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

Okinawa Murasaki Mura Ryukyu Lantern Festival

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 the Ryukyu Kingdom period of Izena Island] ■ vol 3 "Reverse Field" Sakata Born into a family of farmers, Machigani was a hard worker from an early age and worked very agriculture such as rice cultivation. One year, the island was hit by a drought, and while the water in the rice fields on the island dried up, only the rice paddies of Machigani were full of water. According to one theory, the girls of the island, who were fond of the hard-working and good-natured Machigani, brought water to his rice fields every night. However, in reality, his rice fields were terraced, and the upper part of the rice field was overflowing with spring water, and the water continued to flow to the lower rice paddies, so the water never dried up. The rice fields of the other young men were large in area, but they were not blessed with water and relied on the gods, but the rice fields of Matsugane were small in area but blessed with water and rice ears. This shows that he was very intelligent. However, the young people on the island, who were usually jealous of Matsukin's popularity, accused him of being a water thief, saying, "The reason why the water does not dry up is because Matsukin is stealing from other rice paddies," and even tried to get rid of him. This is the "certain misunderstanding" described in vol. 2. Fearing for his life, Shogane decides to leave the island. This reverse rice field has been left almost in its original form, and even today it is constantly gushing out of water, and is now managed by the village board of education, where the island children's association experiences rice planting and harvesting every year. (Corona has been canceled) In this place, a poem written by the daughters of the Mido (Miyarabi) = island at that time in memory of Matsugane, who left the island, is left on the monument, and it can be read from this song monument that Matsugane was thought of by the daughters of the island. [Contents of the song monument] "I would have liked to see more of Machigani working in a short robe." It is a poem that expresses the love that the maidens of the island have for Shogane and the loneliness that he is gone.　 * Machigani (Machigani) = The name of King Shoen's youth when he was on Izena Island. * Kanamaru (Kanamaru) = The name of King Shoen after he left the island. * Shoen = The name of the king. ※美童 (みやらび) = daughter, woman

[History and cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom period of Izena Island] ■ vol 2 "Shoen-o Oniwa Park" The story of how he became the king of the Ryukyus from a farmer At the age of 24, Shokin (later King Shoen) left the island. Pointing to the main island of Okinawa, he holds an "eke" (the dialect for oars) in his right hand, and a bronze statue of him standing at that time is erected. Shogane is misunderstood by the islanders and is driven out of the island. Accompanied by his then-wife and young brother, he crossed the sea in a small boat and arrived at a district called Ginama in the Kunigami district in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. There, he lives with his brother and his wife for a while, and is taken care of by the locals, but after a while, he goes to Shuri with his brother. He became a servant of Prince Yurai, the younger brother of the 5th King of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Sho Jinfuku. At that time, he began to call himself "Kanamaru". Kanemaru, who was naturally intelligent and industrious, was soon recognized for his qualities, and Prince Koshirai strongly recommended Kanemaru to King Shokin Fuku as his servant, and in 1447 Shoen began his career as an official with the low-ranking position of retainer Akato. Here, Kanemaru demonstrated his abilities and rose through the ranks to the point of wearing a yellow hachimaki, which signified the status of a high-ranking official. Then, in 1454, when Prince Koshirai ascended the throne as the 6th king, Sho Yasuhisa, he was even more important, and in 1454 he was appointed as the head of the land (lord) of Nishihara Makiri. Five years later, at the age of 45, he was appointed to the position of in charge of the country's finances and foreign affairs, and as a result, he was on the verge of the post of three commanders, which is equivalent to the ministerial class today, but his fate changed with the death of King Sho Yasuhisa. The 7th king, Shotoku, was a tyrant, and the whole country was grieving, and Kanemaru, who could not see it, did not listen to his opinion, so Kanemaru resigned his post and withdrew to the inner part of the domain. After the death of King Shotoku, a coup d'état by his vassals occurred in the royal palace, and King Shotoku's son was disposed of. The reign of the first Sho clan was interrupted here, and the vassals recommended Kanemaru to be the next king, and eventually accepted the persuasion, and at the age of 54, Kanemaru became the king of the second Sho clan of the Ryukyu Kingdom. ■Statue production: Mutsutoshi Naka (Japan plate printmaker) 　　　　　 Kurayoshi Takara (Professor Emeritus, University of the Ryukyus) 　　　　　* Both are famous people from Izena Island. * Matsugani (Machigani) = The name of King Shoen's youth when he was on Izena Island. * Kanamaru (Kanamaru) = The name of King Shoen after he left the island. * Shoen = The name of the king.

