Scenic Girls’ Fashion Festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023 to be Held for the First Time in September, Popular Boy’s Group OCTPATH Announced as First Performers

02.August.2023 | FASHION / MUSIC / Uncategorized

The Okinawa Collection Executive Committee has announced the first girls’ fashion festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023. The event will be held at Umisora Park in Okinawa on September 24, 2023. The first round of performers has been announced and pre-sale tickets are now available.

 

The event will be held on the picturesque sandy beaches of Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. The area is famous for its contributions to entertainment, and the show aims to share current pop culture with both audiences in Japan and the world.

 

 ■Several influential models are scheduled to appear!

The first batch of performers include Yuina Kogawa, a model and television personality; Nana Kato, an exclusive model for Ray and LARME magazines; Ariana Sakura, an exclusive model for ViVi and a model for many popular brands; Nagomi, who also produces the cosmetics brand “GENTY,” and PyunA., an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Koakuma ageha who is set to release her first photo book in August.

 

 ■Additional guests, including popular YouTubers, will take the stage!

Guests include the popular YouTuber duo Nakonako Couple, active both online and on TV; Mukuena, two childhood friends and artists with a popular YouTube channel; Toua, a current trendsetter; Osaki, a high-schooler appearing in the People category of the JC/JK Buzzword Awards 2022; Sakura, an exclusive model for Popteen; Mika Kato, an exclusive model for nuts; and Yuichami, the younger sister of Uchami and an exclusive model for egg.

 

■The trending boy band OCTOPATH will perform!

OCTPATH, a boy group consisting of former trainees appearing on the popular audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2, made their major debut in 2022. Guests can expect a mesmerizing performance!

 

More performers and content will be announced soon. Check out the event’s official website for the latest information!

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Tomioka Silk Fantasia ~Festival of Silk~, an Exciting Event Combining Video, Music, and Fashion, to Be Held at Tomioka Silk Mill, a World Cultural Heritage Site!

    25.September.2023 | FASHION / FOOD / MUSIC / SPOT

    An incredible event combining video, music, and fashion, Tomioka Silk Fantasia ~Festival of Silk~ will be held at the Tomioka Silk Mill, a National Treasure and World Cultural Heritage Site. The event will be held with support from the city of Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, and will run for approximately two weeks starting on October 6, 2023.

     

    Guests will be able to enjoy the NAKED Yorusampo -Tomioka- and Tomioka Silk Fantasia as they explore the historic site. The special event was directed by renowned international director Junya Yamada in collaboration with NAKED Inc., which continues to captivate audiences with its digital artworks including projection mapping and illuminations.

     

    <NAKED Yorusampo™ -Tomioka->

    ‘NAKED Yorusanpo™’ is an outdoor immersive night walk concept by NAKED. Previously, the unique event has been held in various regions, including the Ikaho Onsen town in Gunma Prefecture and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, to promote the nighttime economy of different areas. Even in tourist destinations where businesses tend to close early at night, this event breathes new life into the city’s landmarks through illuminations and projection mapping, allowing tourists to make the most of their evenings and supporting measures for dispersed tourism.

     

    Experience NAKED’s grand projection mapping, lantern art, and Flower Fortune while enjoying the night at Tomioka Silk Mill, a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site.

     

     

    <Tomioka Silk Fantasia

    On October 14 and 15, guests can enjoy live music and a fashion show on a special stage in front of the Tomioka Silk Mill’s West Cocoon Warehouse. Live music performers include DE DE MOUSE, a composer, producer, and DJ from Gunma Prefecture; bala, a Tokyo-based creative collective of female artists and creators; and Yasushi Yamabe, a taiko drummer active both in Japan and abroad.

     

    DE DE MOUSE

    bala

    Taishi Yamabe

     

    Visitors will also be able to enjoy a tour of the area between Jyoshu-Tomioka Station and Tomioka Silk Mill in cooperation with local restaurants and facilities. Please come experience a fantastic night in Tomioka City, where silk and fantasy are woven together in a fusion of images, music, and fashion, as if you have entered a different dimension.

     

    Contents

     

    ・NAKED Distance Lanterns®

    Introducing NAKED’s unique art-inspired lanterns, born during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you take a leisurely stroll with one of these lanterns in hand, the ground comes alive with colors and patterns unique to each location, allowing you to be a part of the mesmerizing light display.

