Rosewood Miyakojima offers a smooth balance of intuitive Japanese ‘omotenashi’ fused with Rosewood’s luxury edge Forget skyscrapers and 24-hour neon: Miyakojima is one of the necklace-like trails of subtropical islands in the Okinawa region, closer to Taipei than Tokyo It’s easier than imagined to get there with direct flights from Tokyo (three hours) and Osaka (two and a half hours) Many visitors to Okinawa are fast seduced by its laid-back tempo Rosewood Miyakojima flows across a curved coastal area wrapped in nature: picture time-weathered Ryukyu limestone rocks two beaches of white sands and sparkling seas It’s a deeply spiritual corner of the island home to several sacred spots known as utaki – places of natural beauty where the gods are said to reside and humans are respectfully discouraged from entering Rosewood Miyakojima – the Japan debut for the Hong Kong group – was sensitively designed by Holland-based Studio Piet Boon to blend into its rich natural backdrop of seas and skies A clean-lined collection of 55 concrete villas and houses in earthy shades sit on beaches a seafront infinity pool and an escapist wellness space the five-year design journey was all about harmonising the hotel with the setting – both aesthetically and culturally The structures – concrete and clean-lined – are designed to blend into the setting Expanses of white Ryukyu limestone rocks (on walls and pathways) will darken with time with all the blues and the sand,’ Boon tells Wallpaper* ‘We had to design something here which blends into this It’s very minimalistic and designed to harmonise with nature It was also very important for the local community to embrace it it has to be high-end – but it’s more barefoot chic.’ The softly hilly landscape is home to five groups of villas each with subtly shifting settings – clifftop Daya with sea views; Mui tucked into the mountainside; sea-wrapped Miji on the peninsula; Uru overlooking a white beach; and Isu on a rocky shoreline Each villa shares a clean-lined minimal concrete structural form tempered by the warmth of layered textures There are contemporary stone genkan for slipping off shoes; textiles and woods in light watery greens and greys; softly curving furniture modern white lanterns and abstract blue sea-inspired watercolours Walls of glass lead onto terraces with private pools ‘Natural materials and subtle tones create a seamless transition between indoors and out,’ says Boon ‘Every detail enhances this sense of immersion.’ There are also three scene-stealing houses with large private terraces (plus pools-with-a-view and barbecue grills) overlooking the sea A cornucopia of local treats are in the room – from ceramic flasks of fiery local spirit awamori and butterfly pea tea (as blue as the sea) to fried dough cakes and mango sweets plus fresh juices and yuzu kombucha escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox Rosewood’s signature spa concept Asaya – meaning self-change in Sanskrit – is a serene hub of natural interior textures Guests can unwind in a hydrotherapy and sauna space or around a quiet A spa highlight is the Synergyflow treatment sleep-inducing strokes using one of five signature oils connected to the elements The hotel’s heartbeat is Nagi (‘calm sea' in local dialect) – a contemporary restaurant that spills out of an airy double-height interior onto a terrace including Japanese treats such as Mikojima tofu salmon onigiri and edamame chawanmushi (savoury egg custard) alongside Western options the menu includes contemporary Italian dishes including slow cooked octopus and tasty king crab ravioli a bar serving inventive modern Okinawan cocktails alongside snacks such as semi-dried sting-ray fin Up the hill overlooking the sea is Maas – aka seafood heaven with an open-air counter in a shack-inspired setting Guests can tuck into maritime treats caught just along the coast by local fisherman Tanaka san who spearfishes only after dark washed down with colourful cocktails such as salty pineapple Maas Sour will open later this year (an early preview of dishes includes Okinawan sashimi and island tofu with peanuts and mouth-popping local umibudou seaweed) The hotel project took years of planning and delicate community building particularly due to the sacred nature of its location GM Noriko Nakayama – often spotted in flowing dresses with her pet turtle Maru in her arms – is also an environmental science expert As she explains over seafront tea: ‘People go to Tokyo for shopping and Kyoto for more historical culture spiritual space and we are lucky to be here Local priestesses came to bless and purify parts of the land with sake and water before construction We are trying to create a space where people can enjoy the beauty of this nature while also understanding the culture.’ Perfect for those keen to explore a lesser-known side of luxury Japan – fusing an escapist blend of exquisite nature slow-tempo island life and Okinawan culture with a high-quality contemporary design with a luxury edge Rosewood Miyakojima is located at Nikadori-1068-1 Hirara, Miyakojima, Okinawa 906-0008, Japan; rosewoodhotels.com Danielle Demetriou is a British writer and editor who moved from London to Japan in 2007 magazines and books) and lives in an old machiya townhouse in Kyoto.  Rosewood Hotels & Resorts just opened its first resort in Japan—on Okinawa's Miyako Island—and Travel + Leisure was the first in Jonathan Leijonhufvud/Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Want to take advantage of Rosewood Elite benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked Fast growing luxury hotel group Rosewood has just opened its newest resort and it’s one that I’m really intrigued by The Rosewood Miyakojima has opened as of March 1 marking the brand’s entry to the Japanese market many people are probably wondering what Miyakojima is When a luxury international hotel brand opens its first property in Japan This area is known for its beautiful beaches and scenery you’d want to fly into Miyakojima Airport (MMY) which has multiple daily flights from Tokyo Domestic flights within Japan don’t get much longer than this as the flight from Tokyo Haneda covers 1,139 miles it’s around a 20-minute drive to the resort What should guests expect from the Rosewood Miyakojima The 55-key property is a beach resort located on a secluded peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches The water in the area is known for its coral reefs and sea turtles Entry level accommodations at the resort range from the 645 square foot (60 square meter) Ocean View Villa to the 2,152 square foot (200 square meter) Kamii House guests can expect a large wellness area with an Asaya Spa and fitness center there are an abundance of picturesque sites from the natural stone arch of nearby Sunayama beach to the lighthouse at Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (a nationally designated “Place of Scenic Beauty”) to the seven kilometer stretch of Yonaha Maehama regularly ranked as Japan’s best beach Japan is just about my favorite place in the world to travel to so I’m mighty intrigued by this property as I’ve never really considered going to a beach resort in Japan But if you can combine nice views with Japanese service What are rates like at the Rosewood Miyakojima Luxury hotel pricing has of course increased considerably in recent years though fortunately for international travelers a stay at this property will cost you a pretty penny Rates for base rooms tend to by around 160,000 to 250,000 JPY per night ($1,050 to $1,650), before taxes and fees, depending on the season and specific date. Thanks to an opening offer you can receive a 20,000 to 50,000 JPY ($130 to $330) property credit depending on the type of accommodate you book I appreciate that Rosewood’s website has a rate calendar allowing you to easily compare costs for months at a time You’re best off booking Rosewood properties through a Rosewood Elite travel advisor as that’s typically going to be the best deal as it stacks with whatever promotions are being offered directly online and a Rosewood Elite agent will be able to add extra perks for your stay What value can a Rosewood Elite travel advisor add Ford and his team are happy to help with these requests, and can be reached at [email protected] The Rosewood Miyakojima has opened as of March 2025 marking the brand’s first property in Japan How cool to see Rosewood opening a luxury beach resort in Japan as that’s not something you see a whole lot of so I’m curious if any OMAAT readers have visited Miyakojima What do you make of the Rosewood Miyakojima Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" staying at the Shiriga resort on the south side (part of SLH which back then was bootable with Hyatt points) and we had an amazing time Highly recommend hiring a taxi driver for the day to tour the island didn’t cost much and was such a great experience combining Japanese hospitality with tropical beaches and weather is such an experience it’s a small island connected by bridge to the main island and flights are cheap Also a good place to be for avgeeks to go under a landing plane with a scenic blue sea background The Patina Osaka and the Waldorf Astoria Osaka also opened their booking channels a few days ago Both have a very good location and seem to surpass the below-average Four Seasons by far These hotel groups lose the plot when they go on expansion and re-brand binges and distinctiveness when the object is larger footprint Four Seasons and MO have pursued that strategy and now Rosewood and even Aman have joined the club Thankfully Peninsula and to a certain extent Oberoi have taken a different approach Curious what the issue is with this property in particular Don't necessarily disagree with Aman with their city hotels I'm curious what distinctiveness you attribute to Peninsula as well To me they're very nice city hotels but I'd never plan a vacation around one (I don't really care as much about the hotel if I'm staying in a big city and don't plan to spend as much time there) Whereas I have planned trips around Four Seasons resorts (obviously only specific ones as they vary widely in quality and experience) the tourists were mostly domestic Japanese and Asian If anything they are even more Japanese than the mainland in that the lace is slower and folks are even more restrained and polite I loved the local spirits at each place and did pick up a bottle of Awamori which is unopened as yet which reminds me of Rosewood for some reason Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe The comments on this page have not been provided approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered You have successfully joined our subscriber list Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. See more about our ethics policies here To experience the natural and cultural joys of Miyakojima, a refreshingly undeveloped part of Okinawa – with all of Rosewood’s spoiling amenities. Accessibility for those with mobility impairments There is one accessible ocean-view villa. Happily, the spa, bars and restaurants are also accessible. Unhappily, the swimming pool and beach are not – nothing a ramp and beach wheelchair wouldn’t fix should the hotel wish to take note. Miyakojima’s most important festival is the Paantu, which falls in the ninth month of the lunar calendar (generally between the end of September and mid-October). The exact date isn’t announced until a few days before the ritual occurs, but should you be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you’ll encounter men caked head to toe in thick mud, leaves and branches, who run around smearing everyone in sight with clumps of black clay said to bring good luck. