Golden Week is right around the corner and that means row teams are hitting the water for the annual Naha Dragon Boat Race This premier cultural event in Naha City returns May 3-5 for its 51st installment It is a highlight of the Golden Week holidays that fall from April 29 to May 6 this year (or from April 26 for those who take a day off on April 28) the 3-day event at Naha Port reportedly drew 160,000 people The last day was especially crowded as spectators showed up to root on local and U.S Naha Dragon Boat Race is considered one of the three major festivals of Naha City along with Naha Tug of War in October and the Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri in late October or early November don’t miss out on the opportunity to check it out has a 600-year history and used to be a national event in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1492-1879) it was brought back to life and has grown into an event that represents Okinawa just like in the old days What makes the Naha City race unique is that each boat is big enough to require 32 rowers Normal dragon boats only take 10 rowers and 1 steerer Time: TBD (This event usually starts at 9:30 to 10 a.m Venue: Naha Port and the New Naha Port Wharf (GPS Coordinates: N 26.230106 Read now > Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan New England Hockey Journal By April 6 — There was never a doubt for the Bishop Kearney Selects 1 seed in USA Hockey's 19U girls Tier 1 tournament lived up to their top billing rolling to a resounding 9-0 win over NAHA for USA Hockey's 19U Tier I girls national title Vt.) and Rhianna Mayer each had a goal and an assist Emeline Grennan made 14 saves in the shutout Evelyn Brown made 16 saves in a valiant effort in the crease for NAHA SUBSCRIBE © Copyright 2025 Seamans Media, Inc. • All Rights Reserved The Norwegian American Historical Association (NAHA) has had a grant from the federal funding cut member-supported center for Norwegian-American studies Although both institutions are independent entities they maintain close cooperation on common causes The NAHA archives are located in the special collections area of Rolvaag Memorial Library the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recommended the termination of a three-year grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities at the beginning of April The $297,303 grant supports a project to preserve digitize and make accessible five World War II collections documenting Norwegian-American relief efforts for occupied Norway Last fall NAHA hired a Project Digitization Archivist to work on the project “We were deeply disappointed by the decision to terminate our grant,” said Amy Boxrud “We are actively working to challenge this short-sighted decision and find a way to carry out the project NAHA remains committed to our work of preserving and making accessible the stories of Norwegians in North America.” The NAHA learned about the grant termination from in an email came from Michael McDonald He wrote that NEH is repurposing its funding allocations in furtherance of the President’s agenda “Your grant’s immediate termination is necessary to safeguard the interests of the federal government The termination of your grant represents an urgent priority for the administration adherence to the traditional the notification process is not possible.” Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live, you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:> Click here to listen on Spotify> Click here to listen on Apple PodcastDo you have a news tip or press release News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net Last week KYMN aired a news special about the Ice Arena Project 2025 @ 3:00 pm – Northfield Handbell Choir spring free concert Come for a few pieces or for the whole concert 2025 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Artmakers Community free Sing-Along – Make a Joyful Noise 5:30-7pm at Imminent Brewing in Northfield Playing your old-time favorite gospel tunes sing to high heaven…or just listen and enjoy 2025 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Northfield Beaver Fest – Saturday build homes and dams to change ecosystems around them Sometimes beavers shape the landscape in ways humans don’t like–such as taking down trees 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Venue: 418 Sumner St E. Enter Door #5 (fellowship hall) Hosts: Board and Ambassadors of the Friends of College Monfant assisted by many community volunteers Menu: Bouchées à la Reine catered by Ruth’s on Stafford Program: Carleton College African Drum Ensemble Presentation of Projects by Board […] This work, Torii Station leadership participates in Naha Giant Tug-of-War, by Natalie Stanley, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright There were lots of tight hugs and selfies on a recent Thursday morning as students from Okinawa bade farewell to their Nathan Hale High School peers The Japanese visitors had spent about two weeks with Seattle students and their families brushing up on their English and taking in the city’s sights and culture This year’s visit marked the 50th anniversary of the cultural exchange program between Nathan Hale and Naha Senior High School in Naha Just moments before the 12 students and their two teachers boarded a black coach for Vancouver the symphonic band serenaded them in a parade down the main hallway one last time “I feel really sad right now,” said James Muhlfelder a senior and president of the school’s Naha Club But Muhlfelder was also excited that he’d see newfound friends in July when Nathan Hale students visit Naha “It’s going to go by really fast,” he said of the next few months “It’s going to be really hard not seeing them here.” Educators said the exchange program fosters cultural understanding and helps students improve their language proficiency the vice principal of Naha Senior High School said this was the first trip away from home for some “It is a very important experience for the students to be independent,” she said they have to think and decide for themselves It’s a good chance for the students to grow up.” a Japanese and math teacher at Nathan Hale and one of the organizers said students who travel to Japan return as “changed people.” very compassionate to other global situations and understanding the difference between the two countries and other countries,” she said The Japanese leg includes a tour of mainland Japan where they visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum “They learn a lot from their (the Japanese) side of history not just the American side of the story,” she said students stay with a host family and shadow a Naha student for about two weeks At least one student is working to cover the cost Both groups see the similarities and differences between the two countries and school systems The temperature difference is always a big one While Nathan Hale students switch classes during periods Naha teachers go from classroom to classroom said he enjoyed his trip and would love to return when he gets older The highlight for him and many other exchange students was a tubing trip to Snoqualmie Pass They had been looking forward to seeing snow and skiing for the first time also citing the Space Needle visit as a top excursion It was a reunion of sorts for Kitashiro and Weston — “a proper exchange,” according to Weston because she stayed with Kitashiro’s family in Japan last year “It’s always one of my favorite parts of the year,” she said Weston said it might have gotten a tad difficult for Kitashiro While he had friends in some of those classes especially my history teacher,” Weston said.   with lots of hand movements and Pictionary “I am glad that my mom was an art major,” said Ian Cook who hosted this year and visited Japan last year “It’s almost like coming up with a new language,” he said the memories abound at school and in the city “Because they were sharing our lives — pretty much one-to-one — everywhere I go I get reminded of them,” he said While the Japanese students stayed with host students’ families school officials said everyone benefited — from the students who welcomed them in the hallways those who sat with them in art and language classes to the teachers who compared notes with the Japanese educators “This is a cultural exchange for everyone,” said Leland Swarts a teacher at Nathan Hale and one of the trip’s organizers Students can also get a glimpse of Okinawan history and culture by browsing the huge display case near the school’s entrance which contains years of gifts the Naha visitors have bestowed on the school.  The school got a dose of that during a welcome ceremony to celebrate the milestone on the students’ first day After speeches by dignitaries — including Mayor Bruce Harrell Superintendent Brent Jones and Japanese Consul General Makoto Iyori — the visitors presented their hosts with a bingata a centuries-old traditional Okinawan dyeing technique to celebrate the half-century relationship a framed photograph of the students making the bingata and a new photograph of Naha Senior High School The Japanese students also performed three traditional Okinawan dances which they practiced for about a month and a half The program has fostered intergenerational bonds was the second in her family to participate in the program and she hopes her younger sister follows suit in a few years Liz Behlke has remained friends with Naoko Nakama Behlke was part of the first group of Seattle students to go to Okinawa two years later The two hit it off right away and now consider themselves sisters with their relationship evolving from snail mail to email to texting to FaceTime They’ve seen each other in person about a dozen times since they first met Behlke’s parents have visited Nakama’s family in Okinawa and Nakama has brought her parents to Seattle to spend time with Behlke’s family She’s visited Nathan Hale each time.  Nakama’s sons even stayed with Behlke when she lived in Anchorage to visit Nakama’s family when she was younger the parents handed her a beautifully wrapped envelope with money which is traditionally given to a grandchild visiting for the first time “They were basically ceremoniously saying you are our granddaughter,” Behlke said Nakama’s father lost family members in World War II but despite their countries’ past the two families were able to build a close relationship About 13,000 people of Japanese ancestry from Washington state were among the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated under the War Relocation Authority, according to Densho a nonprofit that chronicles the experiences of Japanese Americans during the war and we could exchange our ideas,” Behlke said we can be friends and have mutual understanding.” Behlke remains grateful for the lifelong friendship The two joke about being “2OL,” two old ladies “I wish every kid had this kind of opportunity The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, WBSC will host the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup presented by RAXUS from September 5 to 14 The Baseball Federation of Japan (BFJ) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Enterprise will co-host the event with the support of the High School Baseball Federation on an island that hosts the Spring Training Camps of nine NPB franchises annually The WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 will be part of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War Okinawa aims to promote world peace through sports and international exchange initiatives One of the key venues ready to host the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 is the Okinawa Cellular Stadium NAHA (15,000 seats) Nine National Teams have already qualified for the XXXIII WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup In July, the reigning European Champions, World No. 13 Italy, and the runner-up, No. 17 Germany, qualified through the European Championship No. 3 USA, No. 10 Panama, No. 12 Puerto Rico, and No. 8 Cuba qualified through the WBSC Americas Qualifier in August In September, the reigning Asian Champions, No. 2 Chinese Taipei, No. 1 Japan and No. 6 Korea, qualified through the U-18 Asian Baseball Championship one from Oceania and a Wild Card will complete the set of 12 participants Japan are the defending U-18 World Champion Sitemap Media Data Protection Contacts Avenue Général-Guisan, 45 CH-1009 Pully | Switzerland The WBSC is recognised as the sole competent authority in Baseball and Softball by the International Olympic Committee. Industry and market insights and forecasts Key figures and rankings about companies and products Consumer and brand insights and preferences in various industries Detailed information about political and social topics All key figures about countries and regions Market InsightsMarket forecast and expert KPIs for 1000+ markets in 190+ countries & territories Consumer InsightsInsights on consumer attitudes and behavior worldwide eCommerce InsightsDetailed information for 39,000+ online stores and marketplaces Directly accessible data for 170 industries from 150+ countries and over 1 million facts: Full-service market research and analytics Strategy and business building for the data-driven economy Transforming data into content marketing and design: Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships) A paid subscription is required for full access the average air temperature in Naha amounted to around 24.4 degrees Celsius Figures increased throughout the past decade compared to around 23 degrees Celsius in 2013 Naha is the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture The source does not provide an exact publication date Average annual temperature Tokyo 1900-2024 To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic you will immediately be notified via e-mail … to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature Recognition highlights founder Vee Vargas's commitment to promoting self-care through personalized experiences community empowerment and sustainability  inclusive salon experience founded by industry veteran Vee Vargas has been named a finalist for the prestigious "2025 Most Inspiring Salon" award by the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA).  