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The 2021 Okinawan tourist visitor totals trends up for the first time in 3 years, hitting 3.27 million visitors, a 26.7% increase over the previous year

The 2021 Okinawan tourist visitor totals trends up for the first time in 3 years, hitting 3.27 million visitors, a 26.7% increase over the previous year

April 26, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

The Okinawa Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports announced the 2021 tourist visitor totals (April 2021 – March 2022) on April 26, reporting a 26.7% year-over-year increase (an increase of 690,700 people) for a total of 3.27 million visitors.

The is the first increase in visitors in three years.

While there are still lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as an absence of foreign tourists, the results show a trend...

 

Governor explains OPG did not address rape by US Marine late last year “For the sake of protecting the privacy of the victim”

Governor explains OPG did not address rape by US Marine late last year

April 20, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Teppei Ikeda

 

On April 19, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki issued a comment about the prosecution of a U.S. Marine lance corporal for raping a woman, resulting in her bodily injury. Governor Tamaki clarified that the incident occurred in October...

Council to offer practical courses to preserve Okinawan language

Council to offer practical courses to preserve Okinawan language

April 24, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Takuya Kayou

 

On April16, the prefectural council...

Kyoto District Court dismisses lawsuit calling for return of remains to Okinawa

Kyoto District Court dismisses lawsuit calling for return of remains to Okinawa

April 21, 2022       Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On April 21, the Kyoto District Court handed down their decision to reject a lawsuit seeking the return of Ryukyuan remains in the possession of Kyoto University. The suit was brought by a group including Professor Yasukatsu Matsushima...

Okinawan citizens’ convention marking the 50th anniversary of the reversion moves online, welcomes Okinawan author Yuuki Organic as joint representative

Okinawan citizens’ convention marking the 50th anniversary of the reversion moves online, welcomes Okinawan author Yuuki Organic as joint representative

April 21, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Masatoshi Omine

 

The executive committee board of governors for the “50-year reversion anniversary Okinawa citizens convention for a prosperous Okinawa proud of peace and free of military bases,” and event planned in large part by the...

The Okinawa International Movie Festival ends after bringing in a diverse crowd of 18,000 in first red carpet event in three years

The Okinawa International Movie Festival ends after bringing in a diverse crowd of 18,000 in first red carpet event in three years

April 18, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Kengo Fujimura

 

The 14th Okinawa International Movie Festival (hosted by the Okinawa International Movie Festival Executive Committee) wrapped up on April 17. Starting with the Sakurazaka Theater in Naha and the Ryukyu Shimpo Hall, the event...

As Okinawa faces seventh coronavirus wave, prefecture looks to bolster support for elderly care facilities by dispatching nursing assistants

As Okinawa faces seventh coronavirus wave, prefecture looks to bolster support for elderly care facilities by dispatching nursing assistants

April 15, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Takuya Kayo

 

With a new wave of coronavirus infections spreading throughout elderly care facilities in Okinawa, governor Denny Tamaki announced April 14 that among other new pandemic-battling policies they would be taking steps to bolster...

Six baby goats in Naha charm a neighborhood

Six baby goats in Naha charm a neighborhood

April 10, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Naoki Isa

 

Naha – Between March 9-20, six baby goats were born to the four goats who graze the green space next to Naha Shimin Kyodo Plaza in the Mekaru neighborhood of Naha. The energetic young goats running about or clinging to their parents...

Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival preparations underway; committee quadruples membership to 20

Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival preparations underway; committee quadruples membership to 20

April 15, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Kenta Masuda

 

The Seventh Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival will be held this fall, after a one-year postponement related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival’s executive committee secretariat which comprised five staff members until March...

Highest temperatures this year measured at nine sites in Okinawa, sunflowers bloom in Ikeijima

Highest temperatures this year measured at nine sites in Okinawa, sunflowers bloom in Ikeijima

April 13, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

According to the Okinawa Meteorological Observatory, on April 12 the Okinawa region was covered by the Pacific Anticyclone, causing places throughout the region to experience what felt like a hot summer day. At 1:00 p.m. that day, a temperature of...

“We can’t allow children to drink” water containing harmful PFAS – protest assembly in Ginowan draws 400 people

“We can’t allow children to drink” water containing harmful PFAS – protest assembly in Ginowan draws 400 people

April 12, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Wakana Arakaki and Shugo Asato

 

Ginowan – We cannot allow our children and grandchildren to drink water that contains harmful substances, argues the “Take back our clean water! Protect life from pollution of polyfluoroalkyl substances...