Category Archives: Research

The culture of Okinawa and the Ryukyus is different from that of mainland Japan. A long history as an independent kingdom, the influence of ancient China and more recently decades of American military presence have created a unique culture.

Two great web sites for Okinawa information are Ryukyu culture archives and Okinawa Prefecture’s education pages

Rafute

rafute shoyu pork Recipe by Chef Steve Yamada Owner and Chef of Restaurant Kariyushi Ingredients: 3-4 pounds pork shoulder 1 cup pork stock or combination of pork and chicken stock 1 cup bonito stock 1 cup soy sauce 

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Uchina nantu

Uchina nantu Okinawa Mochi Recipe by:Ruth Matsuda  Ingredients:4 cups mochiko 3 cups water 1 3/4 cups sugar 1/2 tsp. salt kinako food coloring (optional) Mix mochiko, water, and salt until smooth.  Pour into double thickness  

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Goya chanpuru

Goya Chanpuru Tofu with bittermelon Recipe by Chef Steve Yamada    Ingredients: ½ block firm tofu 1 bittermelon ½ round onion 1 tablespoon canola oil  1/3 can of tuna 1/3 cup bonito flakes Sea salt to taste 1 tablespoon soy … Continue reading

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Unique tastes of Okinawa

Cuisine derived partly from Japan By Joan Clarke Honolulu Advertiser Food Editor Wednesday, July 28, 1999 The Honolulu Advertiser, Section D "Island Life" Most of us who grew up in Hawaii have assumed that Okinawan food and Japanese food were … Continue reading

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Egg flower soup

Hanashinsu no Suimono Egg Flower Soup Recipe by: Sam Uyehara  Serves: 6 1/4 lb. ground pork 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cornstarch 1/2 tsp. ginger juice  

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Recipes

anma’s kitchen the cuisine of Excerpted from various sources credits indicated under each recipe   The unique tastes of Okinawa cuisine derived only partly from Japan Article by Joan Clarke Honolulu Advertiser Food Editor Wednesday, July 28, 1999 The Honolulu … Continue reading

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Eisa

Eisa (Excerpt from Keys to Okinawan Culture, published by the Okinawan Prefectural Government, 1992) The eisa, a folk performing art, is a dynamic, spirited dance intrinsic to a midsummer festival called Bon, or Festival of the Dead, which takes place … Continue reading

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Ryukyuan Dance

Jump to… (within this article) Introduction The four genres of Ryukyuan Dance The origin of the "crown ship dances" Classical dance The birth of zo odori (popular dance) Dance costumes and accoutrements The music of Okinawa Conclusion Kajadifu Bushi  "Kiyu … Continue reading

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Performing Arts

  the island of songs and dances   An Introduction to Ryukyuan Dance Okinawa Folk Arts:  Eisa

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Proverbs

wisdom OKINAWAN PROVERBS Excerpted from  The Okinawan Mind in Proverbs Zenko Shimabukuro   Ataishi turu atairu.  – We get along well with those we can get along with well. Achinee ya tankaa mankaa. – Business is a two-way street. Aramun … Continue reading

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