This recognition highlights Be Here's commitment to the level of care and service that MY SALON Suite® champions for professionals "Creating a salon environment where patrons can take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life has been extremely rewarding for me and MY SALON Suite has given me the freedom to build a business that truly reflects my vision of self-care and inclusivity," said Vargas I'm deeply grateful to have a platform that allows me to extend my impact beyond hairstyling and support my community through Be Infinite This recognition from NAHA reinforces the importance of community involvement and investing in future industry leaders and it is a tremendous honor to be a finalist." Vargas is committed to social responsibility through Be Here's status as a Certified Sustainable Salon operating under the mission of "Keeping People and the Planet Beautiful." The salon is dedicated to diverting over 95% of its waste from landfills Be Here successfully prevented more than 45 pounds of beauty waste from ending up in landfills "Vee has gone above and beyond to build a salon that prioritizes wellness and community impact," said Susan Boresow "I'm proud that NAHA has recognized Vee and Be Here for their impact beyond providing beauty services and look forward to how she will continue to grow in her mission." at the awards ceremony at Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando To view the 2025 NAHA finalists, visit https://www.probeauty.org/north-american-hairstyling-awards/?utm_source=naha&utm_medium=2025 To learn more about Be Here Salon or book an appointment, visit https://www.beherewithvee.com/ MY SALON Suite is a nationwide network of turnkey beauty salon suite studios designed to empower independent salon professionals to provide beauty services to their own respective clients The co-working style space represents the latest concept in the beauty services industry bringing together a community of independent beauty professionals in one luxurious location MY SALON Suite has since expanded to more than 350 locations across the U.S providing entrepreneurship opportunities to over 10,000 Members MY SALON Suite provides Members with the tools and resources they need to build This supportive environment allows established beauty service professionals to invest in themselves and their professional success by running their own salon business For more information about MY SALON Suite, please visit: https://www.mysalonsuite.com/ a salon suite franchise focused on providing beauty health and wellness professionals a personal space to build their business health and wellness professionals a personal space to build their business,.. Cosmetics and Personal Care Household, Consumer & Cosmetics Corporate Social Responsibility Awards Do not sell or share my personal information: Navy was taken into custody after a bullet was discovered in his baggage at an airport security checkpoint Friday by airport workers at Naha Airport’s domestic security gate the spokesman for the Okinawa Prefectural Police said by phone Stars and Stripes is withholding the employee’s name until criminal charges are filed confirmed that the man is not assigned to the island’s command Naval Station Norfolk did not immediately respond to phone and email requests for comment after hours on Sunday Workers found the bullet in the man’s suitcase as he attempted to board a domestic flight off the island Police arrived and arrested him on suspicion of violating Japan’s strict law on possession of firearms who told authorities he was unaware the bullet was in his bag is being held at Tomigusuku Police Station His case was forwarded to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office on Sunday service members and civilians to check their bags carefully before traveling Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity Similar incidents have occurred at Naha Airport in the past year Both cases were ultimately dropped by prosecutors By September 3 The NAHA Labor Day tournament took over the Bay State this weekend with droves of players parents and teams spending the unofficial last weekend of the summer in area rinks I spent Friday and Saturday focused on the U19 (primarily Navy) and U16 divisions it's not possible to see everybody in a field so large but I did my best to cover as much ground as I could Warriors at Lovell Rink on Friday morning before watching Winchendon against the Bay State Breakers at Babson College in Wellesley the evening I returned to Lovell to see NAHA Navy against the St Louis AAA Blues before NAHA White against the MN Jr we'll focus on the uncommitted players in the U19 divisions Although several committed players also deserve their due Northwood's Hilary Wilkin (Vermont) and Meghan Crowley (St Carmichael had a four-point game for NAHA against the Whitecaps Wilkin and Crowley were huge play drivers for Northwood against the Jr was sensational in net for VJW against Stanstead New Hampton's Trinity Walsh (Middlebury) and Deerfield's Allie Correiri (Devens Mass.; Colby) were also strong with the Jr Okinawa — Police on Okinawa arrested a Marine last week on suspicion of setting a hotel room on fire in an attempt gone wrong to create a romantic evening A sergeant assigned to Camp Schwab was taken into custody at the Naha police station at 1:41 p.m Friday after he “completely burned” the room the previous day a spokesman for Okinawa Prefectural Police said by phone Tuesday The Marine lit about 20 candles in the room then left to pick up his girlfriend at Naha Airport The room caught fire between 10 and 10:30 p.m. The Marine told police he “lit the candles to prepare a surprise for his partner” and apologized for “putting the people of the hotel and surrounding area at risk,” the spokesman said Marine Sergeant assigned to Camp Schwab is charged with setting a fire in a hotel room,” Maj “We are cooperating with the investigation and will refrain from releasing more details about this incident in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation process,” he wrote The fire occurred at the Prostyle Ryokan Naha Kenchomae hotel in Naha’s Kume district a hotel employee who declined to provide his name confirmed by phone Tuesday and no further damage occurred to the hotel The Marine was arrested after providing explanations and completing paperwork at the hotel The case was forwarded to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office on Monday decide charges under Japan’s justice system Some Japanese government officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity you’ll find a street dedicated to the ancient craft of Okinawan Yachimun Yachimun Dori runs roughly 400 meters between Kokusai Street and Route 330 “壺屋,” translates to “pottery shop” in Japanese this area is home to roughly 20 pottery shops and studios The history of this street dates to 1682 when the Ryukyu Kingdom consolidated Yachimun kilns in several locations in the southern part of Makishi Village in what is now known today as the pottery district originally Takaesu Pottery Factory until 1988 is one of the pottery shops dating back six generations visitors can test their crafting skills at various workshops like pottery throwing tebineri molded plates and etsuke pottery drawing Other area attractions include Arakaki Residence a recognized cultural property which was once the home of a Yachimun craftsman; Fenukma a traditional noborigama kiln dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom; and a nice park with a steam locomotive on display and beautiful cherry blossoms in early January Wrap your hands around a time-honored Ryukyu Kingdom craft in Naha’s Tsuboya District *There are several paid (coin) parking areas around Yachimun Dori which typically cost 300 yen per hour with a maximum at 1,300 yen for 12 hours Okinawa — Japanese troops detonated 24 suspected U.S shells off the coast of Okinawa’s capital Wednesday the third disposal of World War II ordnance in a month on the former island battleground Eleven explosive ordnance disposal divers from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Sub Area Activity Okinawa unit set off the explosives underwater at 1 p.m. one of four wharves at Naha’s civilian port which destroyed more than 1,630 pounds of ordnance shook the two-story Naha Ecoisland waste disposal building near Pier 10 where Self-Defense Force personnel and media gathered to observe Vessels were barred from entering a 980-foot radius around the site and swimmers and divers were restricted within a nearly two-mile radius starting at 9:30 a.m. The shells were discovered during construction work in the port’s harbor between January and November 2024 and had been stored underwater near the detonation site The recovered ordnance included three 275-pound bombs Divers secured the shells with sandbags 50 feet below the surface before using C-4 explosives to destroy them a Maritime Self-Defense Force spokesman told Stars and Stripes before the detonation members of the Ground Self-Defense Force’s 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit defused a U.S.-made 5-inch shell found in January by construction workers in Urasoe The Japanese government has increased efforts to locate unexploded ordnance at airports nationwide Okinawa — Japanese police arrested two U.S service members on Okinawa over the weekend in separate incidents — one on suspicion of breaking into a retirement home and the other of assaulting a Japanese man An airman from Kadena Air Base allegedly entered the retirement home in Naha’s Wakasa district around 7:50 a.m an Okinawa Prefectural Police spokeswoman said by phone Monday An employee found the airman asleep in a chair a Naha city police spokesman said by phone Facility staff were unable to wake him and called police A worker had unlocked several doors at the facility around 6 a.m. The airman had a blood-alcohol content above 0.03% at the time of his arrest The 18th Wing acknowledged inquiries from Stars and Stripes on Monday but did not respond by the end of the business day Sunday on suspicion of assaulting a 41-year-old Japanese man in Naha’s Makishi district The Marine is assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma “We are fully cooperating with local authorities regarding this matter,” he wrote The Marine allegedly hit the man in the face and bit his left hand The extent of the man’s injuries and recovery time remain unclear The Marine was reportedly fighting with “another foreigner,” who was not identified The Marine declined to take a sobriety test at the scene Stars and Stripes is not identifying the service members because they have not been formally charged decide charges under the Japanese justice system both men remained in custody at the Naha police station Their cases were forwarded to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office Some Japanese government officials speak to the media only on condition of anonymity The patrols — the first of their kind on Okinawa since 1974 according to the prefectural police — follow public outcry over one convicted and two alleged sexual assault cases involving U.S This is one of Naha’s three