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Using beach sand and water as a training tool: Okinawa Prefecture produces Karate video

Using beach sand and water as a training tool: Okinawa Prefecture produces Karate video

January 25, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Takesaburo Koyama

 

Onna – The Okinawa Prefecture Department of Culture Tourism & Sports’ (OCTS) Karate promotion office hosted a karate training session at the beach in Nakadomari, Onna January 19, led by the instructors at Shorin-ryu Myobukan (Hirokazu Matsuda, General Director), for a video the department is making titled, “Okinawa Karate Remote Instructor Initiative.”

In the morning at Myobukan’s Onna Dojo, director Matsuda recorded performances of kata, and then branch dojo master Hideyasu Higa trained against two opponents. At the beach, after giving a brief overview of how to use sand as a tool for training, the pair of instructors showed how to train the body’s core using weight and unsteady footing, with Higa performing kata standing on the sand with Matsuda on his shoulders. Then, they entered the water and showed how to build strength with resistance training using the water with thrusts and kicks.

It is said that the unstable footing on the beach makes a good environment for training. Director Matsuda said that retired singer Namie Amuro was a pupil of the dojo when she was in junior high school, noting, “She took lessons on the beach, and lots of fervent training led her to obtain a black belt.”

The remote instruction project is part of a larger undertaking to preserve Okinawan karate and to pass it down to future generations, and are working on things such as distributing a video seminar made with the help of 16 instructors from the various schools of Okinawan karate, as well as planning for the development of both karate instructors and disciples.

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

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Record high concentrations of PFAS detected in groundwater around Kadena Air Base

Record high concentrations of PFAS detected in groundwater around Kadena Air Base

January 22, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On January 18, the Okinawa Environmental Preservation Division announced the results of the summer water quality survey that was conducted last September in the areas surrounding U.S. military bases to assess organic fluorine compound (PFAS) contamination. The use and manufacture of PFOS and PFOA are regulated around the world. In residential groundwater in the area around Kadena Air Base, PFOS and PFOA were detected at a combined concentration of 3000 nanograms per liter. This concentration is 60 times the provisional guidance value (50 nanograms per liter) set by the Ministry of the Environment and the highest level recorded since the survey was first conducted in 2016. In the area around Futenma Air Station, as well, the chemicals were detected at a concentration of 2000 nanograms per liter in the natural spring Majikina Ga in Ginowan City. This is also a record high for the area.

 

Regarding the high contamination levels, representatives of the prefecture said “we believe that it is likely a consequence of the military bases. We plan to ask the national government to conduct a survey and to develop countermeasures.” Because of international regulations, the U.S. military limits the use of PFOS and PFOA. However, these chemicals largely do not break down in the environment, and so contamination persists.

 

Fifty-four locations were surveyed in the areas around Kadena Air Base, Futenma Air Station, Camp Zukeran, Camp McTureous, Camp Hansen, and Camp Schwab. At 36 of these locations, the levels detected exceeded the Ministry of the Environment’s provisional guidance value. In the area around Kadena Air Base, well water and spring water were examined in 14 locations. At every location surveyed, concentrations exceeded the levels recommended by the Ministry of the Environment.

 

Around Futenma Air Station, concentration levels at 11 of 19 locations exceeded the Ministry’s guidance value. The same was true at six of the nine locations examined around Camp McTureous and three of the five locations around Camp Hansen. Concentrations detected at the three locations surveyed around Camp Schwab did not exceed recommended levels.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)

 

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Following Biden’s inauguration Gov. Tamaki plans to “convey current situation in Okinawa” for Henoko discussion

Following Biden’s inauguration Gov. Tamaki plans to “convey current situation in Okinawa” for Henoko discussion

January 22, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On January 21, following the inauguration of Joe Biden as the United States president, Governor Denny Tamaki spoke to the press at the Okinawa Prefectural Government Office. The governor said, “To secure a hope-filled future for Okinawa, I will convey [to the Biden administration] our current situation under the Japan-U.S. security arrangement and request [their] cooperation.”

 

The new administration is expected to remain on course with the new base construction in Henoko, Nago City, a byproduct of relocating Futenma Air Station. Governor Tamaki commented, “[Remaining the course] seems to have been the natural course of action. However, I hope that by informing on the real conditions in Okinawa while looking to the future, we will be able to cultivate an environment to discuss the Henoko base construction [with the Biden administration].”

 

Governor Tamaki noted the opportunities the new administration brings, stating, “I would be grateful if we can establish channels with various people [within the administration]. Since the Biden administration has a strong emphasis on diversity and women, I would be happy to see new lines of communication open up.”