     

    For this event, inspiration was drawn from the location of Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture, which has strong ties to the art of natural dyeing. As a result, five color variations will be available: red, blue, pink, green, and yellow, all inspired by the vibrant hues of plant-based dyes.

     

    *Lantern rentals: ¥500 per turn (Tax Included)

     

    ・NAKED Flower Fortune®

    Introducing the wildly popular art fortune-telling, NAKED Flower Fortune®, which even ranked high in domestic rapid retweets on X (formerly Twitter). Choose your favorite flower from a variety of colors and shapes, and you’ll encounter the perfect message for that moment. The flower ornaments attached to the fortune can be transformed into art by tying them to a wooden branch to make the flowers bloom, making them a great souvenir to take home as a keepsake.

     

    *Price: ¥500 each (Tax Included)

     

    ・Tomioka Silk Mill West Cocoon Warehouse

    The highlight of this event is the massive projection mapping show on the stage of the national treasure, Tomioka Silk Mill West Cocoon Warehouse, spanning approximately 45 meters in width. As the giant silk wraps around the building, the lush flora of Tomioka bursts forth. After enjoying the changing seasons of nature, step into a nostalgic world featuring retro signs and lanterns. Experience the unique and culturally rich presentation that is characteristic of Tomioka’s deep historical heritage.

    ・Tomioka Silk Fantasia

    A special event will unfold at the Tomioka Silk Mill World Heritage site. Come enjoy an event featuring artistic direction by renowned director Junya Yamada, a mesmerizing live performance by DE DE MOUSE, a high-art fashion show that seamlessly harmonizes with  live music, and a powerful taiko drum performance by Yasushi Yamabe. Additionally, guests can enjoy an energetic performance by the creative collective girls group bala. Projection mapping will enhance the space, adding even more charm to the beautiful Tomioka Silk Mill, where history and the future intersect. From Gunma to the world, immerse yourself over the course of one special night where various cultures can come together to exchange unique experiences and celebrate.

     

    ・Tomioka Silk Mill East Cocoon Warehouse Illumination

    The Tomioka Silk Mill East Cocoon Warehouse World Heritage site is illuminated, allowing visitors to savor its unique nighttime beauty that differs entirely from daytime. Enjoy the enchanting and fantastical nighttime scenery that you wouldn’t typically be able to see.

     

    ・The Historic Nirazuka Silk Mill Illumination

    The historic Nirazuka Silk Mill is illuminated, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy its beauty in a way that differs from daylight. Enjoy this enchanting and fantastical nighttime scenery that you wouldn’t typically be able to see.

     

    Tomioka Night Gourmet Stroll

    A collaborative event with “Tomioka Silk Fantasia – Festival of Silk.” We introduce dining and souvenir shops around Tomioka Silk Mill that are open during the event period. Enjoy delicious local cuisine unique to Tomioka.

    Presale tickets are now available from ZAIKO and Rakuten Ticket.

     

    Additional information will be announced in the future.

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with Okinawa’s Okashi Goten for LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project

    25.July.2022 | MUSIC / SPOT

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu inspired music lovers around the world in April when she performed at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals on Earth. The second half of the singer’s 10th anniversary nationwide tour 31-show has begun, and in conjunction with this special event, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. As with past concert locations, a new collaboration has been announced ahead of Kyary’s June 23 performance in Okinawa, where the artist held an additional show. 

    In Okinawa, Kyary is teaming up with the popular souvenir shop Okashi Goten, known for its Beni-imo (purple sweet potato) tarts. The shop itself looks similar to Shuri Castle from the outside, and as guests enter, they’re surrounded by products made exclusively from Okinawan ingredients. This collaboration pays homage to where it all began, with the special logo inspired by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2011 debut mini-labum Moshi Moshi Harajuku

    Fans will be able to buy a special box of these tasty tarts, with the outside stamped with ‘Moshi Moshi Beni-imo Tart’ and a drawing of Kyary inspired by the cover of her 2011 album. 

     

    This item is now available at all shops offering Okashi Goten products and at the Okashi Goten online store.

    A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only starting July 22.