major festivals along with the Naha Dragon Boat Race and Shurijo Castle Festival this event usually draws a crowd of 270,000 or more This is the second year it’s been back at full capacity after restrictions and cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic an impressive 275,000 participants and spectators welcomed the event back to its full glory The lead up to the war includes festivities to entertain you and your family a procession of locals will march down Kokusai Street with vertical banners to open the event You can also enjoy karate demonstrations and firecrackers the two teams participating work together to join the ropes according to tradition Participants are divided into an east and west team and during the joining of the giant smaller ropes are attached to nudge it into the right position an 805-lb bar joins the ropes at the center The two ropes combined measure 650 feet in length and weigh about 40 tons requiring about 15,000 people to pull and carry it you will most likely be surrounded by people of various backgrounds; Okinawans Once working side-by-side and chanting “Haaiya,” where you come from will not matter The Naha Tug-of-War is thought to have originally started in the 15th century during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429 – 1879) You’ll see many homages to the history throughout the event including labarum carries dressed in traditional attire and locals dressed like Okinawa’s historical figures The tug-of-war itself can be a heated competition it takes almost half an hour to pick a winner But a victory is not the only thing that motivates people toward the game a significant portion of the rope will be cut into pieces which participants can take as good luck charms The action-packed day at the tug of war offers a glimpse into the past while also allowing you to feel the energy of the crowd in the present and to seek good luck for the future You don’t want to miss this fun Okinawa event Route 58 between Matsuyama and Izumizaki intersections is closed to vehicles performances and joining of the rope start around 4 p.m *There will also be Naha Otsunahiki Matsuri a festival at Onoyama Athletic Park (26.204450 Japanese troops removed and defused an American shell believed to be from World War II from a construction site in Okinawa’s capital city over the weekend Five members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit on Sunday moved the 5-inch shell by crane into an explosion-proof container and defused it a spokesman for the city’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division said by phone Tuesday About 60 people from 30 households and nine businesses were asked to evacuate during the removal and concluded ahead of schedule at 9:55 a.m. Traffic was restricted to a radius of about 80 feet beginning at 7 a.m The shell was taken to a prefecture-managed warehouse to be detonated later The discovery is the latest at Naha construction sites U.S.-made shell found in October was removed from the Uebaru district and defused in December The Japanese government has been ramping up searches for similar ordnance at airports across the country The government began surveys in October at Miyazaki Airport on Kyushu the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands after a World War II-era bomb exploded that month Magnetic surveys began in December at Naha Airport Crews disposed of nearly 22 tons of unexploded ordnance leftover from WWII on Okinawa between April 1 I discovered this place after I was inspired by a social media post of L.A Dodgers’ players Teoscar Hernández and Mookie Betts on a date night with their wives trying wheel throwing at a pottery studio somewhere in California or Arizona during spring training Betts looked a bit distraught with a disfigured block of clay on the wheel before him If even a pro MLB player can struggle and still try I thought to myself and began searching for a class I found Ikutoen’s website and signed up to give pottery wheel throwing a try You’ll find Ikutoen’s dojo inside a traditional Okinawan flat building with a tile red roof nestled down a back street branching off Yachimun Dori I almost got lost going on the maze-like street but that was part of the fun of exploring this neat area Though the word “dojo,” commonly associated with a place to train for martial arts I was relieved when I went inside and was welcomed by relaxing Hawaiian music and nothing intimidating Ikutoen also offers workshops to make pottery Shisa lions for 4,400 yen tebineri molded plates for 3,850 and etsuke pottery drawing for 3,850 yen helped me to get a vinyl apron and to my seat in front of the potter’s wheel I used a foot pedal to get the electric potter’s wheel moving as I attempted to throw the chunk of clay already set up before I sat down The first step was to make a vertical hole by pushing the clay from the top with my thumb After moistening my fingers in a bowl of water From the pottery-making I had seen in movies and TV I was under the impression that the clay would be malleable requiring a bit of effort when I applied pressure to drill my thumb into it I had to soak my fingers in the water again to prevent them from rubbing against the clay too hard Though I didn’t spin out like the Dodgers’ Right fielder Betts did when he was pottery throwing I was lamenting how clumsy my work of art was looking Watanabe advised me to wrap my hand around the turning clay to help bring in the sides I was relieved because the piece was looking closer to a mug My next task was to carefully thin the walls of the mug by smoothing the clay between my thumbs and my other fingers I was advised to move my hand upwards as I maintained my pressure on the clay to keep the cup’s profile vertically to the ground but the mouth of the cup started to widen in the direction of looking like a bowl again This process was much more difficult than I imagined and the clay went back and forth between the shape of a coffee cup and that of a rice bowl correcting the shape of the cup with a stick the clay could be safely recognized as a coffee cup but it was still a little on the chunky side I was a bit embarrassed about the cup’s thickness but Watanabe assured me it was supposed to look like that Okinawa’s red soil is a different consistency of the soil used for other clays [Yachimun pottery] would lose its shape if you made it thin,” Watanabe added She also said the clay shrinks about 20 percent after it’s baked and dehydrated in the kiln Now that my cup was at the point where I was content There is more work to do to complete the piece of pottery the rest of the steps are left to the professionals Watanabe said the next part involves letting the pottery dry for a couple of days gouging the bottom while the top is covered with a soil plate called a shitta then an artisan draws designs on the sides before it is left to dry some more the pottery is baked between 800-850 degrees Celsius the piece is glazed and baked in a kiln at a scorching 1550 degrees Celsius for three days this process would take a couple of weeks to complete but the pottery workshops at Ikutoen mean there are many pieces in queue for completion creating a months-long backlog Though I’ll have to wait a few more months for my mug Ikutoen offers shipping for workshop creations for an extra fee depending on how many pieces of pottery and destination sending two pieces of Yachimun to a shipping address in Okinawa typically costs about 1,000 yen International shipping (including APO) is also available but more expensive than domestic shipping Finished Yachimun pieces are available for purchase at the dojo but I recommend checking out their retail shop on Yachimun Dori after class because it has a bigger selection Challenge yourself to wrapping your hands around this time-honored Ryukyu Kingdom craft in Naha’s Tsuboya District There are several paid (coin) parking areas around Yachimun Dori This building used to belong to a craftsman working in the district’s pottery industry The Arakaki family is believed to have moved to this location when the consolidation of Yachimun pottery kilns took place in 1682 Now this traditional house with a roof tiled in red is designated as a nationally recognized cultural property and holidays *Closed during New Year holidays (Dec Meaning the “kiln of the south,” this big noborigama kiln is thought to be the only one remaining from the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom Noborigama kilns are unique because they are built on a slope The kiln at Fenukma is no longer in operation but it is now designated as an important prefectural property Next door is a café and access to the kiln is via a slope leading to a parking space This park is located about a 10-minute walk from the southeast end of Yachimun Dori Its draw is a D-51 steam locomotive on display which was brought here in 1973 This park is also known for its several cherry blossom trees This small joint is a good place to stop by if you want to take a break from your stroll on Yachimun Dori My recommendation is the scone topped with blueberry and cream cheese (380 yen) and Indonesian Mandarin coffee (580 yen) was recognized at his birthplace Thursday for his part in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series victory skippered the team to its eighth World Series title and his second as team manager in October The Dodgers took the title in five games over the New York Yankees “Winning the World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers … was incredible an incredible challenge,” he said during a ceremony at Naha City Hall “But the final piece for me was to come to Naha to be with my people and celebrate with you guys Roberts received Naha’s Special Honor Award in the city assembly room in a ceremony attended by the mayor the media and observers in the upper gallery he greeted thousands of Okinawans on the lower level of city hall The award is given to people or organizations who contributed to Naha’s standing in Japan The Dodgers’ win was doubly sweet for Japanese baseball fans thanks to the contributions of Japanese players Shohei Ohtani who became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season Roberts lived the life of a military child moving to his father’s duty stations in California according to a 2015 interview with Yahoo News The elder Roberts retired as a gunnery sergeant in 1998 according to an obituary by the Associated Press Roberts’ mother tossed out the first pitch at Japan Night at Dodger Stadium on July 13 Roberts focused on his Okinawan heritage during Thursday’s ceremony sister Melissa Parker and niece Mia Parker “Okinawan people are different than any people in the world,” he said And everything I do with my job — I take the Okinawan people with me.” Naha Mayor Satoru Chinen presented Roberts with the award certificate and assembly chairman Yoshitaka Nohara presented him with Okinawan pottery “This achievement helped to let the country know about our city,” Chinen said at the ceremony Roberts played Major League baseball from 1999 to 2008 with a batting average of .266 before becoming the Dodgers’ manager in 2016 “The award I receive today from the city of Naha I will hold it right next to my World Series trophy,” he said “This means just as much as winning the World Series to me I never would have imagined standing here in front of you.” Okinawa — Japanese police are investigating email threats that targeted 32 U.S warning of planned explosions unless a ransom is paid The threats were sent through the Okinawa prefectural and Naha city websites on Tuesday evening military facilities would be bombed on Sunday and that “a large number of Americans” would be killed unless approximately $120,860 is transferred to multiple bank accounts A prefectural government spokesman declined by phone Thursday to identify who signed the emails The prefectural government and Naha city officials alerted the Okinawa Prefectural Police Department and the Okinawa Defense Bureau Kadena Air Base and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma were among the installations named in the threats according to the prefectural government spokesman officials declined to provide a full list of the targeted sites military operates 31 bases on Okinawa and shares another with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Marine Corps Installations Pacific is aware of the threat and is working with Japanese authorities we do not perceive a credible threat” to U.S personnel covered under the status of forces agreement referring to the pact that governs the rights and responsibilities of U.S military personnel and their families in Japan Navy installations on Okinawa did not receive any direct