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first Japanese property on the remote island of Miyakojima in Okinawa marking a significant expansion into the Asian luxury market Rosewood Miyakojima will offer guests access to one of Japan's least-discovered paradise islands reflecting the hotel group's commitment to cultural authenticity The Asaya Spa will feature six treatment rooms incorporating traditional Okinawan ingredients and local traditions including a mud mask inspired by the island's Paantu festival all designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape The development emphasises sustainability and community partnership with the architecture preserving the original terrain The opening marks Rosewood's entry into the Japanese market and represents a new chapter in ultra-luxury hospitality for the Ryukyu Islands, with reservations now being accepted for stays from March 2025 onwards.In celebration of the grand opening of Rosewood Miyakojima the resort is offering a special introductory package for stays from March 1 to August 31 2025 The offer includes daily breakfast for two adults ¥20,000 (£102) credit for villa bookings or ¥50,000 (£256) for house bookings access to the fitness centre and early check in and late check out subject to availability Rosewood Miyakojima has opened on an untouched peninsula of Okinawa an island off the south coast of mainland Japan.  The tropical resort is Rosewood’s first property in Japan and offers spiritual brings more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience a master’s degree in environmental science and is a dedicated environmentalist and turtle expert offering her expertise to share the ecology of Miyakojima with guests.  “It is with great pleasure that we introduce Rosewood’s first property in Japan on the beautiful island of Miyakojima—a destination rich in cultural heritage and natural splendor Rosewood Miyakojima embarks on an exciting journey to embody Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy offering a curated selection of experiences from exceptional culinary journeys to immersive encounters with local wildlife,” she said “I am especially excited to invite our guests to become sea turtle ambassadors where together we will explore Miyakojima’s undiscovered ecology and gain a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures that call the island home.”  and a private pavilion overlooking the ocean for weddings and other special occasions The resort has direct access to the beach views of Oura Bay.  The resort has many nature activities and cultural experiences for guests and traditional arts workshops such as pottery and leaf weaving Rosewood Miyakojima offers The Rose Buds program for infants to toddlers up to 3 years old and The Rosewood Explorers Club for kids ages 4 to 12 which features activities such as potpourri making as well as an experience inspired by the beloved Japanese TV show Old Enough! where children run solo errands for the first time Subscribe to TMR and more – here’s what’s new in the hotel scene this month The Hilton luxury brand has signed on Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country NoMad’s new director of sales and marketing JW Marriott Resort Costa Rica will launch as the brand’s first all-inclusive in the country knowing what to order at a high-end bar can be an unexpected but valuable skill Ombi has introduced floating bungalows for two in Key Largo Search More results... The Rosewood Miyakojima will open on March 1 on Miyako Island and the resort has begun taking reservations It will be the Rosewood brand's first hotel in Japan Nestled in sugarcane fields in the north of the island and overlooking Oura Bay, the Rosewood Miyakojima has 55 guest accommodations Rosewood says architecture draws from the history landscape and culture of the Ryukyu Islands blending indigenous Okinawan materials such as Ryukyu limestone with the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection and accepting the transient nature of things) The resort's Asaya Spa will have six treatment rooms The spa menu will include wellness treatments featuring traditional Okinawan ingredients including a mud mask inspired by the local Paantu festival Guests can enjoy an infinity pool by the beach Restaurants will serve locally sourced products freshly caught fish and awamori (Okinawan sake) Choma will offer a refined take on Miyakojima's seasonal harvest Maas will focus on seafood and simple ingredients while Nagi will offer an all-day Italian dining experience The Rosewood Miyakojima will offer activities to connect with the local culture and explore the island from calligraphy with an artist to snorkeling over coral reefs to encounters with sea turtles Weddings and other events will be held at a private pavilion overlooking the sea by Denis Stackeusky March 5, 2025 - Categories: Hospitality News, Hotels: News, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has arrived in Japan with Rosewood Miyakojima in Okinawa the country’s so-called “island paradise” and southernmost prefecture This 55-room resort features 55 oceanfront villas and houses with four dining venues including restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine Guests also have access to an infinity pool by the beach a private pavilion for special events and wellness treatments through Rosewood’s Asaya Spa The resort’s design draws inspiration from the local Ryukyu culture and the island’s natural environment was responsible for the resort’s architecture The design incorporates local materials like the Ryukyu limestone to help the buildings blend with the landscape The poolside bar YUKUU offers drinks and light meals which will focus on traditional Japanese dishes The wellness offerings at the resort focus on the Asaya Spa the spa offers treatments using local herbs and sea salt Guests can also take part in martial arts lessons Families visiting Rosewood Miyakojima can enjoy the Rose Buds and Rosewood Explorers programs which offer educational activities based on local traditions such as crafting or learning about Okinawan culture You must be logged in to post a comment Get the scoop on the latest news in the hospitality industry Username can contain any letters or numbers Chrystal is one of the co-founders of The Luxury Editor has opened on a secluded peninsula in Miyakojima the resort aims to offer visitors an intimate encounter with the unique Ryukyu culture amid lush landscapes and a serene ocean This marks a significant expansion for Rosewood into Asia The resort has four dining establishments offering Japanese and international cuisine a private pavilion for weddings and special occasions and a wellness concept through Rosewood's pioneering Asaya brand These facilities aim to provide immersive experiences deeply rooted in the local culture and its connection to nature The design of Rosewood Miyakojima encapsulates the history It emphasizes sustainability and harmony with the environment and textures that echo the island's pristine beaches and turquoise waters The design also features local Ryukyu stone to establish a strong connection between the resort and the island's natural aesthetics The resort offers four distinct dining experiences The all-day dining venue NAGI offers a fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine MAAS is an oceanside restaurant showcasing freshly caught fish and YUKUU is a poolside bar with panoramic ocean views will focus on washoku (Japanese cuisine) with sushi The Asaya Spa at Rosewood Miyakojima draws on Okinawan heritage to offer therapies that nurture relaxation and skin health Guests can also engage in martial arts under the guidance of a local karate sensei The resort encourages guests to connect with nature and local culture through various activities These include snorkeling over coral reefs and learning about spearfishing Click here to join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest hotel news and trends Copyright © Hotel News Resource & Nevistas | All rights reserved Home » News » Hotel » Rosewood opens first Japanese property on Miyakojima Japan: Luxury lifestyle hospitality group Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has opened its first property in Japan a 55-room luxury resort on the island of Miyakojima The launch marks the group’s expansion into the Japanese market as it strengthens its presence in Asia located on a remote peninsula off mainland Japan’s southern coast aims to attract domestic and international travellers Rosewood Miyakojima features four restaurants and bars including a private oceanfront pavilion for weddings and corporate gatherings The Dutch design studio Studio Piet Boon designed the resort with a focus on sustainability and traditional Ryukyu aesthetics The architecture utilises natural materials and aims to blend with the island’s environment Villas and houses are spread across five zones each reflecting different landscapes of the island The resort’s wellness offerings include therapies inspired by Okinawan healing traditions Guests can also participate in local cultural activities such as pottery as well as outdoor experiences like snorkelling and spearfishing managing director of Rosewood Miyakojima said: “It is with great pleasure that we introduce Rosewood’s first property in Japan on the beautiful island of Miyakojima a destination rich in cultural heritage and natural splendour “Rosewood Miyakojima embarks on an exciting journey to embody Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy offering a curated selection of experiences from exceptional culinary journeys to immersive encounters with local wildlife “I am especially excited to invite our guests to become sea turtle ambassadors where together we will explore Miyakojima’s undiscovered ecology and gain a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures that call the island home,” she added founder of Studio Piet Boon said: “We feel a deep connection to Japanese culture particularly in design principles such as simplicity These elements were essential in shaping the property allowing us to create a seamless blend of luxury and tranquillity one that celebrates both the local environment and our shared design values.” Serviced Apartment Awards Urban Living Festival Reading Time: 2 minutes UK: The Beaumont Mayfair has appointed Lisa Goodwin-Allen as culinary director as the hotel prepares to launch its new restaurant Rosi Home » Project of the Week: Rosewood Miyakojima Rosewood Miyakojima will be a five-star property located in Miyakojima an island in Japan’s southernmost prefecture It’s slated to open in the latter half of 2024 and is currently in the pre-opening phase It will be Rosewood’s first venture in Japan and adds to the hotel group’s expanding presence in Asia The resort’s villa accommodations will feature 55 rooms with private pools landscaped gardens and unobstructed sea views Netherlands-based Studio Piet Boon has taken command of architecture and interiors for Rosewood Miyakojima. Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc is also providing local architectural expertise for the project The result is a hotel designed to immerse guests in the natural surroundings Rosewood Miyakojima will contain a range of food and beverage options for guests to enjoy mostly comprised of relaxed beachfront concepts The on-site amenities will include a kid’s club and a wellness concept with treatment rooms and private gardens Miyakojima is renowned for its exquisite beaches The seascape backdrop will provide a backdrop for indoor and outdoor events from destination weddings to private celebrations there are many picturesque sites ready for guests to explore which is commonly ranked as Japan’s best beach Aquatic adventures range from snorkelling at Yabiji to diving through underwater caverns teeming with marine life and outstanding deep-sea fishing Rosewood Miyakojima will occupy a secluded peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches dramatic rock formations and stunning ocean vistas The resort is within a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport and a 30-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport which receives direct flights from Hong Kong and major cities in Japan “We are tremendously excited that our first presence in Japan will be in this exquisite location, where Rosewood’s signature A Sense of Place concept will be expressed amidst such a spectacular setting and rich culture,” said Sonia Cheng chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group “We are honored to have Mitsubishi Estate as our partner and very grateful for the trust they have placed in us to offer this exceptional experience.”   