, it is a good chance to visit and see the world's largest viewing window (acrylic panel) through which visitors marvel at the sight of three shark whales swimming majestically among hundreds of other deep ocean fish in the second largest aquarium tank in the world. If you are frequent visitors to the aquarium and have seen enough of the place, another place I recommend is a village just north of the park called "Bise." This beach-side village features nice tree-lined promenades as well as a walk along the sea wall facing the beautiful East China Sea, with a view of Ie Shima off coast. Enjoy collecting sea shells and sea glasses (beach glasses) along the way, take photos, or just spend an hour or so just sitting under a tree shade, with a bottle of your favorite cold drink in your hand, relaxing and watching the blue ocean under the tilting sun.

Plan ahead and make things a little easier for yourself:

1) Arriving at the place too early is much better than arriving there too late.

2) Don't forget to protect yourself from the strong sun ray/UV. Bring sunscreen lotion and apply it on your skin as often as necessary. Wearing sun glasses, a hat or bringing a parasol will minimize UV exposure.

3) Drink plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration. You can bring your own bottled water or soft drinks. There are many vending machines inside the park, but do not forget to bring Japanese currencies, especially 100 yen and 10 yen coins (Most bending machines take 1000 yen bills as well.) If you have only US dollars, there is no place to change your currencies inside or near the park.

4) Bring a small folding chair to sit on for a few hours. It should be light enough to carry around and small enough not to take up much space. (The place will be very crowded. People will be walking in the park and watching the fireworks shoulder to shoulder. Carrying a large folding chair is awkward, or worse, it may cause an injury for other people when your chair hits.) An inflatable cushion will work fine, too.

4) Bring a pair of binoculars in order to see stage shows. If you are lucky, you may find a space near the stage, but it is very unlikely.

5) Thefts/pickpockets could occur even in Japan. They know spectators are so engrossed in watching fireworks. But, you don't want to be too worried about your valuables stolen. So, carry only necessary amount of money and take measures against thefts in advance.

6) Use a child-harness/leash, etc., in order for your small child not to get lost. It is always a good idea to write with a permanent marker or stitch your child's full name and a contact number on the inside of his/her clothes, hat, etc.

7) Many Japanese women enjoy wearing "Yukata" to go out for summer festivals and watch fireworks. For men, "Jinbei" is a choice. It won't hurt if you try to be like a Japanese. Why not taking full advantage of being in Japan and enjoy the exotic outfit for the occasion.

Hydrangeas (Ajisai) in Izumi Village

2011-06-25T20:35:00.000+09:00

Rainy season in Okinawa is over; not yet in many parts of Japan. So if you are living or visiting places other than Okinawa, you might want to visit parks or gardens with lots of hydrangeas. Ajisai, as it is known in this country, comes with many colors, especially many shades of blue.

Memorial Day of the Battle of Okinawa, June 23

2011-06-24T11:22:00.000+09:00

66 years ago from today (June 23rd) Japanese Imperial Army's coordinated resistance against U.S. military ended as General Ushijima committed suicide in a cave in the south point of Okinawa Main Island. The area is called Mabuni, where annual Memorial Day for the victims of the Battle of Okinawa was held today. I drove about two hours from the city I live and visited Okinawa Prefecture Peace Memorial Park in which "Cornerstone of Peace" has been established in order to inscribe all of the war victims. (Currently, over 240,000 names are inscribed on monument walls like the one you see in the below photo.

What is so special about those monuments is that the prefecture tries to inscribe all the victims of the Battle of Okinawa, including those of the Allied Forces. There are many walls with inscriptions of American, British and other foreign soldiers who lost their lives in Okinawa during the battle.

Inscriptions are organized based on the victims' hometown.

Many flowers and incenses were offered. I found some candies

and sweets offered at the memorial for young victims.

The trees planted between monument walls are locally known as

"Kobateishi Tree." (Tropical almond or Indian almond in English)

It's said Kobateishi Trees grow by absorbing tears. The trees' broad

leaves provide shades for visitors.

This round space is named as "Peace Plaza." Visitors are treated with

spectacular view of ocean from the cliff. It was so beautiful and peaceful

today. Hard to imagine this was a suicidal cliff some 66 years ago; many

victims threw themselves off the cliff as they were taught to do so rather

than being captured alive by the enemy. Very sad story.

This cone-shaped torch, named "Flame of Peace," at the center of Peace Plaza,

has been lit since June 23rd, 1995. Flames from three places including

Hiroshima and Nagasaki were combined to lit the torch. The light blue and

dark blue under the torch represent the map of East Asia with the torch

at the center where the message of peace starts to spread like ripples

throughout the world.

On the occasion of Memorial Day of Okinawa Battle, I meditated for

a moment watching this magnificent sight. Had a mixed feeling that

once a place of such horrific event is now providing us with this great

scenery and peace.

Roofed with Okinawa's traditional red ceramic tile, Okinawa Prefecture

Peace Memorial Museum features five permanent exhibition rooms

according to the different historical stages of the Battle of Okinawa as well

as a booth for grade school children to learn about peace. Most of the exhibited e the

panels and photos come with English translation and audio-guide service/device

which come in English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish is available at the ticket counter.

Okinawa Pref. Peace Memorial Museum Web Sight: http://www.peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp/english/index.html

Museum Leaflet in English (PDF): http://www.peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp/annai/osirase/image/English.pdf

小冊子(中文) Museum Leaflet in Chinese (PDF): http://www.peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp/annai/osirase/image/chinese.pdf

팸플릿(한국어) Museum Leaflet in Korean (PDF): http://www.peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp/annai/osirase/image/Korean.pdf

Museo del folleto en español (PDF): http://www.peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp/annai/osirase/image/spanish.pdf

Dragon Boat Race in Okinawa and Hong Kong

2011-06-18T13:06:00.000+09:00

Sorry for being "absent-minded" for a long period. The last time I uploaded was April 7th. So, it't been over two months that I haven't written anything on my blog.

Well, many things have happened around me. But, please allow me to write only two things this time. One thing is that rainy season is over in Okinawa last week or so. We've been enjoying the clear sky and the arrival of long summer season, which is expected to last well until October. If you are an aficionado of water activities, Okinawa is one of ideal locations you might want to take into consideration for your summer travel plan.

Another thing I want to mention is that people of Okinawa, like people in many other regions on the peripheries of China, cerebrate dragon boat races. The history of dragon boat race in Okinawa dates back long before the modern age and many fishing communities in the southernmost prefecture of Japan organize dragon boat races.

I'd like to introduce Takara Dragon Boat Club from the town of Tomishiro in the southern part of Okinawa because this club has been invited by Hong Kong Tourism Bureau to take part in the international dragon boat race there.

I remember the team well because they are the regular finalists in Nago City Mayor's Cup dragon boat race in August every year. So, there is no doubt this team is certainly one of the strongest in Okinawa. According to Okinawa Times, a local news paper here, reported the team was invited two years in a row from the tourism bureau on behalf of Japan. Such an honor to take part in the international race in Hong Kong.

If you are lucky enough to be traveling in Hong Kong this weekend, today is the second day of the 3-day international boat race event there. For the details, please take a look at Hong Kong Tourism Bureau's homepage.
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/sports-dragon-boat-race.html

Nago City Mayor's Cup is coming up in August. We had a dragon boat race team a few years ago from Hong Kong Institute of Technology and they did very well on the race. This kind of cultural exchange has been taking place in Asia and in the rest of the world. What I want to say is that there are many types of boat races throughout the world, and dragon boat race can become, I believe, one of Olympic sports, since the rule of the competition has been clearly set up and there are so many teams around the world.

Good luck for all the participating team of Hong Kong Int'l Dragon Boat Race.

Kaiensai Fireworks Display in Ginowan City, Okinawa

2011-04-07T11:16:00.003+09:00

A friend of mine told me of his having a chance to talk with a photographer from the main land Japan, who specialized in nature photography. Japan is a country known throughout the world to have four distinguished seasons as well as to be a birthplace of haiku poems with lots of seasonal expressions. This photographer was visiting Okinawa with his keen sensitivities for seasonal charms. The season he was visiting the southernmost prefecture was an early summer, yet there he saw a scene of lush green forest with an open space with Japanese silver grass growing all over the place. He was mesmerized by the early summer represented by the young green leaves of the thick forest in juxtaposition with autumn symbolized by the silver grasses.

"How come it's possible to find Japanese silver grass at this time of the year?" the photographer was asking himself. He didn't know how to categorize the picture of the scene in terms of season. "Kisetsukan," or the sense of the season, becomes weired, the photographer told the friend of mine.

I have another example to illustrate this peculiar season in Okinawa. On the 16th of April (Sat.), in the city of Ginowan, there will be a beach opening festival with fireworks. Since it is still the beginning of spring, where other parts of Japan have barely started their cherry blossom viewing parties, you might think it is a bit too early for us to have a beach festival. "Kaiensai," meaning literary ocean-fire festival, is an annual event organized by Japan Airline Co. Ltd., as an event that will mark "Umibiraki" or the start of swimming season.

With "Golden Week"---a period of successive national holidays in May in Japan---just two weeks away, various tourism-related businesses and the local governments wish to jump into the opportunities for tourism season in Okinawa. Kaiensai is one of those events that take place in Okinawa at this time of the year, and it is probably the biggest and of the most spectacular. Junko Koshino, a worldly famous Japanese designer, will be in charge of designing fireworks. This year, Melrose Pyrotechnics Inc. from the U.S. ---the winner of 2010 Huis Ten Bosch International Pyrotechnician Competition in Nagasaki Prefecture---will join in the event for their displays of designed fireworks.

