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

DOR39

http://dor39.jp/ Founded as a part of Discover Okinawa Promotion Project for Island Tourism, DOR39 collects and displays photos, videos, and other media from voluntary participants with the purpose of sharing their island experiences and bringing more visitors to 39 islands … Continue reading

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Ocean Love Love Festival 2011

Beach clean up creates a work of art. For more information, here’s an article from the Ryukyu Shimpo in English: http://english.ryukyushimpo.jp/2011/12/07/4003/

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Kumiodori, UNESCO Intangible Heritage

Kumiodori is a blended arrangement of Nou, Kyogen, and Odorinembutsu performing arts, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. A theatrical performance including Ryukyu music, dancing, and acting, its themes are often of poetic justice.

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Samurai Champloo: Mugen and music

For anime fans familiar with Shinichiro Watanabe’s works will perhaps be able to list his renowned works very quickly: Cowboy Bebop, Eureka Seven, Star Driver, and of course, Samurai Champloo, an anime series aired in 2004.

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Books and Music on Okinawa

Selected books and music on Okinawa from the Okinawa Peace Network of Los Angeles website: http://www.uchinanchu.org/resources/bibliography.htm Includes: Norma Fields’ In the Realm of a Dying Emperor/Japan at Century’s End, Tomiko Higa and Dorothy Britton’s The Girl with the White Flag, … Continue reading

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Asian ingredients x Okinawan cuisines

Okinawa International Aerial Logistics Hub brings you Okianwan – Asian fusion cuisine recipes: http://okinawahub.com/en/cm/ Includes Asian Fishermen’s Champuru Pot (Okinawa x Shanghai x China); Chapuru with Okinawan Tofu, Beef, and Kimchi (Okinawa x Korea); Sweet and Sour Champuru Double-Lined Fusilier … Continue reading

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Okinawan Recipes from Ryukyu Shimpo

In collaboration with Q.P. Corporation ( a popular Japanese mayonnaise brand), Ryukyu Shimpo lists original Okinawan recipes that use shima yasai (Okinawan vegetables). To learn how to make delicious meals using papaya, goya, naaberaa, taanmun, hanmada, or winter melons, click … Continue reading

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Okinawa Artist Bank

http://okinawa-artistbank.com/pre/index.html A website which supports young, Okinawan artists by networking with communities and companies, promoting artists’ exhibitions, e-commerce selling artists’ products, running art-related events, and helping create an art market in Okinawa. Information only available in Japanese (for now…?)

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Kagoshima Ohsumi Jazz Festival 2011

Kagoshima Ohsumi Jazz Street in Nanoya and Shibushi on November 26th and 27th from 10AM ~ 18:00. All venues admission free! Kina Shoukichi will be there from Okinawa.

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Mariko Mori Plans a Futuristic Island Earthwork on Miyako Island

“In what may be her most ambitious undertaking yet, Mori — who previously showed a pod-like sculptural environment, Wave UFO, at the 2005 Venice Biennale — plans to build a solar monument on Miyako Island, located 180 miles off the … Continue reading

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