 

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

 

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Giraffe calf born at Okinawa Zoo and Museum for first time in 14 years

Giraffe calf born at Okinawa Zoo and Museum for first time in 14 years

January 22, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

For the first time in 14 years, since 2007, a giraffe calf has been born at the Okinawa Zoo and Museum (Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni). The reticulated giraffe calf, born at 6:38 p.m. on January 20, is 1 meter and 65-70 centimeters tall and weighs 50 kilograms according to the Zoo’s staff. However, the calf’s gender is still unknown. On January 21 the calf took some steady steps and walked energetically around the enclosure while being watched over by Yume, the mother, and Wabisuke, the father. The calf can now be seen by the general public.

According to the zoo staff, giraffe birth takes 2-4 hours on average, and despite this being the first time that the 13-year-old Yume gave birth, the birth only lasted 1 hour after the calf’s feet were seen and was a super easy birth. Two hours thereafter the calf was observed standing up and in the posture for drinking milk. Hereafter, the zoo will be sharing the calf’s growth status on its social networking site. Okinawa City Mayor Sachio Kuwae said, with enthuiasm, “This is joyous news amid the coronavirus crisis. I hope Okinawans all watch over [the calf’s progress] warmly.”

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)

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Naha shopping district “welcomes coronavirus aid with welcome arms,” Mayor Shiroma says, “We need to exchange ideas and think of a way to rebuild”

Naha shopping district “welcomes coronavirus aid with welcome arms,” Mayor Shiroma says, “We need to exchange ideas and think of a way to rebuild”

January 21, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Naha mayor Kimiko Shiroma made a trip to the city’s main shopping district January 20 to observe the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the commercial hub. People who work in the area told her about the difficulties they have been facing, and they requested additional support measures be enacted. Mayor Shiroma said, “I want us to exchange ideas, and to think of a way to revitalize [the area].”

First Makishi Public Market Association president Tomomitsu Aguni said, “I would like the governments at the national, prefectural, and city level to work together on relieving some of the heavy burdens such as rent.” Naha City Central Shopping District Federation chairman Masatoshi Uehara said with a grim expression, “It’s difficult to get people to visit for things like events. I wonder what we can do about this.” He asked that the businesses in the district “welcome with open arms,” any policies to help with the coronavirus as well as any other relief efforts by the city.

The Naha City Kokusai-dori Shopping District Promotion Association executive-director Akihiro Ishizaka has already revived Kokusai-dori’s Ernie Pyle International Theater on the internet, and explained his plan for using it as a platform for the performing arts, saying, “We would like your support in establishing a new form for these projects.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

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Work begins on replacing the roofing tiles on Hoshimmon Gate at Shuri Castle, planned completion in March

Work begins on replacing the roofing tiles on Hoshimmon Gate at Shuri Castle, planned completion in March

January 19, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Shuri Castle Park, which had many of its buildings, including the main temple, burned down in October of 2019, began replacing the roof tiles on Hoshimmon Gate January 18. The undertaking will use 13,000 concave and convex tiles, and the plan is to finish by the end of March.

Hoshimmon is located at the entrance connecting to the main temple, and part of the northern face of the gate was damaged in the fire. They began constructing the wooden frame in September 2020, before continuing on to prep-work for the roofing tiles. The red clay used to make the tiles was sourced from Uruma, and the mudstone similarly comes from Nanjo.

Makoto Fukuyama, director of the Shuri Castle reconstruction office at the Okinawa General Bureau’s Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park Office said, “We would be delighted for visitors to come and watch.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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Okinawan folk music star Misako Oshiro dies at 84, best known for “silk voice” and collaboration with Rinsho Kadekaru

Okinawan folk music star Misako Oshiro dies at 84, best known for “silk voice” and collaboration with Rinsho Kadekaru

January 18, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Misako Oshiro, a leading Okinawan folk singer, passed away on January 18. She was 84 years old. A private memorial service will be held for her surviving family.

 

According to sources, Oshiro was found lying down in her Naha City home, early in the morning of January 18, and her death was confirmed.

 

The singer was born in Taisho Ward, Osaka City, in 1936 and grew up in Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. She became an apprentice to Teihan China, the father of singer Sadao China, and began her folk music career, debuting with the single Kata-omoi in 1962. The song was a big hit thanks to her effortlessly high vocal range, dubbed the i-chugui (silk voice). She became known as the genius sidekick to the late Rinsho Kadekaru. Oshiro also appeared in films, starring in Mugen Ryukyu Tsuru Henry (1998), directed by Go Takamine.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

 

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President Joe Biden’s inauguration speech 

President Joe Biden's inauguration speech 

January 20, 2021  Ryukyu Shimpo

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on 20 January and delivered first remarks.

President inauguration speech is posted below.

 

◆President Joe Biden’s inauguration speech

Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris. Speaker Pelosi, Leaders Schumer, McConnell, Vice President Pence, my distinguished guests and my fellow Americans, this is America’s day.