  • Contemporary Artist Kohei Arikawa to Collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa

    20.March.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa will feature the works of contemporary artist Kohei Arikawa from March 15 until March 31, 2022. ‘Matthew’s Favorite Pancakes’ will be held at The Lobby Lounge at the hotel. 

     

    The original pancakes, created in collaboration with the artist, will be served in limited quantities each day as part of the hotel’s anniversary plan, which marks its 10th anniversary in May of this year. The collaboration is inspired by one of Arikawa’s best-known series ‘BEST FRIENDS – Matthew.’ Each pancake feature apples sauteed in caramel and custard cream sandwiched between layers of fluffy dough. The toppings also include Italian meringue, whipped cream, and chocolate. Why not add maple syrup too?

     

    The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa plans to continue to collaborate with the artist in the future. As part of the company’s Community Footprint initiative, more than a dozen of his works will be on display. Proceeds will fund an orphanage in Nago, Okinawa.

  • Video Released of Winter Event at Hoshino Resort’s Banta Cafe in Okinawa

    05.January.2022 | SPOT

    Located in wonderfully warm Okinawa, Hoshino Resort is the perfect getaway for those wanting a warmer winter. The Banta Cafe overlooks the ocean, and from December 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022, the cafe is putting on the ‘Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea’ event. Of course, Illumi-Banta is a portmanteau of the words ‘Illumination’ and ‘Banta,’ but the Okinawan word iyumibanta means ‘a cliff overlooking the fish.’ The entire location, from the top of the cliff all the way to the sea, will be bathed in otherworldly light. A special menu is available during the event period, serving up food perfect for eating as guests wander by the seaside. A number of Okinawan workshops have also brought local craftsmen to the site to show off their creations.

     

    Okinawa is warm in the winter, and this event has been perfect for those wanting to avoid being chilled to the bone during the holidays. For those unable to attend, the video above was filmed using a drone and shows the incredible heart of this event. Who knew that water could be so blue?

     

    A Fantastic World of Light and Ocean Life

    Banta Cafe sits on a cliff above the water, and the waters beneath it hide gorgeous coral reefs. Watch the sea come to life, as the ocean, white sand beach, and rock formations are illuminated. The lights will change colors during the daily light show along with the tides, giving a different impression depending on the time of day. The pavilion on the seaside terrace is also illuminated with motifs inspired by traditional Okinawan textiles.

     

    Playful Plant Shadows

    On the large roof deck located at the entrance, large fern and palm leaves have been arranged to welcome guests along with other plants local to Okinawa. Using lights, the shadows from these plants reach massive heights on the 4-meter high Ryukyu limestone walls. This takes shadow puppets to a whole new level!

     

     

    Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Night Picnic

    The night cafe will be selling a special Strolling Soup Set menu, inviting guests to venture out onto the sandy shore with a lantern in hand to enjoy a meal beside the sea. Guests can choose two of the available four soups along with a crispy baguette and herb butter.


    Hours: 18:00-20:30 (Last Order)
    Price: Strolling Soup Set for Two, ¥2,600

     

     

    The Night Light Market, a Gathering of Proud Okinawan Artists

    On Saturday nights from January 8 to January 29, the Night Light Market will bring various artists and craftsmen from Okinawa to the Hoshino Resort. These artists will be excited to share the culture of Okinawa and will offer a range of products made of locally sourced materials. Guests can even try their hand at local crafts at the indoor Gorogoro Lounge!

    Running: Every Saturday Night from January 8 – January 29, 2022

    Hours: 18:00-21:00

  • Okinawan Gen-Z Pop Singer Grace Aimi Releases Debut Album

    02.December.2021 | MUSIC

    Born in the year 2000 to an American father and American-Okinawan mother, Gen-Z pop singer Grace Ami released her 12-track debut album on November 26. The album is comprised of both new tracks and some previously available on streaming services and was produced by Chaki Zulu. Along with the release, a teaser for the Karaoke Queen music video was uploaded to YouTube, with the full video scheduled to be released on December 6. 

