Okinawa Blog

Thanks to social media, the recent boom in plant-based meats and dairy alternatives are surely catching attention. Millions of people worldwide are making the switch to a vegan lifestyle. According to The Vegan Society, "The number of vegans in America grew by 600% from nearly 4 million in 2014 to 19.6 million in 2017." So, while finding vegan products in grocery stores across Europe and the Americas are commonplace, how about Okinawa? I had the unique opportunity to be both a meat-eater...

The Haebaru Town Central Community Center has a flowerbed that is planted with around 700 red spider lilies (Lycoris radiata). They are currently in full bloom before entering Autumn Equinoctial Week (September 19, 2020 – September 25, 2020). The flowers provide for a beautiful crimson color to the surrounding area and attract many butterflies. Red spider lilies is a plant in the Amaryllidaceae family. They stand approximately 50 to 70 centimeters in height without any branches, leaves, or...

By September 11, 2020, Okinawa Regional Customs had 16 cases of illegal drugs caught at Naha International Airport and other ports of entry in the first half of the year, reporting from January to June. This is a decrease of 38% from the same period the previous year. Japan Customs reports that one of the main factors of lower drug seizures rate in Okinawa is due to the fact that international flights and cruise ships have been canceled since February due to the prevalence of the new...

A trip to the beach can sometimes involve a lot of logistics. Food, parking, water sports equipment, researching if it is safe or not, etc. Sometimes the fun is in all the planning for a more remote getaway. Other times, I just want to go somewhere where all of that is taken care of for me. During those beach trip days where I am feeling a bit lazy, I head to Kadena Marina. Kadena Marina is a beach resort-like area located on a section of the ocean reserved for the US military. However...

All residing in Okinawa should be prepared for the landfall of Typhoon Maysak by now. However, there are a couple more hours for quick last moment preparations around and inside the home to be made. Ensure that everything is tied down and secure. Further, check that window and doors seals are protected so that no water can be pushed through by the gusting winds. If necessary, fill a bathtub of water in the instance that power is lost one may still have potable water if there is no stock on...

We Okinawans are known to have quite a lot of events that require all the family members to gather at. We enjoy these functions as they allow us not only to get to know how each of the family members is doing but also to make the bond amongst them stronger. So today, I would like to introduce one of our unique cultural holiday that is called Obon. Obon is a Japanese event that welcomes ancestors' spirits visiting the home; however, how it is done in Okinawa is very unique and I must say...

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium may not be the largest aquarium in Okinawa, but it does provide a good time for couples, families, or aspiring marine biologists. Getting there is not a challenge either. It's a 10-minute drive from the airport if heading south on 58 or 10 minutes from the last exit (A4) after the airport junction on the expressway—no need to head hours out of your way for an aquatic underworld experience in Okinawa any longer! The aquarium is located on the second floor of Iias...

Goya Day isn't necessarily a holiday in Okinawa. However, it's the recognition of a traditional fruit grown in Okinawa, goya. While being classified as such, most outside of Asian countries wouldn't believe so as it is bitter in taste; it's known more widely around the world as bitter melon. Goya is a staple of many Okinawan dishes as you can cook—or even order—a lot of traditional foods prepared with it. The most popular that you'll find on a menu is goya chanpuru. Though, it can be found...

If you have tried to plan out your trip to Okinawa, Japan around any May, you have probably heard of this largest Japanese holiday called Golden Week. Golden Week consists of a series of four national holidays which are Showa Day (Apri 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Green Day (May 4), and Children's Day (May 5). Amongst those, the Children's Day (Kodomo no hi) is very well known so today I would like to tell you what it's about. Children's Day was originally called Tango no Sekku, which...

Hand sanitizers and masks are at high demand but yet have a very low supply if any, wherever you go. Whether you're lucky enough to get on base or have to shop off base, there's a shortage of all the necessities on the frontline for the battle against COVID-19. This leaves most to rely on just the alcohol going in and out of establishments followed by proper handwashing to protect themselves from coming into contact with coronavirus while out and about. However, Tadataka Sake Brewing Co...