American Festival 2009 in KADENA AIR BASE

Kadena air base will be opening "American festival 2009" on 4th of July.

Last year's image photo.

You can check on Kadena Air base web site just click right side banner "American fest!".

Last year's image photo.

Okinawa-city has many nice shops and restaurants. You must check out these shops. Indian shop & cafe, Jamaican cafe Bamboo(great Jamaican food), Cafe Simple (homemade ginger ale, and good coffee shop) i Asian Flavors etc...



Let's enjoy in Koza!! In Koza area, in most shops you can speak English and use US dollars much easier to enjoy than other area. Dollar exchange is quick and easy at the 2 currency exchange shops and just between us you get a better rate than the bank usually .



Last year traffic was terrible at America fest so go early and leave early is my motto at this one.

I enjoyed "Torii beach Wine and Jazz festival ". That was much more to my taste but if you have rug rats then America fest is the place to go. Torii was great you could hear the ocean waves, listen to the jazz music and taste the wine & cheese.
In the summer of Okinawa is always so hot but by the ocean and beach it’s not so bad, you can relax outdoors.
Remember if you’re planning to go to the Torii wine and jazz festival, you must be there early afternoon. because we went late and parking was a problem plus the wine sampling was already done...
Oh, yes Japanese DUI penalty fee is 400,000yen about 4,100 US dollars. When you drink, don't drive. Okinawa has nice service for drinker. We call "Daiko Service". you can get this service company's phone number at the festival place or find in the yellow pages and put a card ion your wallet with the number on it.



Also, If you have interest in Japanese Kimono, you have chance in summer time. because Kimono has two type one specially made for summer casual wear called a Yukata. The Yukata, originally was just for house wear, but lately most people wearing just like Kimono. How to wearing Yukata? uhmm...easy but not easy. I think it would be better ask one of your Japanese friends. or google it! All right, good luck and enjoy summer!



Thanks, Rob & Hikary.

Kurashiki Festival Trip

First of all I want to thank everyone who had a hand in inviting me to join in the group for my delightful trip to Kurashiki this year. Although all the accounting isn't completed yet the festival at least in my eyes was quite successful and we were welcomed with open arms. The people seemed very friendly, hospitable (typical for Japanese I know) but even very understanding when we ran out of things. It always seems to amaze me how polite and easy going Japanese people are. They simply formed a line when things were running slow or we ran out of supplies even though it was a little chilly (8 degrees at one point) and didn't even complain when they were told it could be 30 minutes or more before we could accommodate them. A lot of the attendees were amused to see me as part of this group and the people seemed all to ready to try their English out on me they were even more surprised when they found I could converse with them in Japanese. I had a great time and wouldn't hesitate to volunteer again.


KOZA MANYU-KOKU Members

Oshiro san and I. He is Sign Okinawa's CEO.

See more Pictures--> Click HERE
KOZA IN [KOZA MANYU-KOKU 23th Kurashiki Music Festival]
第23回倉敷音楽祭のコザ漫遊国