Posted Wed, 02/01/2012 - 02:56 Posted by kumiko
The 4th Himawari in Kitanakagusuku
Himawari (Sunflower) gives a poetic charm to summer.
That’s the image I have had of sunflowers until I saw a local newspaper article with a picture showing plenty of sunflowers are in full bloom in farmlands in the wintertime.
It was a complete culture shock to a person like me, who moved from the mainland Japan.
Himawari means “sunflower” .
Posted Wed, 02/01/2012 - 02:38 Posted by kumiko
Sakura have started to bloom this year!
It is later than usual. Only about 20-30 % of the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Posted Mon, 03/28/2011 - 12:51 Posted by kumiko
Look! Aren’t these azaleas beautiful?
“Where are you now? “I am at the Higashi Village Azalea Festival!”
Fifty thousand azaleas are in almost full bloom in Eco Park of Higashi village in northern Okinawa, covering greenery hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The pink shell azaleas welcome you before the entrance of the park.
Posted Sat, 09/04/2010 - 08:26 Posted by kumiko
Okinawa has just held the Bon festival, a three-day observance from August 22 to 24 this year, which is July 13 to 15 of the lunar calendar. Our ancestor spirits stay with us these three days and on the final night we send them off. Young people come out on the streets to perform EISA dance, this is how we entertain our ancestor spirits.
Posted Thu, 08/26/2010 - 02:10 Posted by kumiko
Look at this! This natural powder white sand beach and the clarity of water here are just a few of the reasons that Sesoko beach is one of the top-ranked beaches on the Main Island of Okinawa. With water so crystal clear that you can see the beautiful white sand on the bottom, it’s not hard to tell why Sesoko beach is the most popular beach in Japan for photographers to do shoots with swimsuit models there.
Posted Wed, 07/28/2010 - 00:45 Posted by kumiko
I would like to introduce you to Kyoda Road Station-Yanbaru Local Products Center by photos.
It was just 9 o’clock in the morning with very few visitors. Staff were preparing their products. This place is usually crowded in the daytime but at this time of day it is a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere, this is a new experience and extremely delightful.
Posted Sat, 07/24/2010 - 03:35 Posted by kumiko
I would like to continue to introduce nice restaurants for those who travel to Okinawa.
My recommendation today is….“Kato Shokudo”
If you like French cuisine or Italian cuisine, “Kato Shokudo” is what you’ve been looking for.
加藤食堂 in Japanese
http://r.tabelog.com/okinawa/A4704/A470404/47002382/
Posted Thu, 07/22/2010 - 06:04 Posted by kumiko
Summer vacation has just started in Japan. Under the clear weather, many people are coming to Okinawa and enjoy driving through the islands. You might be wondering where you should eat. For such Okinawan tourists, I would like to introduce some good restaurants!
Posted Fri, 04/23/2010 - 21:09 Posted by kumiko
Today I would like to introduce you to a fancy restaurant which serves delicious dishes you won’t be able to resist, even if you are on a diet.
Posted Wed, 01/27/2010 - 09:11 Posted by kumiko
“The earliest cherry blossoms in Japan!”…with this catch phrase, “The 32nd Mt. Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival” started in Motobu Town today. The festival is held until February 7, 2010.
On the road to the peak of Mt Yeadake, cherry blossom showed strong signs of blossoming, causing many visitors to get their cameras out.
In most arreas, only 10-20 percent of the cherry blossoms are in bloom, but in some places you can find 70 percent of the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Posted Sun, 01/17/2010 - 04:48 Posted by kumiko
I went to Shurijo Castle Park to see its New Year’s Celebration on January 2.
In the afternoon, traditional Ryukyuan dances were held at Keizuza and Yomotsuza (Shicha-nu-Una).
Ryukyu Performing Arts Cerebration
Posted Sat, 01/16/2010 - 05:32 Posted by kumiko
10:50 to 11:00 Part 2 “Chounuunufe”
This ritual is for people to vow their royalty to the King as well as the longevity of the King and the prosperity of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The attendants are the same as those in Part 1.
Appearance of Sanshikan or Council of Three The highest-ranking aristocracy. The actual administrative superintendent of Ryukyu royal government.
Posted Thu, 01/14/2010 - 09:01 Posted by kumiko
I went to Shurijo Castle Park to see the New Year’s Celebration on January 2.
This traditional “New Year’s Ceremony” was originally held early in the morning of New Year’s Day in the Ryukyu Dynasty. The Ryukyu King, royal princes, aji local chieftains, sanshikan three ministers, the other royal government officials attended this solemn Chinese-style ritual conducted in Chinese language.
Posted Tue, 01/05/2010 - 00:01 Posted by kumiko
“Hoping It Will Be Sunny!” – Wedding at Okuma Felicia Church –
“… because tomorrow is a very important day when I turn a new page in my life.” God never failed to hear the bride Chello’s wish. The week had many rainy or cloudy days, but fortunately on her wedding day, November 19, it cleared up. After all God will never betray those who have a clear conscience.
Posted Sat, 01/02/2010 - 05:04 Posted by kumiko
The 32nd Mabuni Fire & Bell Observance was solemnly held at the Okinawa Peace Memorial Hall in Mabuni, Itoman City from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day to offer prayers to the 230,000 people who died during the Battle of Okinawa.
