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In light of frequent Yambaru Kuina accidents, drivers asked to take caution and drive slowly

In light of frequent Yambaru Kuina accidents, drivers asked to take caution and drive slowly

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 January 1 to May 20, with 10 Yambaru Kuina being killed. It said that there may be increased cases of parent birds and chicks running onto the road in May and June, when the parents are raising their...

 

Some U.S. COVID-19 stimulus checks mistakenly sent to elderly Okinawan pensioners, experts say to “return the checks without cashing”

Some U.S. COVID-19 stimulus checks mistakenly sent to elderly Okinawan pensioners, experts say to “return the checks without cashing”

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....

Coral spawning on the same night as super moon lunar eclipse, alignment of ocean and cosmos

Coral spawning on the same night as super moon lunar eclipse, alignment of ocean and cosmos

May 27, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Hideaki Yoneda

 

Coral spawning was observed on the night of May 26 at Aharen Beach in Tokashiki Village. Takashi Matsuda, 49, of the local diving shop Relax Island Tokashiki caught photographs of the spawning. There was a total lunar eclipse...

ZHAP aims for 100,000 signatures asking Biden administration to revoke Henoko construction

ZHAP aims for 100,000 signatures asking Biden administration to revoke Henoko construction

May 14, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On May 13, the members of ZHAP (the ZENKO Henoko Project) held an interview at the Okinawa Prefectural Office’s press club, and, with cooperation from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) which has influence with the Democratic Party and the...

MV22-Osprey repeatedly flies out of Futenma Airfield after 11p.m., causing noise pollution

MV22-Osprey repeatedly flies out of Futenma Airfield after 11p.m., causing noise pollution

May 14, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On May 11 and 12, aircraft including the MV-22 Osprey, a vertical takeoff and landing transport aircraft, took off from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma after 10 p.m.–a violation of the Noise Prevention Agreement, a measure to control aircraft...

Pair of Yambaru-Kuina photographed in recommended World Heritage Site, Kunigami

Pair of Yambaru-Kuina photographed in recommended World Heritage Site, Kunigami

May 12, 2021  Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On May 11, the day after Amami, Okinawa was recommended for inscription as a World Natural Heritage Site, yambaru-kuina (Okinawa rail), a Natural Monument of Japan, were spotted in Kunigami.

 

The pair of yambaru-kuina poked their...

Okinawan language usage down 13.5 points in FY 2020: 84% feel affection, 43% speak it

Okinawan language usage down 13.5 points in FY 2020: 84% feel affection, 43% speak it

May 4, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On April 30, the prefectural government’s Culture, Tourism, and Sports Department announced the 2020 survey results on the familiarity of shimakutuba (the Okinawan language) among locals. Approximately 80% of respondents said they feel close to or have...

Enormous sea turtle stranded rescued by 20 people, including locals, the Turtle Hermit,  police, and aquarium employees

Enormous sea turtle stranded rescued by 20 people, including locals, the Turtle Hermit,  police, and aquarium employees

May 6, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On May 5, a loggerhead sea turtle was discovered on the shore in Kyan in Itoman. The turtle was found stuck on the rocks after laying her eggs. Approximately 20 people, including locals, the Turtle Hermit, who loves turtles, police, and aquarium employees,...

MC-130J aircraft observed at low altitude after sixth U.S. military parachute drop training of 2021

MC-130J aircraft observed at low altitude after sixth U.S. military parachute drop training of 2021

May 5, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On May 4, the US miltary conducted parachute drop training over the water in Tsuken Jima Training Area in Uruma City, Okinawa. This is the sixth time this year that training was conducted in this water training area. Starting at just past 10:10 a.m.,...

At Constitution Symposium, Dr. Tokuda speaks of peace and “non-war” as a pillar for doctors

At Constitution Symposium, Dr. Tokuda speaks of peace and “non-war” as a pillar for doctors

May 4, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

 

On May 3, Constitution Day, the 2021 Constitution Symposium (Okinawa Constitution Dissemination Association, Okinawa Human Rights Association, Japan Scientists’ Association Okinawa Branch) was held at the Ryukyu Shimpo Hall in Izumizaki,...

“Day of Humiliation” rally held in Naha

“Day of Humiliation” rally held in Naha

April 29, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

April 28 marked 69 years since the Treaty of San Francisco of 1952, which separated Okinawa from Japan, came into effect. On this day, the Okinawa Peace Movement Center held an April 28 Day of Humiliation demonstration at the Kenmin Hiroba Plaza in...