General information (in English) on Kaiensai Fireworks Festival, go to:

http://ryukyu-kaiensai.com/pdf/eng.pdf

If you can read Japanese or have someone who can read the language and translate it for you, this is the original Kaiensai homepage:

http://www.ryukyu-kaiensai.com/

I checked the flyer in PDF but this English-language flyer does not mention anything about ticket prices. So here is the information they put in Japanese-language festival homepage:

Advance tickets are available at a Family Mart convenience store chain till April 15.

Same-day tickets are available at the festival area under the condition that advance tickets are left.

Ticket plus Parking fee: ¥3,500 (Advance) ¥4,000 (Same-day)

Ticket for high school students or older: ¥2,500 (Advance) ¥3,000 (Same-day)

Ticket for elementary and middle school children: ¥1,500 (Advance) ¥2,000 (Same-day)

No charge for pre-school children:

There are special viewing seats available with extra charge:

Special "SS" Seats (only 50 seats): above mentioned fee plus ¥7,500 (comes with roof, table and bench)

Special "S" Seats (only 70 seats): above mentioned fee plus ¥5,000 (comes with tabel and bench)

Special "A" Seats (500 seats): above mentioned fee plus ¥1,000 (comes with a cheir)

*Spectators of Special "A" Seats will be let to the vewing area on a first-come-first-served basis.

**You need not pay for your pre-school child (younger than 1st grader) but there will be no chair for your child; you need to have your child sit on your lap.

I tried to look for any information in regards to parking lots other than the designated lot for the festival, or viewing areas that do not require festival tickets. But there is no information available.

Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau also posts some information on the festival but no details in English are available:

http://www.okinawastory.jp/en/event/event_110416_fire.html

The URLs below are just extra information not related with Kaijinsai fireworks festival:

If you are not able to visit Okinawa, you can also enjoy fireworks festival at Hous Ten Bosch:

http://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/summer2011.html

The winner of 2010 Hous Ten Bosch Int'l Pyrotechnician Competition:

http://www.melrosepyro.com/about_us/

Ryukyu Hanpu Tote Bags Come With Simple Design & Durability

2011-04-06T14:54:00.000+09:00

Ryukyu Shimpo, a local newspaper in Okinawa, had an article about Okinwa-noh Kaze, saying those bags are gaining popularity in Tokyu Hands in Tokoy. This company named the brand as "Ryukyu Hanpu" with unique design concept of simplicity and durability for their product line of lifestyle goods.

Ryukyu Shimpo article here (Japanese):

http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-175706-storytopic-4.html

I have not been to the store myself, but the shop in Naha is located near Makishi Station. (Find a Yui Rail station nearby and get off the monorail at Makishi Station from Exit 2 to come down on Saion Bridge near the station. Okinawa-Noh Kaze shop is less than 100 meter to the north from the bridge.

Okinawa-noh Kaze homepage: http://www.okinawa-wind.com/

(The homepage is Japanese only)

The location of their shop in Naha City (Google Map)

Although written only in Japanese, many colored photos are posted for customers. They say, the material for their bags are made of Kurashiki hanpu from Okayama Pref. This textile has been selected for its exceptionally durable quality. The indigo color used in the logo is made of Ryukyu indigo found in Okinawa.

http://www.okinawa-wind.com/shop/ryukyuhanpu.html

Take Advantage of "Bus-Mono Pass" One-Day Ticket in Naha City

2011-04-05T00:59:00.003+09:00

The information below is what I translated from a local newspaper article. I hope this news is useful for foreign travelers who wish to explore Naha City by public transportation other than taxi.

The Okinaw Times, a local newspaper in Okinawa, wrote:

Okinawa Urban Monorail Corporation Ltd., and Naha Bus Corporation Ltd., jointly announced, as of April 1st, the start of selling common one-day ticket for both Yui Rail (monorail) and the bus system operated by Naha Bus. This common ticket, named as "Bus-Mono Pass," is usable for all the fifteen stations of Yui Rail transit system and all the fifteen bus routes run by the bus company within the city. The two companies hope this new shared transportation service will improve the convenience for users of those public transportations. A common one-day ticket costs 1,000 JPY for adults (junior high or older), and 500 JPY for 6th graders or younger.

A one-day ticket for Yui Rail (monorail) is currently 600 JPY. Naha Bus also sells a one-day ticket which costs 630 JPY. The price of a common ticket therefore is set less expensive than buying two tickets, one for the monorail and the other for the bus system. "Bus-Mono Pass" tickets are available at each of the Yui Rail stations as well as in each of the passenger vehicles and at the office of Naha Bus. (If you want to use only the monorail system, you don't need to buy a common one-day ticket.)

I also checked the bus company's Internet site; they posted some sample images of "Bus-Mono Pass" tickets. The upper left ticket (blue ticket) is for a passenger junior high or older. The upper right ticket (orange) is for a child 6th grader or younger.

The lower left (also blue) ticket is a sample of a discount ticket priced as 500 JPY, half the price of regular ticket for an adult. However, I could not find any information on the discount terms in any of the local newspapers or in the Internet sites of the monorail system and the bus company. I'll post the information on the discount terms on this blog as soon as I obtain it.

(I made a phone call to Naha Bus Co. Litd., about the terms for the discount. The office clerk told me that the discount rate is set for adults with disabilities. In Japanese welfare system, prefecture governments issue disabled certificates for people with disabilities. By showing the certificate, disabled adults can purchase the pass at the discount of 50%.)

The lower right is the back of the ticket. The fine print says, before you use the ticket, you have to scratch off the month and the date of usage. There are 12 numbers in the upper part of the ticket for the month, and 31 numbers printed half way down for the date. Say, if you purchase a ticket and want to use it on April 5th, you scratch off with a coin or something, first the number "4" for April (the fourth month) in the upper section of the ticket and then the number "5" for the 5th out of the 31 numbers in the lower half. The explanation in Japanese says if you scratch two numbers in the same section, the ticket will not be accepted. I'm afraid if you let your small kid do the scratch, he or she might think it's a kind of game and scratch all the numbers in the hope of winning number. As long as you are careful with which numbers to scratch off, I think this common one-day pass is a good service for both local people and travelers.

The monorail connects Naha Air Port with Shuri Station near Shurijo Castle Park, the most visited tourist spot in Okinawa. By getting off at Makishi Station, you are at the heart of Okinawa's largest shopping district with various eateries and shops to choose from. If you are lucky enough to arrive at Naha Air Port at an early hour of the day, using this system to explore both the ancient part of Naha (Shiri disctict) and the vibrant modern shopping street (Kokusai Dori) allows you to see both the old and the new of this island prefecture in a very inexpensive way. Off course if you arrive Okinawa late at night, you can explore the city in the following day.

Okinawan Songs, An Introduction

2011-03-25T11:00:00.000+09:00

I collected some YouTube videos featuring Okinawan songs, hoping that people who have never been to Okinawa can hear some portion of this island's music. (Okinawa was an independent kingdom up until 1879 when the kingdom nation was annexed to Japan. Okinawa, a group of many islands, is the southernmost prefecture of Japan.)

Singer: Suguru Ikeda

Song Title: Shimanoh Hotoyo (Oh, Island People)

His song is a message to islands' people who left their home islands for lucrative life in large cities. Come back to your native island once in a while and let's take part in village festivals we enjoyed so much when we were young. Don't forget our festival songs. Never forget your native island. Oh, island people...This simple but straight message/song moves my heart.

Singer: Misako Koja

Song Title: Warabigami (My Precious Baby, A Gift From Heaven)

Misako Koja used be the leader of a quartet called "Ne-Nez" (Sisters). The first generation Ne-Nez disbanded many years ago, and currently the second generation Ne-Nez are active. Misako Koja came up with this song when she was blessed with her first grandchild. A baby is a great blessing given to a mother by heaven, the lyric begins. Maternal instinct is beautifully expressed in such a simple language. The lyrics are well-translated into English and beautifully sung by Hayley Westenra from New Zealand (Her YouTube clip posted below). I'm glad that she decided to sing this song so that we can share the music with English-speaking people.

Singer: Hayley Westenra

Singer: Rimi Natukawa

Song Title: Hana (Flower To Everyone's Heart)

Written by: Shoukichi Kina

This song was a big hit almost 20 years ago in Japan, so it could be categorized as a classic J-pop. Where does the body of water that I see in a river travel? Where do all Let yourself cry, and let yourself laugh. Cry and laughter are all part of your life and all too natural for us as human being...so goes the lyric. This gentle overview of human life duplicates with an image of one of the most beautiful natural phenomena, flower, a universally shared positive image which is nicely put into the English language and successfully sung by Heylay.

Singer: Hayley Westenra

Singer: Rimi Natsukawa

Song Title: Nada Sou Sou

Lyrics by: Ryoko Moriyama

Music by: BEGIN

Ryuko Moriyama is a talented Japanese jazz singer who can write clear messages. Although she is from the mainland Japan, she learned some Okinawan words through her regular visits to this southern prefecture. As she made many musician friends in Okinawa, she asked a famous Okinawan band called BEGIN to set her lyrics to music. The singer Rimi Natsukawa made many travel to BEGIN's studio, pleading them to let her sing the beautiful song. Currently, this song is sung by singers in many countries in many languages, including Hayley in English (below).