threats spokeswoman Candice Barber wrote in an email Thursday The Air Force’s 18th Wing at Kadena acknowledged questions about the threat but did not immediately provide a response Thursday A spokesman for Okinawa Prefectural Police said authorities are considering whether to investigate the case as “forcible obstruction of business,” a criminal offense under Japan’s penal code “We will decide that after collecting and checking all of the evidence,” he said A spokesman for the Okinawa Defense Bureau declined to comment citing police concerns over potential copycat incidents Some government spokespeople in Japan may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity Okinawa — Japanese troops removed a second piece of unexploded World War II-era ordnance in less than a week from Okinawa’s capital city was discovered at Naha Airport around 9:30 a.m A construction worker found the shell in a restricted area about 1,640 feet south of the control tower Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers collected the shell at 12:08 p.m.; there was no risk of it exploding This is the seventh unexploded ordnance found at the airport this year a magnetic survey is required ahead of any public construction work “The other ordnances were found at the green area next to the runway during these surveys which are carried on at night while the runway is closed “All of them were collected by Self Defense-Force officials because none of them were at danger of exploding.” Japanese troops successfully disarmed and removed a suspected WWII-era bomb from a sewage system construction site in Naha after evacuating 1,400 people The mortar shell was discovered at Naha Airport a day after a 500-pound bomb lying beneath Miyazaki Airport in southern Japan exploded cratering a taxiway and causing the cancellation of more than 80 flights Transport and Tourism — said at a news conference Friday that the ministry will make an emergency magnetic survey at Miyazaki Airport Fukuoka and Naha airports will be also considered for surveys according to a transcript of Saito’s remarks uploaded to the ministry’s website The Miyazaki shell was beneath the taxiway shoulder where the asphalt is thinner than the taxiway and runway The magnetic surveys will be done mainly in that area of the airports The Naha Airport spokesman said the airport conducts magnetic surveys only in the areas within the scope of construction work but we haven’t heard anything from the ministry yet,” he said Approximately 2,000 tons of ordnance remains undiscovered out of 10,000 tons dropped on the 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 2010: The Torii Knights race to the halfway point buoy where they would turn around and race back to the finish line during the annual Naha Hari dragon boat races at Naha The Knights would go on to win the heat in a time of 5 minutes and 53 seconds Multiple military teams competed against Japanese teams from all over Okinawa Okinawa — A civilian employee from Kadena Air Base was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of attempting to carry live ammunition through a security checkpoint at Naha Airport was found with a handgun bullet in her bag while passing through the airport’s international terminal around 10 a.m She told investigators the bullet belonged to her She was taken into custody at the airport about two hours later Her case has been forwarded to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office for further review Stars and Stripes is choosing not to identify the woman until charges are filed The spokesman said travelers should carefully check their belongings for prohibited items “Anyone carrying live ammunition could face arrest and it could disrupt their travel plans,” he said It’s customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to the media on condition of anonymity “We can confirm that a Kadena-based [status of forces agreement] member was involved in an incident at Naha Airport due to unintentionally carrying unused small arms rounds in their luggage,” Maj “We are unable to provide any additional information regarding this situation at this time.” By December 1 Mass.) made it 2-1 on the power play with 5:43 left in the first period and Assabet tacked on three more unanswered goals en route to a 5-1 win over NAHA to capture the Massachusetts girls 19U state championship at the New England Sports Center Assabet automatically earned a bid to USA Hockey Nationals Mass.) each finished with a goal and an assist for Assabet Scalese opened the scoring for Assabet 2:58 into the game with a shorthanded goal on a 2-on-1 Johnson answered for NAHA with 7:27 left in the first when she got in alone behind the defense off a feed from Kassidy Carmichael in transition Averill restored Assabet's lead less than two minutes later when she buried Boyle's rebound from the left circle on the power play Boyle made it 3-1 just over four minutes into the second on a shot from long range that found a way through NAHA goalie Evelyn Brown Caroline Averill found Murphy at the right circle to make it 4-1 with another shorthanded goal Maggie Averill made it 5-1 with 11:01 left in the third with a wrister from distance with Peyton Kennedy (Sudbury "Up Close with Naha Greenholtz" at the Rock Island Public Library Midtown-Watts Branch -- September 15 Rock Island Public Library – Midtown-Watts Branch Treating guests to a lovely afternoon of classical music in the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch on September 15 the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Up Close with Naha Greenholtz will find the QCSO Concertmasters and pianist Marian Lee Naha Greenholtz and pianist Marian Lee leading music lovers on a journey through diverse emotional landscapes and cultural expressions their repertoire boasting works by Sergei Prokofiev Canadian violinist Greenholtz was born in Kyoto where she began her musical studies at age three concerto appearances include engagements with the Vancouver and National Repertory Orchestras in works ranging from Bach to Stravinsky She has also participated in prominent music festivals throughout the U.S and the New York String Orchestra Seminar at Carnegie Hall Greenholtz has also had an active career as an orchestra musician In addition to her duties as Concertmaster of both the QCSO and the Madison Symphony Orchestra her performance highlights include guest concertmaster appearances with the Oregon Symphony Ambrose University who received her Doctor of Musical Arts at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University Lee made her New York debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall as the 1995 winner of the Artist International Award She went on to serve as a soloist and chamber performer in Italy as well as in major cities throughout the United States Lee has made numerous appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C and performed an exclusive recital in the Hermitage Theater at the Winter Palace in St and also played piano in a nationally televised broadcast from Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow a first-time collaboration between the music and Russian-language departments at the University of Delaware and served as president of the Delaware Music Teachers Association In the Up Close with Naha Greenholtz program Sergei Prokofiev’s powerful Violin Sonata No 1 features brooding melodies and complex rhythms highlighting the technical prowess and expressive depth of both Greenholtz and Lee Jascha Heifetz’s arrangement of selections from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess captures the essence of this iconic American opera And Angel Lam’s deeply personal Mist of the Scented Harbour reflects on the composer’s impressions of Hong Kong’s past and present The Up Close with Naha Greenholtz performance will take place at the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch on September 15, admission to the 2 p.m. concert event is $13-31, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)322-0931 and visiting QCSO.org Mike Schulz River Cities Reader #1032 -... by River Cities Reader You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?)  Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.$24 goes to postage and handling Submit your event listings to calendar@rcreader.com We publish a monthly printed tabloid size magazine available for free throughout the Quad Cities at over 300 locations The Reader provides keys to the Quad Cities' culture in print and online with exhaustive event calendars and coverage of arts cartoons and crosswords are also published in print monthly By September 4 I spent Friday and Saturday focused on the U19 and U16 divisions it’s not possible to see everybody in a field so large Spitfires against Stanstead College on Friday morning at Lovell Rink I focused on NAHA Red against Team Colorado Lovell Academy against the Minuteman Lady Flames and the Bay State Breakers against the MN Jr we took a look at 11 uncommitted U19 players who stood out let's take a look at the U16 standouts from the weekend Tags: , , , , Okinawa — The Japanese government will begin magnetic surveys for unexploded ordnance at Okinawa’s main commercial airport next week The government began the surveys at Miyazaki Airport on Kyushu the southernmost of the country’s four main islands after a World War II-era bomb exploded in October A survey will begin Monday night at Naha Airport after all flights have arrived or departed Transport and Tourism said by phone Tuesday Contractors will conduct the surveys every night through March focusing on the taxiway shoulders and the landing strips adjacent to them Any ordnance found will be removed by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces The magnetic survey at Naha Airport is part of a wider search of airports across Japan in response to a 500-pound Magnetic surveys began at Miyazaki in October and are expected to finish next month No ordnance has been found during these surveys so far Matsuyama and Fukuoka will be carried out concurrently with the Naha surveys Some Japanese officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity Crews disposed of nearly 22 tons of unexploded ordnance believed to be from WWII on Okinawa between April 1 Home - News - MK Studios Announces Naha Airport Japan is MK Studios’ next destination In a surprising move for MK Studios, they are soon to release Naha Airport (ROAH) for Microsoft Flight Simulator This is their first entry into the Asian airport market and are hoping to impress the community with the new release Naha Airport is Japan’s 6th busiest airport and brings passengers and cargo to Okinawa Prefecture This small island is in the Southern-most part of Japan and has direct links to China What is fairly unique is the fact that several airlines operate short-haul routes with heavy jets MK Studios also gave us insight into what we can expect from the airport when it is released Expect up-to-date ground layouts and stands There will also be various points of interest a detailed coastline model and also accurate ground layout it is confirmed that the release is planned for next Thursday (8th August 2024) ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " This work, U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Firefighters Host Joint Water Rescue Training Event, by Natalie Stanley, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright Five years after fire ravaged Okinawa's iconic Shuri Castle hopes for a full recovery in visitor numbers at the World Heritage site are growing in line with the steadily progressing reconstruction work Once the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879) Shuri Castle has burned down five times due to accidents or wartime shelling since its construction which is believed to have been completed around the 14th century The latest calamity to befall the castle in the prefectural capital of Naha began in the early hours of Oct The main temple and six buildings were destroyed before the blaze was fully contained about 11 hours later a situation worsened by the coronavirus pandemic which followed soon after The castle in the southern island prefecture has seen visitor numbers climbing steadily back to more than half of the pre-fire level thanks to efforts to open part of the restoration work to the public In anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II next year the prefectural government is pushing efforts to attract tourists One principal goal is to open up in 2025 or later a bunker that housed a Japanese military headquarters beneath the castle The reconstruction work of Shuri Castle appears to be nearing its culmination wooden boards that decorate the perimeter