[History and cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom period of Izena Island] ■ vol 1 "King Shoen's Birthplace Mihosojo" The site of the mansion where the person who became the first Sho clan "King Shoen" was born in 1415 in Izena Village, Moromi, and was born. Three kuba trees, three fukugi trees and three rocks are placed on the grounds. His umbilical cord is buried in one of the three rocks. It was built during his accession to the throne by Shoen's son, King Shoshin, who would become the third king. Next door to one of these places There is a well called "Shiohiraga". "Gar" means "well" in the Okinawan dialect In 1415, when Shokin, the king of Shoen, was born, the well that is said to have been used for the birthing bath remains as it was at that time. These places are the site of the mansion where the future King of the Ryukyus was born, so they are sacred places and are the most important places of worship on Izena Island.

Birthplace of the second Sho clan of the Ryukyu Kingdom, "King Shoen" "Izena Island" Next to Gyokuriku in Shuri, the Tama Palace of Izena, the tomb of the royal family ✨ Location: Izena Village It is carefully preserved as an important cultural property. Admission is free.

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.

Hello COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! Okinawa City Tourism & Promotion Association. We will send out the latest information and deals of the tropical paradise "Okinawa City". Everyone will love Okinawa even more! Stay tuned for such information! First of all, a brief introduction of Okinawa City! Okinawa City is located in central Okinawa Prefecture and is about 40 minutes by car or taxi from Naha Airport using the expressway. With a population of about 140,000, it is the second most populous city in Okinawa Prefecture after Naha City. The average annual climate of Okinawa City is 22°C, and even in winter, it rarely falls below 10°C. Okinawa City was born in 1974 by the merger of Koza City and Misato Village, and since there are US military bases such as Kadena Air Base, it creates a unique atmosphere where Japanese and American cultures mix. You can feel American-influenced music and food culture throughout the city. Let's take a look at some of the attractive sightseeing spots in Okinawa City! A 5-minute drive from Okinawa Kita Interchange is "Chura Yashi Park Okinawa Southeast Botanical Garden". It is one of the largest large-scale botanical gardens in Japan, where you can see more than 1,300 species of rare plants from the tropics and subtropics in the two areas of the "Water Paradise Area" and the "Botanical Garden Area". In addition to plants, you can interact with animals such as capybaras and squirrel monkeys, and the "Okinawa Tropical Illumination" is held from late October to late May every year. Next, we will introduce Okinawa zoo&museum, a facility that combines a zoo and a museum that children can enjoy. At the zoo, about 150 kinds of animals are on display, including exhibits of rare creatures unique to Okinawa, such as Ryukyu foxes and native livestock, and events are held where you can enjoy feeding experiences and learning about animals. At the Wonder Museum, a museum in the park, interesting science experiences and workshops are held to stimulate children's sensibilities. Every Saturday from July 22nd to August 26th, you can enjoy the night zoo "Sata ZOO Night", so please stop by. And Okinawa Prefectural Sports Park, a popular tourist spot for prefectural residents that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. On the north side, there is a sports zone with an athletic field, gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc., and on the south side, it is a regional park with bicycle rentals, auto campsites, recreation pools, and a small plaza where you can play playground equipment. At the recreation pool, which has been open since July (weekends and holidays only), you can enjoy a rotating waterslide. In addition, in the Little Plaza, there are large playground equipment where you can enjoy several types of slides such as tunnel slides and roller slides, trampolines