Start a free trial of THP’s database with over 8,500 hotel projects and key contact details You are currently viewing a placeholder content from HubSpot Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers THP is a subsidiary of Sleeper Media © 2025 copyright TOPHOTELPROJECTS GmbH – all rights reserved An updated plan recently released by the Japanese government details how and where it will move 120,000 people from the country’s long chain of westernmost islands in the event of a military attack or other emergency The 110,000 residents of the Sakishima island chain’s five municipalities would relocate to 32 municipalities in southern Japan according to the plan posted Thursday on the Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal site The plan also accounts for 10,000 tourists who may be visiting during a contingency and Japanese military planners consider the islands potentially in the crossfire should China move to take possession of Taiwan China asserts sovereignty over the self-governing island democracy and this year “will likely apply stronger coercive pressure against Taiwan” as part of its goal to unify the island politically with the mainland according to the Annual Threat Assessment released in March by the U.S China’s military on Tuesday announced another round of large drills by navy stretches southwest of Okinawa island to within 75 miles of Taiwan Japan in 2023 opened a missile base on Ishigaki island in the chain and deployed Type-12 surface-to-ship guided missiles and Type-03 surface-to-air guided missiles there as a hedge against Beijing’s increased military presence in the region The latest evacuation plan would move 20,000 people over six days via commercial airplanes The plan was developed during tabletop exercises in March 2023 The plan defines no role for either the U.S The populations of Taketomi and Yonaguni towns and Tarama village would travel by ship or plane to Ishigaki and Miyakojima cities to meet evacuees there They would then fly to either Fukuoka Airport or Kagoshima Airport then travel by bus or train to hotels at the final evacuation sites on Kyushu and Honshu Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters Thursday that he will “work closely with related municipalities and private companies” to determine who will pay transportation and accommodation costs we will need to consider how to support education and work in case evacuees need to stay for longer than a month,” he said The plan’s cost has not been determined yet a spokesman for Okinawa’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division said by phone Tuesday Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity in a post Thursday on social media platform X “six days is too long,” and requested a three-day timeline to “save lives.” Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Rosewood Miyakojima Sitting on an untouched peninsula on a tropical island located off the south coast of mainland Japan the property’s design draws on the history The resort’s design was completed by Studio Piet Boon whose founder Piet Boon was intrigued by what he calls “a serene and unspoiled destination” Designed to frame the surrounding landscape the resort’s architecture accentuates the area’s natural beauty throughout clean lines and textures that reflect the island’s pristine beaches and turquoise waters Local Ryukyu stone plays a central role in the architectural palette used in various ways to establish a strong connection between the resort and the island’s natural aesthetics we feel a deep connection to Japanese culture “These elements were essential in shaping the property allowing us to create a seamless blend of luxury and tranquility – one that celebrates both the local environment and our shared design values.”   Overlooking Oura Bay with direct access to the beach the resort comprises 55 guest accommodations the villas and houses draw inspiration from the serenity of Ryukyu architecture Accommodations are divided into five different zones across the peninsula each showcasing a distinct aspect of Miyakojima’s natural beauty Villas take their names from the Okinawan dialect referring to the topography of each location Daya villas look out onto the cliffside; Mui villas sit in the peace of the mountains; Miji villas are on the tip of the peninsula by the sea; Uru villas are directly on the sand; and Isu villas are nestled on the rocky beach The culinary offerings at Rosewood Miyakojima span four distinct dining experiences The all-day dining concept Nagi offers a curated fusion of Italian cuisine and Japanese cooking techniques; Maas is an oceanside restaurant that highlights the simple flavors of the sea; and Yukuu is the resort’s poolside bar offering a curated selection of drinks and casual dishes with panoramic views of the ocean Choma will bring together four distinct areas of washoku – sushi teppanyaki and yakitori – served in an open pavilion overlooking the sea Okinawa is home to some of the longest-living people on earth known for their innately healthy and easygoing lifestyles Combining this time-honoured wisdom with Asaya the property’s spa comprises six treatment rooms “It is with great pleasure that we introduce Rosewood’s first property in Japan on the beautiful island of Miyakojima – a destination rich in cultural heritage and natural splendor,” says Noriko Nakayama “Rosewood Miyakojima embarks on an exciting journey to embody Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy I am especially excited to invite our guests to become sea turtle ambassadors where together we will explore Miyakojima’s undiscovered ecology and gain a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures that call the island home.”  Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 06637145 We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again More information about our Cookie Policy Okinawa — Contractors looking for unexploded ordnance earlier this month found two suspected World War-II era bombs on Miyakojima a popular tourist destination 170 miles southwest of Okinawa 8 and 11 on a property next to Miyako Airport a Miyakojima city Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division spokesman said by phone Thursday Okinawa prefecture hired the contractors to make a magnetic survey of the property City officials are planning with the 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to remove the bombs “We want to remove them as soon as possible,” he said Some Japanese government officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity Magnetic surveys were proposed at other Japanese airports after a 500-pound WWII-era device exploded Oct 2 underneath a taxiway shoulder at Miyazaki Airport on Kyushu the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands Transport and Tourism started emergency magnetic surveys at Miyazaki Airport on Wednesday night according to a release on the ministry’s website Approximately 2,000 tons of ordnance remain undiscovered out of 200,000 tons dropped on the main island during the Battle of Okinawa according to the prefecture’s General Bureau website Crews disposed of nearly 22 tons of unexploded ordnance between April 1 Rosewood has officially opened its first property in Japan – Rosewood Miyakojima – on 5 March 2025 Situated on an untouched peninsula of Miyakojima a tropical island off Japan’s southern coast the resort offers a rare chance to experience the rich Ryukyu culture surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil ocean views Designed by renowned Dutch studio Studio Piet Boon Rosewood Miyakojima offers 55 spacious accommodations each with picturesque views of the turquoise Miyako Blue waters The villas and houses are inspired by Ryukyu architecture incorporating local materials like Ryukyu limestone to create a serene atmosphere that connects guests with the island’s natural surroundings The resort is divided into five distinct zones each offering a different perspective on the island’s beauty from cliffside views to beachfront locations The resort’s culinary offerings include four dining experiences: NAGI which fuses Italian and Japanese cuisines; MAAS an oceanside restaurant serving fresh seafood; and YUKUU will feature traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi and teppanyaki Wellness enthusiasts can enjoy the Asaya Spa which blends Okinawan healing practices with Rosewood’s wellness philosophy Active guests can also take part in martial arts lessons or enjoy nature-based activities like snorkelling Families will appreciate the Rosewood Explorers Club and Rose Buds program offering enriching activities for children and infants According to Managing Director Noriko Nakayama “Rosewood Miyakojima is dedicated to offering a curated selection of experiences from exceptional culinary journeys to immersive encounters with local wildlife.” Asia is experiencing a remarkable tourism resurgence cementing its status as one of the world’s hottest travel regions From innovative solutions by our resort partners to heritage-driven experiences here\'s what visitors can expect and enjoy on their next trip to Macao Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Read Now here's what visitors can expect and enjoy on their next trip to Macao Read Now Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is gearing up for its debut in Japan with Rosewood Miyakojima set to open in March 2025 The resort is nestled amidst sugarcane fields in the north of a remote island in Okinawa the hotel makes use of its surrounding terrain with each of its 55 guestrooms offering views of pristine waters Embodying Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy blending indigenous Okinawan materials such as Ryukyu limestone with the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi The resort features four restaurants and bars spanning Japanese and international cuisine, including a poolside bar and an all-day Italian dining experience. The F&B offer draws on local culinary wisdom with ingredients also sourced from a close network of providers Other public spaces include an infinity pool by the beach and an outpost of Asaya Spa – Rosewood’s signature wellbeing concept – complete with six treatment rooms A private pavilion overlooking the ocean meanwhile will house weddings and special occasions TTG Asia's weekly roundup of new hotel openings and announcements The resort focuses on wellness with a 90-minute daily wellness journey per person a 30-minute herbal hammam (a herbal steam room) Signature wellness offerings include Dien Chan reflexology Guests can choose from two wellness pathways: Deep Rest for stress relief and Body Balance for improved circulation and tension relief Mindfulness experiences such as Vietnamese Duong Sinh breathing exercises and Silent Walking Meditation are also available to help guests reconnect with nature and achieve inner peace A private pavilion overlooking the ocean will house weddings and special occasions while families will find enriching experiences at the Rosewood Explorers Club Amenities include a communal Tented Lounge a fitness centre at Twinpalms Surin Phuket Resort and access to nearby dining destinations like Catch Beach Club and The Lazy Coconut