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December 15, 2020, was the coldest in Okinawa this winter with the lowest temperature of the season recorded at 19 of the 25 observation points in the prefecture. Kunigami Village, the most northern area of the main island that makes up Okinawa, incurred the coldest temperature of 11.6 °C (52.9°F) at 0655. Tokashiki Village, located on an island approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles) due west of Naha Airport, recorded a temperature of 12.9°C (55.2°F) which is 2.5°C lower than normal. Naha...

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...

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...

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...

NAHA -- Naha Airport will open its second runway on March 26, 2020, making it the sixth airport in Japan with more than two runways. The runway is 2700 meters in length and 66 meters in width. The expansion of the airport of the new runway touted a new control tower. The tower stands at a height of 88 meters, making it the second tallest air control tower in Japan, next to Haneda Airport. Construction of the new runway began in 2014—taking nearly six years to complete—costing ¥207.4...

Looking for the official timeline of COVID-19 infections in Okinawa instead? → NAHA -- The first case of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has appeared in Okinawa. On February 14, 2020, Okinawa Prefecture confirmed that a female taxi driver in her late 60s living in the prefecture was infected. This is the first confirmation of the virus appearing in Okinawa. The taxi driver guided passengers who had disembarked the Diamond Princess—the cruise ship that has 174 known cases to...

Naha Police in Okinawa Prefecture has arrested a United States Marine Corps Corporal stationed at Camp Hansen for allegedly stealing a bicycle parked on the sidewalk in the Asahimachi District of Naha City. The arrest of the alleged suspect took place on January 19, 2020, around 1645. It was dialed into 110 and reported by a witness at the time. The bike is said to have a current market value of 15,000 yen and belongs to a part-time worker. The alleged suspect was under the influence of...

Kokusai Street Norengai, a newly renovated building that opened in the previous "Goodwill Town" building doesn't officially open all restaurants and shops until December 16, 2019 and until some time in February 2019. Though, if you happen to be on Kokusai Street on the night of December 15, 2019, there will be 7 stores open that serve anything from drinks, fried chicken, with a quinte yakiniku, and traditional Okinawan foods to bottled awamori, Japanese sake, and even whiskey. Their...

The 49th Naha Tug-of-War Festival will be held on October 12 through October 14, 2019. This festival is broken into three parts with all three days having games, food vendors, and a firework displays at Oonoyama Sports Park. On Saturday, October 12, there will be a parade on Kokusai Street taking place from approximately 1130 to 1400 with various starting locations along the street. Sunday, October 13, will host the famous giant Naha tug-of-war, with two 100-meter long ropes attached to...