     

    MV Teaser (Directed by Takuto Shinpo)

    chttps://www.youtube.com/c/GraceAimiOfficial

     

     

    Aimi began her career by starting a YouTube channel with her younger brother. As they began posting covers to popular songs, their popularity on social media grew, and in 2020 Grace Aimi released Eternal Sunshine. She is now signed to Capitol Records US and constantly experiments with new sounds and genres, jumping between gospel R&B to rock and rap and goth-pop. Her creativity and individuality are making her a unique addition to the Japanese music scene, and she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on!

     

    Originally from Okinawa, Grace believes that her hometown has been essential to her sensibilities as an artist. “My home island was devastated during WWII, but the people there are beautiful and genuinely happy. I hope to share that Okinawan spirit with everyone,” she says. 

  • Boy Band OCTPATH, Comprised of Trainees from PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Season 2, Debuts

    24.November.2021 | MUSIC

    A new group has been created from a number of talented trainees from the second season of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN. OCTPATH is composed of Shunsei Oota, Kaiho, Kouhei Kurita, Naoki Kose, Shuu Kobori, Wataru Takahashi, Touma, and Shinsuke Yotsuya. 

     

    The group’s name exemplifies the boy’s goal to walk along with fans on a path unique to the eight of them and to engage in all kinds of activities–not just music. OCT also signifies their willingness to pursue a path to a higher realm of sound (OCTAVE). 

     

    OCTPATH features members capable of speaking English, Korean, Indonesian, and French, and each has incredible singing, dancing, and rapping skills. The boys aim to appeal to a global audience and want to become the most unique group in the world. 

     

    The group’s concept colors are white and purple, as white can be dyed any color, and purple, a mixture of red and blue, represents OCTPATH’s ‘transformation’ through their music and videos.

     

    On November 28 at 20:00, the members will appear on the free video streaming service GYAO! to discuss the formation of the group and their personal feelings about what the future will bring. The live broadcast will also feature a big announcement, so don’t miss it!

     

    Members

     

    Shunsei Oota

     

    Kaiho

     

    Kouhei Kurita

     

    Naoki Kose

     

    Shuu Kobori

     

    Wataru Takahashi

     

    Touma

     

    Shinsuke Yotsuya

     

  • Hoshino Resort’s Banta Cafe in Okinawa to Open Limited-Time Night Cafe During Winter

    19.October.2021 | FOOD / SPOT

    Located in wonderfully warm Okinawa, Hoshino Resort is the perfect getaway for those wanting a warmer winter. The Banta Cafe overlooks the ocean, offering unmatched views. From December 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022, the cafe will hold the ‘Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea’ event. Of course, Illumi-Banta is a portmanteau of the words ‘Illumination’ and ‘Banta,’ but the Okinawan word iyumibanta means ‘a cliff overlooking the fish.’ The entire location, from the top of the cliff all the way to the sea, will be bathed in otherworldly light. A special menu will also be available during the event period, serving up food perfect for eating as guests wander by the seaside. A number of Okinawan workshops will also bring local craftsmen to the site to show off their creations. Why bundle up when you can enjoy a warm winter by the ocean? 

     

    A Fantastic World of Light and Ocean Life

    Banta Cafe sits on a cliff above the water, and the waters beneath it hide gorgeous coral reefs. Watch the sea come to life, as the ocean, white sand beach, and rock formations are illuminated. The lights will change colors during the daily light show along with the tides, so don’t miss it!

    Light Show Times: 18:30, 20:00, 21:00 *Each show lasts about five minutes.

     

    Playful Plant Shadows

    On the large roof deck located at the entrance, large fern and palm leaves have been arranged to welcome guests along with other plants local to Okinawa. Using lights, the shadows from these plants reach massive heights on the 4-meter high Ryukyu limestone walls, and guests are encouraged to try making some fun shadow puppets for the perfect snapshot!

     

    Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Night Picnic with the Strolling Soup Set

    The night cafe will be selling a special Strolling Soup Set menu, inviting guests to venture out onto the sandy shore with a lantern in hand to enjoy a meal beside the sea. Guests can choose two of the available four soups along with a crispy baguette and herb butter. 

