Quick Okinawa Info
Events Overview |
Updated on : March 31, 2005 |
Offering a wealth of events in addition to ones based on traditional observances
There are big events that come from time-honored traditions, like the Naha Hari (dragon-boat races). There are activities and observances that are not really events, but which tourists can attend. Huge multi-faceted events that originated in or are connected to Okinawa's traditional culture include the "Great Ryukyu Kingdom Festa" procession and festival, and the Great Naha Tug-of-War. The World of Island Songs fest is a great gathering of Okinawan musicians. Eisa and lion dances allow performers in various locales to compete in traditional arts performances.
Bullfights are another traditional event. People in Okinawa have enjoyed these as a pleasant pastime since ages past, and they have hardly changed over the years. The Tanadui harvest festival on Taketomi Island and Miyako Island's Pantu are venerable traditional observances not really intended as events or spectacles. They are open to tourist spectators, but as these are deeply meaningful rituals or observances spectators should take care to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
Besides tradition-based activities, a host of music and arts events are held throughout the year. The Peaceful Love Rock Festival and Japan Reggae Festa feature major artists in live outdoor performances. You can also enjoy all kinds of music on the small stages of folk music bars and live houses. Okinawan musicians also perform at expositions like the Orion Beer Festivals and the Outer Island Fair.
As for sports, Okinawa's mild winters make it an excellent venue for spring training. Baseball teams from Japan and Korea have their training camps in Okinawa, and individual athletes train here as well. There are also plenty of amateur sports events such as the triathlons on Ishigaki and Miyako Islands, the Naha Marathon, and many more.
Okinawa Prefecture also strives to become a full size conference island. The G8 Summit Heads of State and Government Meeting was held in northern Okinawa's Nago City from July 21-23, 2000, the first such meeting hosted by Japan to take place outside Tokyo. The Bankoku Shinryokan Hall was the main venue for the summit. In Ginowan City, the Okinawa Convention Center houses many conferences, exhibitions and sports conventions, amongst others.
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