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Local karate dojos hold first training of the year against background of World Heritage Site Katsuren Castle Ruins

Local karate dojos hold first training of the year against background of World Heritage Site Katsuren Castle Ruins

January 7, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

Members of Uechi-ryu Minamihara Shurei Kan (Director Atsushi Shimabukuro) and Ryukyu Kobudo Minamihara Shurei Kan (Director Tsuneo Shimabukuro) practiced their first training of 2017 on the morning of January 7 at Katsuren Castle Ruins, the World Heritage Site in Uruma City. Twenty-five disciples and students took part in the training and worked up a sweat, feeling the breath of Lord Amawari, who was the owner of the castle.

They performed and practiced...

 

Beijing approves the restoration and preservation of Ryukyuan graves

Beijing approves the restoration and preservation of Ryukyuan graves

January 4, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Tsuyoshi Arakaki

In 1879, around the time of the disposition of Ryukyu, or the annexation of Ryukyu, some Ryukyuans sought refuge in China to appeal for the salvation of the Ryukyu Kingdom. They eventually passed away and were buried in Beijing. Their...

Governor Onaga says Okinawans are disregarded as Osprey aerial refueling training resumes

Governor Onaga says Okinawans are disregarded as Osprey aerial refueling training resumes

January 5, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

On the evening of January 5, Governor Takeshi Onaga commented in an interview on the resumption of aerial refueling training exercises of MV-22 Osprey vertical takeoff and landing aircraft scheduled for the next day, following the recent crash on the shore of...

Tetsuko Kuroyanagi says residents’ opinions should be respected in Henoko, Article 9 should not be changed

Tetsuko Kuroyanagi says residents’ opinions should be respected in Henoko, Article 9 should not be changed

January 3, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Yoko Shima

Recently, the Ryukyu Shimpo interviewed Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, 83, who serves as a female Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund), and she told us about her concern for Okinawa and the importance of peace. Regarding...

Governor Onaga to visit to US at end of January, making appeal to incoming administration for Henoko issue

Governor Onaga to visit to US at end of January, making appeal to incoming administration for Henoko issue

January 3, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

Governor Takeshi Onaga has begun making preparations for a visit to the United States at the end of the month with the purpose of making a direct appeal for stopping new base construction in Henoko, Nago. With the inauguration of the United States’ next president...

In year opening address, Okinawa Governor Onaga vows to prevent new US base construction

In year opening address, Okinawa Governor Onaga vows to prevent new US base construction

January 4 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

In his year-opening address to staff members of the Okinawa Prefectural Government on January 4, Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga pledged to prevent land-reclamation in Henoko and the associated relocation of Futenma Air Station. Onaga said, “Following the statement...

The Year of the Rooster 2017: Okinawan native chicken “chan” wishes happy New Year in a beautiful voice

The Year of the Rooster 2017: Okinawan native chicken “chan” wishes happy New Year in a beautiful voice

January 1, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

2017 is the year of the Rooster. Sixty-four-year-old Rinkichi Teruya, who lives at Mizugama, Kadena, raises chan chickens, which are native to Okinawa. The chickens were showing off their beautiful high voices and their typical three-syllable sound at his house.

Chans...

Japan’s crime-prevention patrols receive zero calls related to the U.S. military in 6 months despite consecutive crimes

Japan's crime-prevention patrols receive zero calls related to the U.S. military in 6 months despite consecutive crimes

December 30, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On June 16, a “Patrolling Team for Okinawa Community Security” set up by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) in response to the assault and murder of a woman by a U.S. base employee revealed that they received 13 calls but no calls related to the U.S. military...

Third plan reported to recover Ryukyu Kingdom’s diplomatic record “Rekidai Houan” document

Third plan reported to recover Ryukyu Kingdom’s diplomatic record

December 20, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

The editing committee for a project aimed at recovering the Ryukyu Kingdom’s diplomatic record or Rekidai Houan reported on its third plan on December 20. The committee, led by a professor emeritus, Seitoku Kinjo, reported to the prefectural school superintendent,...

New Year’s banquet at Shuri Castle: Ryukyu Kingdom era ritual performed as prayer for peace

New Year's banquet at Shuri Castle: Ryukyu Kingdom era ritual performed as prayer for peace

January 3, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

On January 1, the annual New Year’s banquet began at Shurijo Castle Park in Naha, Okinawa. The event is held every year from January 1 to 3.

The Chouhaiokishiki, or Imperial Court New Year’s morning ceremony from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, was held...

Admirable love among indigenous beetles in the Takae Forest

Admirable love among indigenous beetles in the Takae Forest

December 30, 2016 Chie Tome of Ryukyu Shimpo

There is an insect that spends two years underground as larva and then comes out of the ground during an evening around Christmas in search of its soulmate. This romantic insect, the Tricholontha papagena, is a beetle endemic to the Amami and Okinawa...