OKINAWA

Travel

Azaela Festival returns March 1-22 in Higashi-son

Although cherry blossom season may soon come to an end in Okinawa, it’s just the beginning for some of spring’s other beautiful blossoms.

Food & Drink

You’re the chopsticks to my sushi!: Craft easy, kawaii Japan-themed Valentines

Do you love sushi? Or Valentine’s Day? How about Sushi Valentines?! We are currently living in the land of sushi and Japan goes crazy for Valentine’s Day.

Food & Drink

You know Valentine’s Day, now get to know Japan’s White Day

In the West it’s common practice for men and women to exchange gifts on February 14th. But in Japan, women are the ones to make the first move.

Travel

Top 6 amazing places people proposed around Japan

Going on holiday is always an exciting time, and you come back with beautiful memories and an urge to come back.


Latest Stories

Photo Of Your vote counts!: Time to vote for the Best of the Pacific 2026

Best of Pacific

Your vote counts!: Time to vote for the Best of the Pacific 2026

It’s a new year and it’s time once again to turn your attention to the yearly tradition unlike any other – Best of the Pacific voting season!

Photo Of Deadline for America’s 250th Anniversary Youth Essay Contest Feb. 16

Education

Deadline for America’s 250th Anniversary Youth Essay Contest Feb. 16

Join Stars and Stripes in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America by entering our youth essay contest for a chance to win $100 and get published.


Videos


More Stories from Okinawa

Photo Of Job Opening at Stars and Stripes: Multimedia, Digital, and Programmatic Sales Contractor

Community News

Job Opening at Stars and Stripes: Multimedia, Digital, and Programmatic Sales Contractor

Are you an experienced sales professional with a passion for multimedia and digital sales? Stars and Stripes is looking for independent contractors to join our team, working in Guam, mainland Japan, Okinawa, and Seoul, Korea.

Photo Of 7 Japanese romance movies that’ll break your heart (in a good way)

Travel

7 Japanese romance movies that’ll break your heart (in a good way)

Japanese romance cinema is known for capturing love in its most fragile, fleeting forms. These films don’t just tell love stories; they explore the bittersweet intersections of timing, memory and fate.

Photo Of VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese: Is this an obligation chocolate?

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Speakin’ Japanese: Is this an obligation chocolate?

Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching. It may seem strange, but in Japan, Valentine’s Day is the lady’s day to confess her love. On this day, women give chocolates (often homemade ones) to men to express their love and admiration.

Photo Of Diving in Okinawa: Explore mysterious underwater ruins in Yonaguni

Travel

Diving in Okinawa: Explore mysterious underwater ruins in Yonaguni

Are you an adventure-seeker with a passion for history and diving? Then get ready to explore one of the world’s most mysterious underwater sites—Yonaguni!

Photo Of Fun in Okinawa: Fishing pond park in more than just fishing

Travel

Fun in Okinawa: Fishing pond park in more than just fishing

In Japan, Tsuribori refers to ponds where you can enjoy fishing without even going to sea.

Photo Of Fun in Okinawa: A look at Shuri Castle’s neighboring area

Travel

Fun in Okinawa: A look at Shuri Castle’s neighboring area

Though repairs and renovations won’t be completed until 2026, most of the castle is still open to the public and the area surrounding this impressive castle is home to many fun attractions.

Photo Of VIDEO: Take tastebuds on Italian holiday with perfect pasta pomodoro recipe

Food & Drink

VIDEO: Take tastebuds on Italian holiday with perfect pasta pomodoro recipe

If cooking isn’t your forte, but a nice meal is something you want to try to master, try pasta pomodoro! With a variety of tomato sauces available in your local commissary or grocery store, this dish is easy to cook and a tough one to mess up.

Photo Of The best Japanese citrus fruits to eat

Food & Drink

The best Japanese citrus fruits to eat

Full flavor profiles and serving recommendations

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