of the Ryukyu King's throne were brought into the warehouse next to its main temple called "uchinorigakugi," comprise three boards on which dragons and other decorations have been crafted and measure about 14 meters in width when connected They have features unique to the Ryukyu region which was under the strong influence of China until it was annexed by Japan in 1879 "It was difficult to achieve the right balance since I usually create dragons with three fingers while the Ryukyu dragons have four," said Takao Shimomura the sculptor of the works who hails from Nagasaki Prefecture in Kyushu one of Japan's four main islands located northeast of Okinawa roof tiling began on the main building with some 60,000 red Ryukyu tiles The roof was firmly reinforced with stucco and other materials with thought given to making it robust enough to survive Okinawa's frequent typhoons the gable decorations on the main temple's front facade and the "great dragon" pillars to be erected in the plaza are expected to be delivered in January next year and sometime in 2026 The number of visitors to Shuri Castle Park totaled 2.8 million in fiscal 2018 before the fire according to the Japanese central government's Okinawa General Bureau of the Cabinet Office the number plunged to 330,000 in fiscal 2020 and remained low in fiscal 2021 and 2022 amid the pandemic the Okinawa government opened part of the reconstruction work to the public in 2023 It created scaffolding and a temporary roof to protect the main building from the weather allowing visitors to see construction efforts through windows "It's interesting that the Ryukyu tiles are different from the tiles used in Honshu," a 41-year-old woman from Ibaraki Prefecture referring to the largest of Japan's main islands "I'm glad I could get up close to see the progress of reconstruction." students on field trips and tourists from visiting cruise ships are returning to Shuri Castle Park with the number rebounding to around 1.44 million in fiscal 2023 and expected to rise further in the current fiscal year the castle was last destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa which started following the U.S military's 1945 landing on Okinawa's main island In the former bunker under the castle which housed the command of the Japanese imperial forces' 32nd army headquarters the installation of safety measures to protect visitors from falling rock and debris and other accidents is underway The prefectural government hopes to attract tourists to both the rebuilt castle and the underground former command center professor emeritus of Ryukyu history at the University of the Ryukyus and chairman of the national technical review committee for reconstruction expressed optimism that the rebuilding will make the site more popular than ever "I hope when the reconstruction work is completed that lots of people will understand the aesthetic sense and traditional craftsmanship of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Okinawan's memory of the war and hopes for peace." UNESCO to add Japan sake-brewing to intangible heritage list Japan's soy sauce exports in 2023 top 10 bil. yen amid washoku boom FEATURE: London school opens to train chefs in authentic 'washoku' cuisine To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible while others may just seem to forget about Okinawa’s bus lanes Don’t be another Y-plate car pulled over for driving in these lanes It’s a familiar scene I see all too often on the southbound lane between the south end of Camp Foster and the entrance of MCAS Futenma When driving south on Route 58 to MCAS Futenma you need to merge to the far-left lane at some point in order to make a left turn into the facility’s gate The bus lanes are those that can only be used by public buses during certain times of the day And the penalty for violation can be 6,000-7,000 yen This law is an important one to know and should be covered anytime someone is new to Okinawa you’ve likely have heard about quite a bit There is nothing difficult about understanding the rule it is a lane designated for buses and most likely to be the far-left lane But it may require a special attention to note an actual bus lane when you get behind the wheel Drivers need to note what time of day it is because the rule only applies certain times of the day – typically rush hour in the morning and evening but there are some smaller details one needs to know when driving during bus lane hours Did you know that when you only merge into a bus lane for a left turn once you’re close enough to the intersection where you will make the turn Or that there are roads that turn exclusively into bus lanes not allowing any personal vehicles to travel in certain directions at certain times According to the Okinawa Prefectural Police the best advice for drivers to avoid bus lane violations is to be aware of the rules before you drive have an idea of which areas are affected by the rule And with all the people I see getting pulled over maybe a refresher course would be worth the time Nishikaigan Road offers shortcut to airport you know traffic on Route 58 can be heavy at any moment But there is a shortcut that will shave off a significant amount of time for those headed to and from Naha Air Port connects Uchidomari in Ginowan City to Irijima in Urasoe City The 4.5 kilometers road/bridge spans over the coastline overlooking Camp Kinser on the shoreside and the ocean on the other The road is also connected to a street that goes along the west coast of Naha City providing an almost straight route from Camp Foster to the airport Nishikaigan Road reduces travel time between the facility and the airport from 40 minutes to 30 minutes Taking this road helps reduce the chronically heavy traffic on the main road LOCATION: Southbound lane of Route 58 (From Isa intersection near the south end of Camp Foster to Nakanishi southern end of Camp Kinser) TIME: 7:30 - 9 a.m NOTES: Y-number plate cars are often stopped by local police on the road between Isa intersection and the sign of MCAS Futenma LOCATION: Southbound lane of Route 58 (From Jitchaku intersection to Aja intersection) TIME: 7:30 - 9 a.m NOTES: This is a short section south of Camp Kinser where you would drive if you don’t merge on to an elevated bridge that runs parallel LOCATION: Southbound lane of Route 58 (From Ameku to Kumoji Intersection) TIME: 7:30 - 9 a.m NOTES: This is a long section that runs near the central part of Naha Traffic on this portion of Route 58 becomes very heavy in the morning But drivers of regular vehicles cannot take advantage of the less crowded lane on the far left LOCATION: Northbound lane of Route 58 (from Asahibashi Intersection to Jitchaku) TIME: 5:30 - 7 p.m NOTES: The northbound lane of Route 58 is regularly flooded with cars on their way home during the time period LOCATION: Northbound lane of Route 58 (from Nakanishi to Makiminato Overpass) TIME: 5:30 - 7 p.m NOTES: If you go out Gate 1 of Camp Kinser during the time LOCATION: Northbound lane of Route 58 (from Ojyana to Isa) TIME: 5:30 - 7 p.m NOTES: This section has been newly introduced for the bus lane regulations Drivers around MCAS Futenma and Camp Foster need to be careful of this new bus lane LOCATION: Kokusai Street TIME: 7:30 - 9 a.m (Northbound) NOTES: During the above time period this main street will be exclusively available for buses LOCATION: Route 222 (Between Naha High School and Yogi Intersection) TIME: 7:30 - 9 a.m (Yogi bound) NOTES: During each time period the road will be exclusively used by buses except for the Yogi bound lane between Kainan and Naha High School where the far left lane will be designated for bus lane LOCATION: Route 330 (From Kohagura through Yogi NOTES: Heavy traffic is regularly seen on this road LOCATION: Route 329 to Route 507 (from Kanegusuku to Kohagura) TIME: 7:30 - 9 a.m LOCATION: Route 29 (Between Asato near Kokusai street and Matsugawanishi) TIME: 7:30 – 9 a.m (Matugawanishi bound) NOTES: There is a reversible lane running at the center which is used as an Asato Intersection/Kokusai street bound lane from 6 a.m according to the Okinawa prefectural government LOCATION: Route 29 (Between Matsugawa and Yamagawa near Shuri Castle) TIME: 7:30 - 9 a.m NOTES: The Matsugawa bound lanes become exclusively available for buses during the commute hours whereas the far-left lane of Yamagawa Shuri Castle bound road is designated as a bus lane during the evening hours to go home *There are no bus lanes effective on Saturdays *Motorcycles are allowed to drive on bus lanes Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser spring arrives early and so does baseball season And many teams of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB) head to the sub-tropical islands of Okinawa to kick off the team warm-up The team arrivals also coincide with another seasonal favorite: cherry blossom season Expect many baseball fans and sports media with their eye on this year’s rookies and star players heading toward retirement Okinawa is definitely the place to be for spring training especially if you want to catch some of your favorite teams or players or want to watch free games to get acquainted with Japan’s unique baseball culture springtime is a great time for some baseball Location: Onoyama Sogo Undojo / Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha near Naha Military Port (N 26.203384 *Practice games scheduled on Feb 16 and 18 at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha 23 and 24 at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha the Tigers hold their spring training at Ginoza-son Yakyujo near Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab (GPS Coordinates: N 26.483346 Uruma-shi Gushikawa Yakyujo near Camp Courtney (N 26.359484 Location: Union Desukara Stadium Ginowan near Camp Foster and MCAS Futenma (GPS Coordinates: N 26.282342 *The team will hold practice games in Chatan on Feb 11 Ginowan (Union Desukara Stadium Ginowan) on Feb 8 Preseason games are scheduled in Ginowan on Feb 22 Location: Koza Shinkin Stadium near Kadena Air Base and Camp Foster (GPS Coordinates: N 26.332487 *Preseason games are scheduled in Chatan on Feb 23 Location: Agre Stadium Chatan near Camp Foster and Kadena Air Base (GPS Coordinates: N 26.311772 *The team will have practice games on Feb 11 (Chatan) Preseason games will be held at Agre Stadium Chatan on Feb 22 Location: ANA Ball Park Urasoe near Camp Kinser (GPS Coordinates: N 26.251269 *Preseason games are scheduled at the ANA Ball Park Urasoe on Feb 22 and 23 Location: Tapic Stadium Nago (GPS Coordinates: N 26.592702 Kaigin Stadium Kunigami (GPS Coordinates: N 26.726887 *The Fighters will play preseason games in Urasoe on Feb 22 and in Nago on Feb 23 Location: Ishigakishi Chuo Koen Yakyujo (GPS Coordinates: N 24.345995 Itomanshi Nishizaki Sogo Undo Koen (GPS Coordinates: N 26.144957 *The team will play preseason games in Chatan on Feb 22 1 – (Details of the schedule to be decided) Location: Kincho Baseball Stadium near Camp Hansen (GPS Coordinates: N 26.462314  Kumejima Yakyujo (GPS Coordinates: N 26.349468 *The team will play a practice game at Kincho Baseball Stadium on Feb 11 There will also be preseason games at the same location on Feb 22 and in Nago on Feb 23 In the byways that time forgot lies a goat of wisdom and determination but it lives in the spirit of the 70-year-old chanteuse reliving her glory days in her impossibly short dress her youth preserved in time in the black and white photographs It was like she was channeling that goat like determination of Sherry Cola We are not in Mesopotamia or the goatskin tanneries of Fez but the other side of the spice and silk routes where Arabian sailors once traded the medieval equivalent of Ikea pottery dinner plates crafted for the upwardly mobile across the sea from Naha that you might guide yourselves by them through the darkness of land and sea.” For almost 700 years this hazardous but very profitable trade between the Arabs and Tang dynasty was the precursor to the trades in goods and ideas whose hub was Naha and its spokes extended to Fuzhou Who said the ancestors of these Okinawan dancers can’t learn fast The ode to the 70-year-old is not far-fetched as the only other patrons in this dated eatery whose décor resembles some relic from the 1960s and more alert than most of us mere mortals while these aspiring centenarians can transform themselves as a nimble dancer in a heartbeat All it needs is for someone play a folk song on the sanshin and the place spontaneously combusts into an all dancing all singing festival with these previously sedate leprechauns balancing heavy bowls on their head while they let their fingers and hips do the talking It is not what you normally