This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope of renewal and resolve through a crucible for the ages. America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.

We’ve learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.

From now, on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago, violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power, as we have for more than two centuries.

As we look ahead in our uniquely American way: restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on the nation we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And I know, I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation. As does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I’ve just taken the sacred oath each of those patriots have taken. The oath, first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us, on we the people who seek a more perfect union.

This is a great nation. We are good people. And over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we’ve come so far. But we still have far to go. We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities, much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.

Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now. A once-in-a-century virus that silently stalks the country. It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice, some 400 years in the making, moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

The cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear. And now a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: Unity. Unity.

In another January, on New Year’s Day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper, the president said, and I quote: “If my name ever goes down into history, it’ll be for this act. And my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul was in it today. On this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the foes we face: anger, resentment, hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness and hopelessness. With unity, we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs. We can put people to work in good jobs. We can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome the deadly virus. We can reward, reward work, and rebuild the middle class and make health care secure for all. We can deliver racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.

I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real, but I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we’re all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never assured.

Through civil war, the Great Depression, world war, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice and setbacks, our better angels have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward. And we can do that now. History, faith and reason show the way, the way of unity. We can see each other not as adversaries, but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity, there is no peace — only bitterness and fury. No progress — only exhausting outrage. No nation — only a state of chaos.

This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge. And unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America. If we do that, I guarantee you we will not fail. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in America when we’ve acted together.

And so today at this time in this place, let’s start afresh, all of us. Let’s begin to listen to one another again. Hear one another, see one another, show respect to one another. Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire, destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war. And we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.

My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. America has to be better than this. And I believe America is so much better than this. Just look around. Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome, as was mentioned earlier, completed amid the Civil War, when the Union itself was literally hanging in the balance. Yet we endured, we prevailed.

Here we stand looking out on the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. Here we stand, where 108 years ago, at another inaugural, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote. And today we marked the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office: Vice President Kamala Harris. Don’t tell me things can’t change.

 

Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace. And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground.

It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever.

To all those who supported our campaign, I’m humbled by the faith you’ve placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this: Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart. If you still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent, peaceably, the guardrails of our republic, is perhaps this nation’s greatest strength.

Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans. All Americans. And I promise you I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.

Many centuries ago, St. Augustine, a saint in my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love. What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans? I think we know. Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honor and, yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies.

Look — I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs. I understand, like my dad, they lay in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering: Can I keep my health care? Can I pay my mortgage? Thinking about their families, about what comes next. I promise you, I get it.

 

But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don’t look like you or worship the way you do, or don’t get their news from the same sources you do. We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural vs. urban, conservative vs. liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts. If we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes, as my mom would say, just for a moment, stand in their shoes. Because here’s the thing about life: There’s no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days when you need a hand. There are other days when we’re called to lend a hand. That’s how it has to be. That’s what we do for one another. And if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. And we can still disagree.

 

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we’re going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We’re entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation. One nation.

And I promise you this, as the Bible says: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We will get through this together. Together.

Look, folks. All my colleagues I served with in the House of the Senate up there, we all understand the world is watching, watching all of us today. So here’s my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we’ve come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. And we’ll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.

 

We’ll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security.

 

Look — you all know we’ve been through so much in this nation. And my first act as president, I’d like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those who we lost this past year to the pandemic. Those 400,000 fellow Americans. Moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, neighbors and co-workers. We will honor them by becoming the people and the nation we know we can and should be. So I ask you, let’s say a silent prayer for those who’ve lost their lives, those left behind, and for our country.

Amen.

Folks, this is a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy and on truth, a raging virus, growing inequity, the sting of systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America’s role in the world. Any one of these will be enough to challenge us in profound ways. But the fact is, we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we’ve had. Now we’re going to be tested. Are we going to step up? All of us? It’s time for boldness, for there is so much to do. And this is certain, I promise you: We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era.

Will we rise to the occasion is the question. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I’m sure you do as well. I believe we will. And when we do, we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story. A story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me. It’s called “American Anthem.” There’s one verse that stands out, at least for me, and it goes like this:

The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day.

What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?

Let me know in my heart when my days are through.

America, America, I gave my best to you.

Let’s add. Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children’s children will say of us: They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.

My fellow Americans, I close the day where I began, with a sacred oath before God and all of you. I give you my word, I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution. I’ll defend our democracy. I’ll defend America and I will give all, all of you. Keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power, but of possibilities, not of personal interest, but the public good. And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us and the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. We met the moment. Democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch, but thrived. That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forebears, one another and generations to follow.

So, with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time. Sustained by faith, driven by conviction, devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts. May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Thank you, America.