Singer: Hayley Westenra

Song Title: Nada Sou Sou (Tears For You)

Helios Shuzo, A Distillery That Revolutionized Awamori Rice Wine Making

2011-03-11T02:11:00.000+09:00

The number of rent-a-car companies has rapidly grown in Okinawa as more travelers are willing to freely move from place to place within the island on their own by car. Major attractions by far are Shuri-jo Castle Park and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, both of which are nationally built and currently under the administration of the same park management foundation. Arriving at Naha Airport, many tourists rent a car in Naha, and drive along the beautiful road of Rout 58 all the way to Motobu, where the worldly known aquarium is located.

Nago City is often seen as a place to stop on the way from Naha City to the town of Motobu to have a quick lunch at an Okinawan style soba noodle shop.

However, for those who are interested in the tours of distilleries, you can visit three fascinating establishments close to one another.

Tsukayama Shuzou (Tsukayama Distillery) is known to be one of the oldest Awamiri distilleries in Okinawa, and the premise has been designated as a tangible national cultural property by the Cultural Agency of Japan in 2006.

Another place that offers an interesting tour is Orion Beer Brewery, just five-minute drive from Tsukayama Distillery.

Helios Distillery is yet another place visitors can enjoy the study tour of Awamori making. I'd like to share some of the details about the distillery because I visited the place just today.

Founded in 1961 by Tadashi Matsuda, the history of Helios Distillery started from rum making as the founder considered of creating alcoholic beverage that would not rely on imported rice, for there might be a day, according to the founder, when it become impossible to import grains from abroad. If such case really happens, it would still be possible for us to make alcoholic drink because, in Okinawa, we have an abundance of sugar cane. That was an revolutionary idea back then, as few people in those days know about rum.

In 1991, this distillery revolutionized Awamori making yet once again when they introduced "Kura" brand. According to the company's internet site, they drew on their previous experience of rum making and their know-how of aging Awamiro rice wine in barrels.

Tours are offered four times every day (except Dec. 30 -Jan. 3) at 10:30AM, 1:30PM, 3:00PM and 4:30PM.
**The distillery will be closed to visitors when there is a overall maintenance or for other reasons. Confirm whether the tour is conducted or not, prior to your visit.

After a tour is over, visitors are invited to the shop where they can compare different lines of their products. For those who are in charge of driving (designated drivers), herbal tea will be served.

Helios Shop Counter. Visitors are required here to fill in
a simple tour application form. In case of a group participant,
any one person representing the group fill in the form.
You can also apply for the tour on line.
(To go to the online application, click here. Japanese language.)

This storage is not included in the tour course.

Another storage where around 2000 barrels

of Awamori rice wine are stored and aged.

This building is a part of the study tour course

where short video about Helios Distillery is

shown to visitors. The aroma of the rice wine

and the distinct smell of black malt filled

the air inside. White oak trees are imported

all the way from the North America, particularly

from Canada. A on-going project to create Awamori

with an aging period of 100 years is also shown inside

the storage. They started the project just ten years ago,

so it is going to be done in 90 years from now.

Many lines of products are exhibited at the shop.

The bottles at the center are Awamori with aging period

of five years.

At the end of a tour, some samples are offered to

visitors for tasting. Awamori aged in oak barrels tastes

different from Awamori aged in ceramic jars.

Click here to see the direction to Helios Distillery from Naha Airport.

Akemio Festa 2011, Traditional Performing Arts of Villages

2011-03-11T00:18:00.002+09:00

Okinawa is know around the globe as a place where karate was born, but this southernmost prefecture of Japan is also said to be an island of performing art. Music, dance and theatrical performance have been passed down from generation to generation. Countless number of classical Okinawan music schools and dance studios can be found throughout the island. Old and young, men and women alike are involved in one way or another with traditional performing arts.

Many rural communities in Okinawa hold annual harvest festival at the sacred area of each village, and what amazes me is the fact that the dancers are not professionals but villagers themselves in most cases. Those festivals are, traditionally, far and foremost, dedicated for gods who bring many blessings on the farm lands, a tradition that resembles Thanks Giving Day in its basic form of appreciation for good harvest. Thus, the element of entertainment is secondary, although the religious aspects of the cultural practice have been receding at an increasing speed--an alarming speed to the eyes of many older generations--and looked at more and more as a form of entertainment. Yet, we don'e need to consider that emphasizing recreational aspects of traditional activities are ruinous to the island culture. I think you can grasp my idea if you take Christmas as an example.

"Akemio Festa 2011," for that matter, can be categorized as a form of entertainment. Meio University, a local college, has been considering revitalizing the city hand-in-hand with various local groups and businesses, including each village community of the city. A team of students (many of them are studying tourism at the university) have long thinking about revitalization of Nago City and tourism promotion through the locally practiced performing art. They did extensive research and field works, visiting each community leader and explaining the concept of their enterprise one by one, gradually developing the mutual understanding with many of the community leaders, musicians and dancers. Yet, creating enough budget was the last and largest obstacle for them to run the project.

For the meantime, Okinawa Prefecture was preparing to allocate some budget for projects that will promote Okinawa's tourism through cultural activities. A number of corporations sought competing bids and among the several corporations were the university team.

With the financial backup from the prefecture government, the university team was ready to finalize all the program details and their dream came true in the form of Akemio Festa.

Akemio is an Okinawan word that describes the moment in which a cove or a large body of water starts to gain radiance as the water awaits a break of the day. Nago City's traditional name is a city of Akemio, thus the festival was name as such.

The first program was held last week. Here, I put up the list of remaining programs throughout this months.

Click here to see the direction toNago City Public Market from Naha Airport shown on Google Map.

March 12th (Sat.) 5PM-7PM, performers from Awa Community.
March 19th (Sat.) 5PM-7PM, performers from Miyazato Community.
March 20th (Sun.) 5PM-7PM, performers from Yabu Community.
March 21st (Mon.) 5PM-7PM, performers from Agarie Community.
March 27th (Sun.) 5PM-7PM, performers from Gusuku Community.

Admission is free.
Free parking space is available at Nago Fishery Port.

To get to the public market building from the port, use a pedestrian overpass in front of the port gate to get across National Highway 58 (Route 58). Continue walking toward the downtown area (opposite direction from the port), pass a 5-story yellow building with a large green artificial lizard cringing on the wall facing the port, till you get to Nago Cross Section. (Be careful not to mistake it with Gusuku Cross Section.) At Nago Cross Section, you'll see two large yellow signs of karaoke place, one of which has a cartoon cat drawn on it. The market building is on the other side of the karaoke place. You may be hearing music coming from the market area.

Click here to see the direction of Nago Fishery Port (Google Map)

Click here to see the direction from the port to the market building (Google Map)

The first day of Akemio Festa last week.

Members from a karate school in Umusa community

demonstrated some types of the martial art,

like this stick fighting.

Remember "Yumangi Cafe," nestled in the forest of Nangusuku Hill, Nago City, Okinawa, Japan

2011-03-07T03:41:00.006+09:00

View from the third floor of Nangusuku Hill observation deck.

(There are two decks on the hill, the north deck & south deck.)

This is filmed at the north deck on the 3rd floor.

I was in time for the closure of Yumangi Cafe, nestled in the beautiful forest of Nangusuku Hill. I wrote earlier in my blog that the hill is home to Hikanzakura type of cherry trees. Although the flower viewing has already been over, the hill can still offer an environment you can have a relaxing time.

I've been trying to introduce this wonderfully located cafe for the last two months. Unfortunately, today (March 6, 2011) was the last business day for the cafe. The entire hill is managed by the prefecture government, including the structure. A coffee shop manager has been renting the place.

As unfortunate as it sounds, we have two pieces of news which should please all of us. First of all, a cafe will reopen at the same place next month as another manager is going to rent this cozy space. (I'll let you know when I find out the details.)

Secondly, the manager has been preparing to open a cafe, this time in the township of Motobu, on a hill overlooking the East China Sea with a view of picturesque Ie Island in the distance. The place, she says, is close to Kajinho Cafe which is known among the locals and tourists from the mainland Japan to be one of the best cafes in Okinawa. She said she and her employees have spent the last ten years in order to establish the new cafe. What's more? They have already had three couples holding wedding ceremonies at their place.

So, I'm very much looking forward to going to those two cafes, one in Nangusuku Hill and the other in Motobu.

For the mean time, I posted some photos on my blog in appreciation for Yumangi cafe and for the staff of giving me a relaxing environment and the great coffee.

We will no longer see the sign.

It says "Scenic Cafe Yumangi" in Japanese.

This well-kept flowerbed has offered

a warm welcome to customers.

A view from the window.

I first thought the trees were blocking the view.

Soon found out that strong sun light is soften by the green

leaves, making book-reading, for example, gentler on my eyes.

Small bouquets in the mini tin buckets.

Small plants and a water color painting

in a frame no larger than a coffee cup

casually sit on the sidelines, on the window frame

and the table.

You can drink coffee inside or on the upper levels,

as your fancy takes you.

Click here for the location of the place indicated on Google Map.

Kishimoto Gift Shop, Closing-Out Sale, Nago City, Okinawa, Japan

2011-03-06T19:06:00.004+09:00

Kishimoto Gift Shop on Nago Main Street is having a closeout sale throughout this month. After more than 43 years of business on this street, the owner decided to retire, and having no one to succeed her shop, she will close the place at the end of this month (March, 2011). The street 43 years ago was different in many ways from today. The street was the only shopping district in this city, where the shops and eateries on this street enjoyed locational advantage up until a wider national route was paved and larger shopping centers with large car pools were established at the outskirts of the city. This is yet another closure of a long established business on the main street. But, I'm not here for analyzing how much the business environment has changed. I'd like to simply pass this information on to those who are looking for Okinawan memorabilia.

