Okinawa - Articles - Zimbio

Okinawa governor says there is 'tacit agreement' to relocate Futenma base offshore

Thu, 25 Jul 2008 18:32:32 GMT

posted by Okinawa

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NAHA -- Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima said the central government has a "tacit agreement" to relocate the Futenma Air Station offshore as sought by Okinawa Prefecture.

Nakaima's remarks, which came during a press conference at the Okinawa Prefectural Government on Friday, may stir controversy as the government has reiterated it will discuss the planned relocation of the air base with the possibility of moving it offshore but that it will be difficult to change an original plan without logical reasons.

Plans have been discussed to relocate the Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, to along the coast of Nago in the prefecture.

On July 18, the government and Okinawa Prefecture's council on the relocation decided to newly establish two work teams so the central government and the prefecture can discuss such topics as how to make the air station safe, construction plans and an environment assessment for the planned relocation.

During Friday's press conference, Nakaima said referring to the move, "My understanding is that the two work teams will be able to advance discussions as the government tacitly agrees (to relocate the base offshore)."

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Naminoue Shrine

Tue, 23 Jul 2008 07:46:27 GMT

posted by Okinawa

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Naminoue Shrine (Naminoue-gu) is a Shinto shrine located on a bluff overlooking the East China Sea in Naminoue, not far from present-day Naha Port.

The exact date of Naminoue’s construction is not known, but it was built during the reign of King Sho Kinpuku (1449–53). At the time, Japan was introducing Shinto to Okinawa and working to push out the local, mystic religion. Thus, the Ryukyu king ordered the construction of the Eight Shrines of Ryukyu, most of which were paired with a Buddhist temple. (Over the course of time, the Japanese have merged aspects of Shinto and Buddhism into their belief system. From the former they took ceremonies and prayers related to life, while the latter gave them ceremonies and rites associated with death.) The Eight Shrines were Naminoue-gu (with Gokoku-ji), Okiū (with Rinkai-ji), Shikina-gu (with Jin'ō-ji), Futenma-gu (with Jingū-ji), Sueyoshi-gu (with Henshō-ji), Asato Hachiman-gu (with Jintoku-ji), Ameku-gu (with Seigen-ji), and Kin-gu (with Kin Kannon-ji).

Each of the Eight Shrines was supported by the patronage of the royal family. When the Ryukyu government was overtaken by Japan in 1879, the shrines lost their funding. This, combined with a lack of a firm base of parishioners providing support, caused most of the eight shrines to collapse within a few years. Naminoue, however, was ranked kanpei shōsha in 1890 and thus received financial support from the Meiji government and survived into the 20th century.

In 1924, the Japanese Imperial government officially declared Naminoue to be the center for religious affairs on Okinawa. At the time, "the principal objects of veneration were symbols of four kings of Ryukyu (Shunten, Sho En, Sho Nei, and Sho Tai) and of Tametomo." The latter was supposedly Shunten's father, a descendant of the Minamoto family, which was founded by Emperor Seiwa. So, in establishing such objects of veneration, the Imperial government "hoped to encourage Okinawans to think of their own royal house as a branch of the imperial house of Japan"—a large task following assimilation.

Naminoue Shrine has been rebuilt on several occasions, notably after a fire in 1633 and after the Battle of Okinawa. The current incarnation was built in December 1993.

Approaching Naminoue, guests first pass under a large torii. At shrines, these large gate-like structures act as a border between the outside world and the sacred world of the temple. On the walk uphill, guests pass dozens of toro. These freestanding lanterns were each purchased for the shrine by individuals, families, or corporations; the name of the donor is inscribed on the lantern. At the end of the row of toro is a small parking lot and a multipurpose building. Guests must then pass under another torii. (At New Year’s, this torii often has a stoplight placed atop it to control the flow of human traffic passing to the shrine.)

Just past the torii and to the left is a temizu, or washing station. Practitioners of Shinto believe that by cleansing the body, one cleanses the soul. Using a cup on the end of a rod, guests wash their hands and sometimes their mouths. Directly to the left are two small shrines that are specific to Naminoue. One is Ukishima Jinja and the other is Yomochi Jinja. (Ukishima is the former name of the Naminoue area. Yomochi Jinja is a shrine to Saiyon, the man who brought sugarcane and potatoes to Okinawa.)