Guests can enjoy daily wellness activities as well as yachting excursions to nearby islands Seafront stays and heritage charm at Penang Marriott Hotel Is Your Business Listed On TTGmice Planner Online This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Rosewood Hotel Group is expanding its portfolio across three continents introducing new properties in seven countries: Japan Rosewood Hotel Group continues executing its quality growth strategy through global portfolio expansion the group is debuting new properties in Japan along with the first standalone Rosewood Residence in the United States and fresh launches in China This move reiterates the group's commitment to being a major player in key markets globally the group maintains over 30 properties under development worldwide Each property is meticulously chosen for its cultural significance and potential in the market underscoring the brand's commitment to meeting travelers' evolving desires for new destinations The newly launched properties include Rosewood Miyakojima in Japan blends local craftsmanship with innovative design to offer an exclusive elegantly combines the building's rich history with Rosewood's signature lifestyle The launch of Rosewood Doha in the second half of this year marks the group's strategic expansion into the Middle East offering guests a chance to experience the soul of Qatar is situated in the breathtaking region of Riviera Nayarit offering guests exclusive access to diverse environments: the beach located in the distinguished Mayfair district of London drawing on local sensibilities to augment the property experience Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills marks Rosewood's first standalone residential offering signifying a new era of elevated living where modern personalized lifestyles harmoniously merge with timeless sophistication a joint venture between New World Hotels and Resorts and Rezen Group is adding a new property to the brand portfolio buoyed by increasing domestic tourism and growing demand for new experiences This move highlights the brand's confidence in the market and commitment to delivering contemporary accommodations for modern business and leisure travelers and North America signifies a significant stride in the Group's quality growth strategy With one of the most robust development pipelines in the industry Rosewood Hotel Group is poised for substantial growth as it continues to unveil new properties in captivating destinations worldwide Okinawa — Japanese authorities safely detonated 30 shells believed to be left over from World War II this week on Miyakojima a popular tourist destination 170 miles southwest of Okinawa’s main island The ordnance was discovered in December during dredging at Port Hirara “A private contractor sweeping the site for magnetic signatures discovered the shells,” a spokesman for Miyakojima City’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday a spokesman for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said by phone Wednesday “The shells appeared to be U.S.-made,” he said It’s customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to reporters on condition of anonymity Ten explosive ordnance disposal divers from JMSDF Sub Area Activity Okinawa were assigned to detonate the shells in the waters approximately a half-mile from the port Restrictions were also placed on water recreation The detonation was carried out at 10:30 a.m Tuesday “without any trouble,” and all restrictions were lifted by 11:15 a.m. Approximately 10,000 tons of ordnance were dropped on Okinawa during the Battle of Okinawa and nearly 2,000 tons remain undiscovered Crews disposed of nearly 15 tons between April 1 I was born in Nunavut and have been living all my life in Port-aux-Basques a small town on the southwest coast of Newfoundland and Labrador During the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gibimishkaadimin reconciliation through canoeing program which is a week-long youth canoe trip in Lake Temagami There we learned about Indigenous ways and history This trip sparked my love and passion for learning about my culture I flew to Edmonton and attended the National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering I was asked to be a youth rep of the National Indigenous Council along with two other youth Of course I said “Yes,” and this led to becoming further involved in the Indigenous Church of The United Church of Canada I learned of and was selected to be one of two United Church young adults to attend the Youth Forum organized by the Center for Minority Issues and Mission in Miyakojima I live on an island and can relate to their everyday lives on their island as it was small and humble just like here in Newfoundland The majority of the residents are seeking peace from their own government something we don’t have to worry about here in Canada God called upon me to see how the people of Miyako Island are living and to share with everyone their struggle for peace there is one woman we met who I will remember and her lovely smile forever She invited us to her home by the water after Sunday service She told us that she is originally from Tokyo but because of the air raids during World War II she had to move at an early age to a place that was much colder than Tokyo She told us how she and the other children often used to cry themselves to sleep because of the cold As an adult she moved with her late husband who survived the atomic bombing in Nagasaki to the island of Miyako hoping to live the rest of their lives in peace peace on the island is threatened by the building of more and more military bases even on what is now beautiful beaches and farmers’ land Tokunaga Masako is one of many people on the island standing up for their rights to live in peace on this beautiful island She expressed her gratitude to us for visiting We expressed our thanks for the sweet treats and to be able to hear her life story The Minority Youth Forum program brought together young adults from Canada The Youth Forum experience showed me how powerful it is to bring youth together to share our culture To be able to have discussions with youth from other cultures about how we can change the world gives me so much hope for our future and love for the wonderful people that I can now forever call friends as well as pursue it for the rest of your time “I want to be more involved with my own culture And how they interact with each other in our society today.” I’ve been doing just that and I couldn’t be any prouder I would like to thank The United Church of Canada for giving me this truly life-changing opportunity and blessing I will treasure it and hold it close to my heart forever To all my friends from Indigenous ministries board who cheered me on and encouraged me to be me: Thank you is a member of Wesley United Church in Port-aux-Basques Newfoundland and a member of the National Indigenous Council attended the Minority Youth Forum in Japan hosted by the Center for Minority Issues and Mission an ecumenical initiative of churches in Japan The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada Copyright © 2025 - The United Church of Canada.Charitable ID 10810-2435-RR0003 Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report Okinawa Prefecture--A massacre of dozens of shipwrecked Ryukyu islanders in Taiwan over a century ago was the trigger for a power play that echoes today three years after the Meiji government was established to replace the Tokugawa Shogunate was the pretext Japan used to invade Taiwan It “acquired” Taiwan after the first Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95 Descendants of the two ethnic groups used as pawns in the brazen move by Japan met recently as part of continuing efforts at reconciliation The 19th century massacre occurred after a boat with 69 Miyakojima officials returning to their island from the Ryukyu kingdom base on the main Okinawa island was blown off course in a storm and wrecked off Mudan Members of the Paiwan tribe killed 54 of those on board community leaders and elders of the Paiwan group The 26 Paiwan representatives were from Mudan in Pingtung county They performed a memorial service for the souls of those slain 153 years ago the Meiji government used the killings as an excuse to dispatch 3,000 troops to Taiwan under the command of Tsugumichi Saigo The Meiji government said “Japanese” people had to be protected even though at that time the Ryukyu kingdom was still not considered a part of Japan Japanese troops took revenge by slaughtering Paiwan people Their foray into Taiwan marked the first overseas military expedition by the Meiji government In addition to describing the Miyakojima victims as Japanese the Meiji government also demanded compensation from the Qing government in China The Ryukyu kingdom for many years had performed a diplomatic balancing act between the Qing dynasty and Japan But after the Qing dynasty paid compensation the Meiji government took that as recognition by China that the Ryukyu kingdom belonged to Japan Japan toppled the kingdom and established Okinawa Prefecture The murder of the Miyakojima officials and the invasion by the Meiji troops collectively called the Mudan incident in Taiwan But few Japanese today know anything about it “Although the incident was the starting point of Japan’s imperialism it has become forgotten history,” Hirano said The catalyst for reconciliation efforts between the peoples of Okinawa and Taiwan was a 2004 meeting in Mudan of scholars from Japan and Taiwan A scholar from Okinawa apologized for the military expedition to Taiwan The following year a delegation of Mudan residents came to Miyakojima to apologize to descendants of the victims That led to a range of exchanges between local governments and private groups A stone statue symbolizing love and peace was sent to Miyakojima by residents in Mudan Okinawa and Taiwan continue to be caught up in a power confrontation a member of the Miyakojima city assembly who is a great-great-grandchild of one of those killed in Mudan over 150 years ago met with the Paiwan representatives at the Nov “While it may be difficult to overcome differences in standing and share a history a shared desire that we hold is to never again have war,” Uezato said “There is no end to the efforts toward reconciliation.” Governor of Okinawa visits city in China with shared past Tamaki visits China after Xi’s remarks on past ties to Okinawa VOX POPULI: Author Tatsuhiro Oshiro showed Okinawa’s woes continue today COMMENTARY/ Government must end fanning political division in Okinawa Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission Today's print edition Home Delivery Blackstone has bought a Ritz-Carlton resort on Okinawa Prefecture's main island and is purchasing another hotel on the island in a deal worth about ¥20 billion ($130 million) according to people with knowledge of the matter alternative asset manager bought the 97-room Ritz-Carlton a closely held company involved in a broad range of industries in the prefecture The transaction will include the Kanehide Kise Beach Palace and money to be spent on renovations asking not to be identified as the matter is private.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); A representative for Kanehide confirmed in an email that it has sold the Ritz building In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. 