This short video shows the location of the shop.

If you happen to live in Okinawa, try finding Hinpun Banyan

Tree on the main street. Kishimoto Gift Shop is just

two-building away from the tree. Easy to find the large yellow

sign and the poster on the font window saying "SALE."

On this shelf, several Ryukyuan lacquer wares are displayed.

Okinawa used to be an independent kingdom where lacquer

wares were important trade items. Hot, humid climate here

provided an ideal environment for lacquer ware production.

If you would like to see more of the other items displayed inside the shop, please e-mail me at: sr-uechi@auone.jp

I'll post more photos as soon as possible.

The shop is open from 10:00AM - 8:00PM every day until the closure on March 31st.

A pay parking lot is nearby.

Click here to see the location of Kishimoto Gift Shop on Google Map (Route from Naha Air Port to the shop.)

SAKURA Wine, a beautiful cherry flower blossoming in a wine glass

2011-03-04T20:14:00.001+09:00

Sakura Wine. As the name suggests (Sakura means cherry in Japanese), this wine solely designed and made to be consumed in the spring. If you are planning to visit any good place for cherry blossom viewing in Japan, this particular wine should become an ideal accompaniment for your social gathering under a spreading cherry tree in a full bloom.

My wife bought this particular wine product, which I had never seen in Okinawa. Checking the product label, I found out that L'ORIENT WINE, a winery in Koushu City, Yamanashi Pref. created this product. (URL of the winery, in Japanese & Korean: http://www.wine.or.jp/shirayuri/)

For those of you who rather prefer wine of full body, I should mention that this particular product is very light. Maybe too sweet for some. My wife prefer very light wine, so please consider this piece of information as a personal opinion. But, other than that, it can make a perfect aperitif if you invite guests for a picnic under a full-bloom cherry tree. Before you open the bottle, show it to your guests, particularly the actual light pink cherry flowers (two of them inside) that seem to be blossoming in the bottle.

A photo of the wine poured into a wine glass.

Look how beautifully the flower opens in the glass (the bottom).

The hibiscus design on my glass was etched by

a good friend of my wife and I, given to us a few years ago.

The glass with a flower inside.

A photo taken from above.

My wife bought this particular wine at "A Price," a whole sale store chain that operates a store in Nago City. You can purchase this product on line at http://www.wine.or.jp/shirayuri/cart/winelist.html

Cherry flower viewing season in Okinawa is over, but for those who live in or visiting other regions of Japan, best season is yet to come. Study cherry flower front line forecasts and research in your area a good place to have a picnic under fully blossomed cherry trees. Do this beforehand and carefully organize your picnic, and consider also about bringing delicious meal and some good tasting sake or wine that goes well with it. Have a quality time at least once a year with your family or good friends, and one of the good season to do this is during the flower viewing season. This is the way to blossom happiness in your heart, is it not?

Antique Shop on Nago Main Street, Okinawa, Japan

2011-03-03T11:46:00.005+09:00

Whenever time permits, I walk through the back streets of Nago City in search for interesting places to visit. Even in this small island of Okinawa (about 1,500 kilometers away from Tokyo), the society has been totally motorized and the traffic information on road congestions given by the local radio stations is something drivers hear every day. There are many households that own two or more cars. The amount of time spent for walking dramatically declined and all we can see while driving are billboards and large signs of shops along highways. You never know how much you miss if you move around only by car.

Travelers love to take a walk on streets and discover things along the way. My wife and I walked streets of Shanghai last summer. We stopped wherever we found any interesting thing or shop, and enjoyed every bit of our discovery. So, it's natural to assume that tourists visiting Okinawa would like to walk through streets on the island. With this view in mind, I take time to walk, discovering things on my own, introducing myself to the owners of new shops or eateries, or hearing latest developments of long-established small business entities like Antique Nagahama near Nago Cross Section.

As far as I remember, the last time I went into the shop was fifteen years ago or more. But it is the first time that I meet Mr. Nagahama, the shop keeper. He was so kind to show me around the inside, which is filled with items he has collected for many decades from all over the world.

We conversed for about an hour and half. He had so many stories to share with me. At one time, he went to Brazil to meet Okinawans who immigrated to the country on the other end of the globe. One of the item he wanted to collect was B-Yen, a currency issued by the U.S. military during the years of the military occupation of the island after WWII. (The reversion of Okinawa to Japan took place in 1972.) The shopkeeper knew that many of the Okinawan immigrants took B-Yen bills with them to Brazil. At a dinner table with Okinawans during his visit, he asked if they still kept B-Yen, and he was surprised to find out that the host made phone calls to other Okinawans nearby and asked them to bring the old currencies over if they had kept some. Soon, many Okinawans gathered at the host's house and brought him the bills they kept for so many years.

At another time in Brazil, he found a mansion. As he knocked, he was greeted by the master's wife. He soon found out that she was originally from England and lived there for good. He remembers it was a fortunate meeting because he made a purchase of a few items decorated in the gorgeous residence.

I cannot upload photos of the items he displays inside his shop, which is quite crammed with collected items. But, he allowed me to upload the photos of rare telephone cards, which are rather new items among his collections. Before the age of cell phone, telephone boxes stood at a certain distance along the shopping streets all over Japan. Telephone boxes, however, are quickly disappearing as it became inevitable for Nippon Telephone and Telegram--NTT, for short, is a telephone giant in Japan--to adopt with the shift of communication tools from telephone to cell phone. As less and less people bothered to find a nearest telephone box, the revenue plunged and it became impossible to maintain thousands of telephone boxes throughout Japan. So, telephone cards are already a thing of the past. Although I don't personally know anyone who collect telephone cards, I'm sure there must be many. (Telephone cards issued by NTT is only usable in Japan. It functions as a prepaid card.)

The telephone cards shown below were created by Okinawa branch of the telephone company. They printed a few works of famous Okinawan painters. Mr. Nagahama told me those telephone cards are not created anymore.

An Okinawan Court Dance Performer.

Painter: Koukan Yanagi

Shuri Castle In Bygone Days.

Painted by Shousei Yamazato.

Tribute Vessels Anchoring In Naha Port.

Antique Nagahama is located on Nago Main Street (Nago Ohdouri).
Opens on weekdays from 3PM - 7PM. Closes on weekends and Japanese holidays.

Tel: 0980-52-1722 (Japanese only)

The shop is very close from this blog's author, if you need any help in terms of interpretation.

Click here to see the location of the shop on Google Map.

Antique Nagahama on Nago Main Street

The 14th Annual Worldwide Home-Made Food Fair, Nago City, Okinawa, Japan

2011-03-01T19:15:00.003+09:00

Do you have any plan for this coming Saturday yet?
If you don't, consider going to the 14th Annual Worldwide Home-Made Food Fair, hosted by Nago City Cultural Exchange & Friendship Committee. This international event is slated for Saturday, March 5th, 1PM-3PM at Nago City's newly built public market building.

This year, nine teams from different countries take part in the food fair. Those teams (Peru, Korea, Philippine, Nepal, Italy, China, Brazil, Argentine, and the North America) will prepare dishes as if those cuisines are brought right out of the home kitchens back in each of those countries.

Many foreign students attending Meio University will also take part in this unique event, bringing with them homely tastes from their own countries, something their mothers would cook when they return to or revisit their homelands.

Visitors to this event will enjoy entertainments performed by the local people and some of the participating teams. You might want to explore this new public market building which houses sweets shops, fresh food and processed food stores.

Visitors need to purchase a 1,000-yen ticket. If you purchase in advance, the food ticket will come with a special feature. To buy a ticket in advance, please call Nago City Cultural Exchange & Friendship Hall at 0980-51-0123.

(Please note that this food ticket is exclusively for the dishes served by the food fair participating teams on this day. Other food products regularly sold in the market building are not include. For your convenience, please bring Japanese currency, because dollar bills or any other currencies are not likely to be accepted.)

Free parking space is available at Nago Fishery Port for this event. So, park your car at the port, and walk toward the downtown area about 300 meters. Use the pedestrian overpath in front of the port to get across Route 58. Continue walking and pass the five-story yellow building with a huge artificial green lizard hanging on the wall. Soon, you'll come to Nago Cross Section and the public market building is on the left side, across from Lindon Bakery.

Click here to see the the route from Naha Airport to Nago Public Market on Google Map.

Click here to see the route from Nago Fishery Port to Nago Publich Market on Google Map

Click here to see the route from Naha Airport to Nago City Cultural Exchange and Friendship Hall on Google Map.

Standing at a corner, you will see those yellow

signs of Karaoke Manekineko.

A bakery at a corner, across from the public market.

The same bakery from a different angle.

At one of the four corners of Nago Cross Section.

Those yellow buildings are the newly built public market,

where the food fair takes place on March 5th.

Try finding this banner. You'll see a drawing of the earth

on the upper left corner of it, and also the national flags

of the participating international teams.

Miyagi Confectionery & Coffee.

Note that food tickets for the food fair cannot be used

to buy sweets or coffee at the place.

Another confectionery in the public market.

Again, food tickets for the fair cannot be used.

A Cozy Hideaway In An Idyllic Setting of Nakijin Village, Okinawa

2011-02-27T22:19:00.003+09:00

I had a chance recently to take a foreign tourist to a rural part of Okinawa, namely, the Village of Nakijin, population of less than ten thousand. The tourist wisely chose a nice, cozy hideaway in a section of the small municipality called "Imadomari." Spread at the foot of hill where Nakijin Castle stands atop, the history of the community goes back to the 12th century. Walk through many of the small alleys within Imadomari Community. Although it is a remote village in a foreign country, you'll feel a sense of nostalgia, as you observe each of the beach community houses surrounded by lush, sturdy "fukugi" trees protecting the residences from the mighty winds of typhoons as well as providing cool shades during the summers.

