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.
Theatrical Performance of Edonobori
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映画『よみがえる琉球芸能 江戸上り』 Edonobori
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
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
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Ryujin Mabuyer – The Okinawan Super Hero
There are many superheroes in Japan, like Ultraman, but check this out… Ryujin Mabuyer, an Okinawan based superhero, to the rescue! He is to protect the Mabui Stones from the evil Majimun gang along with his pals, Ryujin Ganasea and Ohjin Kanamie. Ryujin Mabuyer is special not only because it is produced in Okinawa, but it celebrates Okinawan culture, religion, and nature within the content of the show also. The show includes uchinaguchi from time to time, helping children learn what words like agagaga! or chaaganjyuu mean. The popularity of Ryujin Mabuyer is beyond being a local superhero but becoming an icon for Okinawa. What a great program for Okinawan kids to grow up on!
On Ryukyu Broadcasting Company every Saturday @ 10:25AM
Learn more about Ryujin Mabuyer Here: www.mabuyer.com/
There’s also an English website! Lovely: http://www.mabuyer.com/en/
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Africa Maimai Snail
The East African Land Snail, known commonly in Okinawa as the Africa Maimai, is the largest snail in the world. Its conical shaped shell can grow up to 20 centimeters (approx. 7.9 inches) long, which some of you may (or definitely may not, like me) find these creepy crawlers fascinating. But be aware, for these pests are considered to be one of the top 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species. Okinawa is under the attack of alien snails!! How scary is that? Originally brought to Okinawa for food around the 1930s, the bred African Maimai escaped into the forests during World War II. Ever since, Okinawa prefecture had done its best to exterminate them; however, it’s not difficult to spot them here from time to time. I must admit, having never seen something so grotesque wild, I had to take a picture of it. When you find one, take a picture of it, stare at it, but DO NOT touch them. They are hosts to deadly parasites.
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Hello SleepWalkers
Looking for some new music late at night to rock to? Hello Sleepwalkers may just be something you are looking for. The somnambulating voice of Shuntaro (vocal & guitar) will definitely soothe your lonely evenings. You may think their musical taste has nothing to do with this website, but guess what, they’re a band from Okinawa! From Okinawa hail singers like Amuro Namie, Kuroki Meisa, or Speed, something of mainstream J-POP and R&B. However, this band has created a history for itself, orchestrating an edgy, yet nostalgic and dreamy sound with the oh so wonderful triple guitar (yes that’s right, there are 3 guitar players in this band)! There’s not much information about them, but I know they’re selling their debut single for 500 yen at Tower Records 🙂
Check out their website at: http://hellosleepwalkers.com/#top
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Tea at Shurijo Castle
Okinawan Tea and sweets for just 300 yen in the “Sasuno-ma” (a room used by princes to host meetings with government officials) at Shurijo Castle. The participants are first escorted into the room with the view of a beautiful garden built with Ryukyu limestones. This garden is not only outstanding, but is also the one and only garden amongst the gusukus in Okinawa. After an explanation about the history of Shurijo Castle and what they’re serving, the servers then bring sanpin (jasmine) tea with Okinawan sweets. The Tsuboyayaki cup, Okinawan lacquered saucer and tray along with the serene atmosphere become essential in creating a gracious moment in your visit to the Shurijo Castle.
Location: Sasuno-ma in Shurijo Castle (15 minute walk from the Yui Monorail Shurijo Castle Station)
Hours: 9:30 ~18:00 (Last Order at 17:30)
Price: 300 yen (* separate from the 800 yen admission fee to Shurijo Castle)
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Uchinanchu Festival 2011
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.
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Fija Byron and Uchinaguchi
Article about Uchinanchu Fija Byron who an Okinawan cultural activist. Fija Byron is a proponent and teacher of the Okinawan language.
http://japanfocus.org/-Fija-Bairon/2586
note: for the record, in spite of the spelling in the article, the name is Fija Byron (not Bairon)
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