Jon comes from a multicultural background, with family roots in Eastbourne, England, and Dallas, Texas.

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

Nago Castle Park is a hot spot for cherry blossom-viewing in the winter as thousands of visitors come to enjoy the pink blush flowers. Nago-dake, a mountain just at the back of the park, does not receive the same glory.

With the summer arriving in Okinawa, fireworks and eisa dance festivals are making their way back.

In Okinawa, King Tacos is almost like a synonym for taco rice.

Cape Maeda is a popular diving/snorkeling spot. Its Ao no Dokutsu (blue cave or grotto) sits on the bucket list for many tourists coming to Okinawa.

In Japan, pineapples grow in only two prefectures: Okinawa and Kagoshima.

Cafe Gallery Doka Doka is an Okinawan Yachimun (pottery) gallery and cafe restaurant in Onna. There are quite a few seaside cafes in Okinawa, but Doka Doka is unique in its combination of handmade pottery, tasty food and a magnificent view of the Onna coast.

Bike Race Series Kinser will take place Sunday, June 8, at the Marine Corps Installation on the west coast of Urasoe City.

Military shoppers can deck their furry companions out in their finest red, white and blue and enter for a chance to win a share of $3,000 in prizes in the Patriot Pet Just Say “Treat” Photo Contest from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Hills Pet Nutrition.