Category Archives: Event

The 11th Shouhashi Half Marathon

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The 11th Shouhashi Half Marathon will be held on November 6th, 2011. Starting at Sugar Hall, runners can enjoy the scenic view of Shinzato Villa, Okinawa no michi Highway, and Nirai&Kanai Bridges while running. The half marathon (21.0975km) and road race (10km and 3km) are comfortable distances for novice runners so everyone can have fun.
For further information, click here:
http://www.shouhashi.jp/

Google English translation here: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.shouhashi.jp/

10/25 Karate Day

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Ryukyu traditions of Okinawa-te (沖縄手) or Kara-te (唐手） were officially recognized as Karate（空手） in October 25th, 1936.October 25th became the designated ” Karate Day” to pray for the expansion of traditional Karate, world peace and happiness since 2005. This year, the first Memorial Karate Demonstration Ceremony was held in a plaza in front of Palette Kumoji, Naha City. Approximately 50 people representing 4 groups showing kata (型) such as seisan and saichen. We pray that Okinawa’s traditional karate will continuously contribute to world peace and happiness.

映画『よみがえる琉球芸能　江戸上り』 Edonobori

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learn more about the film here (in Japanese): http://www.edonobori.jp/index.html

This documentary film illustrates the Ryukyu Kingdom’s missions to Edo, a unique diplomatic exchange between Okinawa and Japan. In 1609, the Ryuykyu Kingdom became a vassal to the Satsuma Clan, expecting King Shounei to pay tribute to the shogunate, which meant traveling 2000KM from Naha to Edo. Continue reading →

Shurijo Castle Festival 2011

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Running from October 28th to November 3rd, The Shurijo Castle Festival includes traditional performing art (Ryukyu Buyo dancing) of the Ryukyu Kingdom as well as performances from other local areas, 10,000 Candles illuminating the Shurijo Castle, a Local Foods exhibition, and the Royal Procession Parade representing a picture scroll of the Ryukyu Dynasty march. Continue reading →

Uchinanchu Festival 2011

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Although the Uchinanchu Taikai gathering of thousands of Okinawans from around the world does not officially start until Wednesday, October 12, the festivities are well under way with the Naha Festival. Today is the Naha Ozunahiki or Tug of War with the world’s largest rope.

Japan 8.9 quake and tsunami

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I just spoke to a friend on Okinawa about the effects of the earthquake to the island. There is no significant damage. The tsunami reaching Okinawa was very minor. Everyone is of course worried about the devastation on the mainland of Japan.
Here is the link to the Google translation of the Ryukyu Shimpo Newpaper

Nuchi du Takara: Lessons from the Battle of Okinawa

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Nuchi du Takara: Lessons from the Battle of Okinawa.
Exhibition on view January 15 through August 14, 2011
Location: NJAHS’ Peace Gallery 1684 Post St., San Francisco Japantown
Nuchi du Takara (translation: Life Itself is Our Treasure) will share the story of the Battle of Okinawa from an Okinawan point of view and honor the resilient spirit of the survivors who went on to rebuild their lives and create a legacy of peace. The centerpiece of the exhibition will be a re-creation of a cave similar to the ones that Okinawan civilians sought refuge from the fierce fighting known as the "Typhoon of Steel."
http://njahs.org/programs/viewdetails.php?id=230

2011 Uchinanchu Festival

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The 5th annual Uchinanchu Taikai Festival is going to be on Oct. 13 – 17. There will be an opening ceremony on the 12th. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Naha Municipal Sports Stadium.

The main events this year will be 1) the global student forum, 2) junior study tours 3) the uchinanchu one world movement and 4) homestay.

We’ll try to post more detailed info later.