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Okinawa ranks third in the world for popular spring break travel destination

Okinawa ranks third in the world for popular spring break travel destination

January 10, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On January 9, travel search engine KAYAK announced its popular spring break travel destinations ranking for 2019, which was based on search data.

KAYAK is a leading subsidiary of one of the world’s largest online travel agencies, Booking Holdings.

Among the travel destinations around the world, Okinawa placed third.

The number of searches drastically increased by 229 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year.

 

Rome...

 

Himeyuri Peace Museum plans second renewal after first in 2004 with new exhibits to pass down history

Himeyuri Peace Museum plans second renewal after first in 2004 with new exhibits to pass down history

January 5, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Chikako Maemori

 

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Beaming 20-year-olds celebrate at UNESCO site

Beaming 20-year-olds celebrate at UNESCO site

January 5, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

NAKIJIN—Coming-of-age Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on the second Monday of January.

Since ringing in the new year, municipalities all over Okinawa have hosted coming-of-age ceremonies for those who recently turned, or will...

For Henoko land reclamation, Prime Minister Abe claims, “The coral there is being relocated,” however the reality is no such activity is taking place in the landfill area

For Henoko land reclamation, Prime Minister Abe claims, “The coral there is being relocated,” however the reality is no such activity is taking place in the landfill area

January 8, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a false claim about the land reclamation work in Henoko Bay, part of the relocation of MCAS Futenma (located in Ginowan, Okinawa) to the Henoko area of Nago, while on a political discussion show this past Sunday, January 6. The prime...

Camp Schwab gate protesters pledge efforts against new base with Robert Kajiwara

Camp Schwab gate protesters pledge efforts against new base with Robert Kajiwara

January 6, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

On January 5 citizens gathered in front of the gates to Camp Schwab to protest construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility in Henoko. Customarily, on the first Saturday of the New Year Okinawans come together for a large protest action there. This year about...

Editorial – Looking to the new year, is democracy in Japan genuine?

January 1, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

We have entered the final year of the Heisei era. 2019 looks to be a year in which the existence of democracy in Okinawa, and subsequently Japan as a whole, will be brought into question. This is because while an overwhelming majority of Okinawans oppose it, the...

Okinawa poll shows solid majority intends to attend land reclamation referendum, desires availability in all municipalities

January 4, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

Over the course of three days starting on December 22 last year, the Ryukyu Shimpo, the Okinawa Television Broadcasting Company (OTV), and JX PRESS Corporation conducted a telephone public opinion poll of constituents in all regions within Okinawa Prefecture. The...

Citizens opposing the new base shared New Year’s resolution at Henoko

Citizens opposing the new base shared New Year’s resolution at Henoko

January 3, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

In the early morning of January 1, citizens opposed to the construction of the new base gathered at Henoko beach and held Hachiukushi. Facing toward the sunrise, 316 citizens renewed their resolution to oppose the construction of a new base.

As they wished...

Ryukyu Kingdom Era New Year’s Celebration praying for peace takes place at Shuri Castle

Ryukyu Kingdom Era New Year’s Celebration praying for peace takes place at Shuri Castle

January 3, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

On January 1, the Shurijo Castle Park New Year’s Celebration commenced in Naha City. Many people, such as families and tourists, visited and gave a round of applause to the magnificent ceremony. Fusako Sasaki, 75, visiting from Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture...

Postponement of seawall construction in Oura Bay for FY2020 on may be result of soft seabed

Postponement of seawall construction in Oura Bay for FY2020 on may be result of soft seabed

 

December 22, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On December 21, it came to light that construction of the seawalls on the Oura Bay side of Cape Henoko, planned for FY2018, is to be postponed to FY2020 or beyond.

Building the seawalls is part of construction of the Futenma...

Southern Cross viewing season arrives in Ishigakijima

Southern Cross viewing season arrives in Ishigakijima

December 22, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

The season for viewing the Southern Cross, a constellation that symbolizes the southern sky, has arrived in Okinawa’s Yaeyama region.

In the early morning on December 20, the first photograph this winter of the Southern Cross was taken...