The foremost building of the shrine is the haiden. This is where the most common ceremonies (such as purification ceremonies, or harae) and worship occur. Under the eve is a large rectangular offering box into which people throw money (heihakuryo). Those offering prayers to the kami (spirit) throw money into the box, bow twice, clap twice (loudly), pray, bow once, and walk away. The area beyond the offering box is off-limits to all except those involved in ceremonies. Before crossing the threshold to this portion of the haiden, guests must wait as a priest waves the haraigushi (a stick with strips of paper attached) above their heads to drive away evil spirits.

Located directly behind the haiden is the honden. This building is believed to be the home of the kami of Naminoue Shrine. (Most shrines are the home of certain kami. Originally, Naminoue was considered the home of Kumano Gongen. Today, the shrine is primarily dedicated to the kami Izanami.) Considered the most sacred space at Naminoue, the honden is used for the year’s most important ceremonies. As a general rule, it is off limits to laymen not participating in such ceremonies.

Behind the honden is a small limestone outcropping, the original utaki of Naminoue Shrine. Utaki are sacred religious sites to which, Okinawans believe, deities descend and communicate with the living. This utaki, which sits high on a bluff and looks over Naminoue Beach and the East China Sea, remains behind lock and key, inaccessible to most. Long ago, residents believed that it was the terminus of a bridge that connected Okinawa Honto to a mystical island called Nirai-Kanari, where ancestors lived.

To the right of the honden is the shamusho, or shine management office. Here, ceremonies are scheduled and the daily affairs of the shrine are managed by a cadre of kannushi (priests) and miko (young female assistants generally of high-school age). Here, guests can also purchase various amulets (omamori) said to bring love, success, fertility, good fortune, and so on. Omikuji (paper fortunes) are available in English and Japanese. Literature about Shinto is also available in English.

To get to Naminoue Shrine, head south on Highway 58 from Camp Foster toward Naha. After passing Tomari Port, follow the signs for Naminoue Shrine.

Naminoue Photos

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Chatan

Mon, 15 Jul 2008 07:57:21 GMT

posted by Okinawa

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Chatan Town is located in the central portion of Okinawa, bordered by Kadena Town to the north, Ginowan City to the south, and Okinawa City, Kitanakagusuku Village, and Futenma to the east. Chatan is particularly well known to Americans on the island, as the presence of three bases (Kadena Air Base, Camp Lester, and Camp Foster) within the town’s borders gives it a very western feel.

The kanji for Chatan translates to mean “northern valley,” and humans are thought to have lived in the area for more than 5,000 years. Remains of a small castle (gusuku) built on a hill not far from Camp Foster’s Spot Gate are still discernable, and excavations throughout the town have yielded artifacts from this and previous millennia.

Chatan can be broken down into four main parts, the northernmost of which is Sunabe. Located on the East China Sea, Sunabe includes the small communities of Minato, Hamagawa, and Miyagi. Running along the coast is a large seawall known to many simply as Sunabe Seawall. Since many of the homes and businesses in Sunabe were constructed on reclaimed land, the wall was built to protect them from dangerous ocean swells caused by typhoons. A large number of Americans live in Sunabe due to its close proximity to the bases. Thus, there have been numerous restaurants, cafes, and izakayas opened in the area.

Additionally, Sunabe is particularly well known among scuba divers and surfers. Neophyte divers often complete their entry-level certifications in the area, as there are several points of easy access along the seawall. As a general rule, currents around the seawall are minor, and conditions at Sunabe dive sites are often favorable when other dive locations on the island are not. Surfers can often be seen in shoulder seasons and just before typhoons, when the ocean waters are more turbulent and good waves are present.

Just south of Sunabe is Mihama. This seaside commercial park developed when the former military base known as Camp Kuwae was returned to Okinawa Prefecture by the U.S. military in the 1980s. Chatan Town quickly developed plans to reclaim part of the coastline and construct a large commercial zone that became known as American Village. Today, American Village is the central portion of Mihama. Designed to mimic a seaside park in coastal southern California, the area is popular with local residents and tourists alike, who come to shop in its boutiques, eat in its restaurants, and enjoy its entertainment venues (such as a bowling alley, movie theater, and Ferris wheel). The Village is particularly lively on weekends, when street performers take over the boardwalk in front of the Ferris wheel and showcase their skills during various performances, the subjects of which range from break-dancing and BMX stunt riding to using diabolos and singing. Just behind the village are the luxurious Beach Tower Hotel and Sunset Beach, and to the south is Chatan Sports Field, where the Chunichi Dragons, a Japanese professional baseball team, hold their spring training each year.

