Okinawa’s World Heritage Site “Shuri Castle” Opens New Areas

30.January.2019 | SPOT

The area surrounding Shuri Castle has come to be known as “Shuri Castle Park” where more and more of its sites have become open to the public such as the temple which was reconstructed and opened in 1992. Guests can now look forward to peeking into the world of the castle even deeper with the opening of the Ouchibara Area on February 1, 2019.


This new area will require a fee to enter, but free access is now running from January 28 to 31.

Shuri Castle was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom between 1429 and 1879 where it boasted dignified politics, diplomacy and culture. The castle is home to three areas that encapsulated these three elements. The first is the Gyousei Kuukan which centers around the main temple and imperial garden. The second is the Saishi Kuukan which centers around the Kyo-no-Uchi area which is revered as a place of worship. The last is the newly opened Ouchibara, the place where the king, his family and the court ladies lived.


“Ouchibara” is the name given to the area on the east side of the temple. A residential area of the citadel, the place was forbidden to all males except those in the royal family. Only the king, his family and the many court ladies who supported them could be there. Despite the west side being a world of politics and diplomacy, this eastern side was operated entirely by women. The area is home to the tallest structure in the citadel and looks onto the East China Sea and town of Shuri. When the weather is clear, you can also see Kudaka Island in the east and the Kerama Islands in t he west.


The Ouchibara offers a real look into the lives of the king and court ladies. Learn about the deeper history of Shuri Castle and Okinawa by visting.

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • Experience Okinawa’s Breathtaking Scenic Views at ALLAMANDA IMGYA CORAL VILLAGE

    03.October.2018 | SPOT

    IMGYA CORAL VILLAGE is located at Shigira Resort on the Miyako Islands of Okinawa Prefecture. The site received a name change on October 1, 2018 and now goes by the name ALLAMANDA IMGYA CORAL VILLAGE.

    The site has undergone a “brush up” to better exhibit the charms that Imgya has to offer including the staff uniforms, amenities and more. Their concept is to offer individuals a great journey in a blue and green paradise.

     

    The Miyako Islands sit approximately 300km southwest of mainland Okinawa. Direct flights depart from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka throughout the year and from Fukuoka for limited periods. Its easy access makes it a very popular resort destination. Shigira Resort boasts 3.3 million square meters on the island. This is where the Imgya area is located, home to newly-named ALLAMANDA IMGYA CORAL VILLAGE which is surrounded by lush nature.

    The beachfront park Imgya Marine Garden makes use of the inlets on the premises, offering the best location to enjoy the beautiful sea and sights. The calm ocean is home to schools of tropical fish of all colours such as the yellowtail clownfish which you can see yourself by snorkelling. The parkside path is also ideal for a stroll during marine leisure time. During the day guests are surrounded by the sound of sea waves, and at night, they can enjoy gazing at the starry sky while wrapped in remote nature.

    There are 72 rooms spread across 18 villa buildings. All rooms come with a living room, bedrooms, loft and a terrace with a Jacuzzi. The buildings have colourful and modern interiors. Rooms are decked out with wood which give them a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The terrace and Jacuzzi are sure to make for some Instagrammable photos.

    The site’s restaurant Coral Blue offers breakfast and dinner in the form of a buffet that rotates from Japanese food to western and Asian. The colourful menu uses ingredients from the island and Okinawa. You can even pick from an optional BBQ in the evening.

     

    Whether it’s a refreshing vacation with friends and family or an anniversary trip, why not visit ALLAMANDA IMGYA CORAL VILLAGE?

  • HOTEL LOCUS Grand Opening on Okinawa’s Miyako Island—All Rooms Have Ocean View

    23.January.2018 | SPOT

    The luxurious HOTEL LOCUS situated on the island of Miyako in Okinawa, where every room has an ocean view, held its grand opening on January 22, 2018.

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    A dream beach location and a great destination for snorkeling and diving to see the coral reefs, the number of tourists visiting Miyako Island in Okinawa has been increasing in recent years. In the northwestern region of  Miyako Island, just 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport and facing Hirara port is HOTEL LOCUS, where every room has a view of the ocean. The hotel is positioned in the ideal location to take in the regional characteristics and charm of Miyako Island and aims to be an “experienced-based resort” where guests can fully enjoy everything that the island has to offer through numerous different experiences.