Assembly Special Committee finds Defense Minister approval of low-altitude flights “deplorable”

Assembly Special Committee finds Defense Minister approval of low-altitude flights “deplorable”

January 15, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

On January 14, a meeting of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly’s Special Committee on U.S. Military Base Affairs (chaired by Moriyuki Teruya) opened and unanimously adopted the chairman’s declaration objecting to the low altitude flying of U.S. military aircraft in the vicinity of the Kerama Islands. The declaration mentioned that Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi’s statement, in which he gave his approval for these flights, was “truly deplorable”; requested a drastic revision of the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement; and asked for training in the sky over residential districts to stop. The Okinawa Prefectural Government (OPG) is attempting to coordinate with the US military as well as relevant agencies of the U.S. and Japanese governments, and calling personnel from these agencies to visit the Okinawa Prefectural Office next week or thereafter.

The declaration contained the following criticism: “Although not seen before this point, [U.S. military aircraft] are circling repeatedly at extremely low altitudes and the like, causing fear among local residents. If, by some chance, a crash occurs, it will easily lead to a great disaster, and this is absolutely unacceptable.” The declaration also pointed out that the agreement announced by the U.S. and Japanese governments in 1999 makes light of such issues. Director-General Masaru Kinjo of the Executive Office of the Governor (Okinawa), who attended the Special Committee meeting as an expositor, expressed, to relevant agencies, his and the OPG’s objecting opinion, saying: “The repeated low-altitude flying outside of provided facilities and zones is clearly considered to fall below the minimum altitude standard under civil aeronautics law and the like, and has caused uneasiness in residents. It is truly deplorable.” Although the Special Committee was originally looking to adopt a protest resolution at a plenary session, the move became a declaration by the chairman due to efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)

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Video – Uruma City combines bullfighting and a coming-of-age ceremony amid the coronavirus pandemic

Video – Uruma City combines bullfighting and a coming-of-age ceremony amid the coronavirus pandemic

January 11, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Uruma City held its first coming-of-age ceremony at the Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome (bullfighting ring) on January 10, taking extra care to provide proper ventilation. As a special guest for the year of the Ox, an enormous 1,100 kg 10-year-old fighting bull named “Ryuriki-oh” made an appearance. While signing along was not allowed for the music, at the height of Uruma City’s song, Ryuriki-oh stepped in for the new adults, letting out a loud “Moo” and eliciting laughter from those in attendance.

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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Cases in Okinawa Surge: “500-800 new cases per week going forward” predicted, hospital bed utilization exceeds 100% in Chubu, Main Island

Cases in Okinawa Surge: “500-800 new cases per week going forward” predicted, hospital bed utilization exceeds 100% in Chubu, Main Island

January 15, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On January 14, Governor Denny Tamaki held an emergency press conference at the Okinawa Prefectural Office. He shared that cases of the novel coronavirus in Okinawa are increasing, mostly in young people, and that estimates suggest that the prefecture is likely to see 500 to 800 new cases per week going forward. Furthermore, general hospital bed utilization has exceeded 100% in Chubu on the Main Island, where coronavirus patients are being admitted. The governor asked that people refrain from non-essential, non-urgent travel between Okinawa and the prefectures included in the national state of emergency announcement, both the initial four prefectures and the seven prefectures, including Osaka, that were later added.

 

Tamaki indicated that the prefecture plans to allow the professional baseball camps that will be held in various parts of Okinawa starting in February. However, he asked that spectators from the prefectures under emergency measures stay home during this period.

 

“During the New Year’s holiday, more people from other prefectures came to Okinawa for parties or to visit relatives. There is concern that coming-of-age ceremonies over the three-day weekend may also contribute to increased case numbers in the future,” Tamaki said.

 

On whether he would ask the national government to announce a state of emergency for Okinawa, the governor only said, “we have to make that decision after having a complete understanding of the situation.”

 

The governor explained that there were instances of individuals not doing their part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Specific examples that have led to strings of new infections include (1) declining hospitalization or not taking time to recuperate despite having tested positive at a testing facility, (2) going out despite having been determined by a health center to have been in close contact with an infected person, (3) going on a trip or to a gathering despite feeling sick, and (4) stores not complying with requests for shortened hours of operation.

 

Tamaki emphasized that “if we are not able to slow the spread of the virus, Okinawa prefecture will have to adopt stricter measures and restrictions.”

 

At the beginning of the press conference, Doctor Yoshihiro Takayama, who works in infectious diseases in internal medicine at Chubu Hospital and is a member of Okinawa’s Expert Meeting, explained the current situation. “Okinawa is about to see a surge in cases. We have to beat it back without hesitation. If we put it off, we will only miss our chance to act. We are asking what young people, especially, can do to help contain the spread of the virus.”

(English translation by T&CT and Ellen Huntley)

 

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