Culture

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...

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...

As you go into a supermarket from the end of February to the beginning of March, you see a lot of pretty pink colored snacks being sold. They often come in a bag with a drawing of two people. These are called ‘hina-ningyo’ or ‘hina dolls’ which are observed for the doll festival that is for girls, celebrated in Japan every March 3rd. In Japan, families with a daughter(s) display a set of beautiful hina dolls on a tier of five or seven shelves to celebrate and pray for their healthy...

When the last day of the year comes in Okinawa, many get ready to celebrate for the new year in various ways. Some may prepare to attend the Mabuni Fire and Bell Festival to wish for peace, others stay home and watch telecasts of countdowns in Tokyo or go out and celebrate with friends and family, and some may even go to bed early, to possibly attend the first sunrise in Okinawa at Nakagusuku Castle. However, there's one customary tradition that most Okinawans don't forget to do: It's to...

Traveling to a foreign country can be very exciting. However, learning about the culture before heading out on a journey is highly recommended. That way, you won't offend anyone by doing something you would consider the norm. So, today I thought I would give some examples of what you should know when traveling and dining out in restaurants while on your stay in Okinawa. When you go to a restaurant, don't grab a seat unless the server allows you. Usually, the server takes you to a table...

Many of us like to spend the weekend or special nights having our favorite drinks outside the house. Whether you’re single, newlywed with or without kids, or you just want to go out with your children while your significant other is away, there's a lively place for everyone to equally enjoy the night. Okinawa izakayas You have probably come across many of these along the streets. They offer an amusing space along with various kinds of alcohol and good food. While restaurants are mainly...

I know many of you have spent the New Years a few times on Okinawa already, but have you ever wondered what the locals do to celebrate it? If you answered, “get drunk,” you’re not completely wrong! If you’d like to be a part of the celebration next year, here’s everything that you have to know about the goings-on: While Christmas may arguably be the most important, family-oriented, holiday for you in the States, New Year, or shogatsu rather, is the biggest one in Japan. Because of this...