     

    HOTEL LOCUS has selected a range of activities for guests to enjoy characteristic of Miyako Island, including food, culture, spots, people, and of course marine sports.

     

     

     

    Hand Craft Design & Original Textiles sub2

    To ensure guests can enjoy the rich natural environment of Miyako Island to the fullest, the hotel space is made warm and simple with handmade furniture, fabrics, artwork and more. Traditional Okinawan crafts and materials are also used for people to take in the regional characteristics while enjoying some quality, stress-free relaxation time.

     

    Rooms are complete with rugs and cushions made with an original textile that transmits the charm of local Miyako craft. This textile was developed in collaboration with Eri Shimatsuka, a textile designer who formerly resided in Okinawa and currently works with international brands.  There are four designs themed on spinning thread (“UMU”), braiding plants (“AMU”) and high quality Miyako kasuri fabric (“KASURI”).

     

     

     

    Ocean-view rooms

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    There are 100 rooms in HOTEL LOCUS, and all of them have an ocean view. There are 6 types of rooms to choose from, from compact and simple to twin rooms with a terrace, rooms with a private pool and hot tub, and more.

     

     

     

    See Miyako Island’s gorgeous ocean and the sunset from the restaurant

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    On the second floor of the hotel is “LOCUS TABLE,” a restaurant that serves up fresh Miyako ingredients using island vegetables, herbs and spices from the hotel’s own vegetable garden. The menu is brimming with delicious food. Feel the refreshing ocean breeze against your cheeks on the terrace with breakfast, and gaze at the beautiful sunset with dinner.

     

     

     

    Concept shop

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    On the first floor next to the reception is a shop called “Concept Shop by su+”. su+ is a new project by UDS who aim to bring forth new value in a room through materials. They promote the handiwork of Miyako by stocking handicrafts that elicit the warmth of the island.

     

    Appreciate the beauty of Miyako Island at HOTEL LOCUS with an ocean view, local food and charming crafts.

     

     

    ■Information

    HOTEL LOCUS

    Address: Hirara Shimozato, Miyakojima-shi, Okinawa Prefecture, 906-0013

    Grand Opening: January 22, 2018

    Rooms: 100 (Check-in from 3pm / Check-out by 11am)

    Facilities: Restaurant “LOCUS TABLE” / Shop “Concept Shop by su+” / Outdoor Pool / Sunset Terrace / Activity Lounge

    Website: https://www.hotellocus.com/

     

  • DMM.com will opened an aquarium in Okinawa

    05.January.2018 | SPOT

    DMM.com will open “DMM Kariyushi Aquarium (provisional name).” The aquarium will be opened sometime during the first half of 2020.

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    Upholding the main theme of, “the world’s first augmented reality entertainment aquarium which uses the latest projection technologies,” the aquarium will combine the latest projection technologies and various kinds of animals/fish in a sea based in the settings such as “Okinawa’s clear sea,” “evergreen forest of an island” and “wonderful nature in subtropical zone.”

    The aquarium will offer an exciting and relaxing experience to the visitors.

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    The venue where the aquarium will be built will include a shopping center which will be built beside Chura SUN Beach. The venue is close to the entrance of Okinawa, “Naha Airport.” A 20-minute car ride will get you to this venue.

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    03_largeaquarium

    In addition, the aquarium will offer some exhibits combining “real×virtual” using the latest projection technologies in addition to exhibiting fish tanks. They will create spaces which do not look like a commercial establishment using dynamic visuals representing seasons, time and the beauty of nature.

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    Updates of details will be uploaded on their website subsequently.

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    Don’t miss this new spot – “DMM Kariyushi Aquarium (provisional name)” which will be opened in Okinawa.

