Wallpaper: Meisa Kuroki for Kirin Beverage’s Cola Shock

07/09/2009 by Richie
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Yes, on your next get-togehter with friends, how about popping open a refreshing can of Kirin Cola Shock? Oh, and it’s not for minors (or whatever the legal age it is for alcohol consumption in your neck of the woods) since the drink contains alcohol (vodka). Tasty? Meisa. Yes. Drink. Maybe. Either way you can download two different wallpapers to adorn your Mac/PC desktop with. (Oh, must be of legal age to download the wallpaper so says the Kirin website).

(Via 壁紙fan!)

Orion Fest

07/09/2009 by Richie


Orion Fest
Originally uploaded by Nathan J Fisher

One of the best festivals in Japan. Orion Beer Festival.

Meisa Kuroki named “Miss Lily” – Tokyograph

07/06/2009 by Richie

On Sunday, the International Flower Bulb Centre held a presentation ceremony for its 8th annual Miss Lily award, given to women who best match lilies. This year’s winner was young actress Meisa Kuroki (21).

Kuroki remarked that she “finally feels like a woman again.” Just last month, she finished playing a female version of Oda Nobunaga in a theatrical production of “Onna Nobunaga.”

Last year’s Miss Lily was actress Ryoko Hirosue. Other previous winners include Hitomi Kuroki and Takako Tokiwa.

(Via Tokyograph.)

Ryukyu Cowboy Films

07/03/2009 by Richie

Billed as the first film (or in this case, collection of short films) with directors who are all from Okinawa, “Ryukyu Cowboy, Yoroshiku Gozaimasu.” looks interesting indeed. Although the film itself was released in 2007, it’s currently playing in select theaters around Okinawa and mainland Japan. The film is comprised of three parts, each with its own director, “See Me?,” “Happy [Star] Pizza,” and “Masaa Ojii no Kasa.” I was hoping to find a copy on DVD but as this looks like the indie of indie films, it may take awhile before it’s released on one. Be sure to check out their website.

Blogs: Voices from Okinawa Online

07/02/2009 by Richie
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It’s always nice to see a blog about Okinawa (especially if it’s in English) and here’s one you’ll want to check out: “Voices from Okinawa Online: A blog related to the summer 2009 issue of MANOA.”

From the MANOA website:

Launched in 1989, MANOA strives to bring the literature of Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas to English-speaking readers. To date, the journal has published forty volumes, about 8,000 pages, and over 1,000 writers, translators, reviewers, and editors. In addition, MANOA sponsors readings, exhibitions, performances, and other events.

Visit: Voices from Okinawan Online

Izumi Mashiki, Bus Musume (Okinawa Bus)

07/02/2009 by Richie

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I’m wondering if this is the first figurine that’s not geared towards tourists visiting Okinawa (i.e. not sold in touristy stores). The figurine’s name—yes, she has one—is Izumi Mashiki, and she’s a bus guide for Okinawa Bus. And like every idol should have, Izumi’s hobbies are surfing, scuba diving and rescue diving. Pretty cool if you ask me. OK, now back to playing with my *ahem* Star Wars figurines. :P

Image via TOMYTEC.

(Via Shibuya246.)

Is it as bad as it looks?

07/02/2009 by Richie

Putting the WordPress iPhone app to the test. If everything goes smoothly, there should be an image down below of the horrible weather in Okinawa (well, as seen in the image of the Yahoo! Weather app). Here we go.. *crosses fingers*

Desktop: Aya Ueto for KOSE

07/01/2009 by Richie
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Another month and yet another desktop featuring Aya Ueto. This time it’s a 3-month calendar for KOSE’s Softymo Sara Sara Powder Sheet. Grab it here.

(Via 壁紙fan!)

Ayano Uema’s 2nd album will be released on 8/2/09!!!

06/30/2009 by Richie

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We knew she was working on her 2nd album back in January 2009 and now we finally have a release date and a title for it, “Majun,” which will hit local store shelves on August 2, 2009. No other information on the number of tracks or its price but we’ll report it as soon as it’s available. Ayano’s debut album, “Negai Hoshi,” was released in 2006 and the majority of tracks were penned by her. Containing a total of 8 tracks, it sold for ¥2,000.

Ayano Uema’s official website

(Via 上間綾乃の、日々ブログ.)

Save the Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009

06/25/2009 by Richie

Shari Tamashiro (All Things Okinawan) emailed about an event she’s organizing for Saturday, October 24, 2009, in Hawaii:

I am organizing a FABULOUS program featuring award-winning storyteller Alton Chung, with performances by Derek Ichiro Shiroma and Frances Nakachi. We will be doing two shows: Nuchi du Takara at 1 pm and Okinawan, Japanese and Hawaiian ghost stories at 7 pm.

I’ll update this post with more information as it becomes available.

Way to go Shari!