Just south of Mihama is Kitamae, a community that includes the hamlets of (north to south) Hamby, Araha, and Iha. Stretching over what used to be Hamby Air Field (an auxiliary American airfield built after World War II and returned to the town in 1981), this settlement is better known today for its high concentration of restaurants and izakaya. Hamby is home to the Hamby Free Zone, which is most vibrant on weekend nights, when local vendors join the area’s cadre of businesses and put up stalls along portions of the main thoroughfare. The street takes on the atmosphere of a nighttime flea market, with residents milling about looking for good deals and enjoying an evening outside. The more southerly Araha is best known for Araha Beach and “Pirate Ship Park.” The large wooden ship play-structure is actually a replica of the Indian Oak, a British ship that wrecked off the coast of Chatan in 1840. (The crew was cared for by the Okinawans, who also helped them build another boat in which to return to Britain.)

The final portion of Chatan is a small, landlocked area bordered by Kadena Air Base to the north, Camp Foster to the south, Highway 58 to the west, and Highway 330 to the east. It includes the communities of Kuwae, Yoshihara, Yamauchi, Omura, Yagibaru, Minamitobaru, Ihei, Tamagami, Kamisedo, Simoseido, and Zukeran. Less commercialized and more community-oriented, this portion of Chatan contains many of the city’s residences and schools, as well as landmarks such as Yoshihachi Sushi Bar, Chatan Town Office, and Chatan Community Center.

Chatan Photos

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Chatan Town Map

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Okinawa Convention Center

Mon, 15 Jul 2008 07:57:21 GMT

posted by Okinawa

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The Okinawa Convention Center is major civic center used for local and international events and is located in the western portion of Ginowan City.

The Convention Center was designed by architect Yukio Otani and opened to the public in September 1987. Composed of three adjoining buildings designed to represent the sky, sea, and caves of Okinawa, the complex houses an exhibition hall, theater, and convention facility. It is easily recognizable to residents because of its high, arched green roof.

Numerous events are hosted at the Center every year, such as auto shows, ikebana shows, and international conventions. The center has hosted the Worldwide Uchinanchu Conference twice, as well as the Asia Music Pageant. It is also one of the two primary home courts for the Ryukyu Golden Kings, Okinawa’s only professional sports team and one of the newest teams in the Japan Basketball League.

Not far from the Convention Center are the ever-popular and amenity-rich Tropical Beach, a marina, and several resort hotels.

To get to the Okinawa Convention Center, exit Camp Foster’s Kitamae (Commissary) Gate and turn left. Turn right at the first light. Follow the signs for the Convention Center, continuing straight for several kilometers and passing San-A on the right. The Center will be on the right, and its entrance is marked by a large torii.

Ginowan Photos

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Molotov cocktail hurled at U.S. consulate general in Okinawa

Mon, 15 Jul 2008 07:57:21 GMT

posted by Okinawa

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URASOE, Okinawa -- A Molotov cocktail burst into flames on the premises of the U.S. Consulate General here in the early hours of Monday, police said.

Local police suspect that someone hurled the Molotov cocktail onto the premises of the consulate.

At around 1:15 a.m. on Monday, a man who was at a shopping center neighboring the U.S. Consulate General in Urasoe saw fire come up from the compounds of the diplomatic establishment and someone on a black motorcycle speeding off, local police said. He immediately alerted police.

The fire partially damaged the concrete covering the ground and the lawn on the premises. Glass fragments were scattered around the scene. Nobody was injured.

Police are investigating a possible link between the incident and controversial statements made recently by U.S. Consul General in Okinawa Kevin Maher about a U.S. base in the prefecture.

At a regular news conference on Friday last week, Maher said he did not think that U.S. Futenma Air Station that the Okinawa Prefectural Government demands be shut down was particularly dangerous. He also raised questions about why the municipal government in the area permitted the construction of buildings around the base.

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