Hibiscus Inn, the hideaway, is located at the northeast of the community. A beach is just a two-minute walk from the place. Despite the beautiful natural and pastoral setting, the accommodation fee, to my surprise, is kept at minimal.

Click here for the details of their accommodation.

The kitchen is equipped with practically every utensil.
Buy fresh ingredients at local shops and cook your home-made food away from home.

One of the bedrooms equipped with two single beds, an air conditioner, etc.

The inn master kept the interior of this traditional room unaltered in order for guests to experience what it is like living in a genuinely traditional Okinawan house.

The exterior of the inn. A large glass fishing buoy in a rope net hangs underneath the traditional Okinawan red-tiled eave. The rusty red bicycle was once actually used at a Japanese post office, now resting here as a decorative item.

The glass fishing buoy hangs near the entrance. A rusty retro lamp shade with bare light bulb creates a nostalgic atmosphere at the doorway on the right.

This west side of the inn has every charm of a traditional Okinawan house; the red-tiled roof, broad eave, wooden pillars to support the eave, thin glass windows, the wooden shutters, an Okinawan lemon-lime tree on the left...are all part of the characteristic features you can find in many old residential houses in Okinawa.

Direction to Hibiscus Inn from Naha Airport (Click Here to see a Google Map)

Address: 3571 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Okinawa, Japan

For reservation or inquiry, click here to see Hibiscus Inn homepage in English.

Hokubu Agricultural High School Students and Their Delicious Pork (Okinawa, Japan)

2011-02-16T00:04:00.004+09:00

Here is a flyer I obtained at a local convenience store in Okinawa, Japan. The boys and girls you can see on the flyer are a group of students from Okinawa Prefecture Hokubu Agricultural High School, which is more familiarly known to the locals as "Hoku Noh." This school is established in the northern region of Okinawa island called Yanbaru, a name Okinawan people associate with lush forest, clean air, and fresh ingredients.

Hoku Noh has become famous for the work they have done to develop a new hybrid of Okinawa's indigenous pig and Yorkshire, a spices more commonly grown here. The indigenous pig, locally called "Agoo," has been known for long to have high quality meat, but there was a shortcoming of it; a female Agoo pig can give birth to only few piglets and it was both difficult and costly to increase the population of Agoo pigs. As a result, Okinawan livestock farmers chose to farm mostly imported Yorkshire species because of their ability to give birth to many piglets.

Yet, in the age of abundance and with consumers demanding more of varieties than volume, people started looking for higher qualities in pork as well. With a help of instructors, Hoku Noh students successfully developed a hybrid, a kind of pig genetically very close to the indigenous Agoo pig, and they named it "Chaagoo." Chaagoo pigs have good quality meat while gaining the ability to give birth to many piglets. The news of this extraordinary achievement spread quickly among the prefecture people more than a decade ago. Since then, the study of Chaagoo pig breeding has been conducted and as they have fine-tuned the art of breeding, Chaagoo meat market has expanded.

This flyer introduces one of their research efforts for creating yet another market for Chaagoo pork, with the cooperation with a convenience store chain, Family Mart. You can get a taste of delicious Chaagoo pork in a form of hamburger, now on sale at every Family Mart in Okinawa.

Product development and marketing activities are some of the themes through which those students learn during the three-year period of the high school life. Unlike most other school activities conducted within the school environment, this actual environment will provide them a rare opportunity to experience what it is really like working in a retail business in an actual economic-social setting.

The particular product they developed is called "Chaasan Burger," and sold at 298JPY from Feb. 15 (2011) - Mar. 7.

The female student team came up with a dessert they aptly named as "Girl's Passion." This sweet features layers of passion-fruit-flavored mousse, chocolate sponge cake, and soft cheesecake in a cup, with passion-fruit sauce and whipped cream arranged on the top. Priced at 230JPY. Sold for the same period.

Click the image to enlarge.

Do not miss tasting what the nature of Yanbaru region has to offer.

Nago's Old Curry Restaurant, Tanpopo

2011-02-15T13:47:00.006+09:00

I'll introduce this time a curry restaurant in Nago City, Okinawa.

This restaurant, named "Tanpopo"(dandelion), specializes in curry dishes, and most people living in Nago know about the place.

Although it is located on a backstreet and hard to find, it's worth going there.

　　Click here to see Google Map for the location.

Once you go into the right backstreet, you can easily notice the white, barrel roof building, as the other roofs on neighboring buildings or houses are of either flat or triangle-shaped.

Brick walls inside create a relaxed atmosphere. The BGMs they play are always western classical music. Curry is originally from India, yet the music you hear are mostly baroque. Why? Because the curry served at this restaurant is what Japanese people call "European style," meaning the dishes are made in the same manner curry is prepared in Europa. Japanese people compare Japanese style curry with European style, and of course, with original Indian style curry. Japanese style is made with a mixture of flour and curry powder, creating starchy texture. And what I can explain with little knowledge I have is that, in Europe, curry powder is mixed with stew and the result is the rich juicy flavor of meat. My wife who regularly goes to cooking a school told me that the major difference between European style curry and Japanese style is in the use of demiglace sauce. The sauce is added in the former dish, and not used in the later.

Bar counter with wide selection of wines & local awamori spirits

Garnishes: Fukujinzuke (red), minced pickles (green), pickled shallots (white)

(Clockwise) chicken curry, lassi, coleslaw, pineapples in syrup, and rice.

Priced 1,400JPY

(Clockwise), seafood curry, lassi, coleslaw, pineapples in syrup, and rice.

Priced 1,400JPY

What makes the curry served here different from the curry served in other eateries in Nago is the demiglace sauce, which, by definition, makes the curry what Japanese people call Ohfoo style (European style). You can order without side dishes with price range of 950JPY - 1,100JPY.

Opens 11:00AM - 11:30PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

A Way of Cutting and Serving A Mango Fruit (Okinawan Mango)

2011-02-14T18:44:00.001+09:00

Are you a fruit lover? Do you miss tropical fruits already in the midst of the winter?

Many people wouldn't normally assume that Okinawa, Japan, grows quite a lot of mangoes.

Mango in Japan? Yes, you've heard it right. Mango is grown in Okinawa, the southern most prefecture in Japan.

This short video shows how to cut a piece of mango. You'll find it is a lot easier in this way to serve or eat this sweet, succulent fruit.

This video is provided by Okinawa Fruit Land, a theme park that features subtropical orchards in the northern Okinawa. This facility also houses a room filled with a lot of Idea leuconoe, a species of butterfly with distinct white & black wings. (It is called the rice paper butterfly, the paper kite butterfly, wood nymph, or tree nymph in English, according to Wikipedia)

The music you hear in the back ground of the video is one of the popular Okinawan folk songs, "Uruma Jima," (Uruma is the old name of Okinawa, and Jima means island.)

Okinawa Fruit Land location here (Google Map)

Okinawa Fruit Land HP (only in Japanese)

A Kingfisher, the Hinpun Banyan Tree, and the Kouch River

2011-02-13T19:16:00.003+09:00

It happened on the way to my workplace. I was walking on a walkway along the river nearby my office.

A bright blue of something dashed across over the river. It was truly vibrant cobalt blue. I immediately noticed it was a bird, but it took me some moment to tell what kind of bird it was. Little larger than a sparrow, and metallic blue coated the back and the head. I could see light brown on its underpart. And the bill disproportionately long and large for such a small body. It was a kingfisher, a kind of bird I've never actually seen but on encyclopedias or TV programs.

And before I knew it, the bird dived into the water.

I stood there for a while, being impressed by the fact that we have a kingfisher in the middle of our town.

There is a very famous tree called "Hinpun Gajumau" in Nago City, Okinawa.

※To locate Hinpun Banyan Tree on Google Map, click here.

This tree stands in the middle of the Nago Main Street. The Kouchi River runs right next to the tree, and a bridge over the river is a part of the street. The Hinpun Gajumaru stands at that point, where the street crosses over the river.

My office is right next to the tree and the river, so I watch them every day.

Ever since that day, I often see the kingfisher in the river. After I took the photos of the bird, it quickly flew into a space between the bridge and the river bank. I couldn't help but think the old banyan tree is providing a safe space underneath itself for the kingfisher.

The Kouchi River, that runs through the downtown, was at one time very polluted. We have a citizen volunteer organization called "The Kouchi River Restoration Society," and as the issues of sewage treatment have been gradually solved, the river has become considerably clearer.

The fact that I can catch a sight of the bird in the downtown could be considered as a proof of the river's cleanliness. Or, maybe it is the bird's capacity to adapt to the environment that we need to be aware of.

Nago's roadside market, now visitors from China can use 中国银联 (Zhōngguó Yínlián)----UnionPay credit card

2011-02-07T19:15:00.004+09:00

I put up this information particularly for visitors from China. China's most popular credit card, 中国银联, or Zhōngguó Yínlián (UnionPay, in English) can be used at Kyoda Michino Eki, or Roadside Station Kyoda. I've been asked by some Chinise visitors about places where they can use the credit card.

Perhaps, I should explain a little more about this facility. Although it says Michino Eki, or roadside station, it's more like a roadside market housed in a large building. In fact, Michino Eki are all over Japan, usually established along national highways and expressways in this country, selling at each facility their own local products. In this particular facility here in Nago City, Okinawa, many local food producers and retailers sell their products. If you are looking for the local products from this region, Roadside Station Kyoda is a good place to go.