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The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Tesla has reportedly taken a major step to expand its presence in Japan’s energy market through a partnership with Yamada Denki the country’s largest electronics retail chain According to a report from Nikkei Asia Tesla will soon offer its Powerwall home battery system through the Japanese retail giant which operates nearly 1,000 stores nationwide Yamada Denki’s stores are known for selling everything from home appliances to lifestyle products making the partnership a great way to introduce the Powerwall to a mainstream consumer base that may not yet be familiar with residential energy storage solutions Tesla’s Powerwall is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed for residential use It allows homeowners to store energy from solar panels or from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper This stored energy can be used when grid energy is more expensive or during outages helping homeowners reduce energy costs and improve energy resilience Japan is as an ideal market for such technology The country regularly faces natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes making a reliable home energy storage system like the Powerwall indispensable ALSO READ: Tesla Reaches 750,000 Powerwall Installs Worldwide Powerwalls also play a vital role in Tesla’s virtual power plant (VPP) program where individual Powerwalls can be connected to form a large distributed energy resource that provides power back to the grid when needed Tesla has already set up a VPP in Japan. The Miyakojima VPP was first launched in 2021 Located in Okinawa Prefecture through a partnership with Miyakojima Mirai Energy Co. the VPP had grown to over 300 homes with Powerwall batteries installed by August 2022 Safety Issues Plague Rivian Factory in Illinois as Worker Injuries Mount: Report Tesla delivers strong Q3 2024 financial results Tesla CEO Elon Musk has provided another update on the Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription option Earlier this year Tesla hacker @greentheonly revealed a FSD subscription option was hidden […] Norway is the world’s leader when it comes to electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the Nordic country showed its love for EVs again in June with the top ten selling cars last month all being […] With just over a week to go until the end of the third quarter a leaked email from Tesla CEO Elon Musk shows the company is close to a record number of deliveries Enter your email address to subscribe to Drive Tesla and receive notifications of new articles by email Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Asia these highly anticipated hotels will sweep you off your feet A shiny new hotel is a good a reason as any to book a plane ticket there are many new properties popping up from Japan to Cambodia to tempt the discerning traveller We're excited about the hotels on this list for a couple of reasons: some feature the debut of well-respected luxury chains in new (and often amenities and experiences rooted in local culture and traditions and most have a strong wellness offering – because hey we all need a little pampering in this fast-paced day and age.  Get your calendars open to plan your holidays – here's our pick of Asia's most anticipated hotel openings for 2025.  Forget Tokyo and Kyoto. This 2025, discover an unseen side of Japan on the remote Ryukyu Islands in Okinawa which will soon be home to Rosewood’s first Japanese property Rosewood Miyakojima will have 55 guest rooms overlooking the pristine Oura Bay with architecture and experiences designed to immerse you in the region’s unique culture and feast on exquisite meals built around locally sourced ingredients at the resort's four dining venues Rosewood Miyakojima will also have a beachside infinity pool and fitness centre to round out a heavenly stay.  Rosewood Miyakojima opens on March 1. It’s now accepting reservations here The iconic Raffles Singapore has a new sibling. Raffles Sentosa Singapore debuts on March 1 as Singapore’s first all-villa resort This swanky new place ditches the colonial-era vibe for something that whispers more ‘tropical wellness getaway’ Perched on a hilltop on the southern fringe of Sentosa Island all with a private pool and outdoor terrace for maximum lounging Need more of an intervention to truly destress Swing by the spa and its 13 treatment rooms for a holistic pampering sesh Eat and drink your fill at five on-site restaurants serving everything from mod-Italian to omakase – you’ll be hungry after your frolic on the nearby Tanjong Beach or a couple of hole-in-ones at Sentosa Golf Club.  Raffles Sentosa Singapore is now accepting reservations here Leave it to Aman to find an intimate retreat in the heart of Thailand’s frenetic capital the luxury brand’s third foray into an urban setting the former residence of a local hospitality tycoon the property has 52 spacious suites converging on a majestic Sompong tree Enjoy sweeping city views from floor-to-ceiling windows and carefully curated antiques and artisan pieces on every corner guests can also look forward to luxe amenities like an infinity pool an open-air terrace exclusive to Aman Club Founders and even a medical clinic in the Aman Spa & Wellness Centre run by Hertitude Clinic.  Aman Nai Lert Bangkok opens on April 2.  When you crave time away from Singapore's glass and concrete facades, head to Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. Part of the sprawling Mandai Wildlife Reserve this new hotel offers luxe treehouse accommodations overlooking the glassy waters of Upper Seletar Reservoir 314 rooms and suites are also available for couples and families looking for a cosier getaway They're all decked out in charming rainforest and wildlife elements too A stay at Mandai Rainforest Reserve comes with perks that will please the most die-hard animal lovers: special rates exclusive wildlife encounters and tours at the nearby zoos. Exhausted from a day of juggling the kids Book in at Banyan Tree Spa for a rejuvenating session in nature.  Mandai Rainforest Resort is now accepting reservations here.  How about a stay atop the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific? That's what you get at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, a 252-room luxury hotel occupying the top floors of Merdeka 118 there's no forgetting where you are – batik and wood-carved motifs in the contemporary-style rooms serve as visual reminders of Malaysian culture Impressive amenities include a jaw-dropping 25-metre infinity pool on the 99th floor surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows facials and body treatments – it also offers holistic wellness facilities like aromatherapy steam rooms and vitality pools.  Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opens in September. It's now accepting reservations here.  Travel in 2025 is all about offbeat destinations sans the tourist crowd. So, how about a remote private island experience? JATI, a private island resort experience on Koh Russey, is just a 10-minute speedboat ride off Cambodia’s southern coast bringing you to the resort’s 82 Khmer-inspired one- and two-bedroom villas we’d spring for the ones with private pools right on the beach or enjoy the great outdoors with a hike or paddle in the sea JATI Resort Koh Russey opens in March.  Have you heard that Vietnam is the world’s top trending spa destination for 2025 The Southeast Asian country has wellness spas and retreats aplenty – and there’s now one more to add to the list Namia River Retreat opened in December 2024 on a peaceful islet overlooking the Thu Bon River you can sink into traditional Southern Vietnamese herbology wellness therapies – think hammams using fresh Embark on specially curated cultural experiences or retreat to your private pool villa to cap your restorative stay at Namia River Retreat.  Namia River Retreat is now open. Book here.  We enjoyed a luxurious stay at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza – here's what we thought.  Plus: This ancient fortress town in Sri Lanka is officially the world's most welcoming city.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! About us Contact us ※ This service is provided by machine translation tool The government has released a comprehensive plan to evacuate residents and tourists on the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture to eight other prefectures in the event of a Taiwan contingency please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent The government plans to be able to evacuate a maximum of 120,000 people The plan outlines a six-day evacuation schedule using an increased number of commercial flights and ships to evacuate individuals from the islands The islands’ residents will stay in 32 cities and towns in eight prefectures in the Kyushu region and Yamaguchi Prefecture The plan is based on the assumption that the government acknowledges a “situation where armed attacks are anticipated” against Japan and orders an evacuation in accordance with the Civil Protection Law To accommodate the residents of the municipalities of Miyakojima Yonaguni and Tarama of the Sakishima Islands for about a month the plan details specific procedures for arrangements for hotels It also includes procedures to more than double the transportation capacity there would normally be available in peacetime The government aims to finalize the evacuation plan with local governments by fiscal 2026 and intends to organize a large-scale drill Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun IBM believes in the power of technology and innovation to drive climate solutions especially for the communities and organizations most impacted by climate change and environmental challenges At the center of this work is also a commitment to volunteerism allowing inspired IBMers to combine their talent and skills with passion and purpose Through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator energy and expertise to help create lasting impact in communities around the world And Takahito Motonaga is one IBMer making a difference in the community where he grew up: Miyakojima City Miyakojima City is located southwest of Okinawa this remote community became the focus of an IBM Sustainability Accelerator clean energy project aimed at addressing the complex energy challenges it faces The community relies on external sources for most of its energy supply which could result in an increased costs to residents Miyakojima lies directly in the path of intense typhoons every year These extreme and unpredictable weather events can topple the island’s utility infrastructure IBMer Takahito Motonaga lived in Miyakojima City for 18 years Takahito can vividly remember a typhoon that had an impact on his childhood “I suffered a power outage caused by a large typhoon for about a week when I was in elementary school,” he says and supplies from outside the island were also cut off As electricity and gas were not available at home we spent about a week using candles and taking cold showers When I experienced the inconvenience of living without things that I normally take for granted I realized that our lives heavily depend on energy and other infrastructure.” Takahito focuses on how he can help address similar problems “This may be influenced by my background of growing up on an island,” he says I would like to contribute to solving such issues in local communities.” Takahito is an IT specialist with IBM Systems Engineering with a primary focus on designing and developing web applications he also serves as the squad leader for the IBM Sustainability Accelerator’s clean energy project in Miyakojima City where the team is working to develop an energy forecasting model This model aims to improve the community’s self-sufficiency in clean “My role is to bring individuals with various specialized skills from IBM’s Technology Systems Engineering and Digital Services divisions to form a team “I believed it would give me a unique opportunity to use IT skills I have obtained through my work and tackle challenges in the community where I was born and raised I felt this was a great mission for me to fulfill.” Through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator Takahito works closely with the community where he