2023. At the Shuri Castle Reconstruction Festival

Introducing the posts of the "Izena Island Tourism Association" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account official account! The village of Izenason, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, is located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa and consists of three uninhabited islands. "Shimano Illumination 2023" will be held at Rinkai Fureai Park from December 9th. The harmony between nature and illumination is a must-see. ◆Shimano Illumination 2023◆ 【Period】2023/12/9〜2024/1/19

Gorilla Chop 🦍 This one is located in Okinawa Prefecture 　　　　　　　"Gorilla Chop" This rock, which resembles a gorilla, is said to have been formed naturally. It is located along the national highway, and you can't see it just by looking at it normally, but you can see it well when you see it from the front. Be sure to 🤣 visit Location: Okinawa

History and Cultural Heritage of Izanami Island during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era ■vol.3 "Sakata" Machigani, born into a farmer's family, worked hard from childhood and devoted himself to rice cultivation and other farming. One year the island suffered a drought and every paddy dried up, yet only Machigani's rice field remained full of water. One story says the island girls who admired his diligence and good looks carried water to his field every night. The reality, however, was that his field was terraced: a spring gushed at the upper terrace and the water flowed down to the lower paddy, so it never dried up. Other young men had larger fields but lacked water and relied on prayers, while Machigani's small, water-rich field yielded ears of rice. This suggests he was sharp-minded. Still, jealous youths who resented his usual popularity accused him, saying, "The reason his field never dries is that he is stealing water from other paddies," and they blamed him as a water thief, even plotting to get rid of him. This is the "misunderstanding" described in vol.2. Feeling his life was in danger, Machigani decided to leave the island. This terraced field remains almost in its original form and springs continuously even today. The village board of education now manages it, and each year the island's children's association experiences planting and harvesting there. (Activities were suspended during the COVID-19 period.) On the site, a monument bears a poem composed by the island's miyarabi—young women—who remembered Machigani after he left. The monument reveals that Machigani had drawn affection from the island girls. Contents of the monument "We wished we could have watched Machigani working in his short garment for a little longer." The poem expresses the maidens' love for Machigani and their loneliness after his departure. ※Machigani = the name of King Shō En during his youth on Izanami Island. ※Kanamaru = the name Shō En used after leaving the island. ※Shō En = the name he took when he became king. ※Miyarabi = maiden, young woman

History and Cultural Heritage of Izena Island from the Ryukyu Kingdom Era Vol. 2 “King Sho En’s Garden” — The Story of How a Farmer Became King of Ryukyu At 24, Matsugane (the future King Sho En) leaves the island. Pointing toward Okinawa Island, he holds an eeku (the local word for an oar) in his right hand. A bronze statue imagining his stance from that time stands there. Matsugane was driven away from the island because of a misunderstanding with the locals. Taking his wife at the time and his young brother, he crossed the sea in a small boat and reached the Ginama area in Kunigami, the northern part of Okinawa Island. He lived there for a while with his brother and wife and was cared for by local people, but after some time he set off for Shuri with his brother. He became a retainer of Prince Eiso, who was the younger brother of King Sho Kinpuku, the fifth king of the First Sho dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Around then he began using the name Kanamaru. Bright and hardworking from the start, Kanamaru soon gained recognition for his talents. Prince Eiso strongly recommended Kanamaru to King Sho Kinpuku, and in 1447 Sho En began his career as a servant with the low-ranking post called akadachi. Here Kanamaru demonstrated his abilities and rose through the ranks until he wore the yellow headband that signified high official status. In 1454, when Prince Eiso acceded as King Sho Taikyu, Kanamaru gained further favor and was appointed jitō (local lord) of the Nishihara magiri (district) in 1454. Five years later, at age 45, he assumed responsibility for the kingdom’s finances and foreign affairs, putting him on the verge of the Sanshikan, a ministerial post equivalent to a modern cabinet minister. However, fate shifted with the death of King Sho Taikyu. The seventh king, Sho Toku, proved a tyrant and plunged the country into sorrow. Kanamaru pleaded with him, but the king would not listen, so Kanamaru resigned and withdrew to his estate in Uchima. After King Sho Toku’s death, a coup by royal officials removed the crown prince, ending the First Sho dynasty. The officials then recommended Kanamaru as the next king. Convinced, he accepted and at age 54 became the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom under the Second Sho dynasty, known as King Sho En. Bronze sculpture by Mutsu Naka (Naka Mutsumi), a Japanese板版画 artist Kurayoshi Takara, Professor Emeritus, University of the Ryukyus *Both are notable figures from Izena Island.* *Matsugane (Machigani)* — the name used by Sho En during his youth on Izena Island. *Kanamaru* — the name Sho En used after leaving the island. *Sho En* — the name he took when he became king.

History and Cultural Heritage of Izanami Island during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era Vol. 1 “Mihoso Place: Birthplace of King Sho En” This is the site of the former residence where the man who would become King Sho En of the First Sho Dynasty—known locally as Nishinumachigani (North Matsukane)—was born in 1415 in the village of Moromi, Izena Village. Three kuba (screw pine) trees, three fukugi (Garcinia) trees, and three stones stand within the grounds. One of those three stones is said to contain his umbilical cord buried within it. This site was constructed while Sho Shin—his son and the third king—was on the throne. Right next to this mihoso house is a well called Shiohira Gaa (Sunjagaa). In Okinawan dialect, gaa means well. The well believed to have been used as the newborn bath for Matsukane, later King Sho En, when he was born in 1415 remains as it was at that time. Because these places mark the site of the house where a future Ryukyu king was born, they are regarded as sacred and stand among Izanami Island’s most important places of worship.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video, nice to meet you! We are the Izena Island Tourism Association. Izenami Island lies north of Okinawa’s main island. The island’s coastline measures 17 kilometers, and you can drive around it in about 20 minutes. The village of Izena in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, consists of the main island Izena and three uninhabited islets: Yagaji Island, Gushikawa Island, and Furuji (Orikami) Island. The population of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture, was 1,322 at the time of the 2020 survey. The island is also known as the birthplace of King Sho En, the first king of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In this first post, we introduce Izena Island and highlight its attractions, sightseeing spots, and activities. ■■Sightseeing spots on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Futamigaura Coast (a dramatic view of two neighboring Gitara rocks) “Gitara” means a sheer rock or cliff. The prominent rocks on the sea and on land are called “umi Gitara” and “agi Gitara.” The approximately 1-kilometer-long Gitara Coast hosts many of these sea and land Gitara formations. With the pairing of sea Gitara and land Gitara and the pleasing arrangement of broadleaf trees, this coast has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches. Also in the Gitara Coast area, Mattera Beach is a hidden gem with white sand and crystal-clear blue water. A campsite is available there as well. ◆Gitara Observatory Located in the Gitara Coast area, the Gitara Observatory is a popular lookout point. It offers a rare panoramic view of the two opposing sea and land Gitara formations. At night, the starry sky and town lights are a must-see. ◆Izena Castle Ruins The Izena Castle Ruins sit 70 meters above sea level in the southeast of Izena Island. They are said to have been built in the Gusuku period (11th–14th centuries) by Samekawa, the ancestor of King Sho En. The site rises in a pyramid shape with cliffs on three sides, and it was once called an impregnable fortress. From the summit of the Izena Castle Ruins you can enjoy spectacular ocean views. At the foot of the ruins stands Izena Tamaudun, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. ◆Izena Beach (Izena no Hama) On the island’s south side, this beach opens onto cobalt-blue waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming and camping, with toilets and showers available. ※From July 2023, some areas are closed due to coastal reinforcement work. ◆Shoen-ō Oniwa Park (Park commemorating King Sho En) This park opened in 1996 to commemorate the 580th anniversary of King Sho En’s birth. Visitors still come to Shoen-ō Oniwa Park frequently. The park includes Sunjaagar, the tidal spring said to have been used as King Sho En’s baby bath. It’s a sightseeing spot where you can feel the history of the Ryukyu kings. ◆Mekaru Family Residence The Mekaru family residence, designated as a nationally important cultural property, was the home of the direct line of the Mekaru family. Because it escaped war damage and was well preserved, it was rebuilt in 1906 (Meiji 39). ◆Samuree Path The Samuree Path is a 2-kilometer ancient road used from the 12th to 13th centuries as the only living route connecting the Izena settlement with the island’s southwest. In the Ryukyuan dialect, “Samuree” refers to warriors associated with the royal family. The path’s siliceous rock paving resembled the footprints of warriors, which is how the Samuree Path got its name. The Samuree Path also served as a pilgrimage route for the Mekaru family, relatives of the Sho clan, when performing the ancestral grave-visiting ceremony called the Kōji Shimeisai (shīmī). It links to Izena Tamaudun, the royal tomb. ◆Shirasagi Observatory Facing the sea, Shirasagi Observatory offers wide views of Gitara Coast (Futamigaura) and the ocean. It’s a popular viewpoint where you can also see the Izena Castle Ruins and Yagaji Island. ■■Activities on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Bicycle rentals Because Izena Island is mostly flat, renting a bicycle is a great way to tour the sights. Enjoy the island as you ride through its tranquil scenery. ◆Diving and snorkeling With its clear waters, Izena Island is perfect for marine activities. You’ll find coral reefs, luminous caves, and plenty of underwater attractions. Beginners to advanced divers can all have a great time. ◆Sea fishing Izena Island has many good spots for catching black sea bream (kurodai). The Izena Island Tourism Association’s official website publishes an Izena Island fishing map, so please make use of it. ■■Gourmet information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Awamori Awamori, produced throughout the Ryukyu Islands, is also brewed on Izena Island. Please enjoy the mellow flavor of locally produced awamori. ◆Izena-style Okinawa soba You can enjoy Okinawa soba made with plenty of mozuku seaweed, or noodles made using rice grown on Izena Island—unique local takes on Okinawa soba. ■■Festivals and events on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Izena 88 Triathlon This is Izena Island’s largest event, drawing about 600 athletes each year. Anyone aged 18 or older and in good health may participate regardless of nationality. The intense 7-hour competition is a sight to behold. ◆Unna Festival Unna is Izena Island’s traditional festival praying for a bountiful rice harvest. The event features dramatic displays such as tug-of-war with a giant rope, the snai match fought on carried boards, and Okinawan-style sumo tournaments. ■■Accommodation information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ Izena Island offers a variety of lodging, including hotels, minpaku guesthouses, and guesthouses. You can choose places that overlook the beach or stay in cozy, homey accommodations to suit your preference. ■■Traditions of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ One of Izena Island’s charms is a tradition called Ihyajutee. Ihyajutee means “the people of Izena are compassionate.” Historically, islanders welcomed visitors from elsewhere without distinction and shared the bounty of their catches, a longstanding hospitality tradition. You can still experience Ihyajutee on the island today. Hosts may invite you into a garden where tea waits on the engawa veranda; you can sit, sip tea, listen to island stories, and enjoy slow, relaxed time—the unique hospitality of Izena Island. ■■Access information to Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆By private car From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours, then take a car ferry from Unten Port (Nakijin Village) for about one hour. ◆By taxi From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours (fare: about 16,000 yen). From Nago city to Unten Port about 25 minutes (fare: about 2,400 yen and up). You can also use buses and express buses from Naha Airport. For details, please check the Izena Island Tourism Association official website. On Izena Island you’ll find rental shops for cars, bicycles, and mopeds. They are useful for sightseeing. We will continue sharing information about Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, so thank you for your continued support!

Taking a stroll through a village in Okinawa where the traditional landscape still remains is a lovely idea.

The birthplace of Shō En, founder of the Second Shō dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom: Izena Island Following Shuri’s Tamagusuku, Izena’s Tamaudun is the royal mausoleum and the family tomb of the royal house✨ Location: Izenason It is carefully preserved as a designated Important Cultural Property of the prefecture. Admission is free.

The inhabited island in the background is Izena Island, and the uninhabited island in the foreground is Yanaha Island.

An island where you can see a heart-shaped coral reef ♡

Izanami Island #shima Illumination 2023 is being held again this year! Look forward to it ☆ミ A night where Izanami Island’s starry sky meets the illuminations #shima Illumination 2023 Period: December 9, 2023 – January 19, 2024 Lighting hours: 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM Location: Rinkai Fureai Park, right by Nakata Port

A harvest prayer festival held in four hamlets on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture In 2024, the festival is scheduled to take place in each hamlet on July 20, July 27, July 30, and August 3.

Shisa / Sumanume Okinawa soba restaurant / At the entrance of the Okinawa soba restaurant "Sumanume" in Kokuba, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, five Shisa Okinawan guardian gods from Majin demons are guarding the shop. If there are 5 of these powerful Shisa, even Seriously won't be able to enter with this! ^^

Soki soba Okinawa soba noodles / Sumanume / I ate Okinawa soba at the soba restaurant "Sumanume" in Kokuba, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture ^^ This is a place I often go to, and it is a super popular restaurant that has been renovated from a traditional Okinawan tile house old folk house. There are different types of Okinawa soba noodles, but this time I ordered Soki soba and juicy cooked rice, which are loved by all the people of the prefecture. Soki is pork ribs with bones. The soup is a bonito stock with a light and gentle taste. Stable deliciousness! It was a treat! By the way, Suma Nume is the name of the shop Suma Shioma-ya Nu no Mee Mae.

Palm Tree Road / It is along the coast of Palm Tree Road in Toyosaki, Tomigusu City, Okinawa Prefecture. The sea was calm and relaxing. It's not a meteorite! ^^ Contrails!

Palm Tree Road / It is a palm tree road in Toyosaki, Tomigusu City, Okinawa Prefecture. There is a promenade on the left side, and it is great to take a walk while looking at the sea. ^^ Runners also feel good~

Palm Tree Road / I went to Palm Tree Road in Toyosaki, Tomigusu City, Okinawa Prefecture. On this day taken on November 25th, the weather was good, and Okinawa still feels good like this ~^^ It takes about 15 minutes from Naha Airport. A great spot to relax!

I summoned Shisa to Okinawa. This is Cape Zanba Park in Okinawa Prefecture. A huge Shisa watches over the 🤤 town of Okinawa

It was a day with a beautiful sunset °˖✧◝⁰▿⁰◜✧˖°

The warm hospitality of the fathers and mothers of Izanami Island. Their cooking is so delicious that its flavors linger in your memory long after you return...

＼November events on and around Izena Island／ We're showcasing events both on and off the island! [Off the island] Sat, Nov 11 — Charity performance by the Izena Village Friends' Performing Arts Association. [On the island] Sat, Nov 11 — Tour de Okinawa (Izena Island leg). [On the island] Sun, Nov 19 — 36th Izena 88 Triathlon. [On the island] Thu, Nov 23 (Holiday) — Izena Village Health Fair & Shimazora Flea Market. [Off the island] Fri, Nov 24 — Remote Islands Fair 2023. [On the island] Sat, Nov 25 — Drag Race 2023 in Izena Island. November is packed with events!

Nagahama Beach, Nago City, Okinawa I came to this sea that I found by chance 5 years ago, and there are many beautiful seas in Okinawa, but it is a quiet beach with few tourists and few people.

Ancient procession Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri in front of Shureimon / This is a scene of an ancient procession at the "Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri", one of the three major festivals in Naha City held on Culture Day in Shuri, the birthplace of Ryukyu culture. It is a reproduction of the procession of the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom visiting three temples under Shuri Castle to pray for the well-being of the country. It is as if you have traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty, and you will parade under Shuri Castle from the Shuri Castle Main Hall through the Shureimon Gate. I play an instrument called "cow bra". It has a bass like a tuba, and then a high note like a trumpet with an instrument called a "horse bra".

Ancient procession Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri in front of Shureimon / This is a scene of an ancient procession at the "Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri", one of the three major festivals in Naha City held on Culture Day in Shuri, the birthplace of Ryukyu culture. It is a reproduction of the procession of the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom visiting three temples under Shuri Castle to pray for the well-being of the country. It is as if you have traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty, and you will parade under Shuri Castle from the Shuri Castle Main Hall through the Shureimon Gate. The King and Queen.

Ancient procession Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri in front of Shureimon / This is a scene of an ancient procession at the "Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri", one of the three major festivals in Naha City held on Culture Day in Shuri, the birthplace of Ryukyu culture. It is a reproduction of the procession of the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom visiting three temples under Shuri Castle to pray for the well-being of the country. It is as if you have traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty, and you will parade under Shuri Castle from the Shuri Castle Main Hall through the Shureimon Gate. It was very elegant and very good ^^ The regent, the three priests, walk in the lead.

Introducing the post of the "Kumejima Visitor's Bureau" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Kumejima Kume Island is the fifth largest island in Okinawa and has a warm climate throughout the year. The entire island is designated as a prefectural natural park, and the beach is also popular as a diving spot. You can also explore the coastline in a sea kayak.

Introducing the post of the "Ginoza Village Tourism Association" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Ginoza Village, Okinawa Prefecture is a village located in the center of Okinawa Prefecture. Surrounded by the highly transparent sea and lush greenery, there are plenty of scenic spots. Activities at Hangna Beach include jet skiing and banana boating.

Hello everyone! Autumn is approaching, and it's getting cooler and cooler. Speaking of autumn, the autumn of exercise! When you come to Ginoza Village, why don't you join the cycling tour "Castle in the Sky Kyari Dum Dam"? Your guide will guide you through the cityscape, history, and culture of Ginoza Village, where the nature-rich Kanna Dam and Okinawa-like original scenery are located. There are also plenty of photo spots such as Kanna Dam and Kanna Beach, which are inspired by Okinawan castles. ✨ ♪ Join us with 😊 your friends and family. For details, please see the Ginoza Village Tourism Association website.

Nice to meet you all! Kumejima Visitor's Bureau. Kumejima, Kume Island a remote island in Okinawa with a population of about 7,300, is home to beautiful nature and rich culture. The Kume Island is located 100 km west of the main island of Okinawa, and access to the Kumejima is about 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport on the main island of Okinawa to Kumejima Airport 7 flights a day. Kumejima Airport from Haneda Airport takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes. In addition, the ferry can be taken from the main island of Okinawa "Naha Tomari Port", Via Tonaki Island, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to Kume Island Kanegusuku Port or about 3 hours by direct Kume Island flight. There are 1~2 ferries per day, so please be careful when using them. There are four ways to get around the island: town buses, rental cars, taxis, and bicycle rentals. You can rent a car from the airport if you make a reservation, and please check the reception desk of each company in the airport arrival lobby. There are town buses that go around the island clockwise and counter-clockwise, the Airport Line, the Shimajiri Line, and the Kagiyama Line, and the Airport Line mainly operates according to the flight time, so you can easily use it. The Kume Island is about 23km and can be circled in about 3~4 hours by bicycle. The Kumejima has a number of fascinating sights. In this post, we will introduce some of them. The ruins of the Gusuku period scattered throughout Okinawa are called "Gusuku castle". Chinese ceramics are sometimes unearthed from Gusuku, and it is a spot where you can feel the remnants of the era when trade with overseas was thriving. Located at the top of Mt. Uejodake, "Uegusuku Castle Ruins" is the ruins of a castle built at the highest point in Gusuku. From the summit, you can see the entire Kume Island and it is also a superb viewing spot. "Gushikawa Castle Ruins" is a gusuku located on a limestone hill along the coast. It is also a nationally designated historic site, and Gusuku is characterized by a castle wall that mixes limestone and andesite. Next, we will introduce the beaches where you can enjoy the beautiful sea of Okinawa. "Ara Beach" is a hidden gem spot like a private beach surrounded by mountains. There is no doubt that you will be impressed by the beauty of the mysterious sunset as well as in the daytime! Shinri Beach, a beach with gentle waves, has an atoll right off the coast, and you can see the atoll up close at low tide. Since it is close to the airport, it is possible to watch airplanes take off and land. In addition, if you apply to the town environmental conservation division, you can use it as a campsite for free. "Mifuga Rock" on the shore of Yamatodomari is a tourist destination that means "female rock" in dialect. There are strangely shaped rocks created by the wind and tide, and it is a popular spot that is said to be a blessing for children. At Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan, you can observe the dyeing techniques and works of traditional Kume Island pongee, and you can also enjoy weaving and dyeing Kume Island pongee. The Kume Island Museum is a museum where you can experience the history and culture of Kume Island, and holds permanent exhibitions of "Kume Island Nature and Culture" as well as special exhibitions. Next, we will introduce information on activities that you can enjoy in the Kume Island full of nature. The "Maine Beach", "Nakano Beach", and "Hatinu Beach" floating in the northeast of the Kume Island are collectively called "Hatenohama", and you can enjoy various marine activities! There are plenty of diving spots in the Kume Island for beginners to intermediate divers and above. Recommended for beginners, "Manta Station" is a popular manta ray encounter spot. You can enjoy Black Manta watching up close. In addition, the diving spot "Tombara", which is representative of the Kume Island with a huge rock height of about 50 m, has a maximum depth of 30 m, which is suitable for intermediate skiers and above, and the tide is strong, but it is also an attractive spot because there is a possibility of encountering schools of migratory fish, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, etc. You can also explore the beautiful ocean world on a snorkeling tour. You can also enjoy the charm of Kumejima by strolling along the coastline in a "sea kayak" where you can enjoy the surrounding scenery while paddling on the sea. There is also a two-seater kayak, so you can enjoy it even with children. At the "Kume Island Horse Farm" where you can enjoy interacting with the horses, you can enjoy horse play that can only be experienced here! You can also use the "Umi Uma Asobi" to enter the sea while riding a horse, as well as your favorite horse play and a back menu on request. Yajiyagama Cave, the longest limestone cave in the Kume Island, which is about 800 meters long, offers year-round exploration programs. Depending on the program, you can explore the mysterious limestone cave in about 1 and a half ~ 2 hours. Don't miss the gourmet food of Kumejima! Kumejima is also famous as a shrimp farming pond. The quality is highly evaluated by the industry, and it is also certified as a "base production area" by Okinawa Prefecture. The season is December ~ May. In addition, sea grapes and awamori are also delicious specialties. It is also a perfect souvenir for Kume Island. Kumejima is a place where you can spend a rich time through contact with nature and cultural experiences. We will give you the best information to make your trip to Kumejima enjoyable. Thank you for your continued support!