Visitors from Chinia should also be informed that UnionPay credit card can be used only at the casher at the main entrance. Unfortunately, other cashiers do not handle UnionPay card. So, it will be convenient if Chinese visitors---visitors from other nations, for that matter---still carry some amount of Japanese yen as well.

In case you drive in Okinawa (assuming that you use the Okinawa Expressway), here is the direction. Drive the expressway north and get off the expressway at Kyoda (the last exit to the northern region of Okinawa island). Continue driving north on National Route 58 for about 1 kilometer. Soon, you'll see a road sign just like below. Follow the arrow to the right and you can park your car at the large parking lot. (Google Map Here)

The red-roofed building is not the market building.

The market building is in the back.

Follow the arrows that point to the right.

Parking lot is on the right of the road. (No charge for parking)

The main entrance of the market building.

UnionPay credit card can be used only at the cashier on the left of La Gare Bakery.

This sign is posted so small that many visitors hardly notice of it.

The cashier at the main gate. (Market Building)

Nuchi Gusui Restaurant serves delicious local cuisine.

(accepts Japanese yen only.)

Lights Will Not Be On Tonight at the Nangusuku Hill, Nago, Okinawa

2011-02-07T15:33:00.000+09:00

A reader of my blog sent me an e-mail, questioning about whether the lanterns hung along the streets of Nago City down town and along the stairs on the Nangusuku Hill side will or will not be on tonight.

I phoned the Nago City Tourism Bureau and they answered me that the lights will be removed today. So, the Nangusuku Hill will be dark after 6:00PM tonight.

I found out that the lanterns were all set up by Orion Brewery Ltd. My office is very close from the brewery, so I visited the brewery's office and asked about the removal of the lights. They told me, they have started removing the lights this afternoon.

So, if you are planning to visit the place, visit before 6:00PM.

Also, I should mention that the peak of the full bloom will be over in a couple of days, and the blossoms will start fall off throughout the week. This coming weekend is probably the last chance to see the remain of the flowers.

Cherry Blossom Viewing, Nago City, Okinawa

2011-02-07T11:43:00.000+09:00

If you are happen to be traveling (or living) in Okinawa, and the ocean is still too cold for swimming, then traveling to the north of Okinawa is an ideal place to visit, namely for the world-class aquarium in Mobobu (a peninsula jotting out toward the South China Sea from the Okinawa island) as well as for famous pink cherry flower viewing spots at Yayedake, Nakijin Castle Ruin, and the Nangusuku Hill. You can comfortably visit those places in one day (much nicer if you drive), and the weather is perfect today.

For the detail of the Nangusuku Hill, please scroll down this blog and see some of the photos I posted. I also posted a Google Map to show the direction for the Nangusuku Hill.

There will be no traffic regulation today (Feb. 7, Mon.)

Nangusuku Hill, Nago City, Full Bloom This Weekend (Feb. 5-6)

2011-02-05T15:22:00.002+09:00

I was just up today (Feb. 5, Saturday) on the Nangusuku Hill in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan. This afternoon turned out to be just beautiful and cherry trees are in full bloom. This weekend is definitely the best time to visit the hill and have a quality time with your family and friends. As I wrote earlier, we are expecting even better weather tomorrow (Feb. 6, Sunday). Do not miss the best season of the Nangusuku Hill.

(If you are planning to visit the hill, please read my earlier blog in which I mentioned about tomorrow's events which are likely to affect traffic conditions.)

A bench near an observation deck on the top of the hill.

For the direction of Nangusuku Observation Deck, click here.

A view from the bench shown above.

Cherry trees planted along the uphill road.

A beautiful color combination of the pink flowers and the blue sky.

This is what we wanted throughout the week.

One of picnic tables you can use for a picnic lunch.

This view adds zest to your lunch.

One of the trails on the hillside.

Mt. Katsu in the distance, on the other side of the city.

Visitors will enjoy walking while admiring the bully blossomed cherry flowers.

A set of paintings and materials on the bench.

Yes, flowers attract many, including small birds, honey bees, photographers, and painters.

Green moss-covered ground under cherry trees with sprinkles of pink flowers.

What's the weather like in Nago City for cherry blossom viewing?

2011-02-05T10:29:00.002+09:00

Good morning, cherry blossom viewers.

The weather up here is finally going to look better this weekend. According to the weather forecast, we still have occasional rains today (as of Feb. 5, Saturday), but the sun will be up as well. So, if you are planning to visit Nangusuku Hill for flower viewing today, it will be a lot helpful if you bring your umbrella with you. The trails can be slippery as well, so choose your footwear that is non-slippery.

Tomorrow's weather looks even nicer. Just a few things that I should inform you about. Tomorrow (Feb. 6) is Sunday; that means a lot of visitors will gather for flower viewing in Nangusuku area. If you are planning to come here by car using Okinawa Expressway, the road may be congested due to Japanese pro baseball teams' camps held throughout the island. Nippon Ham Fighters, a team that holds training camp here in Nago, attracts many fans who are aiming at "Yoo Chan," this season's number one rookie from Waseda Univ. baseball club.

Besides, there will be Nago Half Marathon tomorrow. I post the road map of the half marathon course to help you plan your trip to Nago. Although Japanese is mostly used on this map, the roads indicated with red lines and arrows will be closed between 9:00AM through 12:00PM for runners.

***To view Nago Half Marathon course, click here.***

If you are planning to visit Nangusuku Hill, tomorrow, the best time to arrive in Nago City is around the noon if you wish to have a lunch picnic there. Any time after 12:00PM will be OK to drive up the hill and park your car at the parking space on the top.

For visitors who have never been to Nago City, let alone Nangusuku Hill, I posted the location of the place on Google Map. If you scroll down my blog a little, you'll find a piece of information about an observation deck on top of the Nankusuku Hill.

Cherry Flower Viewing in Nago, Okinawa

2011-01-31T14:28:00.009+09:00

2011 Nago Cherry Blossom Festival was held Jan. 29-Jan.30. However, flowers will be blossoming more and more throughout this week. I'm expecting we have a full bloom in 5-6 days. For those who wish to have a quality time with your friends or family members, I recommend that you visit Nangusuku Hill this coming weekend. As I wrote earlier in my blog, you can drive all the way to the top of the hill where you can park your car and have a walk along hiking trails or have a picnic lunch on an outdoor table. The color of the flowers are the most beautiful under the sunny clear sky. So watch weather forecasts carefully and plan ahead for your travel to Nangusuku.

Weather-Forecast.com

Hinpun Gajumaru (Banyan Tree) in Nago

(Click here to indicate the tree's location)

Observation Deck on Nangusuku Hill seen from the banyan tree

(Click here to indicate the deck's location)

The banyan tree seen from the observation deck

The entire view of Nago City down town seen from the observation deck

Video of the landscape taken from the deck

(Unfortunately, grown branches of pine trees block the view of cherry flowers)

A few benches near the deck

One of the best view points.

The same benches (from the back)

Another view point just down the hill from the deck

Closer view of the point. A good place to have a picnic lunch.

Visitors can enjoy hiking along the trails through the cherry trees.

White-eye birds busily chirp and consume nectar from the flowers.

Udui Quadeesa, Loyal Dance

2011-01-30T19:39:00.004+09:00

Okinawa, Japan, is famous for traditional performing arts. This particular dance is a type of loyal dance developed during the Ryukyu Kingdom era (Okinawa once was an independent kingdom). Quadeesa Tree (Kobateishi, in Japanese. Tropical Almond Tree in English) has large leaves that provide nice shades during summer.

A young female is waiting for her lover at one night. But the moon is full and she is too shy. She doesn't want others to see the secret meeting. So she hides herself from the moon light in the shade under a tropical almond tree....so goes the story sung in the lyrics of the classical Ryukyuan song.

This loyal dance is often performed at a night of autumnal full moon.

Best Place to View Cherry Flowers in Nago

2011-01-30T18:14:00.000+09:00

Many people ask whether cherry flowers are in full blossom or not. At the time of Nago Cherry Blossom Festival held from Jan. 29 through Jan 30, it's only 20% full. It's going to be in full blossom within a week or two.

Why is the festival not held at the time of full blossom? Well, there is one good reason. We save full blossom for picnics or hiking in the Nangusuku Hill. The best place among many to appreciate flower viewing in this city is Nago Chuo Kouen (central park) where an observation deck is established. You can walk or drive all the way to the top of the hill where visitors are rewarded with a carpet of pink cherry flowers.

Click here to find out the location of the observation deck shown on Google Map

Nago City Cherry Blossom Festival, cherry flower photos

2011-01-30T17:01:00.000+09:00

Cherry trees are not yet in full blossom. It is going to be so in a week or two. Hope I can upload some photos of Nangusuku Hill when the hill sides turn into pink. (Nago Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held in the city of Nago, Okinawa, Japan.)

Cherry Flower (Hikan Zakura type)

At this season, Hikanzakura cherry trees bear only flowers.

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival, Eisa Dance

2011-01-30T16:20:00.000+09:00

Eisa Dance Performance by Nago City's youths. Although it was cold night last night, the youths performed the dram dance with energy and enthusiasm.

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival

2011-01-30T14:40:00.000+09:00

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival

Ice Sculpture Contest

Ice Statue of a Japan pro-baseball rookey

The festival area is now very crowded (at 2:30PM)

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival 2nd (fi

2011-01-30T12:00:00.000+09:00

Today is the second & last day of Nago Cherry Blossom Festival.

