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

Want to make a few bucks? Catch the Taiwan Sujio!

Posted on by

The Taiwan Sujio, or the beauty rat snake, is yellow-ish oliver colored with small and cute, black eyes (some people even keep them as pets). They’re not poisonous but considered  as dangerous alien species because they feed on birds and small animals which threatens the ecosystem and biodiversity in Okinawa. The Ministry of Environment Naha’s Regional Office said they will pay 10,000 yen in exchange of the snake until March 10th, 2012. Continue reading →

10/25 Karate Day

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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 →

Africa Maimai Snail

Posted on by

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.

Hello SleepWalkers

Posted on by

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

Afro-Okinawan Family Network, grits and sushi

Posted on by

I had the pleasure of meeting Mitzi at the Lessons From the Battle of Okinawa symposium held this past weekend in San Francisco. Mitzi is a PhD candidate in the Anthropology Dept at Berkeley. You can read about being blackanese and the Afro-Okinawan Family Network on her website gritsandsushi.com. If you are interested in biracial, happa Okinawa Japanese stuff, gritsandsushi is a great starting point.