     

    ◼︎Information
    DMM Kariyushi Aquarium (provisional name)
    URL:https://www.dmm.com/top/special/aquarium

     

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Scenic Girls’ Fashion Festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023 to be Held for the First Time in September, Popular Boy’s Group OCTPATH Announced as First Performers

    02.August.2023 | FASHION / MUSIC / Uncategorized

    The Okinawa Collection Executive Committee has announced the first girls’ fashion festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023. The event will be held at Umisora Park in Okinawa on September 24, 2023. The first round of performers has been announced and pre-sale tickets are now available.

     

    The event will be held on the picturesque sandy beaches of Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. The area is famous for its contributions to entertainment, and the show aims to share current pop culture with both audiences in Japan and the world.

     

     ■Several influential models are scheduled to appear!

    The first batch of performers include Yuina Kogawa, a model and television personality; Nana Kato, an exclusive model for Ray and LARME magazines; Ariana Sakura, an exclusive model for ViVi and a model for many popular brands; Nagomi, who also produces the cosmetics brand “GENTY,” and PyunA., an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Koakuma ageha who is set to release her first photo book in August.

     

     ■Additional guests, including popular YouTubers, will take the stage!

    Guests include the popular YouTuber duo Nakonako Couple, active both online and on TV; Mukuena, two childhood friends and artists with a popular YouTube channel; Toua, a current trendsetter; Osaki, a high-schooler appearing in the People category of the JC/JK Buzzword Awards 2022; Sakura, an exclusive model for Popteen; Mika Kato, an exclusive model for nuts; and Yuichami, the younger sister of Uchami and an exclusive model for egg.

     

    ■The trending boy band OCTOPATH will perform!

    OCTPATH, a boy group consisting of former trainees appearing on the popular audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2, made their major debut in 2022. Guests can expect a mesmerizing performance!

     

    More performers and content will be announced soon. Check out the event’s official website for the latest information!

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with Okinawa’s Okashi Goten for LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project

    25.July.2022 | MUSIC / SPOT

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu inspired music lovers around the world in April when she performed at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals on Earth. The second half of the singer’s 10th anniversary nationwide tour 31-show has begun, and in conjunction with this special event, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. As with past concert locations, a new collaboration has been announced ahead of Kyary’s June 23 performance in Okinawa, where the artist held an additional show. 

    In Okinawa, Kyary is teaming up with the popular souvenir shop Okashi Goten, known for its Beni-imo (purple sweet potato) tarts. The shop itself looks similar to Shuri Castle from the outside, and as guests enter, they’re surrounded by products made exclusively from Okinawan ingredients. This collaboration pays homage to where it all began, with the special logo inspired by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2011 debut mini-labum Moshi Moshi Harajuku

    Fans will be able to buy a special box of these tasty tarts, with the outside stamped with ‘Moshi Moshi Beni-imo Tart’ and a drawing of Kyary inspired by the cover of her 2011 album. 

     

    This item is now available at all shops offering Okashi Goten products and at the Okashi Goten online store.

    A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only starting July 22.

  • Contemporary Artist Kohei Arikawa to Collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa

    20.March.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa will feature the works of contemporary artist Kohei Arikawa from March 15 until March 31, 2022. ‘Matthew’s Favorite Pancakes’ will be held at The Lobby Lounge at the hotel. 

     

    The original pancakes, created in collaboration with the artist, will be served in limited quantities each day as part of the hotel’s anniversary plan, which marks its 10th anniversary in May of this year. The collaboration is inspired by one of Arikawa’s best-known series ‘BEST FRIENDS – Matthew.’ Each pancake feature apples sauteed in caramel and custard cream sandwiched between layers of fluffy dough. The toppings also include Italian meringue, whipped cream, and chocolate. Why not add maple syrup too?

     

    The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa plans to continue to collaborate with the artist in the future. As part of the company’s Community Footprint initiative, more than a dozen of his works will be on display. Proceeds will fund an orphanage in Nago, Okinawa.

