July 10, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
Uruma – The demolition of a ganya, a structure used to store a gan prior to a burial, took place in Yonashiroteruma, Uruma on June 24. A gan is a portable shrine used to carry the coffin. In Okinawa, cremation has long since replaced burial as the norm, and as the ganya was last used sometime around 1960, it was decided that it would be demolished. Around 40 villagers gathered, and watched quietly as a monk performed a rite of gratitude as a send-off.
According...
June 2, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
On the morning of June 2, riot police removed protestors from Camp Schwab’s gate to allow the entrance of construction vehicles for the Futenma Air Station replacement facility in Henoko, Nago. As riot police removed protestors, one man and one woman were injured...
May 27, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
The awamori brewery Kumejima’s Kumesen (CEO: Masaya Shimabukuro) announced the release of their new Ryukyu Awamori “Karate,” at the Okinawa Karate Hall in Tomigusuku on May 26. The label has the kanji for “Karate,” and is decorated with things such as a...
May 16, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
Kunigami – A Noguchigera (Okinawa woodpecker) bird, which is both an endangered species and designated as a national special natural treasure, was photographed drinking from a deigo flower in Kunigami by photographer Hiroaki Yamashiro of Haebaru on May 15. The Noguchigera...
April 13, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
Sri Sri Ra
vi Shankar, 61, founder of...
March 28, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
At the graduation and completion ceremony at the National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College in Nago on March 18, Aya Arashiro, 70, who runs the dining bar “Aya” in Nago, watched over two foreign exchange students. Arashiro has been supporting foreign...
February 27, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
(Story: Masaki Umeda; Photos: Futoshi Hanashiro, Masatoshi Moromizato)
Ogami Island is located around four kilometers northeast of Miyako Island. It is known as the “Island of Prayer,” best represented by the secret ritual Uyagan. The only of Miyako...
January 22, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo
A Ryukyu dynastic era ritual, Momoso-omonomairi, was re-enacted on January 21 at Shuri Castle Park in Shurikinjocho, Naha. Priestesses made a pilgrimage to the sacred site in the castle grounds, praying for things such as a long life for the emperor, safe sailing...
December 25, 2016, Ryukyu Shimpo
The Kyan community association in Itoman, Okinawa held their annual newborn celebration, “Chiritancho” on the afternoon of December 25 in the Kyan Community Center. The celebration is for babies born in 2016, and wishes them a long, healthy life. Sixteen...
Webcam(Kokusai Street)