and bouldering, which are very popular with children. At the auto campsite, food sales, rental equipment, and fuel are also sold, so you can enjoy barbecue empty-handed, so you can easily enjoy a relaxing time. If you like shopping, we recommend "Central Park Avenue"! This shopping street, which was the main street of Okinawa City, which flourished as the center of commerce, is lined with various shops with an American atmosphere, and you can enjoy everything from shopping to Okinawan gourmet. In addition, "Kozagate Street" is also an area where American culture remains strong, and it is a place where you can enjoy just looking at it because it is lined with shops full of exoticism. Recommended for souvenirs, we will introduce Okinawa City's traditional craft "Chibana Hanaori". Chibana ori is a historic traditional fabric with geometric patterns that has been made in Chibana, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture since the time of the Ryukyu Dynasty in the 18th century, and has been loved as a sunny dress for festivals such as Umaharashi (horse riding competition, men's festival) and usdek (usudai drum and women's festival wishing for a bountiful harvest). Nowadays, wallets, ties, business card holders, etc. are easy to incorporate into daily life and are also delighted as souvenirs! Among the events and festivals in Okinawa City, the largest Eisa Festival in Okinawa Prefecture, which will be held for the first time in four years this year, "Okinawa All Islands Eisa Festival" is popular. Eisa is one of Okinawa's traditional performing arts, and a dance is performed on the night of the Old Bon to memorialize ancestors. This year 2023 (Reiwa 5) it will be held from September 8 to 10. At the "Okinawa City Industrial Festival" held at the aforementioned Okinawa Prefectural Sports Park, there is a lineup of delicious foods from Okinawa City! It is enjoyed by many people, including locals. In the food area, you can taste the specialties of Koza created by famous restaurants competing with each other, and there are many other famous products produced and processed in Okinawa City. When you come to Okinawa City, be sure to check out the events. In addition, the Okinawa Marathon is a full marathon that starts at Okinawa Prefectural Sports Park and spans Okinawa City, Uruma City, Kadena Town, Chatan Town, and Kitanakagusuku Village in Okinawa Prefecture, and approximately 15,000 runners from Japan and abroad participate. You can run while enjoying the nature and culture of Okinawa City. * The Okinawa Marathon held in February 2023 has unfortunately been postponed due to the influence of the new coronavirus. When sightseeing in Okinawa City, you can choose accommodation that suits your travel style, from resort hotels to business hotels, rental villas and guest houses. If you rent a car, you can easily access not only sightseeing spots in Okinawa City but also nearby sightseeing spots, so it is also recommended as a base for sightseeing in Okinawa. Okinawa City Tourism & Promotion Association is also working to attract sports camps and training camps and promote sports tourism by utilizing the sports environment in Okinawa City. In the future, we will also introduce many sports facilities and sports facilities in Okinawa City. If you are considering holding a sports training camp or tournament in Okinawa City, please feel free to contact us. In Okinawa City, you can enjoy rich nature, delicious food, and exotic culture! We will send you the latest information and attractive information so that you can make wonderful memories in Okinawa City, so thank you!

Sueyoshi Shrine I went to "Sueyoshi Shrine" in Shuri Sueyoshi, Naha City. It is one of the same eight Ryukyu companies as the Naminoue Shrine I introduced last time. I think it is the most impactful shrine among the eight shrines. Unfortunately, everything collapsed in the Battle of Okinawa, but it was restored. The worship hall is located in a small forest and overlooks the center of Naha City. The red tiles, white plaster, and vermilion paint are vivid, and there are few people who come to worship, and it feels like a secluded area.