  • Video Released of Winter Event at Hoshino Resort’s Banta Cafe in Okinawa

    05.January.2022 | SPOT

    Located in wonderfully warm Okinawa, Hoshino Resort is the perfect getaway for those wanting a warmer winter. The Banta Cafe overlooks the ocean, and from December 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022, the cafe is putting on the ‘Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea’ event. Of course, Illumi-Banta is a portmanteau of the words ‘Illumination’ and ‘Banta,’ but the Okinawan word iyumibanta means ‘a cliff overlooking the fish.’ The entire location, from the top of the cliff all the way to the sea, will be bathed in otherworldly light. A special menu is available during the event period, serving up food perfect for eating as guests wander by the seaside. A number of Okinawan workshops have also brought local craftsmen to the site to show off their creations.

     

    Okinawa is warm in the winter, and this event has been perfect for those wanting to avoid being chilled to the bone during the holidays. For those unable to attend, the video above was filmed using a drone and shows the incredible heart of this event. Who knew that water could be so blue?

     

    A Fantastic World of Light and Ocean Life

    Banta Cafe sits on a cliff above the water, and the waters beneath it hide gorgeous coral reefs. Watch the sea come to life, as the ocean, white sand beach, and rock formations are illuminated. The lights will change colors during the daily light show along with the tides, giving a different impression depending on the time of day. The pavilion on the seaside terrace is also illuminated with motifs inspired by traditional Okinawan textiles.

     

    Playful Plant Shadows

    On the large roof deck located at the entrance, large fern and palm leaves have been arranged to welcome guests along with other plants local to Okinawa. Using lights, the shadows from these plants reach massive heights on the 4-meter high Ryukyu limestone walls. This takes shadow puppets to a whole new level!

     

     

    Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Night Picnic

    The night cafe will be selling a special Strolling Soup Set menu, inviting guests to venture out onto the sandy shore with a lantern in hand to enjoy a meal beside the sea. Guests can choose two of the available four soups along with a crispy baguette and herb butter.


    Hours: 18:00-20:30 (Last Order)
    Price: Strolling Soup Set for Two, ¥2,600

     

     

    The Night Light Market, a Gathering of Proud Okinawan Artists

    On Saturday nights from January 8 to January 29, the Night Light Market will bring various artists and craftsmen from Okinawa to the Hoshino Resort. These artists will be excited to share the culture of Okinawa and will offer a range of products made of locally sourced materials. Guests can even try their hand at local crafts at the indoor Gorogoro Lounge!

    Running: Every Saturday Night from January 8 – January 29, 2022

    Hours: 18:00-21:00

  • Okinawan Gen-Z Pop Singer Grace Aimi Releases Debut Album

    02.December.2021 | MUSIC

    Born in the year 2000 to an American father and American-Okinawan mother, Gen-Z pop singer Grace Ami released her 12-track debut album on November 26. The album is comprised of both new tracks and some previously available on streaming services and was produced by Chaki Zulu. Along with the release, a teaser for the Karaoke Queen music video was uploaded to YouTube, with the full video scheduled to be released on December 6. 

     

    MV Teaser (Directed by Takuto Shinpo)

    chttps://www.youtube.com/c/GraceAimiOfficial

     

     

    Aimi began her career by starting a YouTube channel with her younger brother. As they began posting covers to popular songs, their popularity on social media grew, and in 2020 Grace Aimi released Eternal Sunshine. She is now signed to Capitol Records US and constantly experiments with new sounds and genres, jumping between gospel R&B to rock and rap and goth-pop. Her creativity and individuality are making her a unique addition to the Japanese music scene, and she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on!

     

    Originally from Okinawa, Grace believes that her hometown has been essential to her sensibilities as an artist. “My home island was devastated during WWII, but the people there are beautiful and genuinely happy. I hope to share that Okinawan spirit with everyone,” she says. 

  • Hoshino Resort’s Banta Cafe in Okinawa to Open Limited-Time Night Cafe During Winter

    19.October.2021 | FOOD / SPOT

    Located in wonderfully warm Okinawa, Hoshino Resort is the perfect getaway for those wanting a warmer winter. The Banta Cafe overlooks the ocean, offering unmatched views. From December 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022, the cafe will hold the ‘Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea’ event. Of course, Illumi-Banta is a portmanteau of the words ‘Illumination’ and ‘Banta,’ but the Okinawan word iyumibanta means ‘a cliff overlooking the fish.’ The entire location, from the top of the cliff all the way to the sea, will be bathed in otherworldly light. A special menu will also be available during the event period, serving up food perfect for eating as guests wander by the seaside. A number of Okinawan workshops will also bring local craftsmen to the site to show off their creations. Why bundle up when you can enjoy a warm winter by the ocean? 