grew up using local perspectives to strengthen his team’s approach to the project The Miyakojima Island project team frequently engages with local stakeholders who deeply understand the energy issues facing the island yet he recalls “the importance of understanding various aspects of an area and considering the heart of issues.” Working with colleagues local citizens and officials from around the world is an important opportunity for IBMer volunteers to hone their cultural and marketplace literacy deepening their societal engagement and possibly a career trajectory Discussing highlights of the Miyakojima Island project so far there are many highly motivated people who are willing to volunteer and actively participate in volunteer activities to solve social issues I am very happy to have been able to work with them as a team.” “Many of the members voluntarily identify necessary tasks and proactively take actions considering what must be done to solve the energy issues and what they can do by leveraging their expertise Many of them are very ambitious and have high aspirations to work on the island Being able to work with such highly motivated and talented people is my favorite part of this project.” IBM has a goal to deliver 4 million volunteer hours by 2025 and IBM is proud to keep connecting enthusiastic employees with opportunities to get involved in their communities and pursue their own passions and purpose through the Sustainability Accelerator “I believe that it is socially meaningful for a large company with a long history like IBM to volunteer through a program like the Sustainability Accelerator because it allows us to help those who really need it,” says Takahito “These efforts contribute to the relief and development of society allowing employees who participate in the program to grow—and that is very valuable Continuously making such efforts is important in a society where sustainability perspectives are also becoming increasingly important.” Takahito encourages colleagues to get involved “The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is an activity in which you can use your skills and experience to solve local issues and contribute to society You will have the opportunity to collaborate with employees with diverse knowledge and skills in other units within the company and gain a broader perspective on social issues,” he says IBM volunteers will be invited to participate in the next cohort of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator following a new RFP to be announced in 2024 IBM Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Close the gap between ambition and action so you can make real progress on your sustainability goals Discover how to turn sustainability insights into action and take the next steps to harness the power of generative AI Learn how users of IBM Turbonomic achieved sustainable IT and reduced their environmental footprint while assuring application performance Discover how IBM Maximo can help optimize asset value throughout the lifecycle Learn how sustainability executives and net zero leaders achieve compliance with the CSRD Learn how organizations can set and achieve clear sustainability targets that deliver a competitive advantage IBM is client zero in the battle for enterprise sustainability Learn more about our history of environmental leadership and our commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 Optimize how you allocate resources to applications throughout your ecosystem with the IBM Turbonomic platform Start your sustainability journey today by connecting your strategic roadmap with day-to-day operations Use IBM's sustainability consulting services to turn sustainability ambition into action and become a more responsible and profitable business Discover how to run applications seamlessly continuously and cost-effectively to achieve efficient app performance while lowering costs with IBM Turbonomic   Arcadia Resort Miyakojima opened this summer on Irabu Island part of the city of Miyakojima, Okinawa The hotel consists of 14 luxury suites with ocean views finds itself in the middle of a real estate frenzy as investors pour money into hotels and resorts in anticipation of a tourism boom as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides Miyakojima and its sparkling white sand beaches have been attracting investors and tourists alike land prices there soared 16.6% in what has been dubbed the "Miyakojima bubble." This compares with a 4.9% increase in Okinawa prefecture as a whole which was the fastest rise in land prices of any prefecture in Japan The figures are based on land zoned for all purposes Metrics details and variability of the Ryukyu Current (RC) have long been debated deployed for two years southeast of Miyakojima in the southern portion of the Ryukyu Island chain data confirming the existence and revealing the characteristics of the RC in that upstream region including its velocity structure and variability The observations show a shoreward-intensified current flowing northeastward with a subsurface core located near the 1,000 m isobath and having a record-long mean speed of up to 19.4 cm s−1 at 500 m depth Estimated volume transport across the observation section had mean 9.0 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1) and standard deviation 8.7 Sv The RC shows significant barotropic character compared with other similar mid-latitude currents (a) Map of the East China Sea and northwestern Pacific Ocean (b) Mooring locations offshore of Miyakojima Island Tall current meter (CM)/acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) moorings (RCM1 RCM3) are indicated by yellow squares; current and pressure-recording inverted echo sounder (CPIES/PIES) moorings are indicated by red triangles; the Ishigaki tide-gauge station is indicated by a blue star (c) Cross-section of the mooring array that observed the RC Background colour shows the long-term (Jan 2017) mean velocity (cm s-1) across the section with black contours at intervals of 5 cm s−1 from the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model reanalysis Bold black contour lines indicate zero velocity the subsurface intensified velocity core in the upstream region of the RC has never before been validated with observations Determining the velocity field in this region is key to clarifying the mechanism of formation of the RC which would lead to a better understanding of the water mass budget in the northwestern Pacific and of the interactions between the RC and the Kuroshio we present the structure of the current southeast of Miyakojima Island as observed for 2 years by a mooring array This array consisted of multiple current-sensing instruments (up to 13 instruments of 3 types on 7 moorings see next section) positioned southeast of Miyakojima we investigate the mean and time varying structure and volume transport (VT) of the RC in the southern Ryukyu region as well as the influence of mesoscale eddies entering from the east and we compare our results with model results from HYCOM This section shows the current observations and derived estimates from the mooring array. The mooring array (Fig. 1c) was comprised of four current-and-pressure-recording inverted echo sounders (CPIESs) and one acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) The CPIES is a bottom-moored instrument which records bottom pressure and acoustic travel time from the seafloor to the surface and back; in addition it incorporates a CM-type sensor and records the current velocity (speed and direction) 50 m above the seafloor The CMs provided point measurements of current velocity at each instrument depth The ADCP (at the top of one of the tall moorings) measured upper-layer currents from a nominal depth of 580 m to the surface Vector-average velocities (arrows) and standard deviation ellipses for measured currents shown for three depth layers (a–c) and for three tall-mooring sites (d–f) Station name (depth) and current speed (ellipse semi-major axis) as marked Scale arrow (10 cm/s) in each panel also indicates eastward direction the mean direction of all currents was northeastward except in the countercurrent that occurred at RES4 Velocities decreased sharply at depths below 1,000 m: RCM2 mean speed at 1,023 m was 11.3 cm s−1 while at 1,279 m it reached only 2.6 cm s−1 RES2 also recorded a weak northeastward current with a mean speed that reached only 1.1 cm/s at a depth of 1,211 m This indicates that there is a nearly motionless layer below the RC core with strong velocity shear up to 10 cm s−1 within 200 m of the bottom It was interesting that the CPIES station seaward of RCM2 (RES3) recorded a strong northeastward current with a mean speed of 7.0 cm s−1; this was much faster than that recorded by RCM2 at 1,279 m (2.6 cm s−1) though RES3 was more than 200 m deeper (1,493 m) Figure 3d–f respectively show the average vertical structure of the velocities at the RCM1 The current profile at RCM1 showed weak baroclinic characteristics with only a small and gradual increase in mean velocities from the surface to 500 m while variability of the currents shown by the standard deviation ellipses decreased monotonically with depth The shallowest current meters at RCM2 and RCM3 were at 511 and 539 m depth so only current profiles deeper than the depth of the RC core were recorded there Each of these showed baroclinic characteristics: both mean velocities and variabilities decreased with depth It is important to note that RCM2 recorded a strong (8.7 cm s−1) velocity shear between 1023 m and 1279 m in the near-bottom layer of the RC Mean velocities at RCM3 were smaller than those at both RCM1 and RCM2 and the deviation ellipses at RCM3 were more nearly circular which implies that the RC is mainly confined shoreward of RCM3 Temporal mean (left panels; a&b) and standard deviation (right panels; c&d) of velocity across a section of the Ryukyu Current during the observational period (June 2015 to June 2017) based on observations (upper panels; a&c) and HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) outputs (lower panels; b&d) Contour interval is 5 cm/s and the bold black line indicates a value of zero Small coloured circles in (a) show mean velocities from direct observations The position of maximum velocity of the current core is indicated with a cross Mean volume transports (VTs) are given in the lower left-hand corners; in (a) mean VT for the same averaging area as (b) is given in parentheses These comparisons may be helpful in eliminating biases and improving the performance of the model (a) Time series of the total volume transport (VT) according to our estimate (blue line) and from the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) (red line) Black lines indicate 95% confidence levels Left panels: composite distribution of mean velocity across the section when the VT is (a) above its mean plus one standard deviation (VTmean + VTstd) and (c) below VTmean - VTstd; the contour interval is 0.1 m/s and bold black lines indicate values of zero Right panels: composite distribution of merged sea level anomaly (MSLA) when the VT is (a) above VTmean + VTstd and (c) below VTmean - VTstd Small black triangles indicate mooring positions we deduce that eddies can significantly change the velocity structure of the RC The Ishigaki tide-gauge data from the Japan Oceanographic Data Center (JODC) consists of tidal height measured every hour since 1969 The SSHDsat-TG between RES4 and Ishigakijima has a correlation coefficient of 0.87 with the VT when applied with a 10-day running average By employing a linear correlation between the SSHDsat-TG and the estimated VT during the observational period the long-term mean VT was estimated as 7.2 Sv (a,b) VT time series estimated from mooring data (red line) and from SSH difference (blue line) between RES4 and Ishigakijima during the observation period (a) and since 1993 (b) (c,d) Velocity vectors from current measurements near the RC core (a) Time series of the velocity components in the upper layer: vupper (red) (b) Time series of the velocity components in the lower layer: vlower (blue) blue) velocity anomalies as functions of the barotropic velocity anomalies We had no observational evidence to prove or deny that the subsurface current core is caused by baroclinic-mode topographic Rossby waves the formation mechanism of the subsurface current core is still uncertain in this study Further studies from observational data analyses and numerical experiments are needed in the future to clarify the formation mechanism of the RC we determined the existence of the Ryukyu Current in an upstream region southeast of Miyakojima Island and demonstrated its intensified subsurface velocity structure and VT variability for the first time Further long-term observations are needed in this region of the RC to delineate its detailed velocity structure and its relationship with the RC downstream Interactions between the RC and the Kuroshio Current would also be an interesting subject for future study we recovered the three tall CM moorings to retrieve their data and replace their batteries The recovered instruments were deployed again for the second year of observation RCM2 was lost after re-deployment so only its first-year records were obtained Complete 2-year records were successfully retrieved from all the other instruments Ichikawa, H., Nakamura, H., Nishina, A. & Higashi, M. 