OKINAWA

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MY FAVES: Night views in Japan

Hang around long enough and you’ll notice that in Japan’s cities, the hustle and bustle often continues on into the night.

Photo Of The Army Ladies Dragon Boat Team wins by a razor-thin margin against the Navy Ladies Dragon Boat Team at the Dragon Boat race in Nahashin Port, Okinawa.

Travel

The Thundering Beat: Reflections on Okinawa’s Dragon Boat Races

A surge of adrenaline, the rhythmic clash of oars, and the deafening roar of the crowd are the hallmarks of the Okinawan Dragon Boat Races.

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Rules for riding e-scooters in Japan

With the recent uptick of violations and accidents involving e-scooters in Japan, I realized it might be time to catch up on the rules and regulations of using these vehicles.

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Speakin' Japanese: Mother’s Day chatter

Japanese celebrate Mother’s Day on second Sunday of May, just like Americans. So, this year on May 12 when you present your Mom’s with some flowers, card or other gifts, surprise her with a little Japanese. Happy Mother’s Day to all our loving and hardworking moms!

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VIDEO: Fun on Okinawa: A crafty day in Onna Village

On a sunny autumn day, I headed to Onna Village. I have been there many times the past few years for activities such as snorkeling near Cape Maeda and water obstacles at Manza Beach. This time, however, I was in the mood for something crafty.

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Quick trip to Okinawa's beautiful Miyagi Island

Past Henza Island, the road will lead you to Miyagi Island, formerly known as Takahanari Jima, or “a high and distant island” in Okinawan dialect.

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VIDEO: Okinawa's Nakagusuku Castle offers wonderful veiw

High above the shimmering blue sea, the ruins of Nakagusuku Castle offer a stunning view of both the eastern and western coasts of Okinawa’s main island.

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Quick trip to marvelous mangroves on Okinawa

On a Monday morning in late September, I hit the road and headed north. With the end of Japan’s State of Emergency being in sight, it was finally starting to feel okay to enjoy some outdoor activities.

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VIDEO: Okinawa’s Okuma Beach offers great lodging, fun activities

On Okinawa there are many beaches perfect for a fun day, but Okuma Beach managed by Kadena FSS is one you won’t want to miss.

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Bios on the Hill in Okinawa offering special kids events until May 6

As Golden Week, a series of national holidays similar to spring break, kicks off on mainland Japan and Okinawa, it’s time to enjoy the weather and some outdoor activities.

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Check out Naha Dragon Boat Race May 3-5 on Okinawa

The 50th Naha Dragon Boat Race will bring colorful boats shaped like mythical creatures rowed by teams competing to be the best May 3-5.

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VIDEO| Speakin' Japanese lesson: Health and happiness on Japan’s Children’s Day holiday

In Japan, we celebrate Children's Day (May 5) by hanging up carp streamers called "Koinobori" to wish for the health and happiness of our children.

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Did you know?: Most important Japanese holidays

The three most important holidays in Japan are o-shogatsu (Jan. 1-3), o-bon (Aug. 13-15) and Golden Week (Apr. 29 – May 5).

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