     

    A Fantastic World of Light and Ocean Life

    Banta Cafe sits on a cliff above the water, and the waters beneath it hide gorgeous coral reefs. Watch the sea come to life, as the ocean, white sand beach, and rock formations are illuminated. The lights will change colors during the daily light show along with the tides, so don’t miss it!

    Light Show Times: 18:30, 20:00, 21:00 *Each show lasts about five minutes.

     

    Playful Plant Shadows

    On the large roof deck located at the entrance, large fern and palm leaves have been arranged to welcome guests along with other plants local to Okinawa. Using lights, the shadows from these plants reach massive heights on the 4-meter high Ryukyu limestone walls, and guests are encouraged to try making some fun shadow puppets for the perfect snapshot!

     

    Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Night Picnic with the Strolling Soup Set

    The night cafe will be selling a special Strolling Soup Set menu, inviting guests to venture out onto the sandy shore with a lantern in hand to enjoy a meal beside the sea. Guests can choose two of the available four soups along with a crispy baguette and herb butter. 

    Hours: 18:00 – 20:30 (Last Order)

    Price: Strolling Soup Set for Two, ¥2,600

    Includes: Two types of soup and bucket for two people, lantern and basket rental

     

    Four Types of Soup

    ・ Minestrone
    Filled with colorful vegetables, such as tomato, bitter melon, and yellow carrot

    ・Clam Chowder

    Packed with seafood flavor and a unique mix of Okinawan spices

     

    ・Consomme with Yushi Tofu
    A lightly-salted soup made with Okinawa’s fluffy Yushi Tofu and thick-cut bacon

     

    ・Yam and Cauliflower Potage
    Creamy potage with white cauliflower and brightly colored yam

     

    The Night Light Market, a Gathering of Proud Okinawan Artists

    On Saturday nights from January 8 to January 29, the Night Light Market will bring various artists and craftsmen from Okinawa to the Hoshino Resort. These artists will be excited to share the culture of Okinawa and will offer a range of products made of locally sourced materials. Guests can even try their hand at local crafts at the indoor Gorogoro Lounge!

    Running: Every Saturday Night from January 8 – January 29, 2022

    Hours: 18:00-21:00

     

    Wouldn’t you prefer a warm Okinawan winter? 

  • Planetariums in Tokyo to Show Night Flower Film Narrated by Taishi Nakagawa

    10.October.2021 | MOVIE / SPOT

    A stunning new film is coming to the Konica Minolta Planetarium in Tokyo Skytree Town and Planetaria Tokyo in Yurakucho Mullion starting November 19, 2021! Night Flower ~Blooming for One Night on a Starry Island~ will take guests on a journey to Iriomote Island in Okinawa, known for its beautiful starry sky. At night, this island is home to Sagaribana, a flower that only blooms at night and seems to glow in brilliant shades of white, pink, or red. The film is narrated by actor and model Taishi Nakagawa.

     

    Journey to an Immersive Starry Island

    Iriomote Island, a world heritage site, is filled with rich nature and a vast ecosystem of living things. From this island, 84 of the 88 constellations scattered across the sky can be seen, including the Crux. A number of these constellations have been captured in this film, with plenty of detail given by Taishi Nakagawa. It almost feels like a date with him–and who could resist that?

     

    Feel as Though You’ve Been Transported to the Jungle

    Using the SOUND DOME® stereoscopic sound system, even the tiniest sound of a bird chirping or leaves rustling will feel as close as can be. Along with the narrator, Manami Kakudo provides the theme song to the film which will leave audiences with goosebumps. 

