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The Mark of Empire (YouTube)
Located to Japan’s extreme south, the Ryukyu Archipelago was the setting for the small but vibrant Ryukyu Kingdom that emerged 600 years ago. Peter travels to its idyllic island settings to see how the Ryukyu identity is finding new meaning today as he visits a tattoo studio reviving an almost-lost traditional style, goes on a…
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The First Slam Dunk (Anime Film)
Speaking of media with English-subs and with cast/crew from Okinawa for an Okinawan-film or filmed in Okinawa, let us introduce you to one of the best sports films in anime or live-action, Inoue Takehiko’s “The First Slam Dunk“. We were fortunate to catch it when it screened in theaters this summer so now we wait…
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Two Okinawan Films at the HIFF 2023 Fall Festival!
The 2023 fall Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) will screen two films from Okinawa. The first one is “This Land is Your Land (Shima ni Kaeru)” directed by Mitake Naoto and stars the most famous male actor from Okinawa, Shogen. Two actors I’m interested in seeing from this film are Miyara Shinobu (one of the…
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Seven Oops New Single “Yoake” Has a Full Music Video
“Yoake” (released 3/13) is the 3-piece Okinawa pop rock band Seven Oops‘s 14th single and their first release in 3 years! The song is amazing and we’ve had it on repeat since its release. The topping on the cake is that the band recently released a full music video for “Yoake” that has us feeling…
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Soundtrack for “Miracle City Koza” 10/12 Release!
Is it true? Yup. Coming 10/12 there is an official (up to now it’s been fan-made playlists) soundtrack for “Miracle City Koza”! The soundtrack is arranged by Chris (Murasaki) who mentioned that this will be his first instrumental album release (see tweet below) and he may use it as an opportunity to release his earlier…
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Miyagi Karin’s “Chimuganasa” (Short Shorts Film Festival)
Model/singer/entrepreneur/actress and now film director Miyagi Karin’s “Chimuganasa” is available for online screening with English subtitles until June 30th as part of the Short Shorts Film Festival. The film which was written and directed by Karin, brings together three generations of actresses with the veterans Yoshida Taeko, Kyan Hitomi (currently on NHK’s “Chimudondon”), and Karin.…
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“Eisaa Don Don” with English Subs! (YouTube)
Originally posted on Karakui: https://youtu.be/H_9Aym4iNrY “Eisaa Don Don” available until 8/31 With news that the 66th annual Eisaa Festival may actually take place this year (it was canceled last year due to the pandemic), the special movie “Eisaa Don Don” was made available on YouTube until August 31st. Be sure not to miss it!
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“Pineapple Tours” Film Receives a Digital Remaster
Originally released in 1992, the legendary Okinawan film “Pineapple Tours” was given a digital remaster as well as a theatrical run this month for its 30th anniversary! The film features an almost entire shimanchu cast and crew which was and still is quite amazing for its day. It was the film that sparked a wave…
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14th Okinawa International Movie Festival 4/16 to 4/17
The 2022 Okinawa International Movie Festival (OIMF) is set for 4/16 to 4/17! Like last year, they’ll also be streaming a select number of films online but you’ll need to create a FANY ID (see their website for more details). The top film for this year’s festival is the documentary “Murasaki” (about the legendary rock…
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NHK’s 2022 Morning Drama “Chimudondon” Starts Filming
We’re really excited to see how Luchu and its people are portrayed in this upcoming drama from NHK called “Chimudondon” based on the life of Higa Nobuko. The heroine (pictured above) of the drama is played by Kuroshima Yuina and is set to air in the Spring 2022 TV season. And in case you’re wondering…
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