All posts filed under: Okinawa

Ryukyu flying fox / Ryukyu fruit bat (Pteropus dasymallus)

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A couple of pics of a Ryukyu flying fox that was taking a nap in one of our garden’s trees. We often see them flying around in the evening, but they don’t usually sleep in the trees right next to our house. The Ryukyu flying fox is a species of megabat, their wingspan is about 1.4 meters and they can weigh up to 500 grams. There’s no chance they are going to try and grab our cats, as they mainly eat fruits and flowers.

Denny Tamaki – Governor of Okinawa & student of Uechi-ryu karate

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Denny Tamaki has been the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture since August 2018. 2018年8月から沖縄県知事に就任した玉城デニー氏。 After becoming governor, Tamaki began studying Uechi-ryu karate under Yoshimitsu Matsusaki, of the Uechi-Ryu Karate Karate-Do Kenyu-Kai. Tamaki explained he started studying karate both for its health benefits and because of its cultural significance to the Okinawa Islands, the birthplace of karate. 知事就任後、玉城氏は上地流空手道を上地流拳優会の松崎賀充先生に師事する。玉城氏は、空手の健康効果と、空手発祥の地である沖縄諸島の文化的意義の両方から空手を習い始めたと説明した。 The Uechi-Ryu Karate Karate-Do Kenyu-Kai is now led by Kiyohide Shinjo Sensei, and I have photographed many of its masters. Although Denny Tamaki is a relatively new student of karate, as the Governor of Okinawa, he is the chairman of the Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai, and is chair of the committee to inscribe Okinawan karate on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.     上地流拳優会は現在、新城清秀先生が主宰し、私は多くの師範を撮影してきた。 玉城氏は空手の門下生としては比較的新しいが、沖縄県知事として沖縄電燈空手道振興会の会長を務め、沖縄空手のユネスコ無形文化遺産登録委員会の委員長も務めている。 In December 2023, I had the opportunity to attend the end of year training for the Matsusaki dojo, and photograph Denny Tamaki for the Karate Masters Portrait Project. 2023年12月、私は松崎道場の年末稽古に参加し、空手マスターズ・ポートレート・プロジェクトのために玉城デニー氏を撮影する機会を得た。 Although it was a cold blustery day in December, Denny Tamaki and Matsusaki Sensei were happy to head down to the beach for some final training, and a few more …

Parts Unknown – Okinawa

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In 2015, I had the amazing opportunity to work with the team producing the Okinawa episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. I worked as a fixer & location scout before filming, and Yuki worked as crew interpreter during filming. It was a fascinating experience and I’m glad that Bourdain was able to see some of what makes Okinawa so interesting. The full episode is now available on YouTube, and it’s nice to rewatch and see friends such as James Pankiewicz, Tetsuhiro Hokama, and Kenny Ehman featured in the show. You’ll even spot Yuki buying the famed egg sandwiches in a Lawson convenience store. Watching the episode is now bittersweet after the passing of Anthony Bourdain, but I’m glad that with the whole series now available on YouTube, more people will discover the show, and Bourdain’s love of food and travel. And just in case you don’t spot it.

Michael Mosley

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It is sad to hear the news that the British writer, TV presenter, and broadcaster Dr. Michael Mosley passed away in Greece early this week. He is most famous for his books and shows explaining the science behind healthy living. In 2022, he came to Okinawa with the BBC Science Unit to film a section for the series “Secrets of the Superagers.”

Sanguwacha Festival, Henza Island, Okinawa

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Sanguwacha Festival is held each year on Henza Island, Okinawa, Japan. The traditional rituals combine the practice of cleansing in the ocean with prayers for a bountiful harvest and safe fishing. Two large paper fish are carried by teams of local school children through town and then out into the ocean. The elderly residents at the village’s day service came out to wave as the procession went past. At low tide, everyone was able to wade across through thigh deep water to the nearby island. There the local priestess gave a blessing over offerings of awamori, fruit, and containers of diced octopus. Back on the main island the women danced and sang as the giant paper fish made their way back to the village. A fantastic experience to get in amongst the action, using a wide angle lens to capture the scene. (Sony A7RIV with a 16-35mm lens)

Okinawa green tree frog – Zhangixalus viridis

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While working in the garden cutting back the shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) I came across this cute Okinawa green tree frog (Zhangixalus viridis). Jasmine was interested to see the frog with its giant sticky toes, and bright yellow eyes. I got a few pics and video with the iphone before going back and getting the big camera. The Okinawa green tree frog is a  rhacophorid frog endemic to the Ryukyu Island chain. It is not uncommon, but although I hear a veritable frog chorus when it rains, I only occasionally come across them in the garden.

2023 Highlights

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2023 was a year of consolidation and preparation. Travel was limited, but the months were filled meeting fascinating people, and documenting their stories. The biggest change was Jasmine turning five. She has graduated from baby seats to booster seats, Duplo to Lego, and Paw Patrol to Bluey. My mum and dad visited in autumn, and it was great to reconnect. Yuki was amazed at just how many cups of tea we drank. 2023 saw the return of several major events in Okinawa, including the dragon boat races, competitive sports, and local festivals. I’ve met so many wonderful people from all different backgrounds. It was a pleasure to meet, photograph, and interview the Māori martial arts master Tuari Dawson. Recording him singing on the beach was unforgettable. I’ve continued my project to document the masters of Okinawan karate, shooting both indoors on the black background and on location. The Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate series has grown in popularity with hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and Instagram. Series Two has included Okinawan icons such …

Shinugu Festival, Ada Village, Kunigami

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The Shinugu Festival in the tiny hamlet of Ada, is a celebration of traditions, with hopes for good health and a good harvest. Denny Tamaki the governor of Okinawa, attended the festival for the first time. (Second person on second row, standing next to guy in the green shirt.) The lady in the picture below told me she had to wait 2 more years to be 100. Full of life, every time she referred to herself she touched her nose with her drumstick. She bossed around all the younger ladies in the group. Young ladies who were only in their 70’s or 80’s.

Ryukyu Guardian Lions v Taipei Predators

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On July 1st 2023 the Ryukyu Guardian Lions took on the Taipei Predators in an off-season American football game. I had the opportunity to shoot from the sidelines, and be up close to the action. I used a couple of Sony A7RIVs with the 200-600 and the 16-35 lenses. I managed to get they key shots I wanted which included the quaterback 藤原 慶太 throwing the ball, and defensive line Gabe Edwards shutting down the opposition. Wide receiver 池口 伸之 had a fantastic run to score a touchdown that sealed the game. As RGL won the game it was also good to photograph the celebrations, and gett pics of both teams. You can find more information about the team at https://ryukyuguardianlions.com