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Editorial: Do not permit infected U.S. troops to be quietly transported to Okinawa

August 21, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

During a mass outbreak of the novel coronavirus occurred on the U.S. Navy’s USS Theodore Roosevelt en route, the U.S. military considered a plan to transport about 3,000 crewmembers to U.S. military bases in Okinawa. The crew eventually disembarked in Guam, but they have been withdrawn, so there has been no talk of remedying the situation.

By this stage, bringing a large group of people, including people who test positive for the coronavirus, to other...

 

Ishigaki residents demand construction related to JSDF deployment be halted, citing noise pollution and environmental destruction

Ishigaki residents demand construction related to JSDF deployment be halted, citing noise pollution and environmental destruction

August 20, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

Ishigaki – The Ishigaki citizens’ liaison committee to prevent military base construction on Ishigaki Island sent a written demand to the Ministry of Defense and the Okinawa Defense Bureau August 17, demanding that construction cease on a Japan Ground Self...

In Tarama, 30 green sea turtles hatch and make their way to the sea

In Tarama, 30 green sea turtles hatch and make their way to the sea

August 15, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Megumi Kiyomura

(Tarama) On July 25, around 30 green sea turtles hatched on the beach on the northern side of Tarama Village, Okinawa. The turtles were discovered by 7th grader Kazuki Kiyomura, age 13, of Tarama. The turtles determinedly making their way...

At 100 years old, Fumi Toyama is still sharp, goes on walks “for her body,” does all her own housework, and says “Smiles are a nutrient for the body”

At 100 years old, Fumi Toyama is still sharp, goes on walks “for her body,” does all her own housework, and says “Smiles are a nutrient for the body”

August 17, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Chie Tome

Yomitan – “I wonder what fun things today will bring?” The smiling face saying this is none other than 100-year old Fumi Toyama, who lives by herself in Senaha, Yomitan. While she moves slowly about the house with the help of a cane, her...

JICA volunteers sing Shokichi Kina’s hit song “Hana” in 14 languages

JICA volunteers sing Shokichi Kina’s hit song “Hana” in 14 languages

August 11, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

JICA Okinawa (Japan International Cooperation Agency Okinawa Center) recently uploaded a rendition of Shokichi Kina’s hit song “Hana” sung in 14 languages and in the Okinawan language to YouTube. The music video is meant to spread hope to those...

Editorial: 16 years after university helicopter crash Futenma base should be closed unconditionally

August 14, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

August 13, 2020, marks 16 years from the day a CH-53D heavy-lift transport helicopter departed U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, crashed at Okinawa International University and burst into flames.

MCAS Futenma’s airfield continues to occupy the city’s...

Four police helicopters parked at Naha Airport for guarding the Senkaku Islands

Four police helicopters parked at Naha Airport for guarding the Senkaku Islands

August 13, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

Around 6:00 p.m. on August 12, it was confirmed that four large helicopters belonging to the Metropolitan Police Department, the Osaka Prefectural Police, and the like are parked at Naha Airport. According to Okinawa Prefectural Police personnel, these helicopters...

Arrows of light visible in the summer night sky

Arrows of light visible in the summer night sky

August 13, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

Mention of the Perseid Meteor Shower conjures up images of the night sky in summer. The meteor shower was at its peak from late night on August 12 until just before dawn on August 13. The meteors leaving trails as they streaked across the night sky were even seen...

Okinawa raises alert to highest level and extends the prefecture’s state of emergency

Okinawa raises alert to highest level and extends the prefecture’s state of emergency

August 13, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo Digital Edition

Okinawa Prefecture announced August 13 that they were raising their COVID-19 alert level to the highest of their 4 levels, “rampant spread,” and have extended Okinawa’s state of emergency, originally scheduled to expire August 15, through...

Drones help news reporting on Schwab and impacts of military exercises

Drones help news reporting on Schwab and impacts of military exercises

August 8, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

Ryukyu Shimpo utilizes drones to report on U.S. military base issues in Okinawa, such as functional enhancements made to the bases, and the extents of any damages caused by the military. Specifically, drones flying over the waters near Camp Schwab in Henoko, Nago...

White flowers glow against the Kerama blue as the harlequin glorybowers start to bloom in Tokashiki

White flowers glow against the Kerama blue as the harlequin glorybowers start to bloom in Tokashiki

August 10, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Special Correspondent Hideaki Yoneda

Tokashiki – With summer reaching its peak, the...