Archive for March, 2014

Recent News

Okinawa International Movie Festival conveys the charm of islands

Okinawa International Movie Festival conveys the charm of islands

March 21, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

On March 20, the 6th Okinawa International Movie Festival 2014 kicked off at the Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan City. A community-based movie project of Okinawa by Gori of Garage Sale, “Naha NAHA Nafa!” in which the students from Naha International High School took part, and other works were shown. On March 21, many celebrities who have acted in movies walked on the red carpet. The festival was held until March 24.

Hiroki Kawada of the Okinawan...

 

Okinawa, Changi Airport sign cooperation agreement

Okinawa, Changi Airport sign cooperation agreement

March 26, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Okinawa Prefectural Government and the Changi Airport Group in Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the aviation network on March 25. It is the first time that Okinawa has entered into a partnership agreement with an airport overseas....

Over 10,000 people sign online petition against Henoko landfill

March 23, 2014 Ryota Shimabukuro reports from Washington D.C.

As of March 22, more than 10,000 people had signed an online petition against the Henoko landfill. Prominent intellectuals from Australia, the United States and Europe have called for the governments of the United States and Japan...

Yonaha-maehama beach becomes Japan’s best beach for the second consecutive year

March 20, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

Nine of Japan’s top ten beaches can be found in Okinawa, according to a recent ranking by the world’s largest travel website.

Miyako Island’s emerald green Yonaha-Maehama Beach was ranked Japan’s best beach for the second year running...

Peaceful Candle Night held to pray for Great East Japan Earthquake restoration and peace

Peaceful Candle Night held to pray for Great East Japan Earthquake restoration and peace

March 24, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

At Misato Park in Okinawa City on March 23, Peaceful Candle Night was held to pray for the Great East Japan Earthquake restoration and peace.

Pupils and parents from city schools used 3,000 candles to light the park with a message.

This is the second...

Conference on the secret to Okinawan longevity held in Hawaii

Conference on the secret to Okinawan longevity held in Hawaii

March 24, 2014 Chikako Nago, Correspondent of Ryukyu Shimpo

The Uchinanchu Talk Story IV was held on March 9 at the East-West Center of the University of Hawaii. This is the fourth time the organizers have held the conference. The previous conferences focused on the themes of the spirit of...

Students in Uruma perform the modern kumiodori play at the world heritage site Katsuren Castle

Students in Uruma perform the modern kumiodori play at the world heritage site Katsuren Castle

March 20, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

For three days from March 14 to 16, junior high school and high school students in Uruma City performed the modern kumiodori play Kimutaka no Amawari at the world heritage site Katsuren Castle. This 2014 event commemorates the 15th anniversary of their...

Letters and lists of gift items sent by Ryukyu Kings to the Edo government recommended for inclusion in Important Cultural Properties of Japan

Letters and lists of gift items sent by Ryukyu Kings to the Edo government recommended for inclusion in Important Cultural Properties of Japan

March 20, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

Valuable documents revealing Ryukyu Kings’ ties to the Edo government may soon be on Tokyo’s list of important cultural properties. A collection of letters and gift-lists presented by the Ryukyu Kingdom to the elders of Edo was recommended for inclusion...

Symposium to talk about creating Okinawan karate brand

Symposium to talk about creating Okinawan karate brand

March 23, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

A symposium to talk about boosting the international profile of Okinawan karate was held at the Urasoe Industry Promotion Center on March 22.

Okinawa Prefectural Government officials and karate instructors talked about promoting Okinawa as the birthplace...

Okinawan and Taiwanese fishermen agree on operation in waters north of Yaeyama

Okinawan and Taiwanese fishermen agree on operation in waters north of Yaeyama

March 21, 2014 Fumitetsu Jahana of Ryukyu Shimpo

On March 20, Okinawan and Taiwanese fishermen agreed on operation in part of the triangular area of the waters north of the Yaeyama Islands. The meeting was held under the fisheries agreement between Japan and Taiwan. The fishermen of Japan...

Japan’s largest legal experts group releases statement about revising SOFA

March 13, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

On March 12, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations held a press conference in Tokyo. The association released a statement about the Japan-U.S. Status-of-Forces Agreement (SOFA). It is the first time the association has released a statement about revising the...