Naminoue Shrine It Naminoue Shrine one of the eight Ryukyu shrines in Wakasa, Naha City. In Okinawa, it is protected by Shisa, not Komainu. There is a male with an open mouth on the right and a female with a closed mouth on the left. The first visit was visited by the largest worshipper in Okinawa, and I also visited when I approached it. The Naminoue Shrine is on a cliff, and below it is a beach on the waves, and you can go to the beach directly from the side of the shrine. This also seems to be Okinawa ^^

Naminoue Shrine Naminoue Shrine is located in Wakasa, Naha City. There are not many shrines in Okinawa. Among them, there are eight shrines that have received special treatment from the Ryukyu royal government. It is called "Ryukyu Eight Shrines", and one of them is Naminoue Shrine, the most prestigious shrine in Okinawa. The worship hall is full of Okinawan feeling with red tiles, white plaster, vermilion paint, and palm trees. There are many people who come to worship, so I went early in the morning on this day and took a picture. Of course, I also finished the greeting of the shooting properly...

Hello COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! It is the Ogimi Marugoto Tourism Association! We propose a tour program that allows you to enjoy the nature and charm of Ogimi Village! In the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will introduce the tour program of Ogimi Village sightseeing along with the attractive sightseeing spots and traditional culture of Ogimi Village! First of all, I would like to introduce Ogimi Village. Ogimi Village is a village famous for its longevity located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, about 2 hours by highway from Naha Airport. It is the gateway to the Yanbaru area, registered as a World Natural Heritage Site, and has a population of about 3,200. This "Yanbaru" area consists of three villages, Ogimi Village, Kunigami Village, and Higashi Village, and there are animals and plants that are highly regarded worldwide. Then, we will introduce popular sightseeing spots and events in Ogimi Village. ・Lower community of Ogimi Ontake It is a sacred spot where about 70 large billow trees, which were designated as a prefectural natural monument in 1974, grow in clusters. It is a treasure trove of nature where you can fully enjoy the original scenery of Ogimi Village, and you may be able to see the spirit "Bunagaya" that lives in the forests of Okinawa. ・Ogimi Shikusa Park If you turn on the wooden faucet at the entrance of the Seekwasa specialized facility, you can taste the Seekwasa juice. You can tour the Seekwasa factory, and at the restaurant, you can taste cheese pizza and island vegetable salad with the aroma of Seekwasa. ・Ogimi Village Summer Festival Held every year in August, the village's largest festival hosts stage events such as tuna dismantling shows, Eisa performances, and Hawaiian dances, and the finale of the festival is a fireworks festival that colors the summer night sky of Ogimi Village. As you can see, there are many attractive sightseeing spots in Ogimi Village, but you can enjoy a special time in Ogimi Village where you can learn about the warmth of people, climate, and history through activities where you can experience nature and interact with the people living in Ogimi Village, rather than just ordinary sightseeing around sightseeing spots. We, the Ogimi Marugoto Tourism Association, recommend experiential and stay-type exchange programs. ・Experience programs that take advantage of the rich natural environment ・Private lodging program that coexists with rich nature ・Exchange programs to experience diverse cultures Based on the above three programs, junior high and high school students experience the culture of Ogimi Village through "agricultural experience," "farm life experience," "nature experience," and "cultural experience" on school trips. Private lodging and farming experiences can be enjoyed by ordinary travelers and inbound tourists alike. There are plenty of optional plans such as marine sports in Churaumi and Okinawan traditional performing arts Eisa experience, so please feel free to contact us. Beautiful scenery, rich nature, history from the Ryukyu Kingdom, traditional culture, and heartfelt hospitality. The village that contains all of these is Ogimi Village in Okinawa Prefecture. We will continue to introduce plenty of attractive information about Ogimi Village sightseeing in the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you!

Sirmichu in Hamahiga Island, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture It is said that two gods (Sirmichu and Amamichu) in Ryukyu mythology lived here and were blessed with children. Many people come to worship because of the benefit of being blessed with children. If you climb the 108 steps from the torii gate below, you will find the limestone cave. There is a sacred air in the air.