     

    Mysterious Flowers Blooming Beneath a Starry Sky

    The Sagaribana is a whimsical flower, almost alien in its appearance. They bloom for only one night, closing up by morning. This can teach us a valuable lesson: that each day, and each night, is precious, and life can be more fragile than we realize. 

     

  • Okinawa’s Hotel Nikko Alivia Announces Season 3 of Monogatari Kaiseki Menu

    04.October.2021 | FOOD / SPOT

    SAWA, a restaurant featuring both Japanese and traditional Ryukyu cuisine, will begin the third season of its delicious and artful Monogatari Kaiseki menu starting October 1, 2021. Each season featured a selection of dishes inspired by original stories created by the head chef, and with the new installment, guests will also be supporting the reconstruction of Shuri Castle which suffered damage after a 2019 fire. The restaurant is located at Okinawa’s Hotel Nikko Alivia, and the meal will be available until October 31. 

     

    Monogatari Kaiseki: Appetizer ‘Beneath the Moonlit Night’ 

    Monogatari Kaiseki: Grilled Items ‘Vampire’s Dinner’ 

    Monogatari Kaiseki: Dessert ‘Pumpkin Ghost/Tidings of Autumn’ 

     

     

    In this imagining, a collection of ghosts and spirits gather at the Shuri Castle Festival on Halloween to compete in a cooking competition, and guests are invited to judge each dish. A drink pairing set will also be available. 

     

    5% of all sales will be donated to the Okinawa Prefecture Shuri Castle Fire Restoration and Recover Fundraiser, to help rebuild the historical site. 

  • Aoi Kubo to Perform Theme For Short Anime Series “Deji” Meets Girl

    25.September.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    Up-and-coming 16-year-old singer Aoi Kubo has been selected to perform the theme song for the upcoming short anime series “Deji” Meets Girl, premiering October 1. The song, Otogibanashi no You na Kiseki (Fairy Tale-like Miracle) is now streaming, and a lyric video has also been uploaded to YouTube ahead of the show’s start. Two additional songs are available on the digital EP, each inspired by the two main characters in the show. Akane Malbeni, the original character designer, also provided the jacket art. 

     

    “Deji” Meets Girl tells the story of Maise Higa, a high-school freshman who works part-time at the front desk of her family’s hotel in Okinawa. One day, she meets Ichiro Suzuki, a mysterious hotel guest from Tokyo traveling alone. Ever since he arrives, strange things begin happening, like fish swimming through the air, and Maise is desperate to get to the bottom of things. 

     

     

     

    Comments from Aoi Kubo

     

    Q1: Describe how you felt when you were chosen to perform the theme for “Deji” Meets Girl. 

    I’ve always wanted to sing the theme song for an anime series, so when I got the offer, I was super surprised! This is a fantasy series, and it depicts a mysterious world that really captivated me, so I hope tons of people will watch and enjoy it.

    I would be so happy if everyone would listen to the songs I created for these characters, and compare how they sound in context!

     

    Q2: When singing these songs, what did you pay special attention to or emphasize? 

    I was asked to write the theme, and to do that, I really surrounded myself with the show’s world. 

    Otogibanashi no You na Kiseki is based on my own interpretation of the show’s worldview. 

    For the other two songs I wrote based on the main characters, I tried to imagine what they were feeling, and what thoughts were running through their heads. 

     

    A creator contest is also being held! Creators can submit illustrations or music videos based on one of Aoi Kubo’s three songs for “Deji” Meets Girl. The best illustrations will appear on TV, while the best music video will be streamed on Kubo’s official YouTube channel. Entries can be submitted starting October 1, so be sure to check out the special site if you’d like to participate!

     

  • Experience 600 Years of Historical Culture with the Tanadui Festival Accommodation Program

    01.September.2021 | SPOT

    The HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island Resort in Taketomi, Okinawa will be holding the Tanadui Program between September 1 and October 12 2021. The special program will be held to mark the Tanadui Festival, an event that has been listed as an event of cultural importance and allows visitors to experience the deep, historical culture of Taketomi Island.