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Soc. 131, 3583–3604, https://doi.org/10.1256/qj.05.105 (2005) Download references The JKRYCSS observation was conducted onboard the Training Vessel Kagoshima-maru of the Faculty of Fisheries We thank all the onboard crew members and participants during the cruises The SIO group was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41920104006 the Project of State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics Second Institute of Oceanography (SOEDZZ1901 and the National Program on Global Change and Air-Sea Interaction (GASI-IPOVAI-01-02) The KU group was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers 15H03725 Park were supported by the “Study on Air-sea Interaction and Process of Rapidly Intensifying Typhoon in the Northwestern Pacific” funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Mark Wimbush for his careful English editing Two anonymous reviewers are acknowledged for their critical comments and valuable suggestions on the manuscript State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Department of Marine Science and Biological Engineering Ocean Circulation and Climate Research Center Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript contributed much to the discussion of the manuscript participated in the cruise and modified the manuscript The authors declare no competing interests Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63836-5 Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: a shareable link is not currently available for this article Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science NAHA—A venomous elegant pitviper was found dead on Miyakojima a subtropical southern island long believed free from poisonous snakes The snake was discovered at a port on the island about 330 kilometers southwest from the main island of Okinawa raising fears the dangerous serpent could be living there Although Okinawa prefectural officials said the snake may have hitched a ride to Miyakojima island inside a shipping container They quickly issued an advisory for tourists planning to descend on Miyakojima to beware of the snake during the Golden Week holiday season never go near it and immediately alert the public health center,” an official said The venom of the elegant pitviper is not as toxic as other poisonous snakes collectively known as “habu” that inhabit islands in southwestern Japan But bites can cause severe pain and swelling and young children and elderly people should particularly beware of the danger The dead snake was discovered in an opening between a container and the ground on the pier of the Hirara Port of the island on March 30 weighed 12.7 grams and was believed to be about a year and half old Habu live on Amami-Oshima island and nearby islands in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture as well as most islands in Okinawa Prefecture Only a handful of islands are free from poisonous snakes The puzzling habitat of habu is related to the history of how those islands were formed ancestors of habu could easily move around when the future islands were part of the Chinese continent A rise in ocean levels and other natural events led to the birth of the islands and some contained habu while others did not The elegant pitviper has been known to inhabit Ishigakijima island This is not the first time a habu was discovered on Miyakojima an elegant pitviper was found in the vicinity of Hirara Port It is believed to have brought from outside the island The one in March also likely came in from outside the island officials cannot rule out the possibility that the venomous snakes might have made Miyakojima their home Officials have arranged 30 cages around the port for about four months to see if they catch any possible pitvipers Venom antidotes have been delivered to the prefectural Miyako Hospital Lisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan/ Amami-Oshima: Explore a wild island SDF units arrive in Okinawa isles to prepare anti-missile systems Defense officials fear helicopter crash may affect security strategy SDF’s pivot to southwest a cause for concern in Okinawa governor of Okinawa do not meet during visit Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp Miyako Island rises from azure waters that are considered some of the clearest in Japan A subtropical paradise of white-sand beaches the island beckons with both its natural beauty and its promise of tasty treats The island is also home to one of Japan’s luxury brands of wagyu (Japanese beef)—Miyako gyu this beef is sometimes referred to as “phantom” beef and is a must-try should the opportunity to sample it arise hop on a plane and head southwest from mainland Japan—epicurean delights await on the little slice of subtropical heaven known as Miyako Island Connoisseurs of fine beef will be familiar with wagyu which refers to beef from four designated breeds of Japanese cattle: Japanese Black cattle are branded by their geographical location a variety of Japanese Black from Hyogo Prefecture but that hasn’t stopped it from having one of the most highly rated brands Discover the island’s incredible beef for yourself at the popular downtown Miyako Island eatery Ryukyu Dining Faimeal As the chef-owner of Ryukyu Dining Faimeal explains that this pristine environment is one of the secrets behind Miyako gyu’s stellar quality which can be traced back to earlier days on the island “families traditionally kept several head of cattle as a side business there was no need to rush to fatten the cattle and so they grew fat slowly on a diet of straw and Miyako Island’s abundant groundwater.” and a relaxed pace prevails—a combination that makes the meat hard to come by But the gradual weight gain produces high-quality whose interior is inspired by the historical homes of Ryukyu samurai and is located in the downtown area of Miyako Island Although it gets its fair share of tourists the eatery is also popular with the locals Private rooms of various size make it the perfect spot for gatherings big and small The restaurant hasn’t always featured Miyako gyu—getting the island’s meat on the menu took time and patience “I went directly to the producers many times,” Mr The restaurant’s menu offers several cuts of Miyaki gyu Start off with Ryukyu Dining Faimeal’s most popular item Miyako Gyu No Nigiri—six pieces of thinly sliced beef draped over seasoned rice Though not all options are available every day you’ll generally have a choice of tokusen (special-selection) lean meat or kiwami (finest) chateaubriand or tenderloin Begin by lightly dusting salt on a single portion squeeze a dash of tart shekwasha juice onto a slice of beef green citrus fruit you’ll come across often in Okinawa refreshing flavor provides a delicious contrast to the richness of the meat Sizzle the morsels of beautifully marbled meat on the hot ceramic plate just briefly—the goal is for the meat to be slightly browned on both sides take your first bite as is before adding shekwasha and Luxuriate in the richness and texture of the island’s phantom beef even lean cuts are marbled and lusciously tender Besides being the owner and chef at Ryukyu Dining Faimeal he’s also a working fisherman—and having a fisherman at the head of a restaurant means delicious things happen there the seafood served at Ryukyu Dining Faimeal is top class with highly sought-after kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawns) and mochi katsuo (skipjack tuna with the texture of glutinous-rice cakes) making an appearance when at their peak Should your visit coincide with the season for ise ebi (spiny lobster) which runs from July to the following March be sure to order a plate of the crustacean served ikizukuri-style where the ise ebi is prepared as sashimi and served in the shell of a lobster enjoy the rest of the lobster cooked in one of three ways: akadashi (with red-miso soup) ise ebi is the perfect ending to an exquisite meal Miyako Island impresses with its incredible cuisine Make your next adventure a trip to Miyako Island and revel in the countless pleasures the island has to offer Miyako Island is located in Okinawa Prefecture roughly 300 kilometers southwest of the main island of Okinawa It can be reached by a direct flight from Tokyo or Osaka Access from most other domestic airports will require a transfer in Naha and rental bicycles are available foHear travel around the island Ryukyu Dining Faimeal is located on Nishizato Dori in the downtown area of Miyako Island Miyako Island is a nature-lover’s paradise Snorkelers and divers will find myriad fish to admire among the coral reefs while those who prefer land-based activities will enjoy cycling and strolling through the island’s Miyakojima City Botanical Garden Combine land and sea activities at any of the island’s incredible white-sand beaches Other available activities include sea kayaking Be sure to soak up island culture by visiting local izakaya (Japanese pubs) for an evening of music and good food Discover another of Miyako Island’s industries by visiting the Yukishio Museum which is dedicated to Miyako Island’s powdery Association of Miyakojima Sightseeing (English) Ryukyu Dining Faimeal (Japanese) ​​​​Miyako Island (English) ​​​​Okinawa (English) Miyako gyu is wagyu from cattle raised on Miyako Island and benefit from the island’s mineral-rich groundwater Meat from the cattle is prized for its melt-in-the-mouth texture as well as its rarity Miyako gyu is available only at a small number of restaurants on the island Helen hails from a small town in Central Canada Shortly after completing an honors degree in history a desire to study karate in its birthplace drew her to Japan she has earned her second dan in Goju-ryu karate fallen head-first into Japanese culture by way of cross-cultural marriage and written about Japan for a variety of publications Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages First Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® property in Japan will open as an intimate 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® has been appointed by Mitsubishi Estate Co. to manage Rosewood Miyakojima on Mikayo Island in the Okinawan archipelago ultra-luxury resort represents the first Rosewood property in Japan in a destination acclaimed for its exquisite beaches with several of the country's most scenic locations Miyako Island and nearby isles offer miles of soft white sand with endless vistas of turquoise-blue sea Aquatic adventures range from snorkeling at Yabiji to diving through underwater caverns teeming with marine life and outstanding deep-sea fishing.  