The Shuri Castle Festival - JapanUpdate.com - Okinawa News, Classifieds, Events, Culture, Forums, and more!

A 15th century castle at the heart of Okinawa’s history is celebrating this weekend, and everyone’s invited to the festival.

The Shuri Castle Festival commemorates the Ryukyu Kingdom era, which dates back to the 1600’s, when Sho Hashi used his leadership skills to bring together three Sanzan Kingdoms peacefully. Shuri Castle was the hub of royal activity, and home of 19 Ryukyuan kings for an era that spanned nearly 500 years.

Beginning tomorrow, and running through Sunday, Shuri Castle Festival will showcase the ancient kingdom’s culture and history through music, dance and drama. Friday and Saturday events unfold at the castle itself, while Sunday brings the action down the hill from Shurijo to Kokosai Street in downtown Naha.

Festival activities, organized jointly by the Shuri Castle Park Center and Ocean Expo Park, begin tomorrow at 10am, when traditional...

Could USMC Futenma stay as it is? 琉球新報～沖縄の最新ローカルニュース

Japan and the US divided over the relocation of Futenma at the meeting on realignment of US Forces in Japan.

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Gyokusendo cave

Camp Foster Fest 2005

Temperatures are cooling, and that makes a weekend of fun and games even more appealing.

The Camp Foster Fest 2005 is the perfect way to transition into the autumn season, with great food, family fun and fabulous entertainment. Marine Corps Community Services organizers are suggesting that a few hours at the Camp Foster Fest will work up an appetite for crispy fried chicken, yakitori and other tasty treats from vendors.

Children are special this weekend as the Kiddieland offers rides and games.

Something for everyone...

Tug of War pits east versus west - JapanUpdate.com - Okinawa News, Classifieds, Events, Culture, Forums, and more!

A world record stands in the balance Sunday as the Naha Matsuri plays out in downtown Naha.

Tens of thousands will join hands trying to move a 40-ton rope in the great Naha tug-of-war, an event that first made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records in 1997. The rules are simple; an estimated 25,000 men, women, boys and girls will team up with either the east or west side to shift the behemoth five meters during a half-hour competition.

An estimated 300,000 spectators will gather at Kumoji Crossing in downtown Naha for the tug-of-war, which...

Northern Okinawa, 1990