GALLERY — OKINAWA, JAPAN, JULY 2009
Having spent almost 18 months in the fascinating cosmos of Okinawa, a final highlight of my stay was my father and sister's visit in July. Written by Melanie Petrak.
Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba — Makishi Public Market
Temples and Shrines around Naha
Visit to the World War II Japanese Navy Headquarters
Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba — Makishi Public Market
牧志公設市場 (まきしこうせついちば) One of the centers of gravity of said universe is Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba, the central market of Naha, colorful and dazzling as shapes, noises and fragrances unfold before your senses. Having said that, one may expect a fishmarket to smell fishy in a slightly unpleasant way. Not here, the smell is one of cleanliness, yet not that of a clinical one. Very pleasant indeed.
Heiwa Dōri — Peace Street
平和通り (へいわどおり) With Heiwa Douri being the major lane of the area, the whole maze of alleys and narrow streets is referred to as Heiwa Shopping Center. It embraces Kousetsu Ichiba and holds many more surprises in store, a truly magical place.
Tsuboya Pottery District
壺屋 (つぼや) In nearby Tsuboya's streets you breathe the air of a mystical and ancient Okinawa, full of gods and stony witnesses of time. Pottery has a centuries-long tradition in Okinawa, and Tsuboya has been a major centre of pottery on the island. The origins of Okinawan pottery can be traced back to the early 17th century when Korean potters were invited to Ryukyu (present-day Okinawa) from Satsuma to teach Korean style pottery making; replacing imports from neighboring countries such as China and South East Asia.
One of the well-known family of potters who have performed this craft for generations is the Takaesu-Family. Visitors can watch potters in action in one of their several workshops. As Mr. Takaesu Shōhei is also a member of the Shinjinbukan Dōjō, I had one more reason to stop by and chat at their shop. Ikutouen.
Visit to Shuri Castle
首里 (シュリ) A sight no visitor should miss is Shuri Castle. So, obviously, the New-York/Augsburg-delegation stopped here to admire the wealth and splendor of the Ryūkyū-kingdom.
These old stones are still impressive, however many times I come back.
Eisā Dancers
エイサー Eisā is one of the traditional dances from the Ryūkyū islands normally performed around mid-July and other festivals throughout the year. (depending on the lunar calendar). This tradition goes back many centuries; it would mark the end of the Obon Festival and be performed by 20-30 dancers to the accompaniment of singing, chanting, and drumming by the dancers, and folk songs played on the sanshin.
You will see various styles in terms of costumes, usually according to local tradition. Modern version will often be brightly-colored and feature a characteristic, colorful Ryūkyū-style knotted turban
Temples and Shrines around Naha
御寺 (おてら) Otera — Buddhist Temple.
神社 (じんじゃ) Jinja — Shinto shrine.
Ancestor worship plays an important role in Okinawan life. The indigenous religion is interwoven with Japanese Buddhism and Shintoism. Therefore, you will find Otera (Temples) and Jinja (Shrine) that display very unique Okinawan features.
Visit to the World War II Japanese Navy Headquarters
Okinawa suffered greatly during the last (and longest) battle of WWII. The island was flattened and the population decimated. The former Japanese Navy Headquarters' tunnels are now a site of memorial and remembrance.
Nature around Naha
Even in postwar concrete Naha you do not need to look far to find nature:
Image 1 — Gajumaru (ficus microcarpa). It is omnipresent and home to the Okinawan fairytale creature Kijimuna who will play tricks to those who rest under Gajumaru's branches.
Image 2 — Adan (Pandanus odoratissimus). It is part of the autoctonous species and it resembles a pineapples. Adan's spiny leaves inflict pain but are traditionally dried and used to braid adan zouri, sandals.
Image 3 — Acacia. Often mistaken for Okinawa's prefectural symbol and representative tree, the deigo (Erythrina variegata, tiger claw), this type of acacia is far more widespread than the deigo and the only feature they have in common is red flowers.
Image 4 — Papaya. The next picture shows a delicacy: Papayas, used even before their maturity for stir fries and salads. In the background another iconic Okinawan plant: the ubiquitous hibiscus, that contributes so much the perception of Okinawa as a tropical paradise.
Image 5 — Okinawa no Shīsā, also known as Shīsā lions hardly ever seen in naturam, and their less evasive relative, Okinawa's cute street cats.
Image 6 — The specimen shown in the bottom corner, also referred to as Chibi Chan (a.k.a. Tanuki) has reportedly been seen in New York City and Augsburg, Germany.
Okinawa Churaumi Suizokan — Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
沖縄美ら海水族館 (おきなわちゅらうみすいぞかん)
Churaumi is Okinawan for "beautiful sea". The aquarium approximates Okinawan underwater wonders to the non-diver. Definitely worth a trip.
Emerald Beach
A white coral sand beach, very close to the aquarium. According to their website "This is the only beach in Japan that is located within a lagoon and the water has been "AA" approved, providing a beautiful and clean bathing spot". And bathe we did.
Bibi Beach
Bibi Beach, Bibi written 美々, this kanji meaning beauty. A beautiful beach indeed, as are all beaches on this island.
