Archive for February, 2014

Recent News

Tokashiki Island Marathon: Runners and volunteers enjoy whale watching

Tokashiki Island Marathon: Runners and volunteers enjoy whale watching

February 5, 2014 Hideaki Yoneda, correspondent of Ryukyu Shimpo

The Executive Committee of the 9th Whales Straits Tokashiki Island Marathon invited about 200 runners and volunteers whale watching from the Ferry Tokashiki on February 2. They sailed from Tokashiki Port at 1:00 p.m. and soon encountered about 20 humpback whales that were swimming between the islands of Zamami and Tonaki. A pod of whales surrounded the ferry. The participants, some holding cameras or binoculars, cheered upon...

 

A natural treasure trove Oura Bay: Building new U.S. base will destroy the environment, nature and life

Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakima has approved land reclamation work in the Henoko district of Nago in preparation for moving U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The Japanese and U.S. government are promoting the relocation plan. However, many Okinawan people continue to oppose the plan to reclaim...

Messages from intellectuals overseas to Okinawan people

Messages from intellectuals overseas to Okinawan people

On February 7, 29 internationally prominent intellectuals released a statement that opposes moving U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the Henoko district in Nago and seeks the prompt closure and return of the base. The Ryukyu Shimpo introduces their messages to the readers.

Stand...

[Editorial]Dear US ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy: We want the US government to change its Futenma replacement policy and cancel Henoko landfill

Dear US ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy

We sincerely welcome you to visit Okinawa. Japan and the United States have faced many challenges in negotiating on the areas of foreign, security, defense and economic policy. However, we hope that you as the US ambassador to Japan will exert your...

Orion Breweries expands sales promotion in Hong Kong

Orion Breweries expands sales promotion in Hong Kong

January 27, 2014 Fumiaki Jahana reports from Hong Kong

On January 26, Orion Breweries held an event called “Okinawa Day” at the World Trade Center at downtown in Hong Kong. They promoted sales of Okinawa’s local beer, Orion, and introduced traditional arts, tourism and products....

Breakout game in Miyako Island attracts over 2,500 people

Breakout game in Miyako Island attracts over 2,500 people

February 5, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

Over 2,500 people have been taking part in the breakout game that started from January in Miyako Island. The executive committee of the game has been holding the events every weekend, which makes the island busy.

About half of the ticket buyers come from...

Nago Council adopts statement protesting against Governor’s approval of Henoko landfill

Nago Council adopts statement protesting against Governor's approval of Henoko landfill

February 4, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Nago City Council held an extraordinary session on February 3. It adopted a statement protesting against Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaime approval of the Henoko landfill and seeking the withdrawal of this approval. The city council also adopted a statement...

Spring Festival tourists come to Okinawa

Spring Festival tourists come to Okinawa

January 31, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

Because of the long holiday of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) from January 30 to February 6, many tourists from Taiwan and mainland China came to Okinawa. They used international flights between Naha and Taipei, Shanghai and others during the holidays....

Tougazuke sweet awarded top prize at 36th Naha Food and Product Fair

<em>Tougazuke</em> sweet awarded top prize at 36th Naha Food and Product Fair

February 4, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Jahana kippan-ten won the highest prize for its product tougazuke assortment at the 36th Naha food and product fair. It received the highest score among the products of 17 companies at the judging held on January 17. The judges recognized this sweet...

Komiya films a mirage at Nago Bay

Komiya films a mirage at Nago Bay

January 29, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

Ryoichi Komiya, a member of the Friends of Nago Museum, successfully filmed a mirage in which light rays produce an image of a distant object. A mirage was observed on January 6. An image of a big ship cut across in front of the setting sun at the Nago Bay. Komiya,...

2012 survey reveals that 74 percent of Okinawan people view the concentration of U.S. military bases in Okinawa as discrimination

2012 survey reveals that 74 percent of Okinawan people view the concentration of U.S. military bases in Okinawa as discrimination

January 29, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Okinawa Prefectural government carried out an awareness survey for Okinawan people from October to November 2012. The survey revealed on January 28 that 73.9 percent people see the situation in which about 74 percent of the U.S. military facilities in Japan...