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Japan’s best guitarist is a second grader from Okinawa—father helps daughter achieve her dreams

Japan’s best guitarist is a second grader from Okinawa—father helps daughter achieve her dreams

June 16, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Saki Yoshida

 

On June 13, Hana Hanzawa, 7, a second grader at Jonan Elementary School in Naha City, won first place in the lower elementary school division of the national 43rd Junior Guitar Competition (sponsored by Japan Junior Guitar Education Association). Hana said with a big smile, “I jumped for joy when I found out I won.” She began playing the guitar when she was three years old and diligently practices with her father...

 

Okinawa City to research potential effects of joint military/civilian use of Kadena Air Base

Okinawa City to research potential effects of joint military/civilian use of Kadena Air Base

June 18, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Ryota Shimabukuro

Okinawa City has incorporated “working on research studies and activities appealing to the national government” regarding the joint military/civilian use of Kadena Air Base into the early stages basic plan of the city’s...

Uruma-native Mariko builds bridges to Okinawa in her foreign cultures class at Korean high school June 13, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

Uruma-native Mariko builds bridges to Okinawa in her foreign cultures class at Korean high school  June 13, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Minami Asato Tamamoto

 

At Pyeongtaek Mechanical and Technical High School, located in Pyeongtaek, around a 90-minute drive from Seoul, Korea, Uruma-native Mariko Yokota, 33, teaches students about Okinawan history and culture in her foreign cultures class. Yokota had been a...

Heat up your summer with “Okinawa southern chilies,” now in peak harvest season!

Heat up your summer with “Okinawa southern chilies,” now in peak harvest season!

June 12, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Packed with capsaicin and vitamin C, chili peppers are known to be effective in combating summer heat fatigue. Forty-eight-year-old Hitoshi Sunagawa’s greenhouse in Toyama Tamagusuku, Nanjo is colored with the reds and greens of chili peppers from...

Himeyuri Peace Museum “operational crisis” tweet spreads, leading to 17.5 million yen in donations over two days

Himeyuri Peace Museum “operational crisis” tweet spreads, leading to 17.5 million yen in donations over two days

June 7, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On the morning of June 6, the Himeyuri Peace Museum, which has seen a dramatic decrease in visitors as a result of Covid-19, posted about its dire “operational crisis” on Twitter. The tweet was retweeted widely, leading to a sudden inflow of donations....

UNESCO application spurs industry hopes of spreading awamori culture

UNESCO application spurs industry hopes of spreading awamori culture

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...

Leatherworker Kinjo receives praise throughout Japan: turning sharkskin into appealing products like wallets and bags

Leatherworker Kinjo receives praise throughout Japan: turning sharkskin into appealing products like wallets and bags

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...

Labor group calls for help getting vaccines for people without resident registration forms to prevent the homeless from being left behind

Labor group calls for help getting vaccines for people without resident registration forms to prevent the homeless from being left behind

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...

The scent of powder puff flowers wafts through the streets on summer nights in Naha City

The scent of powder puff flowers wafts through the streets on summer nights in Naha City

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...

Itoman Hari cancelled for second-straight year, opening night gong-ringing prays for end to pandemic and safety at sea

Itoman Hari cancelled for second-straight year, opening night gong-ringing prays for end to pandemic and safety at sea

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...

Shoko Ahagon’s legacy of the Ie Land Struggle and Solidarity Dojo passed on to Ie Elementary School students

Shoko Ahagon's legacy of the Ie Land Struggle and Solidarity Dojo passed on to Ie Elementary School students

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...