Tsuyoshi Uechi 8th dan Isshinryu Karate
Tsuyoshi Uechi, 8th dan master of Isshinryu karate. We photographed him at his dojo in Okinawa City. His preferred weapons for kobudo are sai, which as you might expect, he wields with complete control.
All posts filed under: Okinawa
Here’s looking at you Babe.
A few porky pics, showing the love many Okinawans have for pigs. To be more precise, that love is usually when Miss Piggie is in a bowl of ramen, or a can of spam. I believe the owner of this truck sells “ham”burgers, but I would like to believe it is actually the vehicle of the Hogfather a superhero that saves pigs that are on their way to the Okinawa Ham factory. Not sure what the police pig enforces, but I’ve heard he has no time for squealers, and he’s sometimes described as a bit of a boar.
Unjami Festival on Kouri Island, Okinawa
Yesterday, August 25th, was the Unjami Festival on Kouri Island, Okinawa. It is a time to give thanks to the gods. Wearing wreaths of ryukyu botanzuru (Clematis taiwaniana var. ryukiuensis) village elders lead the prayers and offerings. At 96 years old, Kaneshi Fusae is the most senior of the village elders. Participants and spectators at the festival received some mochi (sticky gelatinous rice cake). After offerings of paper money and Awamori rice liquor at the shrine, 79 year old Toguchi Ayako lead the way down toward the sea. More prayers as we crossed the little road that rings the island. And then finally, on a bluff over looking the ocean, Toguchi-san gave the final blessings. Kaneshi-san was all smiles, another festival completed.
Sabani Boat Race in Ginoza, Okinawa
A few shots of the sabani boat race from Kanna Beach in Ginoza last Saturday. Scorching sunlight made for a sweaty couple of hours walking on the beach. On days like this you really want to be in the water, but it was great to get some photos of these beautiful, traditional craft.
Horsing Around
Evening beach shoot with Leia and Makoto. Model – Leia Heider Horse – Makoto of Mihara Horse Club of Okinawa Assistant – Pete Leong whose presence literally brightened up my evening.
July 30, 1978
In 1972, Okinawa rejoined Japan. Six years later, on 30th July 1978 traffic rules reverted, so that once again cars drove on the left. A small memorial beside the 730 Crossing on Ishigaki island, serves as a reminder.
DOJO Bar 2nd Anniversary Party
Last night was the 2nd Anniversary of the DOJO Bar, Naha. It has become a fantastic hangout for both the local and international karate community. Because of the friendliness of the staff, the good food, and the central location it has even become a hit with mere mortals that lack a black belt or fists of steel.
Maehama Beach, Miyako Island
Dawn at the gorgeous Maehama Beach on Miyako Island. A long stretch of soft white sand in front of the excellent Miyakojima Tokyu Resort. I’ve spent the past couple of months updating the Okinawa and Kyushu chapters of the Fodor’s Japan guidebook. A lot of the job is the somewhat mundane, but necessary, checking of phone numbers, prices, times and distances. However, the morning I site-checked Maehama Beach was always going to be a good day at the office.
Miyara Dounchi House and Gardens – Ishigaki Island
Built in 1819, Miyara Dounchi House and Gardens is the oldest home in the Yaeyama region. I stood on the roof of a neighboring house to get this shot. The joy of external stairways.
Yoneko-yaki Pottery – Ishigaki Island, Okinawa
Yoneko-yaki Pottery produces the most colorful and possibly the most kawaii shisa statues in Okinawa. The workshop is just across the road from Yonehara Beach on the northern coastline of Ishigaki.
TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography 