Summer in Okinawa "Eisa" / Speaking of summer in Okinawa, it is "Acer". On July 7th, I went to the Okinawaya Eisa Festival held on Kokusai Street. Eisa is a dance to send the spirits of ancestors to the other world on the Kyu-Bon, and it is an event in which people parade around the village while beating large drums and drums and dancing with their hands on the song sanshin. We also pray for the safety of each family and the safety of their families. The performance of jumping in the second half of the performance was a masterpiece! After this, we will make many jumps. In the heat, this performance is amazing! It is the biggest attraction of the Sakaeguchi Youth Association. At this time, it started to rain, but the performance was completed safely until the end.

Summer in Okinawa "Eisa" / Speaking of summer in Okinawa, it is "Acer". On July 7th, I went to the Okinawaya Eisa Festival held on Kokusai Street. Eisa is a dance to send the spirits of ancestors to the other world on the Kyu-Bon, and it is an event in which people parade around the village while beating large drums and drums and dancing with their hands on the song sanshin. We also pray for the safety of each family and the safety of their families. The boy in the lead was dancing on the side of the road last year, but this year he took the lead and pulled me along. It has become reliable. ^^) I hope that this child will grow up and carry on the traditions of Okinawa. The sound of the Drums heard nearby is powerful and really touches my heart.

Nursery school and community center coexist "Asato Hachimangu" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, "Asato Hachimangu" (Asatomachi Mangu). On this day, I was doing a great exorcism of Xia Yue, so I went through a circle made of straw. ^^ When prayer, take off your footwear and go up the stairs of the Main Shrine. Shoes are strictly prohibited ^^

Nursery school and community center coexist "Asato Hachimangu" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, "Asato Hachimangu" (Asatomachi Mangu). Restrooms available in the residential area of Asato, Naha City, with a nursery school on the left side of the photo and a community center on the right. Restrooms available in the Precincts, and behind it is a high-rise apartment building and a gap that is amazing w I think it's a sight you can't see anywhere else. Depending on the time of day, nursery school children are playing in the Precincts^^ "Asato Hachimangu" is the oldest of the eight Ryukyu shrines and was founded in 1466. It was destroyed by fire during the Battle of Okinawa, but was restored in 1993 (Heisei 5). It is also close to Kokusai Street, so please stop by when you are nearby. You can hear the cheerful voices of the children ^^

Wishes come true "Shikinamiya" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. Restrooms available are shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, and they are called the Ryukyu Eight Shrines. One pigeon never leaves the Torii (shrine gate)! Even if you get closer... Are you waiting for God? I felt something very auspicious. (^^)

Wishes come true "Shikinamiya" / Ryukyu Hachisha It is one of the eight Ryukyu shrines in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. Restrooms available are shrines that received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government, and they are called the Ryukyu Eight Shrines. Restrooms available has a legend in Shikina Shrine, and there is a cave behind the Main Shrine. A long time ago, a woman named Ōama Shirarei found a cave that emitted a mysterious light at night, and found a binzuru in it, and her wish came true because she deeply believed in it. In addition, since he cured the illness of the son of the king of Ryukyu at that time, it is said that he founded the Shikina Palace there. The Main Shrine was built around the 16th century. The pre-war building was built in the style of Sangensha and was roofed with main tiles, but it was burned down in the Battle of Okinawa, rebuilt in 1968 (Showa 43), and rebuilt in 2013 (Heisei 25) to become the current structure. I went to Shikinagu for the first time ^^ I also went to see the cave behind the Main Shrine, but it's a pity that the gate is closed, and it seems that the cave door opens on the 1st and 15th of every month and you can go inside. It is also known as the Power Spot.

Two Ryukyu kings sleep in "Urasoe Yodo" / Urasoe Ruins of the Castle It is "Urasoe Yodo" in Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture. Here is the tomb where the two Ryukyu kings are buried on the rock wall of Urasoe Ruins of the Castle. It was devastated in the Battle of Okinawa, but was restored in 2005 (Heisei 17). "Yodo" is a Ryukyu word for "yunagi" and means when the evening waves and breezes calm down. By the way, Urasoe Castle is a castle that was burned down during the invasion of the Ryukyus by the Satsuma army in 1609. Next to this Urasoe Yodo (in the back of the photo) is Hacksaw Ridge. Now it is covered with trees and looks gentle, but at that time it was a place where fierce fighting was fought on the cliffs.

Shuri Castle Park and Shuri Castle under restoration / Shuri Castle is said to have been built around the end of the 14th century by the first king of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shohashi. It is a unique mixture of Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan cultures. In fact, Shuri Castle was burned down three times during the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Battle of Okinawa and this time, for a total of five times. However, it has been preserved with the passion of the people. I think Shuri Castle is a symbol of Okinawa. I Can't wait to see it again ^^ It is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / Visiting the site inside the bare roof I saw the restoration work of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in October 2019, because it is a special Opening to the public and you can Visiting the site during the period. The craftsmen of the palace carpenter are working hard to rebuild. But it was a pity that I couldn't see the craftsmanship because it was a Sunday. Okinawa has many typhoons, and construction is carried out in a temporary building called a "bare roof" to prevent rain and wind. The main hall is completely covered, so it's very big ^^ This is the face of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which is being restored in the center of the temple. I'm looking forward to seeing a dragon on top of this. It is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / Visiting the site inside the bare roof I saw the restoration work of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in October 2019, because it is a special Opening to the public and you can Visiting the site during the period. The craftsmen of the palace carpenter are working hard to rebuild. But it was a pity that I couldn't see the craftsmanship because it was Sunday. In Okinawa, there are many typhoons, and construction is carried out in temporary buildings called "bare roofs" to prevent rain and wind. The main hall is completely covered, so it's very big ^^ This is the roof part at the top, and at both ends of this 3-meter dragon sits as the guardian deity of the main hall. By the way, the pillars of the main hall are made of Cypress trees from Nara Prefecture, and the scent of Cypress trees is good. It is expected to be completed in 2026.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / In October 2019, Shuri Castle burned down overnight. Currently, construction work is being carried out in this temporary building called "bare roof" for reconstruction. There are many typhoons in Okinawa, so we work to prevent rain and wind. I remember when I saw Shuri Castle burning on TV in the middle of the night, I couldn't believe it was real and didn't say anything、、、 it's been about four and a half years since then, and I'm steadily rebuilding it. The place where I am photographing is called "Azuma no Azana" (A Gari no Azana), and it is a viewing platform located on the easternmost side of Shuri Castle Park and at the highest Elevation. From here, you can panoramic the cityscape of Shuri, the East China Sea, and the city of Naha. Shuri Castle seen from here will be on the back side, but I'm looking forward to its majestic appearance again ^ ^

The road to the main hall of Shuri Castle / Shuri Castle Park Walk along this street to the main hall of Shuri Castle. So far, you can come in for free. Okinawa is Ume Plum Rain and it is a pity that it rained on this day, and the main gate that you can see at the far end is the main gate "Kankaimon" that enters Shuri Castle, and you will dive through 6 gates including the gate of Shuri Castle.

The World Heritage Site "Sonohiya Takemitake Stone Gate" is a prayer gate / I went to Shuri Castle in Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. As soon as you pass through the gate of Morirei, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sonohiya Takemitake Stone Gate. It is a gate built in 1519 and is used as a place of worship for the royal family, and it is said that when the king went out from Shuri Castle, he prayed for safety on the way at this stone gate. This gate is not a gate for people to pass through, but a sanctuary spreads out behind the stone gate and is a place to pray. The stone gate was destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa, but was restored in 1957. Most of Okinawa's valuable buildings have been destroyed in the war. A precious heritage to protect!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Sacred place, Saiba Ontake This sacred site, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, is located in a natural environment full of lush trees, and is said to be the place where the highest ranking priestess of the Ryukyu Kingdom prayed for the nation. Originally, it was a sanctuary where men were forbidden, and it is said that some places of worship in Saiba Ontake were given the same names as the rooms in Shuri Castle, which shows the roles of male and female societies that form the two sides of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the strength of their ties. The location of this photo is the innermost place of worship "Sangui", which exists further back in the triangular space created by two huge boulders. On this day, it was raining and windy strongly, but the weather improved on the way, and by the time we arrived at Sankori, the sun was shining brightly. The light is so strong that the sunlight filtering through the trees creates a clear contrast pattern on the ground. As the sea breeze shook the trees, a strong light flew into the viewfinder, but I didn't care. Flares, ghosts, and large glows, usually NG as photos. But this is a sanctuary. I felt that my heart was shaken by the overflow of light. The photographs, which should have been unusual, were engraved as vivid memories.

Traditional Crafts Ryukyu Glass / Okinawa World It is a Ryukyu glass workshop located in Okinawa World in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. You can take a closer look at how craftsmen make Ryukyu glass. This is a process in which glass is placed in a kiln and melted at a high temperature. Ryukyu glass was first made after the war using discarded bottles of cola and beer that were drunk by the U.S. military stationed in Japan. It is characterized by air bubbles trapped in the glass and colorful colors. You can also experience glassmaking in this workshop. Traditional crafts that can only be found in Okinawa - I will experience them when I go there today.

Former Kiya Takeshi Family Residence / Okinawa World Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town Okinawa World is located in Nanjo City in the southern part of Okinawa Prefecture. It is a registered tangible cultural property located in the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where red-tiled kominka houses that recreate the townscape of the Ryukyu dynasty are lined up. It is a private house built in the late Meiji era, and it is a building that miraculously survived the ravages of war in the most intense place during the war. (It was moved here from its original location.) It is now used as a hands-on workshop. There were quite a few people who experienced it ^^ It is a valuable building that I would like to preserve in the future.

Former Kiya Takeshi Family Residence / Okinawa World Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town Okinawa World is located in Nanjo City in the southern part of Okinawa Prefecture. I went to the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which reproduces the townscape of the Ryukyu Dynasty era lined with red tile kominka, which is a registered tangible cultural property. The building in the photo is a private house that miraculously survived the ravages of war and was the site of the most intense ground battle of the Pacific War. On the pillars on the side of the corridor, the scars of shells received during the war were still vivid. (The building was moved here from its original location.) Since it was relocated, it has been used as a hands-on workshop. A very valuable building that tells the history of the Battle of Okinawa, I want to preserve it for a long time.

World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle Ruins Wall Illumination / Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival / Nakijin Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site located in Nakijin Village in northern Okinawa Prefecture Japan's earliest cherry blossom festival started here in the northern part of the country. I went to see the beautiful cherry blossoms at night and the fantastic illumination of the castle walls, but the cherry blossoms were still in bloom for 3~5 minutes. The cherry blossoms in Okinawa are called Kanhizakura and are dark pink. It usually blooms in mid-January ~ early February. I didn't get a shot of the cherry blossoms and the city walls, but I hope to be able to introduce them next time when the cherry blossom front moves south to the south.

World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle Ruins Wall Illumination / Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival Nakijin Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site located in Nakijin Village in northern Okinawa Prefecture Japan's earliest Sakura Festival is also held, and it will be lit up during the period. It was a pity that Sakura bloomed for 3~5 minutes, but (tears If it was cloudy and sunny on this day, I think the starry sky would have been beautiful.

World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle Ruins Wall Illumination / Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival / Nakijin Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site located in Nakijin Village in northern Okinawa Prefecture The Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival is being held now, and the illumination of the castle walls is a sight to behold. Colors such as blue, pink, and green color the castle walls and are beautiful ^^ It would have been better if it had been sunny...

World Heritage Site Nakijin Castle Ruins Wall Illumination / Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival / Nakijin Castle Ruins, a World Heritage Site located in Nakijin Village in northern Okinawa Prefecture Japan's earliest cherry blossom festival started here in the northern part of the country. I went to see the beautiful cherry blossoms at night and the fantastic illumination of the castle walls, but the cherry blossoms were still in bloom for 3~5 minutes. The cherry blossoms in Okinawa are called Kanhizakura and are dark pink. It usually blooms in mid-January ~ early February. I didn't get a shot of the cherry blossoms and the city walls, but I hope to be able to introduce them next time when the cherry blossom front moves south to the south.

Yachimun (Tsuboya yaki) / Tsuboya yaki Yachimun dojo There is a Tsuboya yaki and Chimun dojo in a quiet place where the original scenery remains in a side street from Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha City. It is built of wood on old-fashioned Ryukyu red tiles, and a big Shisa is guarded in front. ^^ Here, you can make not only yachimun, but also shisa. There were many people who experienced it, and it seemed to be fun to hear their laughter. If I have the chance, I would definitely like to make my own Shisa!

Ryukyu Indigo Dyeing Fabric / Okinawa Craft Forest It is an Okinawa craft forest in Tomigusuku, Tomigusu City, Ryukyu indigo dyeing experience workshop. A dye called mud indigo is made from a plant called Ryukyu indigo, and you can experience weaving using yarn dyed with it. It has been used as one of the dyes for various traditional textiles in Okinawa since the Ryukyu Dynasty. I will weave the yarn using a hand-made loom, but at first I had a hard time getting the point, but it turned out quite well ^^ (It's a coaster) I would be happy if there were people who would support Okinawa's traditional crafts through this experience corner.

Yachimun (Tsuboya yaki) / Tsuboya Yachimun Street It is one of the traditional crafts of Okinawa "Yachimun". Pottery is called yachimun in the Okinawan language. In Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Tsuboya, Naha City, there is a shop with a new design that is also liked by young people from traditional designs. Yachimun is characterized by a strong and delicate painting on a thick and sturdy model. The shop is Guma Guwa, which has a very stylish exterior and is popular for its designs with plant and animal motifs. When I stopped by the other day, I bought a small plate on impulse ^^ I hope that the traditional craft "Yachimun", which has been around since the Ryukyu Dynasty, and the traditional shape and beauty will be inherited in the future.

Yachimun (Tsuboya yaki) / Tsuboya Yachimun Street It is one of the traditional crafts of Okinawa "Yachimun". Pottery is called yachimun in the Okinawan language. In Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Tsuboya, Naha City, there is a shop with a new design that is also liked by young people from traditional designs. Yachimun is characterized by a strong and delicate painting on a thick and sturdy model. The shop is Guma Guwa, which has a very stylish exterior and is popular for its designs with plant and animal motifs. When I stopped by the other day, I bought a small plate on impulse ^^ I hope that the traditional craft "Yachimun", which has been around since the Ryukyu Dynasty, and the traditional shape and beauty will be inherited in the future.

Okinawa Murasaki Mura Lantern Festival