Reiwa

Emperor Naruhito Photo by 江戸村のとくぞう, Wikipedia Common
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Crowds and pomp as Japan’s new emperor to be enthroned Oct. 22

Japan’s new emperor will be enthroned Oct. 22, a day declared a national holiday. Most public offices will be closed and some public transportation will be on a weekend/holiday schedule.
Ceremony of succeeding symbols of imperial authority. Source: Wikipedia
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Get ready for 10 days of traffic, closures, crowds across Japan

If you’ve spent time in Japan, you know cities clear out and airports, train stations and tourist traps are all abuzz from late April to early May. It’s a time of year that presents “golden” opportunities to travel Japan – or to stick close to home and bask in an empty city free from the crowds and mayhem.
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Did you know?: Gengo, Japan's imperial era calendar

In Japan, we follow both the Western calendar interchangeably with the “Gengo” calendar. Gengo is the name of the Imperial era for the Japanese calendar. 2019 is Heisei 31 in Japan. On April 1st, Japan revealed the new era name as the current emperor will abdicate the throne to his son at the end of this month. Beginning May 1st of this year, the...
Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Start 2020 off right with a Japanese tradition

Although there are many “good luck foods” for the new year in this world, the majority of locals in Okinawa have only one thing in their mind New Year’s Eve: Okinawa soba.
Photo by Shoji Kudaka
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Have a happy and sticky new year on Okinawa

Given that it’s made from sticky rice, just like the Japanese rice cake, and how similar the names are, it’s understandable to assume mochi and Okinawan muchi are the same.
The Mexican Taco Burger from Captain Kangaroo on Okinawa features a chunky beef patty, melted cheese, guacamole, tomato, sour cream and chili beans. AYA ICHIHASHI/STARS AND STRIPES
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: American, Mexican

Captain Kagaroo popular with tourists and locals for good reason

Imagine a juicy meat patty blanketed by warm melted cheese, topped with delicious guacamole, crispy lettuce and a tangy tomato slice. Ladle over it a spoonful of chili sauce and sandwich it all nicely in a chewy, toasty sesame-seed bun.
Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi
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Tapioca designated as Japan’s dish of 2019

It’s official — tapioca has been named Japan’s dish of 2019. The tea drink with tapioca pearl balls has hit the country by storm, prompting Gurunavi Research Institute, a survey company, to select it for the designation.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

Enjoy traditional Okinawan cuisine at Irohatei

Anyone in search of a meal with an authentic local taste will be pleased to find Irohatei, a restaurant specializing in traditional Okinawan cuisine.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Italian

Salvatore Cuomo at Manza Beach serves authentic Neapolitan food

There are 34 locations in Tokyo alone. Here on Okinawa, ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort is the only place where people can enjoy the popular taste. But having pizza and wine on the beach is sure to match any experience at a Tokyo branch.