     

    Taketomi is an island with it’s own unique culture with a selection of festival rituals, including food offerings to pray for prosperity and abundant harvests. The Tanadui Festival is the largest on the island and has been designated an event of cultural importance, running for over 600 years. Every year, throughout the seventh and eighth days of the festival, a stage is assembled in Yomochi Utaki to host over 80 traditional performances, each dedicated to the Gods and deities. On Taketomi Island, the phrase “Kashikusaya Utsugumidu Masaru” is key to the local lifestyle, roughly translating to “cooperation over all.” Join in the ‘Spirit of Utsugumi (cooperation)’ as the whole island practices and prepares for the festival – even those who have moved further away will return home to join in.

     

    Focus Points

     

    Bountiful Harvest Lunch – Get to know, touch, and cherish the five grains harvested on Taketomi Island

    Enjoy a lunch that has been made using millet, wheats, beans, potatoes, and rice, which are said to be the five grains of Taketomi Island. Before lunch, you can join in the harvesting of potatoes grown on-site. Taketomi Island has no mountains or rivers as it was formed through the raising of coral atolls, making it difficult to grow crops. As distribution was unpopular in the past, the lack of crop growth meant that there was no food to live off. It is because of this that festivals, including the Tanadui Festival, were first held. They are used to pray for plentiful harvests and the traditions are upheld to this very day. During this event, you can harvest potatoes while learning about the history and land.

    The lunch plate uses French techniques to propose a fun and new way of enjoying the five grains while retaining their simple sweetness; A sweet wheat risotto, shimadōfu soup, a harvest potato Dengaku (fried potatoes cut into cubes and sprinkled with sugar), plus desserts that can be enjoyed with peanuts. This delicious lunch allows you to get to know, touch, and cherish the five grains of Taketomi Island.  

     

    Price: ¥7,260 (Per person, tax & service charge included)

    Capacity: Two groups per day

    Hours: 12:30 ~ 14:00

    Location; Field, Dining Room

     

    Traditional Iiyachi Making Tour in collaboration with the islanders and HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island

    Iiyachi is a traditional rice cake-like food that is eaten during the Tanadui Festival. Originally the Iiyachi was made using only materials found on the island, but thanks to modern development and tourism, plus the decline of agriculture, it is now regularly made using materials cultivated on other islands. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island has worked hard to inherit the traditional production method. This year they will be challenging themselves by making Iiyachi using both traditional methods and local agriculture, cultivating millet and azuki beans to use in the recipe. Iiyachi is made by combining the ingredients in a large Shinme Pot to boil and steam. The resulting food is then kneaded out by a group of people while it is turned with a spatula. 

    This is an opportunity to get up and close with the island’s traditional culture which is only visible once a year during the festive period. Iiyachi making is an important job to the islanders, overflowing with enthusiasm and commitment to the Tanadui Festival.

     

    Price: Free

    Date: October 7

    Location: Azumaya Garden

     

    Teedun Dress-Up Experience

    Here you can try on the outfits worn by the traditional performers who participate in the Tanadui Festival. The traditional costumes are only worn during the festival and have been passed through families for generations, usually unworn by anybody who isn’t native to the island. During the experience you will be offered a commemorative photo, perfect to take home as a memory of your trip to Taketomi Island. 

     

    Price: ¥1,210 (Per group, tax & service charge included)

    Hours: 10:30 ~ 12:30

    Location: Yuntaku Lounge

     

     

    Teedun-banashi

    Here the staff will introduce you to the festivals roots, the culture that started it, and the history of the island, with photos to assist. You will be taught all about the 600 year history of the Tanadui Festival and the “Kashikusaya Utsugimi Domasaru” spirit. During the program, you can also learn about daily life on the island, full of festival excitement and traditional Okinawan scenery.