Today's events on Nago Main Street includes:

Parades of Decorated Floats & Street Performances (2:00PM)

Parades of Court Dance (5:00PM)

Sakura Daiko Drum Performance (7:00PM)

Stage Program includes:

Opening Drum Performance (1:00PM)

U.S. Marine Third Expeditional Force Marching Band Live (1:20PM)

Hip-Hop Dance (1:50PM)

Festival info. is available at the festival head office located next to the big banyan tree shown below. The tree stands tall in the middle of Nago Main Street and easy to spot once you are on the main street in the down town. The head office is the large white tent on the right of the tree.

(Google Map: The location of the tree indicated.)

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival Head Office (a temporal office set up for the event during the festival)

This is how today's sky looks like. According to the weather forecast, it continues to be cloudy but little chance of rain.

Nangusuku Hill (About 20% of cherry flowers are blossoming)
Appears to be more pinkish when it's sunny.

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival, Bright Night

2011-01-29T18:57:00.000+09:00

The sun has set and as the night sets in, the air of festivity brightens up even more with the lanterns along the streets and the stairs on the Nangusuku Hill.

Lines of lights along the stairs on the Nangusuku Hill, on the back of down town Nago.

Street brightened up with the light bulbs of food vendors along the Kouch River.

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival Dancing Parade

2011-01-29T18:08:00.000+09:00

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival has been held under the grey sky so far. Rain is the last thing we need. Luckily, we've had only occasional sprinkles, and the dancing parade by local women's association was held as scheduled.

This year, the ladies wore blight pint outfit, assimilating themselves with the cherry flowers here.

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival

2011-01-29T15:44:00.002+09:00

Today (Jan. 29) is the first day of the two-day festival. Unfortunately, the weather has been unstable this year and school brass band parades have been cancelled due to the bad weather. Although it can't be helped, Nago City mayor and this year's cherry flower beauty queens marched down the down town street anyway.

A photo of Mayor Inamine (left) & Nago Cherry Blossom Beauty Queens in kimono, beauty queens from Hachimantai City, Iwate Pref. (in yellow costume) and from Takikawa City, Hokkaido (in light blue/white costume)

Nago Cherry Blossom Festival

2011-01-28T17:41:00.002+09:00

Here comes the spring. Here comes another season of Nago City Cherry Blossom Festival.

This flower-viewing festival is held annually in Nago City, Okinawa, along with other similar festival also held in neighboring municipalities of Mobobu and Nakijin. The festival in Motobu was held two weeks ago, and in Nakijin, it was last week. Nago City will cerebrate the coming of spring together with the blight pink flowers this weekend, Jan. 29 (Sat.) through Jan. 30 (Sun.).

Entertainment programs are scheduled throughout the weekend, as shown in the copy of the festival program below.

There are a few things that you might want to prepare before you visit the festival cite.
1) Since it will very likely be raining throughout this weekend, please bring an umbrella or a rain poncho along.
2) There will be no currency exchange service available in the festival area, so if you do not have any Japanese currency, you might want to change U.S. dollar (or whatever currency you have) into Japanese yen in advance.

The festival head office will be set up right next to the Hinpun Banyan Tree on the Nago Oh-Douri (main street) and an English-speaking staff will be stationed at the office for English-speaking visitors.

Here, I posted a copy of English language program. Sorry, it didn't come out clearly. Free copies are available at the festival head office.

Velotaxi Okinawa Offers Unique Perspective of Naha City

2010-11-12T22:33:00.003+09:00

Driving a car around a tour destination may not be an ideal option especially when you want closer look of the area you are visiting. Walking around the destination can be too much of a physical load, so traveling on foot is not your option either.

If such situation is a case you are facing, then you might want to consider Velotaxi.

Velotaxi is a German-born tricycle with a wide backseat for two passengers to be seated comfortably.

According to Vlotaxi's homepage, the service is spreading all over the world, especially in ecology-conscious cities. Those man-powered vehicles have been used in many tour destinations around the world as a part of eco-friendly tour movements. Ecomo.i, (pronounced as "eh-comoh dot ai") a non-profit organization based in Okinawa's capital, became a partner with Velotaxi and has been offering eco-friendly transportation services for the last several years.

Etsuko Takaesy, the representative of "ecomo.i,"together with Okinawa Miyako Hotel, jointly announced an experimental project scheduled to start on Nov. 16th this year. In this travel service project, the Velotaxi drivers will guide passengers through the streets of Naha and Shuri, the former capital of Ryukyu Kingdom. (Few foreign travelers know this prefecture had been a small kingdom nation up until 1879.) The experiment will be conducted till the end of this year. If proven to be successful, the corporation will continue the service in the next year.

The corporation has come up with those three tour courses;

1) The tour of the ancient capital's historical sites

2) Awamori rice wine distilleries hopping

3) The tour of traditional confectioneries

(A local newspaper printed the price of each tour to be JP\4,500 per passenger, and JP\8,000 for two. Admissions are included in the fare. Confirmation regarding the price and the tour courses recommended.)

Tel. 098-868-5105 E-mail: okinawa@velotaxi.jp

The drivers will offer guiding services as well as some music performance to entertain passengers with Okinawa's traditional songs along with exotic "Sanshin," a three-string musical instrument originally introduced from China.

"I have long wanted to make this kind of tour happen, so that we could take tourists around Shuri. But the numerous uphills in Shuri district have long prevented us from realizing the service," said Ms. Takaesu.

To overcome this challenge, the corporation is planning to increased the number of three-wheelers equipped with two batteries instead of just one. The drivers will also be trained to meet the demands for extended courses, whereas the corporation so far covered districts limited to the flat downtown area of the prefecture's capital. With the introduction of two-battery Velotaxi vehicles, those drivers are highly motivated as they are empowered to take passengers to the ancient area on the city's highland where Shuri Castle and other historical monuments await visitors.

Autumn Open Gardens in Nanjo City

2010-11-08T23:46:00.002+09:00

Gardening lovers in Okinawa are looking forward to visiting private gardens in 24 locations opened to everyone for "Open Garden" which is taking place in Nanjo City, Okinawa. The owners of those home gardens have long worked on their private properties and prepared for the unique event.

I was watching a local TV program in which Mr. Awa, one of the owners who participated in the event, answered for the interview, saying he worked on his 6,611㎡ of land for many years.

He said, "I enjoy working on my garden. Many birds come here. I'm happy to share the environment with many visitors."

Various hibiscus flowers are among the most attractive plants, pleasing the eyes of visitors. Other plants includes Chinese Ixora (Jungle Flame or Needle Flower), bush morning-glory, cycads, etc. Mr. Awa even took advantage of a rugged natural lime stone in his garden to find a perfect blend of arrangement by human hands and beauty through natural processes.

Nanjo City Tourism Information Center created "Open Garden Map" for the event. Maps are available at the center for ￥200 per copy.
★To locate of the tourism center, click here for Google map
Transportation by car from Naha Airport (A) to the tourism center (B)

The city's tourism association held Spring Open Garden earlier this year, when 13 citizens opened their private gardens. This time, in the period of comfortable autumnal breeze, 24 owners are happy to take visitors around their gardens and share their pride and joy.

If you are familiar with British style or Japanese style gardens, Nanjo City's project will offer opportunities to see subtropical gardens, that is, a horticulture nurtured in a distinctly Okinawan manner.

Period: Nov. 8th (Mon.) through Nov. 14 (Sun.)
Hours: 9:00AM～5:00PM

Hinpun Gajumaru, An Old Banyan Tree in Nago City, Okinawa

2010-10-27T21:04:00.004+09:00

Nago City Citizen Gajumaru Festival (Banyan Tree Festival) was held on October 23rd and 24th on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Nago City's gaining city status.

(Nago City is located in the central part of Okinawa's main island at the root of Motobu peninsula. Population over 60,000. Google Map: from Naha Airport to the tree)

Many citizens gathered at the city's Gajumaru Green Area Park to hear what panelists would say about the tree at "Banyan Tree Symposium" which was coordinated by the delegate of Gajumaru Network. The symposists included a citizen's representative, a delegate of City Tourism Association's administrative office, the chairperson of Nago City Museum Friendship Association, and the deputy director of Nago City Board of Education.

The citizens pay particular attention to this banyan tree for two reasons. The first reason is that the tree has stood at the entrance of the city's main street for nearly 300 years and been registered as the natural monument by the national government. The other reason, a graver one, is because the tree has lately been in danger of falling over. A powerful typhoon hit the city a few years ago and almost blew the old tree down. Luckily, the tree has survived but the city had to shore up the large branches to prevent the tree from being further uprooted. In this early summer, the city's education board, an organizing body in charge of maintaining cultural properties, had to cut off many spread branches in order to lessen wind resistance before the typhoon season arrived.

At the symposium, the deputy director of the education board explained the measures the city has been taking to prevent the felling of Hinpun Gajumal. "It is important that every citizen, as well as the city office, give consideration to the banyan tree," he appealed.

The delegate of the city's tourism association proposed a number of suggestions, including plans to designate the area around the tree as "a power spot*," to organize a gourmet festival at the park nearby, and to train tour guides so as to systematically support the revitalization of the city's main street area.

* The phrase "power spot" is a Japanese people's coinage to describe a sacred place or a location with magnificent views where visitors are spiritually/emotionally energized.

The City Museum Friendship Association chair expressed a necessity to think about ways for helping the citizens become more appreciative of their own community. "One way to do this is to exhibit old photographs throughout the downtown area," he suggested.

