This blog is created by a local tour guide born and raised in the northern region of Okinawa island. This lush mountainous area is locally known as Yanbaru, and the name means to the locals as a place to enjoy and appreciate nature.
I write, in a rather freewheeling manner, things I see and hear mainly in the nature-rich region of Okinawa . Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. Come and experience this unique resort island in the heart of subtropical climate and blue ocean.
For those who wish to contact Shu Uechi, the author, please send an e-mail to: sr-uechi@auone.jp
Kishimoto Gift Shop, Closing-Out Sale, Nago City, Okinawa, Japan
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.
