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

Spring Has Come to Okinawa

Posted on March 11, 2008 by admin

Spring Has Come to Okinawa Ryukyu spring arrives with a slight heaviness in the air. Forewarning of the overwhelming humidity felt in summer time. Small drops of perspiration escape from the edges of hair. In prelude to the devastating heat … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Comments Off

At Nakajin

Posted on March 1, 2008 by admin

Nakajin Castle (Nakijin-jo) ruins are in the Nago region of Okinawa. Many Uchinanchu go there to pray at shrines on the ruins site. I have visited there several times and have also prayed there. My visits inspired me to compose … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Comments Off

RYUKYU IS MY ABODE

Posted on December 17, 2007 by admin

Here is a Free Verse Poem that I composed in 2002 about life in Okinawa. I hope you enjoy this tribute to the Ryukyus.

Posted in Poetry | Comments Off

Mystic lands far–Far East

Posted on November 12, 2007 by admin

In mystic lands far-Far East Tropic of Cancer mapped. Where wind swirls sea like rising yeast upon the coral capped. Here a group of islands lay in blue ocean with white foam. Peaceful lands with simple ways Uchinanchu (Oo-chin-nan-chew) call … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Comments Off

Introducing Jeff Tuthill

Posted on November 12, 2007 by admin

Hello, I am new to this site. However, I was involved with the original version of Okinawa.com that was active some eight years ago. I lived on Okinawa at Nishihara-cho from February 2002 to November 2004 and I go back … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Comments Off

Okinawa Suba (Soba)

Posted on October 21, 2007 by shohashi

We usually use commercial Soba (noodle), but home made noodle must be very good, so we would like to introduce how to make home-made noodle as well. Home-made noodle Ingredients for noodle for 5 people Water 200cc, baking soda 1 … Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes/Food | Comments Off

Book Review for

Posted on October 9, 2007 by shohashi

This book was written by Dr. (medical) and Prof. Kazuhiko Taira, Department of Tourism at Ryukyu University (former National University). As written in the title, this tome takes the fact that Okinawa Prefecture is the longevity capital (prefecture or state) … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Longevity | Comments Off

Adoption in Okinawa, Part 2

Posted on October 1, 2007 by shohashi

This is part two in a series on Adoption in Okinawa. Last article we reviewed information offered by the US bases and an international adoption support group on island. In this installment, we tackle off-base services involved in the legal … Continue reading →

Posted in Cultural Links | Comments Off

Adoption in Okinawa, Part 1

Posted on September 18, 2007 by shohashi

The adoption of a child is a very important and intense process to consider, let alone pursue. And stepping outside of the political and cultural borders of whichever country the prospective parent is a citizen, probably doubles the anxiety.

Posted in Cultural Links | Comments Off

New book: Gift Of A Blue Ball: Path of a Fortune-teller in Okinawa

Posted on September 15, 2007 by artbobo

Book written by J P Tuthill, Sr. Description from the iUniverse website: This is a haunting tale of murder and betrayal that offers a rare glimpse into the fascinating culture of Okinawa. Book Description This is a historical fiction following … Continue reading →

Posted in Bibliography | Comments Off