    Hours: 18:00 – 20:30 (Last Order)

    Price: Strolling Soup Set for Two, ¥2,600

    Includes: Two types of soup and bucket for two people, lantern and basket rental

     

    Four Types of Soup

    ・ Minestrone
    Filled with colorful vegetables, such as tomato, bitter melon, and yellow carrot

    ・Clam Chowder

    Packed with seafood flavor and a unique mix of Okinawan spices

     

    ・Consomme with Yushi Tofu
    A lightly-salted soup made with Okinawa’s fluffy Yushi Tofu and thick-cut bacon

     

    ・Yam and Cauliflower Potage
    Creamy potage with white cauliflower and brightly colored yam

     

    The Night Light Market, a Gathering of Proud Okinawan Artists

    On Saturday nights from January 8 to January 29, the Night Light Market will bring various artists and craftsmen from Okinawa to the Hoshino Resort. These artists will be excited to share the culture of Okinawa and will offer a range of products made of locally sourced materials. Guests can even try their hand at local crafts at the indoor Gorogoro Lounge!

    Running: Every Saturday Night from January 8 – January 29, 2022

    Hours: 18:00-21:00

     

    Wouldn’t you prefer a warm Okinawan winter? 

  • Planetariums in Tokyo to Show Night Flower Film Narrated by Taishi Nakagawa

    10.October.2021 | MOVIE / SPOT

    A stunning new film is coming to the Konica Minolta Planetarium in Tokyo Skytree Town and Planetaria Tokyo in Yurakucho Mullion starting November 19, 2021! Night Flower ~Blooming for One Night on a Starry Island~ will take guests on a journey to Iriomote Island in Okinawa, known for its beautiful starry sky. At night, this island is home to Sagaribana, a flower that only blooms at night and seems to glow in brilliant shades of white, pink, or red. The film is narrated by actor and model Taishi Nakagawa.

     

    Journey to an Immersive Starry Island

    Iriomote Island, a world heritage site, is filled with rich nature and a vast ecosystem of living things. From this island, 84 of the 88 constellations scattered across the sky can be seen, including the Crux. A number of these constellations have been captured in this film, with plenty of detail given by Taishi Nakagawa. It almost feels like a date with him–and who could resist that?

     

    Feel as Though You’ve Been Transported to the Jungle

    Using the SOUND DOME® stereoscopic sound system, even the tiniest sound of a bird chirping or leaves rustling will feel as close as can be. Along with the narrator, Manami Kakudo provides the theme song to the film which will leave audiences with goosebumps. 

     

    Mysterious Flowers Blooming Beneath a Starry Sky

    The Sagaribana is a whimsical flower, almost alien in its appearance. They bloom for only one night, closing up by morning. This can teach us a valuable lesson: that each day, and each night, is precious, and life can be more fragile than we realize. 

     

  • Nagoya Castle “O.SHIRO Collection” Fashion Show Streaming Online

    09.October.2021 | FASHION

    GQ Japan and ITOCHU Textiles have released a video of The “O.SHIRO” Collection Vol.2 fashion show, highlighting domestic textile production areas around Japan. The video is now available on the special GQ Japan website, as well as the GQ Japan official YouTube channel. 

     

    GQ was first published in the United States in 1957 and is now published in 21 countries around the world. 

     

    The “O.SHIRO” Collection (o-shiro meaning ‘castle’ in Japanese) is a collaborative collection bringing Japanese textile producers and fashion brands together. The first event was held at Okayama Castle in 2019, with Okayama being an area known for denim production. The second event was held at Nagoya Castle, located in the famed Bishu wool production area. The theme of the most recent showing was ‘ethical consumption,’ a big topic in manufacturing. Three increasingly global brands took center stage: ANREALAGE, beautiful people, and sulvam. Models present include Taiki&Noah, Dori Sakurada, Mila Aina, and Satsuki Nakayama. 

     

    A patchwork collection from ANREALAGE using textiles from the Bishu region was released on October 4. On October 7, a collection from beautiful people will include textiles from Wakayama, while on October 14, sulvam will release a collection made from Okayama and Hiroshima denim. Certain pieces from The “O.SHIRO” Collection will be on display on the 3rd floor of Shibuya PARCO. 

     

    『GQ JAPAN』Illustration by Koji Toyama (C) 2021 Conde Nast Japan. All rights reserved.

