The Olympic torch races through the Kerama blue sea aboard a sabani boat paddled by Zamami middle schoolers

The Olympic torch races through the Kerama blue sea aboard a sabani boat paddled by Zamami middle schoolers

Yoji Ichimura (right) passing the Olympic flame to Shogen aboard sabani boats in the water off the coast of Zamani Village


May 3, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Zamami – The flame of peace made its way through the Kerama blue sea under the glittering rays of sunshine. The Olympic torch traveled through Zamami Village aboard traditional sabani sailboats. Many of the village’s residents gathered at Furuzamami Beach where the event took place to witness the historic moment.

Carrying the torch was Okinawan-born actor Shogen, 42, and Yoji Ichimura, 68, who runs a black pearl farm in Zamami. The sabani boats used were two racing boats, the “Zamami-maru” and the “Kai-gakou” (literally sea school), powered by men from the village and third year students from Zamami Junior High. Shogen, who was aboard the Kai-gakou, was passed the Olympic flame on the water in a “torch kiss” by Ichimura, who was aboard the Zamami-maru. There was applause and joyous shouts from the beach, and the boats were cheered on by a local group of hula dancers and the “Aka-Geruma Kujira taiko drummers.” Haruna Kakibana, 36, who come to the beach with her children, said, “Being able to see the Olympic torch relay on the beautiful Zamami ocean was a moment of pride for the people of the village.”

After passing the torch, Shogen commented, “The flame of the torch is now joined in my mind with the shouts the students yelled while rowing the sabani boats. Sukai Nakamura, 14, one of the rowers, said with a sigh, “We were able to pass the torch without any issues.” Konomi Itomine, 14, who steered the boat, said happily, “It will make a great memory.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

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