Approached through verdant sugar cane fields dramatic rock formations and stunning ocean vistas.  Arriving visitors will feel the sand beneath their feet within a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport and 30-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport which receives direct flights from Hong Kong and major cities in Japan The resort's 55 villa accommodations will feature private pools Conceived by Netherlands-based Studio Piet Boon the architecture and interiors are seamlessly designed to immerse guests in the natural surroundings and express harmony with the island through the extensive use of local materials is providing local architectural expertise and support in realizing the design vision Four restaurants and bars will include relaxed beachfront concepts showcasing fresh seafood the resort's indoor and outdoor event venues will host unforgettable destination weddings and private celebrations On-site recreation will include a standalone Rosewood Explorer's Club Rosewood's program for younger guests designed to inspire creativity and imagination discovery and social responsibility through unique experiences attuned to the destination Rosewood's pioneering integrated wellness concept will offer treatment rooms set amid private gardens indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy facilities and a menu of programs and services influenced by local healing traditions guests will discover an abundance of vividly picturesque sites from the majestic natural stone arch of nearby Sunayama beach to the perfectly poised lighthouse at Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (a nationally designated "Place of Scenic Beauty") and the seven-kilometer stretch of Yonaha Maehama regularly ranked as Japan's best beach and renowned for its cinematic sunsets.  Even a brief sojourn will reveal distinctive customs cuisine and crafts as well as the beguiling ways of the Okinawan uchinanchu ("sea people") who inhabit the island.  "We are tremendously excited that our first presence in Japan will be in this exquisite location where Rosewood's signature A Sense of Place concept will be expressed amidst such a spectacular setting and rich culture," said Sonia Cheng chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.  "We are honored to have Mitsubishi Estate as our partner and very grateful for the trust they have placed in us to offer this exceptional experience."   "Rosewood's sensitivity to its locales and its dedication to the highest levels of hospitality excellence which are perfectly in line with our philosophy of urban developments inspired us to appoint them to manage this very special resort," said Atsushi Nakajima Ltd.  "We are fully confident that Rosewood Miyakojima will become one of the world's most coveted vacation destinations when it opens its doors." About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®  Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® manages 27 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels Each Rosewood property embraces the brand's A Sense of Place® philosophy to reflect the individual location's history culture and sensibilities.  The Rosewood collection includes some of the world's most legendary hotels and resorts Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong.  For those who wish to stay a little longer Rosewood Residences offer a distinct opportunity for ownership or rent in extraordinary destinations within the brand's wide-ranging portfolio boasts the leading position in the Japanese market operating a spectrum of businesses in diverse fields related to real estate including an office building business centered in the Marunouchi district in central Tokyo The company's area of operations is not confined to Japan; it includes the United States and the United Kingdom and extends to such Asian countries as China The strength of the Mitsubishi Estate Group lies in its comprehensive business structure which encompasses Group members that seamlessly cover businesses ranging from development to leasing and property management For more information:  https://www.mec.co.jp/index_e.html Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Media Contacts: Email: [email protected]  Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]  Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]  Email: [email protected]  Email: [email protected] https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/ a pristine archipelago of 365 islands in the Bahamas has long been a haven for sophisticated globetrotters and seafarers Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® continues to realize accelerated residential growth with the announcement of Rosewood Residences Old Lighthouse in Los.. Travel Hotels and Resorts New Products & Services Do not sell or share my personal information: and spectacular abundance of undersea creatures By There are sugarcane plantations and mango trees and a few other things to see but the island’s main attractions are its powdery white sand Because my family and I arrived at Miyako airport in the late afternoon Sunayama is about 15 minutes north from the main town of Hirara and is a popular attractive little beach with a natural stone arch (unfortunately blocked off by rather unattractive metal fencing) Snorkeling there was decent enough around the edges with a few schools of fish and it proved an easy introduction for my young son who was nervous to be swimming in the ocean for the first time.  when we traveled cross-island to a broad expanse of sand known as Aragusuku Beach The clear shallow water made it the perfect spot for a beginner to don a life-jacket Daddy,” enthused my son after we climbed back onto the beach creamsicle-colored clownfish peeked back at us through the pale pink swirl of anemone tentacles.  On Shimoji’s west side (past the new airport) is 17END a walkway that extends out over one particularly stunning stretch of sea Less impressive were the city beaches of Painagama and Yonaha Maehama Fronted by large concrete steps and looking out on the port a large stretch of sand south of Hirara dotted with jet-ski rentals and barbecue restaurants Miyako-soba was tasty and all the usual Okinawan standards (goya chanpuru umi-budo) could be found at local restaurants I’d also recommend a trip to the local co-op store to buy fresh or frozen mangoes and homemade sausages you can also stock up on Orion beer and awamori (as well as SPAM flip-flops and fishing spears…) at the Donki Hote next door.  Renting a car is by far the better option on Miyako, as public transportation is limited and infrequent. Exploring the back roads through the sugarcane fields, some unpaved and dotted with old stone Okinawan tombs I’d also recommend bringing your own snorkeling stuff there are plenty of companies that offer tours and equipment rentals On our final day, we returned to Aragusuku Beach hoping to find one of the large sea turtles that swim in with the morning tide before the snorkeling tours from the big hotels and happened upon an immense dark-shelled fellow grazing placidly on seagrass We drifted near this graceful creature for a while until it was time for him to head back out to sea and for us to head back to the beach From purple sweet potatoes to wild horse sightings here’s how to make the most of Okinawa’s tropical escape Explore the best local brands shaping Tokyo’s fashion scene From vintage clothing to Hawaiian-themed goods here’s what’s worth checking out before it’s gone From buying and registering a bike to key rules of the road Collagen staples for beauty and health in Japan Our handpicked list of the best events going on this month and the untold tales of Japan’s queer community Everything you need to know before and during a natural disaster Stay up to date with Tokyo news and events Shandong seen 520 km southeast of Miyakojima escorted by two destroyers Shandong spotted on July 9 southeast of Miyakojima (Joint Staff of Japan's Ministry of Defense images) 4571TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan's military detected a carrier strike group led by China's Shandong to the southeast of Taiwan on Tuesday (July 9).  As the U.S.-led 2024 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) exercises are conducted around the Hawaiian Islands, the Joint Staff of Japan's Ministry of Defense (MOD) on Tuesday announced that a carrier strike group led by the Shandong was sighted about 520 km southeast of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture The Shandong was escorted by the Yan'an Type 055 destroyer Japan also detected the landing and takeoff of carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters from the Shandong on Tuesday.  Japan's MOD and Japan Self-Defense Forces conducted surveillance through the Akebono Murasame-class destroyer from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Escort Squadron 5 the Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter jets in response to the carrier-based combat aircraft.  This is the first time since last November that Japan has confirmed the presence of the Shandong aircraft carrier group in the Pacific Ocean outside the first island chain, reported UDN It is also the fourth time the Shandong has been observed crossing the first island chain into the Pacific the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said that since 5:20 a.m it has tracked 37 Chinese military aircraft around Taiwan Of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft 36 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered the Western Pacific via the southern and southeastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ) the aircraft are conducting “joint sea and air training” with the Shandong The MND said the military is using joint intelligence and reconnaissance methods to monitor the situation and sent combat patrol aircraft and naval vessels and deployed land-based air defense missile systems in response.  37 Chinese military aircraft training with Shandong around Taiwan Taipei MRT reminds passengers of drinking water ban Taiwan dollar hits NT$29 per US dollar triggering currency exchange rush Central Bank steps in as Taiwan dollar posts strong single-day gain Taiwan ranked 2nd most innovative country in world Vietjet flight makes unscheduled landing in Taiwan Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes off east Taiwan US tech earnings spark Taiwan stock market rally Four Vietnamese residents found dead in northern Taiwan US Congress members urge Somalia to reverse Taiwan passport ban Taiwan ranks 1st in Asia on World Press Freedom Index This work, Who’s your Mamoru-Kun?, by TSgt John Linzmeier, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright Continuing with the brand's commitment to thoughtful development Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is set to open its first property in Japan in 2024 the brand is pleased to announce the appointment of Noriko Nakayama as managing director for Rosewood Miyakojima Noriko's vast knowledge of the hospitality space will be central to the opening of the hotel as Rosewood enters a new market Noriko is an experienced hotelier with a strong sales and revenue background Her previous roles have been with notable hotel brands including Mandarin Oriental with her most recent role being the general manager at The Kitano Hotel Noriko has become knowledgeable in all areas of the hotel experience She also has a strong passion for environmentalism having earned her master's degree in Environmental Science from Yale University and brings with her an expertise in sustainability