  • Okinawa’s Hotel Nikko Alivia Announces Season 3 of Monogatari Kaiseki Menu

    04.October.2021 | FOOD / SPOT

    SAWA, a restaurant featuring both Japanese and traditional Ryukyu cuisine, will begin the third season of its delicious and artful Monogatari Kaiseki menu starting October 1, 2021. Each season featured a selection of dishes inspired by original stories created by the head chef, and with the new installment, guests will also be supporting the reconstruction of Shuri Castle which suffered damage after a 2019 fire. The restaurant is located at Okinawa’s Hotel Nikko Alivia, and the meal will be available until October 31. 

     

    Monogatari Kaiseki: Appetizer ‘Beneath the Moonlit Night’ 

    Monogatari Kaiseki: Grilled Items ‘Vampire’s Dinner’ 

    Monogatari Kaiseki: Dessert ‘Pumpkin Ghost/Tidings of Autumn’ 

     

     

    In this imagining, a collection of ghosts and spirits gather at the Shuri Castle Festival on Halloween to compete in a cooking competition, and guests are invited to judge each dish. A drink pairing set will also be available. 

     

    5% of all sales will be donated to the Okinawa Prefecture Shuri Castle Fire Restoration and Recover Fundraiser, to help rebuild the historical site. 

  • Aoi Kubo to Perform Theme For Short Anime Series “Deji” Meets Girl

    25.September.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC

    Up-and-coming 16-year-old singer Aoi Kubo has been selected to perform the theme song for the upcoming short anime series “Deji” Meets Girl, premiering October 1. The song, Otogibanashi no You na Kiseki (Fairy Tale-like Miracle) is now streaming, and a lyric video has also been uploaded to YouTube ahead of the show’s start. Two additional songs are available on the digital EP, each inspired by the two main characters in the show. Akane Malbeni, the original character designer, also provided the jacket art. 

     

    “Deji” Meets Girl tells the story of Maise Higa, a high-school freshman who works part-time at the front desk of her family’s hotel in Okinawa. One day, she meets Ichiro Suzuki, a mysterious hotel guest from Tokyo traveling alone. Ever since he arrives, strange things begin happening, like fish swimming through the air, and Maise is desperate to get to the bottom of things. 

     

     

     

    Comments from Aoi Kubo

     

    Q1: Describe how you felt when you were chosen to perform the theme for “Deji” Meets Girl. 

    I’ve always wanted to sing the theme song for an anime series, so when I got the offer, I was super surprised! This is a fantasy series, and it depicts a mysterious world that really captivated me, so I hope tons of people will watch and enjoy it.

    I would be so happy if everyone would listen to the songs I created for these characters, and compare how they sound in context!

     

    Q2: When singing these songs, what did you pay special attention to or emphasize? 

    I was asked to write the theme, and to do that, I really surrounded myself with the show’s world. 

    Otogibanashi no You na Kiseki is based on my own interpretation of the show’s worldview. 

    For the other two songs I wrote based on the main characters, I tried to imagine what they were feeling, and what thoughts were running through their heads. 

     

    A creator contest is also being held! Creators can submit illustrations or music videos based on one of Aoi Kubo’s three songs for “Deji” Meets Girl. The best illustrations will appear on TV, while the best music video will be streamed on Kubo’s official YouTube channel. Entries can be submitted starting October 1, so be sure to check out the special site if you’d like to participate!

     

  • Experience 600 Years of Historical Culture with the Tanadui Festival Accommodation Program

    01.September.2021 | SPOT

    The HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island Resort in Taketomi, Okinawa will be holding the Tanadui Program between September 1 and October 12 2021. The special program will be held to mark the Tanadui Festival, an event that has been listed as an event of cultural importance and allows visitors to experience the deep, historical culture of Taketomi Island.

     

    Taketomi is an island with it’s own unique culture with a selection of festival rituals, including food offerings to pray for prosperity and abundant harvests. The Tanadui Festival is the largest on the island and has been designated an event of cultural importance, running for over 600 years. Every year, throughout the seventh and eighth days of the festival, a stage is assembled in Yomochi Utaki to host over 80 traditional performances, each dedicated to the Gods and deities. On Taketomi Island, the phrase “Kashikusaya Utsugumidu Masaru” is key to the local lifestyle, roughly translating to “cooperation over all.” Join in the ‘Spirit of Utsugumi (cooperation)’ as the whole island practices and prepares for the festival – even those who have moved further away will return home to join in.

