June 10, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
Okinawa’s awamori industry voiced its excitement as the Japanese government announced plans to list awamori as an Intangible Cultural Heritage with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Once registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, awamori can be expected to earn the status of a national spirit, along with sake and shochu. Manabu Sakumoto, president of the Prefectural Distillers...
June 11, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Sanemichi Kinjo
Nanjo – In Taira Ozato, there is a leatherworker who turns the skins of culled sharks into products. Ryuma Kinjo (Naha) has already made 200 sharkskin products such as wallets and bags. He explains, “I want to give sharks that were killed...
June 10, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
While distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine continues, an issue has arisen regarding how to distribute the vaccine to the homeless. Since inoculation tickets using the resident registration lists, it is difficult for the homeless to acquire them, as...
June 11, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
The best time to see the powder puff trees (Barringtonia racemosa) in front of Palette Kumoji in Kumoji, Naha City has arrived. When early evening rolls around the tuft-like flowers bloom and release their characteristic scent, and the feel...
June 7, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
Itoman – The gong-ringing ceremony to open up the Itoman Hari dragon boat race season was held at 5:00 p.m. on June 7 at Santinmo Park in Itoman. In the sprinkling rain, the loud ringing of the gong could be heard at dusk throughout the city as participants prayed...
May 31, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Mitsue Chinen
On May 25, the 6th graders of Ie Elementary School learned about peace at the Danketsu Dojo (solidarity training center) in Maja, Ie Village, and in their classrooms at Ie Elementary School. The 30-hour learning opportunity...
June 4, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
The sound of an aircraft covered the island, and immediately after, apprehension enveloped residents. Late at night on June 2, a U.S. military helicopter made an emergency landing on private land on Tsuken Jima in Uruma City, where there are expansive...
June 3, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) began bringing in munitions such as missiles to their training grounds in Bora Gusukube, Miyakojima June 2. A pair of CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters were seen flying into Miyakojima, and munitions were...
May 30, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
(Northern Okinawa) There are frequent occurrences of traffic accidents involving the Yambaru Kuina, a Natural Monument of Japan. On May 29, the Okinawa Amami Natural Environment Office announced that 11 such traffic accidents have been confirmed from...
June 4, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
On June 3, the Novel Coronavirus Task Force of Okinawa held a meeting and announced that it had been decided on a prefectural level to, as a rule, close prefectural schools for two weeks from June 7-20. On June 4, an online meeting will be held to hear...
May 31, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Ryota Nakamura
It was discovered May 30 that when the U.S. sent out $1,400 checks to U.S. citizens as part of their COVID-19 economic stimulus package, some checks were also mistakenly sent out to elderly Okinawans who collect social security from the U.S....
Webcam(Kokusai Street)