by Philbert Ono
by Philbert Ono Updated: Jan. 26, 2021 Part of an article series on Yaeyama folklore in scenic Okinawa, Japan. (八重山名勝の民話・民謡の英語訳シリーズ記事) On a recent trip to Japan’s most remote islands, the Yaeyama Islands in southwestern Okinawa Prefecture, I got starstruck and moonstruck by the night sky. While gazing at the twinkling stars above Ishigaki, we enjoyed our tour guide singing Okinawan
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by Philbert Ono Updated: Jan. 6, 2021 Part of an article series on Yaeyama folklore in scenic Okinawa, Japan.(八重山名勝の民話・民謡の英語訳シリーズ記事) “Tinsagu nu Hana” (てぃんさぐぬ花) is one of the most famous and beloved songs in Okinawa. Although the song title means “Balsam Flowers” in the Okinawan language, the song is mainly about filial piety, teaching children how much they owe their parents
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by Philbert Ono Updated: January 6, 2021 Part of an article series on Yaeyama folklore in scenic Okinawa, Japan.(八重山名勝の民話・民謡の英語訳シリーズ記事) Called tsukimi (月見) in Japanese, moon viewing has long been a tradition in Japan and Okinawa. The autumn moon has been especially revered due to its association with the harvesting of crops. In Japan, the moon is traditionally celebrated twice in
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by Philbert Ono Updated: Jan. 6, 2020 Part of an article series on Yaeyama folklore in scenic Okinawa, Japan.(八重山名勝の民話・民謡の英語訳シリーズ記事) Mt. Nosokodake (野底岳), north of central Ishigaki, is Ishigaki’s second highest mountain at 282 m. Nicknamed Nosoko Maape (野底マーペー) in Japanese, Nusuku Maape (ヌスク マーペー) in the local dialect, and sometimes Nosoko-Fuji (野底富士). Maape (pronounced Mah-pay, also spelled Mape) is the
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Everybody loves Okinawa. Named Okinawa Mensore Festa (沖縄めんそーれフェスタ), a week of Okinawan entertainment and food was held at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo during May 30-June 8, 2014. I went to see the Okinawan dances and Eisa drummers on May 31, 2014. Held at alpa’s Fountain Plaza on the B1 basement floor. Free admission. My video includes Yotsudake (classical Okinawan
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