     

    Focus Points

     

    Bountiful Harvest Lunch – Get to know, touch, and cherish the five grains harvested on Taketomi Island

    Enjoy a lunch that has been made using millet, wheats, beans, potatoes, and rice, which are said to be the five grains of Taketomi Island. Before lunch, you can join in the harvesting of potatoes grown on-site. Taketomi Island has no mountains or rivers as it was formed through the raising of coral atolls, making it difficult to grow crops. As distribution was unpopular in the past, the lack of crop growth meant that there was no food to live off. It is because of this that festivals, including the Tanadui Festival, were first held. They are used to pray for plentiful harvests and the traditions are upheld to this very day. During this event, you can harvest potatoes while learning about the history and land.

    The lunch plate uses French techniques to propose a fun and new way of enjoying the five grains while retaining their simple sweetness; A sweet wheat risotto, shimadōfu soup, a harvest potato Dengaku (fried potatoes cut into cubes and sprinkled with sugar), plus desserts that can be enjoyed with peanuts. This delicious lunch allows you to get to know, touch, and cherish the five grains of Taketomi Island.  

     

    Price: ¥7,260 (Per person, tax & service charge included)

    Capacity: Two groups per day

    Hours: 12:30 ~ 14:00

    Location; Field, Dining Room

     

    Traditional Iiyachi Making Tour in collaboration with the islanders and HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island

    Iiyachi is a traditional rice cake-like food that is eaten during the Tanadui Festival. Originally the Iiyachi was made using only materials found on the island, but thanks to modern development and tourism, plus the decline of agriculture, it is now regularly made using materials cultivated on other islands. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island has worked hard to inherit the traditional production method. This year they will be challenging themselves by making Iiyachi using both traditional methods and local agriculture, cultivating millet and azuki beans to use in the recipe. Iiyachi is made by combining the ingredients in a large Shinme Pot to boil and steam. The resulting food is then kneaded out by a group of people while it is turned with a spatula. 

    This is an opportunity to get up and close with the island’s traditional culture which is only visible once a year during the festive period. Iiyachi making is an important job to the islanders, overflowing with enthusiasm and commitment to the Tanadui Festival.

     

    Price: Free

    Date: October 7

    Location: Azumaya Garden

     

    Teedun Dress-Up Experience

    Here you can try on the outfits worn by the traditional performers who participate in the Tanadui Festival. The traditional costumes are only worn during the festival and have been passed through families for generations, usually unworn by anybody who isn’t native to the island. During the experience you will be offered a commemorative photo, perfect to take home as a memory of your trip to Taketomi Island. 

     

    Price: ¥1,210 (Per group, tax & service charge included)

    Hours: 10:30 ~ 12:30

    Location: Yuntaku Lounge

     

     

    Teedun-banashi

    Here the staff will introduce you to the festivals roots, the culture that started it, and the history of the island, with photos to assist. You will be taught all about the 600 year history of the Tanadui Festival and the “Kashikusaya Utsugimi Domasaru” spirit. During the program, you can also learn about daily life on the island, full of festival excitement and traditional Okinawan scenery.

     

    Price: Free

    Hours: 20:45 ~ 21:15

    Location: Yuntaku Lounge

     

    One Moment on the Island ~Iiyacha~

    A selection of traditional Okinawan snacks will be served in the Yuntaku Lounge, offering the visitors a special moment on the island. There are two seasonings available for the sweet and simple Iiyachi: Andansuu, a sweet oil miso that is popular in Yaeyama, and shrimp salt, made from Japanese Tiger Prawns found in the beautiful oceans surrounding the island.l

     

    Price: Free

    Hours: 14:00 ~ 16:00

    Location: Yuntaku Lounge

     

    Tanadui Festival Breakfast

    Enjoy a unique Tanadui breakfast packed full of the fruits of the harvest, with millet mixed Juushii rice, Awa Miso Andansuu, and Pindako made using garlic and octopus from the island.  You’ll be wide awake with this vibrant breakfast and its auspicious menu. 

     

    Price: ¥4,235 (Per person, tax & service charge included) 

    Hours: 7:00 ~ 10:30

    Location: Dining Room

     

    Experience 600 years of history for yourself with this unique program! 

     

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