Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Naha The Capital City of Okinawa, Japan (Photos)

It isn't the largest Capital City I've seen but, Naha Okinawa has everything you'd expect to see when you go to any big town and maybe, a few things that would surprise you.  Here is a six photo sneak preview.



There's the OLD, like this wooden-framed, tile-roofed Mom and Pop Store which sells pottery.



There's the NEW, like the International Avenue (Kokusai-dori) with all the trappings and traffic you'd find in any city.



Fashion Shops where women can look at dummies wearing the latest over-priced garments.



There are all sorts of foods to eat, fast food, slow food, foreign foods, steak houses, noodle and ramen joints, cookie and candy shops, health food and junk food.  I like the local food.


Music?  Of course, every city has some sort of music and Naha has it all.  You can hear the latest Pop, Hip Hop, Jazz, Japanese Rap, or whatever they call that stuff young kids do.  Or, you may here some American 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and even newer stuff being piped through speakers in any one of the hundreds of stores, restuarants, coffee and tea shops lining the streets.

But, when I put on my Sunday-best to visit the city, I like to get off the main drag and stir up some of the local talent, like this Zukeyama Dude, I met.  He's playing a Sanshin but, it's not like the typical Sanshin (samisen) you've seen me post here, before.  This is a Sanshin made from an old cookie can.  It's called a Kankara Sanshin.



One of the things every Capitol City around the world should do is CLOSE DOWN MAIN STREET EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON LIKE WE DO IN NAHA OKINAWA, JAPAN.

That way, everybody could forget about spending all their money on over-priced junk and and get out in the street to do important stuff, like jumping jacks, or something, the way these girls did for the camera.

There's plenty more to see in Naha but,  I guess, I'm turning into more of a stay-at-home-traveler so, I don't get down that way very often. 






14 comments:

Doc said...

"Fashion Shops where women can look at dummies wearing the latest over-priced garments."

I don't know why but when I first read that line in your post to myself it came out:

"Fashion shops where women can LOOK like dummies BUYING the latest over priced garments."

I guess you can tell I'm married huh!?

RyukyuMike said...

Hah, I shoulda said, "places where you can see dummies wearing and buying the latest over priced garments". That would have cleared up the confusion. Maybe?

Unknown said...

I keep trying to remember where I found you Mike. As long as you keep your white beard I'll keep asking you back....(laughing here)

Great shots, and thanks for being part of the fun!

RyukyuMike said...

LadtE,
Oops !
I lost a chugging contest last nite and the beard has to get cut. I'll try and save a few of the white hairs so ya still recognize me !

Leigh said...

I can feel a twisted ankle coming when I look at the ladies dancing with nylons and heels.
Great set of photos - particularly like the contrast of colour in the first shot.

RyukyuMike said...

Leigh,
Thank you. The gals in heels were helping some movie star, or comedian film a commercial. They're all office ladies and store clerks from the area.
I just happened to be on the scene when they started jumping !

strux said...

I LOVE the shot of the people dancing in the street! How fun!!

Cathy Sweeney said...

Sounds like a place I'd like to visit. All very nice shots -- especially like jumping girls pic! What's that wonderful-looking dish in the food pic?

RyukyuMike said...

Strux,
Yeah, I kind of favor that luchy shot, too. You don't see something like that everyday.

RyukyuMike said...

Cathy,
Thank you. The food dish was something called Bbq Chicken Donburi. It's a huge bowl of rice with salad, egg and juicy-tender chicken on top. I just had that last Sunday and am thinking of heading back downtown to have it again this week!

Unknown said...

A perfect place of fun, shop,food and lots of fun. I licked the street dance. It made my mood.

RyukyuMike said...

Check,
Glad you enjoyed and hope you visit again!

Unknown said...

You got some good stuff bro, like your downtown Naha stuff; you encourage me to starting posting again:)

RyukyuMike said...

JRsorrow,
Glad to hear you became inspired to start posting. Holler at me whenever you do and, I'll go take a peek !