associate with Japanese cuisine so how did it make as a powerhouse dish in this oversized counter bar and dining room they call Misaki In the medieval times the Ryukyu Islands rode the wave of maritime trade its sailors bringing back Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic folklore and culinary traditions from China so it is not a stretch to see goat cuisine introduced to Okinawa its hardy nature adapting to the land constrained archipelago the villagers crafted sculptures of Makara a mythical creature with features of a crocodile with possibly magical if not medicinal qualities The Makara is the vehicle of the Hindu River goddess Ganga traversing the oceans to the islands of the Far East like Buddhism has made its way from India to Japan on the silk route This idea of blending aspects of different animals in a single creature survives in the form of the Merlion in Singapore and the Shisa or lion dog in Okinawa and the guts inside vibrated in the hollow stomach making a vibration sound through the goat skin and inspiring her to create a musical instrument goat skin is still used for musical instruments in the Middle East while python skin are imported to make the Sanshin in Okinawa These animals represent stamina and determination the goat is said to help in enduring the intense heat or just someone looking for something off the beaten track like the tender succulent bite of raw goat or yagi sashimi this authentic non nonsense eatery is just the right place a far cry from the crisp tablecloth fine dining restaurants like Kanro at Hyakuna Garan Resort the custom of eating goat meat started in the Fifteenth Century eventually goat broth became a treat at festivals it can be terribly hard to find young Japanese who eats goat so much so university researchers are trying to dissect all the reasons why they are not eating it in an attempt to get the next generation to eat it passing this tradition to future generations It can be hard to stomach the thought of putting goat meat in your mouth without thinking about the all the social and historical baggage about goats entering my mind The bible tells us that the old legalisms of food restrictions are gone yet there was a part of me that felt uneasy drinking something like goat soup despite it being cooked to a chocolate brown stock and losing its blood red fluidity No amount of cooking or hiding the pungent aroma with herbs can disguise the thought that I am some kind of vampire in partaking this dish which was even more mind boggling than dipping the goat sashimi in the native ginger herbs and soy sauce as the only visitor trying to nibble this ancient recipe And by some miracle and you lost your sense of smell they even dot the eatery with cute pictures of a goats frolicking in the grass like something straight out of a children’s bedtime story Lastly the place looks like it hasn’t been renovated since gramps was young – the décor is old the programs on the old bulbous TV are old Don’t even ask for an English language menu though chances are the food is 100% gluten and lactose free While medieval sailors had to wait for the prevailing wind to take them to Naha today you can catch a monorail to Asato station Misaki is 1 min walk from the station and opens at 5pm Sakaemachi is a miniature Showa period town filled with alleyways and hundreds of pubs and hole in the wall eateries making it a curious discovery day and night like being in your teenager’s bedroom the morning after and posters that look dog eared around the edges is that it is like going to your childhood with simple old toys that are all play and no pretence In the rabbit warren that is the Sakaemachi markets there are over 130 shops and eateries that is largely a hold out against twenty-first-century progress One that doesn’t abide by the political correctness of this current era they even dot the eatery with a cute picture of a furry goat Part of the reason why the signs look unkempt may be because the shopkeepers are venerating the past generations that opened these stores It is like if they were to come back at Obon they can find their way back and reunite with the land of the living a fresh water stream which flowed into Naha Port from Shuri which meant that coral was not formed in the port Possibly this is why the market is founded here close to market gardens for vegetables that were thirsty for water most of them the size of a single car garage there are also a scattering serving cuisine from nearby countries People may think that all-nighters are all about getting drunk it is the lubricant that engenders connection with laughter and tears that bonds humanity from ocean to ocean It may be half a century since the return of Okinawa to Japan but I am still bowled over by the people I met here in humble gestures like naming their daughter with the symbols of world peace Is she the one who holds the hopes and dreams of the nation in her hands it was thought that females protect males with their spiritual powers and thus only females were allowed to enter Sefa Utaki Philosophers were revered as they thought they knew the way as it was hoped that she would light up her generation with wisdom Most restaurant reviews are about the food but today I want to focus on the culture and the setting Nescafe used to sell coffee on the conversations it engendered or the festive and musical atmosphere in these hole in the wall eateries that engendered such deep and nostalgic conversations I can’t guarantee that you will have such a special time as me but it was a great journey into what it was like to be a human Prayer is a reflection of Gods work in our lives It is true at Osaka International Church and just as true in the bars of Sakaemachi as my new found friend mentioned over an amazing Goya Sour cocktail songs are praise.” So Okinawan songs take on another dimension whether sung at a Goat kitchen or in the arms of a love lost chanteuse past her prime While Sakaemachi is known for its historic ways there are plenty of up and coming bars and eateries as well to another hole in the wall bar where the drinking is easy and the decor is light I am seated next to Superman (well at least that is what his shirt says) but you don’t need any supernatural talents to pick a good drink at the aptly name Dance Hall Sakeba Thank you kind of like a pisco sour without the egg white foam but with a slight citrus note was both a surprise and a delight and you might see Shingo the resident DJ crafting the best reggae but the perfectly manicured wait staff with pristine caps and denim aprons say more green mango cocktails than brown sugar my bar hopping at Sakaemachi can easily take you to the red line Thankfully taxis to downtown Naha are reasonable though for Chatan and beyond you may as well stay the night Asato is just three stops on the monorail from the Prefectural Office yet it is a world away from the bright lights of Kokusai Dori the Artistic Director of John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) has been crowned the Haircutting Winner at the prestigious North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) 2024 The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is a professional beauty competition that celebrates the artistry and talent within the salon industry Stephen Moody's winning entry for the Cutting category is a testament to his passion for empowering women through transformative hair design which celebrates the beauty of women embracing their silver hair and redefining beauty standards in the industry This award adds to his impressive list of accolades including winning the 2021 NAHA Haircutter of the Year Stephen Moody is a professional educator and Artistic Director at JPMS One of his career highlights was at Sassoon Academies where he was instrumental in developing and managing revolutionary education programs Moody said: "My vision is to celebrate proud and brave women through transformative hair color #IOWNME women are proud of their perfect imperfections and want to enhance rather than hide their silver hair my goal was to shake up the norm of what wins a 'hair competition.' Women 40+ are just as beautiful as girls -25 By clicking 'Get the Newsletter' below, you agree to receive the newsletter & marketing communications from theindustry.fashion. To find out more about our data sharing policy, please read our terms of use and privacy policy Please mark membership@theindustry.beauty (and membership@theindustry.fashion ifyou have signed up for both newsletters) a safe sender so your daily newsletter getsdelivered successfully to your inbox as some spam filters can be extremely sensitive Okinawa — Okinawa prefecture’s capital city will evacuate 1,400 people next month while Japanese troops disarm and remove a suspected U.S Workers found the 551-pound ordnance on Dec 12 at a sewage system construction site in Naha’s Shuri district Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit will dig around the shell approximately 20 feet deep and 10 feet wide The evacuation is expected to begin at 8:50 a.m Okinawa Technical High School and Matsushima Junior High School will be open to the evacuees City and fire department officials will evacuate buildings within a 928-foot radius of the bomb including 1,400 people in 470 households and 80 businesses Police will restrict traffic and the skies up to about 2,560 feet above will also be restricted The operation is expected to conclude at around 2 p.m “We cannot start the operations if someone is within the evacuation area,” a spokesman from Naha’s Disaster Prevention Division said by phone Tuesday The disarmed shell will be stored at a prefecture facility until it’s detonated at sea a Self-Defense Force spokesman said by phone Tuesday “It is not possible to remove the shell as it is because it is very dangerous since it has the fuse in it and might explode,” the Disaster Prevention Division spokesman said The shell’s position in an extremely narrow and heavily populated area delayed its removal we build something like a sand mountain covered with metal plates over the shell before removing it but we don’t have the space to do so,” the Disaster Prevention Division spokesman said Because heavy machinery won’t fit in the space around the bomb “We have to consider many things to not affect buildings surrounding the place and also we have to reconduct magnetic surveys after digging,” the spokesman said authorities detonated three shells believed to be left over from World War II on an island just southeast of Naval Base White Beach Okinawa — Japanese troops successfully disarmed and removed a suspected World War II-era bomb from Okinawa prefecture’s capital city Sunday 12 at a sewage system construction site in Naha city’s Shuri district It was defused and moved to a prefecture storage facility until it is detonated at sea “on a later day,” a spokesman with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force said by phone Monday The operation required the evacuation of 1,400 people in 470 households and 80 businesses within a 928-foot radius of the bomb Members of the Ground Self-Defense Force’s 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit began the operation at 10:45 a.m. 45 minutes later than scheduled due to the evacuation taking more time a spokeswoman with Naha’s Disaster Prevention Division said by phone Monday A hole 16 feet deep was prepared to accommodate the shell’s removal from a narrow site in a heavily populated area Troops used a crane to move the shell into the hole “It just took a little bit of time to start but the operations finished without any problem,” she said City and fire department officials announced the evacuation plan in August “We will continue ordnance removing operations to ensure the safety of citizens,” the Ground Self-Defense Force spokesman said By: Lianna Albrizio The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has unveiled the 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) finalists NAHA honors the salon industry’s top artists who push the boundaries of skill and creativity Rusty Phillips – nominated for two categoriesChrystofer Benson – nominated for two categoriesJulia ClaytonJaimee Harris Smith – nominated for two categoriesRuth Roche – nominated for three categories Joel TenserCarlos EstrellaA-RodNieves AlmarazJamie DiGrazia Maggie SemaanLukas Press – nominated for two categoriesRusty Phillips – nominated for two categoriesVernon Francois – nominated for three categoriesRuth Roche @ruthroche – nominated for three categories Nina TulioAdrienne DaraChrystofer Benson – nominated for two categoriesCandy ShawBryant Murphy Tina CasciatoJanelle EyreSean GodardBreanne Gershon – nominated for two categoriesDanielle