On October 24th, the festival committee hosted other events including a music concert.

At the end of January through early February, Nago City cerebrates one of Japan's earliest cherry-flower viewing festival which attracts over 200,000 visitors each year. The banyan is introduced to first-time visitors as a tree that has protected the city for three centuries.

Nago City people has started giving back a little of what they can to the old tree.

Harvest Season

2010-10-25T15:13:00.006+09:00

The photo I posted below was taken at a rice paddy nearby.

I wrote about Naha City's Great Tug-of-War in this blog earlier. Tug-of-wars take place in various communities in Okinawa and those events (with Naha's as the largest) have their roots in the island people's agrarian life style. Straw ropes used in those games are made of rice straws. (Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. Haha is the capital city.)

This particular area shown in the photo is a remainder of once much larger landscape in the region called "Haneji," a place where the Kingdom of Ryukyu designated as one of the premier grain zones to produce dietary staple, rice. The kingdom was ruled by the Sho Dynasty that governed the chain of islands stretching across the East China Sea, located between the south of Japan and the north of Taiwan. Though tiny and hard to spot on the world map, it had existed as an independent kingdom for many centuries until 1879. I took the photo as a token of appreciation for the farmers who have preserved this field in the middest of rapid urban development. This small portion of traditional rural landscape in Okinawa reminds me of the good old days when the community people lived in harmony with the natural environment.

A scene of golden carpets of rice paddies that spread underneath the clear autumn sky represents what we all share deep in our hearts as Asians.

If you live in Okinawa, or if you happen to be having your vacation on the mainland Okinawa, you can take photos or enjoy oil-painting at the same point I took the photo. This photo is taken as of Oct. 23, 2010. Farmers may harvest the rice in a few week.

Google Map here to spot the location. From (A) Kadena Air Base to (B) the rice paddy

----------------------------------------------

Sakura Translation Office

Translator/Certified Local Tour Guide Shu Uechi

E-mail: sr-uechi@auone.jp

---------------------------------------------

Great Tug-of-War, Result: Draw

2010-10-11T13:20:00.000+09:00

The world's largest tag-of-war event took place on Oct. 10th and the game ended in a draw.

As I wrote about the yearly event yesterday, two huge pieces of ropes--each weighs more than 20t--are connected before the game starts.

There is a YouTube video sent to me through Twitter which happens to show a close look of how it is like to take part in the tug-of-war event.

A local newspaper reports it took too much time to have those ropes just to get connected and the starting time was delayed half an hour, leaving little time for the event before the time limit for using the Japan't national route 58. So, this year's game lasted only 6 minutes.

Here is a URL of Daikon-no Hana (Restaurant Radish Flower) who posted the very good video.
(Dailon-no Hana operates a local restaurant chain, attracting local and non-local customers alike who are health-conscious eaters. Their buffet style lunch and dinner have attracted many patrons.)

http://am6.jp/9H6bay

Great Tug-of-War, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan

2010-10-10T13:55:00.004+09:00

Naha City, the prefectural capital of Okinawa, Japan, annually holds the world's largest tug-of-war event, which attracts about 300,000 people in and around the island's capital. Out of this large number of spectators, only lucky 20,000 people get to pull those ropes.

Every year, on Oct. 10th, the event organizer prepares two giant ropes with rice straws. Each rope is about 100m in length (about 330ft), 1m56cm in width (about 61.5in), and each rope weighs more than 20t (about 44090lb).

Once the two ropes are connected with a large log ---the total length now reaches more than 200m---the great power game starts. Imagine a team of 10,000 men and women pulls the rope against another team of the same number.

Tug-of-wars have been played in many parts of the island prefecture, though they are in much smaller scale. Many villages and towns in Okinawa have long held festivities of fall harvest, in which tug-of-wars include, as a token of appreciation for good harvest this year and as prayers for the good harvest next year.

After the game is over, the ropes are cut into smaller pieces and given to visitors for free. It's believed that anyone who takes a piece of the rice straw ropes will be happy and live a healthy life for the whole next year.

YouTube video of Tug-of-War here

Okinawa Traditional Crafts Fair 2010

2010-08-14T19:00:00.000+09:00

Besides being famous for beautiful beaches and lush landscapes, Okinawa is also famous for arts and crafts. If you are interested in textiles produced in Okinawa, you might want to visit 17th Annual Okinawa Traditional Crafts Fair 2010, an annual event organized by the Prefecture of Okinawa.

Did you know that 13 traditional textile craft centers in this island prefecture have been designated as Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry? Considering that only 24 traditional textile centers have so far been designated throughout the country of Japan, the number is worthy of remark. Bingata dyed textiles and Bashofu banana-fibre clothes are among many that are known throughout Japan.

If you visit the 3rd floor of Naha City Cultrual Tenbus, you'll find many textile producers exhibiting their finest products as well as affordable items like purses and coasters made with locally produced textiles.

Other crafts include glass wares, lacqure wares, potteries, etc.

This is a 2-day event and the place will be open at 10:00 AM on August 15th, Sunday. English-speaking volunteer staff is available at the information booth which is set up in front of the building.

Soft Creamy Caramel, A Rare Treat I Found in Nakijin

2010-05-18T20:18:00.003+09:00

As a local tour guide, I need to visit as many regional destinations as possible and see things first hand. It is nothing special, of course. But, when you find a place or a thing in your area that you have somehow missed before, and if the place or the thing turned out to be your cup of tea, wouldn't you feel happy for the rest of the day? And wouldn't you feel like sharing your discovery with your family members or friends?

Well, this is my discovery today. The photo I uploaded here is a package of "Ryukyu-noh Shizuku." What contained inside the styrofoam box are wrapped, bite-sized brown-sugar soft caramels.

Soft caramels, or more popularly called "nah-mah carameloo" here in Japan, has become widely popular ever since Hanabatake Bokujo in Hokkaido introduced this new category of confection several years ago. Soon, dozens of other candy makers followed suit. I don't know how many confectionaries are out there now, having come up with their own products of soft caramels.

Here in Okinawa, we have this particular product for one. "Ryukyu-noh Shizuku" is a product of Ryukyu Aloe Ltd. (http://ryukyualoe.co.jp/). I happened to find a small wooden sign quetly put up by the roadside in the quiet community of Nakijin and the sign is written only in Japanese, making it almost impossible for foreign travellers to visit the confectionary.

Abundance of high quality brown suger -- as sugarcane is the main crop here on the island prefecture -- enables the candy maker to manufacture this rare sweet treat. It's rare because the amount of caramel it can produce in a day is limited and only a handful of stores with the license contract are allowed to sell this brand. (I have not yet checked which stores in Okinawa sell "Ryukyu-noh Shizuku.")

How does it taste? you ask.

Well, I'll put it like...it's soft and richly creamy and I recommend you taste what the lush, sun-kissed sugarcane on Okinawa has to offer in a very sweet manner.

Okinawa & Hawaii

2010-05-16T17:18:00.000+09:00

I found a YouTube video clip featuring a former Hawaiian Sumo wrestler Konishiki and a popular singer from Okinawa, Rimi Natsukawa. Jake Shimabukuro, a ukulele virtuoso of Hawaiian-born, Okinawan decsent, is appropreately invited to perform his instrument for the concert. Enjoy the beautiful blend of Okinawan & Hawaiian melodies.

Clic ↓　to see YouTube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2Nd5nqVwn4

Asia's Largest Aquarium "Churaumi Suizokukan"

2010-05-13T18:58:00.002+09:00

Okinawa is a tiny island, I must admit. So it may not be easy to imagine that one of the largest aquarium is established here on the 100 mile long island. We don't have a vast expanse of land, yet we are surrounded by the huge body of water, located between the edge of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. If not mistaken, "Churaumi Aquarium" is one of the three largest aquariums in the world, and if you are planning to visit Asia, you might want to add this unique destination to your itinerary.

This huge aquarium proudly displays three shark whales -- the largest kind of shark existing on earth -- and the way those huge marine creatures swim in a grandiose manner in the aquarium is sure to dazzle every visitor.

It is my hope that more cruise ships will make port calls at Motobo harbor so that more foreign visitors have chanses to see the great aquarium.

Clik the URL below to virtually visit Churaumni Aquarium

http://www.kaiyouhaku.com/en/index.html

Kouri Island

2010-05-11T19:31:00.033+09:00

Kouri Island is one of 49 inhabited islands in Okinawa.
My wife and I spent a quiet afternoon at a cafe with wonderful view.
I'd like to share some of the photos we took last winter.

A Late Afternoon Tea at a Cafe on Kouri Island

Hibiscus Water, Bottleled Soft Drink

2010-05-10T23:24:00.002+09:00

I went to a local convenience store in Okinawa and found "Hibiscus Water" today. As the name suggests, this bottled water is pinkish and refreshing in appearance. As many know, it is the state flower of Hawaii, where the abundance of the plant make it possible to create many products such as T-shirts with hibiscus motif and hibiscus tea. But I don't think many people know that Okinawa has its indigenous type of hibiscus called "Akabana." This particular brand is made of Akabana type and I'm sure the name and color prompt a sense of affinity among Okinawan people.

Okinawa Bireley's Ltd. (http://www.okinawa-bireleys.co.jp/index.html), a soft drink maker in this island prefecture of Japan, has added this new brand to its product lineup as it has done with other soft drink products using subtropical fruits readily available here.

They say Cleopatra loved hibiscus tea to maintain her superb beauty. I didn't choose this particular soft drink for a cosmetic reason, but I'm glad that the company has come up with this refreshing taste using the indigenous flower here on the island.