     

    Price: Free

    Hours: 20:45 ~ 21:15

    Location: Yuntaku Lounge

     

    One Moment on the Island ~Iiyacha~

    A selection of traditional Okinawan snacks will be served in the Yuntaku Lounge, offering the visitors a special moment on the island. There are two seasonings available for the sweet and simple Iiyachi: Andansuu, a sweet oil miso that is popular in Yaeyama, and shrimp salt, made from Japanese Tiger Prawns found in the beautiful oceans surrounding the island.l

     

    Price: Free

    Hours: 14:00 ~ 16:00

    Location: Yuntaku Lounge

     

    Tanadui Festival Breakfast

    Enjoy a unique Tanadui breakfast packed full of the fruits of the harvest, with millet mixed Juushii rice, Awa Miso Andansuu, and Pindako made using garlic and octopus from the island.  You’ll be wide awake with this vibrant breakfast and its auspicious menu. 

     

    Price: ¥4,235 (Per person, tax & service charge included) 

    Hours: 7:00 ~ 10:30

    Location: Dining Room

     

    Experience 600 years of history for yourself with this unique program! 

     

  • New BT21 Cafe Coming to Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa

    23.August.2021 | FASHION / FOOD

    The 9th BT21 Cafe ~Relaxing Holiday~ will be open for a limited time in six venues across Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa. If you’re a fan of these adorable LINE FRIENDS, just take a look at the menu items and goods on offer!

     

    Main Visual

     

     

    The Menu

     

    Chicken and Orange Hot Sandwich: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) 

    Grilled Vegetable Curry: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

     

    Tandoori Chicken Tacos: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Bacon: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    Mug Collection

    Combo Meals

    Pistachio and Chocolate S’mores: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

    Cinnamon Apple Pie: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

    Maple Lemon German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

    Mixed Berry German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

    Strawberry Mojito/Kiwi Mojito/Peach Mojito: ¥990 each (Tax Included)

    Coffee (Iced/Hot) / Black Tea (Iced/Hot): ¥550 (Tax Included)

     

     

     

    Original Merchandise 

     

    Pins (Random, 7 designs): ¥660 (Tax Included)

    Acrylic Keyrings (7 designs): ¥770 (Tax Included) / Clear Folder: ¥440 (Tax Included)

    Stickers (7 designs): ¥770 each (Tax Included) / Placemat (2 designs): ¥1,000 each (Tax Included)

     

    Swizzle Stick (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included) / Tote Bag: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

    Canvas Pouch: ¥1,980 (Tax Included) / Mini-towel (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included)

    Bandana (2 designs): ¥1,320 each (Tax Included) / Marshmallows: ¥972 (Tax Included)

     

     

    Customers who book a table in advance will receive a randomly selected A5-size clear folder and a random clear coaster for each drink ordered.

     

     

     

    The first installment of the 9th BT21 Cafe run, ~MY LITTLE BUDDY~, began in July 2021. The menu and goods, based on cute babies and their friends, received rave reviews. 

     

    ~Relaxing Holiday~ is inspired by summer and being outside with friends. Menu items look like what people may eat while camping, and the original character art features your favorite BT21 characters eating their favorite foods. Various soups and desserts are available in cute souvenir cups, and anything ordered is perfect for posting on social media!

    Which menu item looks the most delicious to you? 

     

    *Images for reference only. 

     

    ©BT21

  • ESTINATE HOTEL Celebrates Okinawa Branch’s 6th Anniversary With Ryu Ambe Collaboration

    27.July.2021 | FASHION / SPOT

    The lifestyle hotel chain ESTINATE HOTEL’s Okinawa Naha branch will turn 6-years-old on August 7, and to celebrate, it will hold a special event in collaboration with the character designer Ryu Ambe from August 6-15. This will be Ambe’s first-ever exhibition where his work will be sold in-person.

    Pottery in Shujiro Castle Park

     

    “Shima Map” design by Ryu Ambe to be used on posters and t-shirts

    ESTINATE HOTEL has welcomed people from all regions of Japan over the years. It has held many events including one two years ago with the theme “Meet Local” and another last year themed on “Feel Global.” This year, the catchphrase is “Hello New World” which hopes to encourage people to discover new things by meeting the locals of Okinawa through the medium of art.


    Ryu Ambe has a unique designer reminiscent of American comics. For this event, he has created the “Shima Map” which will be used on a variety of merchandise such as 30 limited-edition silk screen posters. There are also pottery pieces inspired by the sea life found in Okinawa’s oceans, amongst other art works.

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