Waterman – nominated for two categories Gilad GoldsteinAustin Eric LopezEvie JohnsonDaniel BenoitManda Ziegelman Dana LysengJames Abu-UlbaNicole PedeAllen Ruiz – nominated for two categoriesDavid Barron – nominated for two categories Freddie DeanLeah TresslerAmber & Chet PopeMartino CartierVee Vargas Erin HensleyAngela BalbonNatalia FarahmandNohemi CapetilloEricka Brannon Allen Ruiz – nominated for two categoriesCassie CareyDavid Barron – nominated for two categoriesAnna PacittoMatthew Morris Abby BruneelZion SchwartzDexterGenevieve HoldemanImelda Mercer Galyna PoczciwinskiDanielle Waterman – nominated for two categoriesVernon Francois – nominated for three categoriesBreanne Gershon – nominated for two categoriesVeronika Shurunova Ruth Roche (nominated for three categories) Lukas Press – nominated for two categoriesEric FisherPekela RileyVernon Francois – nominated for three categoriesCarlos Alvarez The 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) winners will be unveiled at an awards ceremony on Sunday The event will unite industry professionals influencers and beauty enthusiasts to celebrate the talent and work of these artists For tickets, go here Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media The three-judge panel in Naha presided over by Judge Tetsuro Sato has yet to render a verdict on Senior Airman Brennon Richard Edward Washington who appeared in court for final arguments in his case Washington is charged with sexually assaulting the girl after picking her up in a Yomitan park and taking her to his home on Dec “I am not guilty,” he told the bench in his own defense Friday But the prosecutor opened his summation by saying the girl provided credible testimony and the case against Washington is “an undeniable fact.” The prosecutor is identified in court by his last name only Japanese and hand gestures to tell Washington she was 15 A camera in the park recorded “where the girl is showing both hands and doing some gestures,” Hisaoka said The girl testified earlier that Washington at his home kissed her with his tongue penetrated her vagina with his fingers and his tongue and touched her breast underneath her shirt She had to repeat “stop” in English and Japanese several times touched her vagina and performed oral sex on her but did not penetrate her with any part of his body “Washington said that he had no purpose of sexual actions but it can be seen on camera footage that he was touching A’s hair,” the prosecutor argued “He also explained that he talked to A because she looked sad but he did not explain why he took her to his house.” The girl also testified that Washington fondled and kissed her in July 2023 outside a convenience store and invited her to his house nearby She recognized Washington in December when he brought her to the same house Washington’s defense attorney argued that the girl kept changing her version of events “She said during the interrogations that she was traumatized by being kissed and touched by a foreigner,” the attorney said “But in other interrogations she only said that she was hugged and touched Why would she forget to say something that traumatized her?” He also argued that testimony from the girl’s mother is also unreliable The two had fought prior to the December incident without reconciling and said that she was raped to protect herself,” the attorney said Other adults were present in the park where Washington and the girl met and she “had the chance to run away,” the attorney said Washington said he has lost “so much” money and time over the case and that “many bad things happened” to him and for this to happen to me is not right because I did not commit this crime,” he said “My name is all over the world in such a bad way.” Washington is slated to return to court at 2 p.m The charges against Washington and a Marine lance corporal indicted in July in a separate case of attempted sexual assault outraged Okinawa government officials They lodged formal complaints with the Japanese government another Marine lance corporal was charged with sexual assault that injured a woman The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly has called for changes to the status of forces agreement governing the U.S An inspection revealed that oil was leaking from the engine At just before 7 p.m. on. Sunday, white smoke was seen coming out of the auxiliary engine of an All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight that was due to fly from Naha Airport in Okinawa to Tokyo. A passenger waiting for another flight shot footage of the smoke as people looked out of the window in shock Air traffic control spotted the issue and firefighting vehicles were soon called to the scene there were 505 passengers on board the flight An inspection of the Boeing aircraft revealed that oil was leaking from the engine After maintenance personnel repaired the problem and confirmed it was safe the airplane took off for Haneda Airport at approximately 9:10 p.m it’s yet another incident to add to the catalog this year a Japan Airlines (JAL) plane collided with an earthquake relief aircraft at Haneda Airport Five of the six people inside the smaller vessel were killed all 379 people aboard the JAL airbus survived an Alaska Airlines flight made an emergency landing after a fuselage panel blew out A series of incidents since then have raised concerns about air travel a Boeing 737-300 aircraft skidded off a runway at Dakar’s Blaise Diagne Airport in Senegal the aircraft tires of a Boeing 737-800 belonging to Corendon Airlines burst while landing at Gazipaşa an airport near the Mediterranean coastal town of Alanya in Turkey All 190 people on board were evacuated safely Home - News - New Previews of MK Studios Naha Airport Ahead of Release Some new previews for Naha Airport ahead of its release later this week MK Studios announced that they will be bringing Naha Airport (ROAH) to Microsoft Flight Simulator later this week they shared a huge amount of new screenshots to showcase the airport This small island is in the Southernmost part of Japan and has direct links to China MK Studios told us that they expect Naha Airport to release on Thursday. Orbx already has a product page online ahead of its release. As usual, FSElite will keep you posted on the latest. All of the nearly 2,000 passengers currently stranded on a cruise ship in Naha, Japan, are to return by Thursday, Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) said today. Mediterranean Shipping Co’s (MSC) ship the MSC Bellissima had a malfunction, stranding it at the Okinawa port with 1,857 Taiwanese passengers on board. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has coordinated with domestic airlines and the Japanese government to use larger aircraft and increase the number of flights, adding about 748 seats over today and tomorrow, Chen told legislators during a committee hearing at the legislature. With the help of additional charter flights, the ministry expects all affected travelers to return by Thursday, he added. Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lee Kun-tse (李昆澤) said that although there are administrative procedures to overcome, the ministry should work efficiently to allow all passengers to return by tomorrow. While MSC has offered compensation for affected travelers, the costs of tickets and shore excursions are not the same, so the Tourism Administration should work with the Travel Quality Assurance Association to protect passengers’ rights, Lee added. MSC is to cover the ticket costs, Chen added. The MSC Bellissima, carrying 4,341 passengers, departed from Keelung on Wednesday last week for Okinawa, with planned stops at Miyako Island, Naha and Ishigaki Island. Passengers who arranged their own transportation from Naha can claim compensation of up to US$400 if they traveled outside Japan and up to US$200 for domestic travel within Japan, the cruise operator said. A separate trip of 2,080 passengers scheduled to board the MSC Bellissima in Keelung on Sunday was canceled. The cruise operator said it had informed all those affected on Saturday. To compensate for the disruption, the operator promised full refunds to all impacted passengers. It would also provide a voucher worth up to 50 percent of the ticket value that is to be valid until Dec. 31 next year. CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Japanese divers working magnetic surveys for the government at two sites on Okinawa discovered 20 pieces of unexploded ordnance believed to be left over from World War II. Most recently, divers found a 5-inch shell on Nov. 26 in 52-foot waters where the Naha Military Port replacement facility is expected to be built, a spokesman with Urasoe city’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division said by phone Monday. It is the first unexploded ordnance found at the site, he said. The discovery follows others made recently at the commercial port in Naha city. Divers discovered another 19 pieces of ordnance underwater near Naha Port, a spokesman for the city’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division said by phone Monday. In March, divers surveying the area ahead of dredging work found three 276-pound bombs, he said. Between October and November, divers surveying a different area near the port prior to soil improvement work discovered seven 5-inch bombs, one 4-inch bomb, one 3-inch bomb and seven 81-mm shells, he said. They are stored “in a safe place within the harbor” and “will be detonated later, most likely in March,” the spokesman said. The shell discovered in Urasoe city is also stored there, he said. On Friday, disposal experts defused and relocated two WWII-era bombs discovered in October on an island southwest of Okinawa. Soldiers with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit defused the 551-pound bombs on Miyakojima, a popular tourist spot 170 miles southwest of Okinawa, a spokesman with the island’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division said by phone Monday. The bombs were discovered Oct. 8 and 11 on property next to Miyako Airport. They were relocated to an underground bunker roughly 20 feet deep and 10 feet wide and defused there, the spokesman said. “Everything went smooth and safe” without affecting the airport or traffic, he said. The defused bombs are stored in a warehouse managed by Okinawa prefecture until they’re disposed of, the spokesman said. Magnetic surveys began at Miyazaki Airport on Kyushu in October and are expected to finish in January, a spokesman for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said last month. The surveys came after a 500-pound, WWII-era device exploded Oct. 2 underneath a taxiway shoulder at the airport on the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands. Preparations are underway for magnetic surveys at other Japanese airports, including Naha Airport on Okinawa, the ministry spokesman said. Some Japanese officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. Crews disposed of nearly 22 tons of unexploded ordnance between April 1, 2023, and March 31. NAHA, Okinawa — Japanese troops removed and defused an American shell believed to be from World War II on Tuesday at a construction site in Okinawa’s capital city. Ten members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 101st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit moved the 5-inch shell by crane and into an explosion-proof container and defused it, a spokesman with the city’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Division said by phone. The operation began at 10 a.m. and concluded a half-hour later, he said. The shell was taken to a prefecture-managed warehouse and will be detonated later, the spokesman said. The ordnance was found on the morning of Oct. 23 at a construction site in the Uebaru district, according to the city’s website. A contractor found the shell while conducting a magnetic survey, the spokesman said. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. No businesses or homes were asked to evacuate, the city’s website said. The discovery came as the Japanese government has been ramping up ordnance searches at airports around the country. Magnetic surveys began Monday at Naha Airport. The government began the surveys in October at Miyazaki Airport on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, after a World War II-era bomb exploded that month. Magnetic surveys at airports in Sendai, Matsuyama and Fukuoka are happening concurrently with the Naha survey. Crews disposed of nearly 22 tons of unexploded ordnance believed to be from WWII on Okinawa between April 1, 2023, and March 31. never failing to surprise travellers with a backstory that's even more enticing Forming a string of emerald isles, Okinawa is historically richer than its sun-kissed demeanour initially suggests this southernmost prefecture of Japan formed most of the Ryukyu Kingdom a thriving tributary state that flourished by building trade relations with neighbouring empires it was governed by the United States for 27 years before reverting to Japan in 1972 Okinawa features a unique culture alongside wild nature which have the longest open season in Japan of roughly seven months aren't the only main attractions.The first thing that welcomes travellers at the airport in Naha is a signature warm ocean breeze with a touch of humidity Okinawa has only seen snow twice as far as we know and tourists can enjoy outdoor activities such as diving getting to know the local gods is a great place to start Hop in a taxi at the centre of Naha and take an hour's ride east to Sefa Utaki which literally means "the most powerful and sacred places" you'll find six sites called "sanctuaries" where the founding god of the Ryukyu islands is worshipped The most eye-opening site is a triangular opening formed by two towering rocks livestreaming or taking photos of the sanctuaries which is said to be the first island created by the gods of the Ryukyus Okinawa must have been blessed as today it is also known as a Blue Zone a term used to describe a location where many people live to 100 years of age or beyond There's even a popular old Japanese saying that translates roughly to ask them to wait until you're 100 – then you might consider it." Previous Next16Visiting Ogimi Village in the north promises to unveil the locals' secrets of longevity you can experience the locals' appreciation for slow living and savour healthy local fare at home-style restaurants Besides living a relaxed lifestyle amid expansive nature and consuming a well-balanced diet active involvement in the community is said to be key to Ogimi residents' longevity bashofu (a unique form of traditional weaving with banana tree fibres) and many other activities including gateball a golf-like team sport inspired by croquet Previous Next13Okinawa has also become a popular golfing destination, with courses boasting magnificent ocean views. Ocean Links Miyakojima on Miyako Island is one such example accessible from the mainland via a 45-minute flight par-72 golf resort offers private cottage accommodation a bathhouse with ocean views and a waterfront restaurant serving local specialties such as Miyako miso soba noodles Previous Next16Miyako Island's Cape Higashi Henna is also where the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet This nationally designated spot stretches for a scenic 2km and is home to more than 200 species of plants and flowers Spot the megalithic boulders that some believe were thrown ashore by a powerful tsunami in 1771 and climb the 97 steps to the top of the cape's lighthouse for views that will take your breath away Another draw in Miyako is the Yukishio Salt Museum where visitors can learn how salt is produced locally from underground seawater Unlike the conventional evaporation method requiring about two days yukishio  –  literally translating to snow salt  –  is produced by an evaporation method that's more time-efficient This method enables yukishio to retain essential minerals as well as a rich flavour and powdery texture visitors can enjoy yukishio soft serve ice cream as well as a wide range of souvenirs including flavoured salt  an indica-rice-based alcoholic beverage brewed using a distillation process that made its way here from the Ayutthaya Kingdom (present-day Thailand) more than 600 years ago Like awamori, Okinawan pottery (known as yachimun) reflects the history of the island, from a time when elaborate pieces inspired by trade with South East Asia were presented to the Ryukyu king. Today, the craft prospers in the hands of people such as Yumiko Kinjo, who runs Tituti Okinawan Craft in Naha Yumiko expresses the beauty of her home through her pottery collaborating with fellow local artists and frequently exhibiting her work abroad Yumiko is also known for her unique layering of white clay and brushwork which often feature rich gradations of blue "Everything I see in my everyday life from the sky to a flower in my neighbourhood can be a source of inspiration," she says "There is also a trend embracing red clay pottery which is very distinctive and has long been a big part of our tradition." Yumiko says her hometown is a great place to find one-of-a-kind pottery at affordable prices a cosy commune where you can find a few artisans at work every time you visit "Okinawan people are very open-minded and inclusive," Yumiko says pointing to the eclectic pottery creations on the island as proof a mystical side of Japan not only in terms of historical significance but also in food and way of life sea and sand may resonate with travel lovers at an instant but it's the people and culture that compels them to stay for longer and explore deeper Whether you're seeking an island getaway Okinawa invites you to experience paradise like never before Start your journey today and discover the magic of Japan's southern gem Walter LaSota was blown out of a foxhole by a Japanese bomb the first time he was wounded during the World War II Battle of Okinawa and another Marine were in the foxhole at Sugar Loaf Hill in Naha city in early May 1945 “He used to carry my extra ammunition and all and the man was 33 years old — I used to call him ‘Pop,’ ” LaSota said Monday during a visit to Toguchi Beach a key landing site for the Marine Corps during the battle “To this day I can’t remember his right name.” LaSota remembered Pop shouting two words: “Dive!” and “Bomb!” it blew me and I just rolled down over the hill,” he said “I didn’t know I went down over the hill because I couldn’t hear To this day I don’t know whatever happened to him; I don’t know whether he got killed by that bomb or not But I was hoping that he didn’t have no suffering with the Japanese getting a hold of him.” The Battle of Okinawa lasted from April 1 to June 22 Two-time Purple Heart recipient LaSota returned to the island for the first time in 80 years with help from the Eagle Society which brings WWII veterans back to their battle sites service members were killed and another 37,000 wounded during the campaign to capture the island while about 90,000 Japanese troops were killed according to the National World War II Museum About a third of the island’s civilian population died in the fighting who teaches history at the University of Maryland Global Campus on Okinawa Estimates range from 100,000 to 188,000 Okinawan deaths Birle chair in American History at Villanova University “This battle ends up being so devastating for so many sides that it influences the decision to drop the bomb to be very blunt,” Scott said at Stars and Stripes’ Okinawa office Monday referring to the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug Neal McCallum was a private first class with Fox Company 6th Marine Division during the fight to take Sugar Loaf Hill said at the war memorial on the hill Friday He was visiting for the first time since 2000 with the Best Defense Foundation and its founder former Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards Army’s 27th Infantry Division at Sugar Loaf wanted the hill to continue pushing into Naha city you’re close to Shuri where [Japan’s] 32nd Army is headquartered at,” Scott said McCallum was there when Marines with Dog Company in his regiment took the hill on May 18 he was hit in his right calf by a shell fired from Shuri Castle and I get about 150 steps,” when the “big guns” at Shuri opened and he was wounded Victor Hanson was killed by machine gun fire Hanson was the uncle of military historian and political commentator Victor Davis Hanson “When we would go to the shower and so forth he would always punch me on the shoulder,” McCallum said “That’s how we became friends — but not close friends McCallum said he never stops thinking about Okinawa “I think of all my buddies that I left behind,” McCallum said “I think about this every day,” he continued “But I say this was a small price to pay to be alive.” Seeking a familiar flavor of my time years ago in Tokyo I visited Chinmaya Izumizaki Icchoume-ten in Naha for spicy mapo tofu over rice The restaurant is the only Okinawa location of the 23-branch Chinmaya chain I was a regular at Chinmaya’s original location in Gotanda District Chinmaya Gotanda Higashiguchi Ekimae-ten unfortunately closed but I still have fond memories of this spot and their signature mapo tofu over rice I can still taste the burn the dish left on my taste buds The first branch was popular and mapo tofu over rice is considered the “taste of Gotanda,” so two other branches remain in the area Missing the days when this spicy food helped me rejuvenate after a long day at the office The Chinmaya location here is called Izumizaki Icchoume-ten and you’ll find it near the south end of Kokusai Street nestled among business and government office buildings in Naha Izumizaki Ichhoumen-ten is a small restaurant with a striking resemblance to the one I frequented in Gotanda Over the entrance I could see the letters “陳麻家” (Chinmaya) there were also letters “担々麺” (dandan noodles) along with the letters “陳麻飯” for mapo tofu over rice The unexpected additional menu item made me a little anxious for what was in store There was no counter with seats; seats were available at tables I took one of the seats for single diners and ordered chinmahan (650 yen I still remembered that the joint in Gotanda served up orders at a surprising pace It probably took less than a minute to get an order out but I was happy to see my chinmahan arriving within a few minutes The chinmahan looked exactly like the one I remember from Gotanda it even left the same spice and fire in my mouth I knew and loved the spiciness almost felt like it might go over my tolerance The flavor and fire of the dish lured me to continue and in five minutes my plate was cleared Chinmaya Izumizaki Icchoume-ten’s spicy mapo tofu was a much-needed refresh and walk down memory lane for me Though I’m sad that the restaurant I frequented in Tokyo is now gone I’m relieved to know that I can head to the Naha location for a familiar taste and burn you’ll definitely enjoy Chinmaya Izumizaki Icchoume-ten’s fiery offering Okinawa — A Japanese court handed a suspended sentence to a U.S Marine convicted of bringing a synthetic drug onto Okinawa through the mail was sentenced Friday to two years and six months in prison by a three-judge panel a spokeswoman for Naha District Court said by phone Monday The sentence will be suspended for four years Benitez Perez will not serve time in a Japanese prison provided he commits no further offenses A spokesman for the 3rd Marine Logistics Group declined to identify Benitez Perez’s unit or whether he will face further disciplinary action from the military “The Marine Corps has a strict zero tolerance policy when it comes to illegal or illicit drugs and takes these charges seriously,” Capt “We will continue to abide by the [status of forces agreement] and work with our Japanese partners to address this and any future incidents covered in the SOFA.” The status of forces agreement between the U.S and Japan lays out legal consequences for the U.S along with its rights and responsibilities The case’s details were not made public before the trial and sentencing a spokesman for the Okinawa Prefectural Police said by phone Monday A spokesman for the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office reached by phone Monday referred questions to the court Some Japanese government officials may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity Benitez Perez ordered 1.2 ounces of the drug according to a report Saturday by the Okinawa Times The package containing the drugs was intercepted by Okinawa Regional Customs in April a substance made in a laboratory that mimics the active ingredient in marijuana MDMB and other designer drugs were introduced in Europe before turning up in 2008 in the United States according to the Drug Enforcement Administration The DEA moved in 2023 to classify MDMB and five other similar substances as Schedule 1 drugs under the Controlled Substances Act are considered by the federal government to have no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse service members and Defense Department civilian employees for importing drugs onto Okinawa via mail are not uncommon A Marine convicted in December of importing LSD received a suspended his wife and his mother received suspended sentences ranging from 1½ to two years in January for sending vape pens with cannabis liquid into the country