Archive for July, 2015

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Protest action against Abe administration in front of Camp Schwab

Protest action against Abe administration in front of Camp Schwab

July 19, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

A rally titled “Henoko Action to create Okinawa’s future” was held on July 18 in front of Camp Schwab at Henoko, Nago. There, the Governments of Japan and the United States are advancing with the project to build a new U.S. base there to replace U.S. Marine Corp Air Station Futenma in Ginowan. The action marked one year since a sit-in protest started in front of the gate of Camp Schwab.

About 500 people took part. They protested against...

 

Okinawa Governor Onaga to address UN

Okinawa Governor Onaga to address UN

July 23, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is scheduled to hold its 30th session in Geneva, Switzerland from September 14 to October 2. It was confirmed on July 22 that Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga will deliver a speech at the UNHRC’s upcoming session. The...

Local Okinawan leaders petition US government to remove Henoko reference from FY2016NDAA

July 20, 2015 Sakae Toiyama of Ryukyu Shimpo reports from Washington D.C.

On July 19, twenty-three Okinawan mayors, prefectural assembly members, national Diet representatives, and business leaders sent a document to United States Congress members asking that they remove from the National...

Okinawa’s 2014 tourism revenue hits 534.1 billion yen marking a new high

July 16, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

According to the data released by Okinawa Prefectural Government on July 16, Okinawa’s 2014 tourism revenue went up 19.3 percent to 534,172,000,000 yen in fiscal year 2014. It was second year in row the figure reached a record high, exceeding 500 billion yen.

Spending...

First flight from Hangzhou, China arrives in Naha; 151 passengers are welcomed with souvenirs

First flight from Hangzhou, China arrives in Naha; 151 passengers are welcomed with souvenirs

July 21, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

On July 21, China Eastern Airlines commenced a regular twice-a-week flight service connecting Hangzhou, China with Naha Airport. Shortly after 1:00pm, 151 passengers arrived on the first flight from Hangzhou to the international terminal of Naha Airport. At the terminal,...

Naha city makes LGBT City Support Declaration

Naha city makes LGBT City Support Declaration

July 20, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

Pink Dot Okinawa, an event promoting a society more accepting of sexual minorities, also known as LGBT, was held at the Tenbusu Square in Makishi, Naha on July 19. For the event, Naha City Government made a “Rainbow Naha Declaration,” which set out the...

French researcher wins highest award at Miyakojima dialect contest

French researcher wins highest award at Miyakojima dialect contest

July 18, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The 22nd Miyakufutsu speech contest was held on July 12 at Matida Municipal Theater in Miyakojima.
Seven men and women from 27-year-olds to 66-year-olds performed their speeches on stage in Miyakufutu, the dialect of Miyakojima. With many stories of humor,...

Nago Mayor says panel report will become a big force against new US base

Nago Mayor says panel report will become a big force against new US base

July 16, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

An advisory panel has submitted to Govenor Takeshi Onaga its final report tabling legal flaws found in the former governor’s approval of the landfill in Henoko, Nago. The landfill is part of the plan to build a new base to replace U.S. Marine Corps Air Station...

Taco Rice creator Parlor Senri closes after 31 years

Taco Rice creator Parlor Senri closes after 31 years

July 16, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

The creator of the now nationally famous Taco Rice,Taco-rice founder Parlor Senri, in the town of Kin in northern Okinawa, closed on June 29 after 31 years in operation. While fans lamented the store’s closing, they also expressed excitement about tasting the same...

Collectable stamps of the Iriomote wild cat to help raise funds for its protection

Collectable stamps of the Iriomote wild cat to help raise funds for its protection

July 17, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

On July 17, the Japan Post Network Okinawa Branch released sets of Iriomote wild cat original stamps. The launch of the new stamps onto the market commemorates the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the animal, a special national treasure, which is found only on...

Okinawa Governor Onaga criticizes forcible passage of security bills in Lower House

July 17, 2015 Ryukyu Shimpo

With controversial security bills being forced through the Lower House, Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga has given a severe critique of the Japanese government. Onaga said, “It is extremely disappointing the bills were passed forcibly while it should have been discussed...