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Emerald-green ocean of Iriomote Island recognized worldwide through Trip Advisor ranking

Emerald-green ocean of Iriomote Island recognized worldwide through Trip Advisor ranking

April 20, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

The largest travel website in the world, Trip Advisor, released its ranking of the top 10 most popular islands in Asia on April 19. Iriomote Island (in Okinawa) was selected as number 10. It is the first time that an Island in Japan has been ranked on this list. The highest ranked island in Asia by popularity is Bali (in Indonesia).

Some contributed entries on the website about Iriomote Island are, “Pinaisara Waterfall is more impressive than I ever...

 

Editorial: Pollution from Kadena reminds us that there is no choice but to revise the SOFA

April 19, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

The severity of environmental pollution from U.S. military bases in Okinawa, and the deep secrecy with which this is handled, have been illuminated once again. Okinawan citizens’ stress from the concerns connected to bearing an overlarge share of the bases makes...

Meio University forms interpreter team to assist tourists from abroad

Meio University forms interpreter team to assist tourists from abroad

April 17, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On April 11, Meio University formed a team of volunteer interpreters to serve as guide interpreters at local events. The team is composed of foreign exchange students and students studying foreign languages. A ceremony was held to mark the team’s formation at...

Chinese cruise ship docks at Nakagusuku; tourism dollars expected

Chinese cruise ship docks at Nakagusuku; tourism dollars expected

April 14, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

A cruise ship named “Superstar Libra” from Hong Kong cruise company, Star Cruises, docked at the Nakagusuku Port for the first time on April 13. The ship weighs 42,285 ton. This is the first cruise ship to stop there for five years. About 1,000 passengers and...

University Consortium Okinawa to support learning of children in poverty

University Consortium Okinawa to support learning of children in poverty

April 15, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On April 14, the University Consortium Okinawa, which consists of eleven higher education institutions including public and private colleges and universities, held a press conference at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Onna Village. They...

Residents wish for safe navigation and a good season’s fishing at Sanguwacha in Uruma

Residents wish for safe navigation and a good season’s fishing at Sanguwacha in Uruma

April 11, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

For three days from April 9, which is March 3 on the Chinese calendar, Sanguwacha was held on Henza Island in Uruma City. Residents prayed for safe navigation and a good season’s fishing. On April 10, Todaiyu and Nanzamooi were held to kick off the season with...

Onaga eyes ‘dynamism’ in Asia, expecting economic exchange

Onaga eyes ‘dynamism’ in Asia, expecting economic exchange

April 13, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

As a member of the Association for the Promotion of International Trade, Japan, Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga stayed in Beijing from April 10 to 13. On his return to Okinawa, Onaga said, “I feel there is dynamism in Asia. I expect an increase in exports of Okinawan...

“Why do we need to get permission from U.S. marines to visit our ancestors’ graves?”

“Why do we need to get permission from U.S. marines to visit our ancestors' graves?”

April 18, Ryukyu Shimpo

On April 17, at graves within U.S. Marine Corp Air Station Futenma, Ginowan, residents held the Shimi Festival to celebrate their ancestral spirits.

After getting permission from the authorities, about 490 people visited their ancestors’ graves.

The...

Japan-China joint project in Okinawa aims at advancing caregiving for elderly in China

April 13, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Takumi Takimoto

The China Aging Development Foundation (CADF), which supports care for the elderly in China, and the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT) are collaborating to hasten establishment of an Okinawa International...

At working meeting, Okinawa and Japanese governments agree to remove Henoko floats

At working meeting, Okinawa and Japanese governments agree to remove Henoko floats

April 14, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

On April 14, the representatives from the Okinawan prefectural government and the Japanese government met at the Prime Minister’s office in Tokyo. Their meeting marked the first of a series of working-level talks agreed upon as part of the court settlement over...

Trip Advisor ranks sightseeing destinations among Japanese people and foreign tourists for 2015

April 9, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

The largest travel website in the world, Trip Advisor, released 2015 data on Japan’s most popular sightseeing destinations among Japanese people and visitors from abroad, based on user reviews of any language on the site.

The highest-ranking sightseeing...