Blogs from Okinawa Honto, Okinawa, Japan, Asia

Friday, 26th January 2018 Early morning, I headed to the top floor of the Okinawa Prefecture Government Building for a nice view of Naha city. Overlooking the Kenchomae Station area, the view stretches as far as my eyes could see. It was a rainy Friday when I visited and the interior provided a warm respite from the chilly temperatures as a result of the rain. Best of all, there was free admission and I could come and go at my convenience. After my visit at the observatory, I took a slow 20 minutes walk towards the direction of Naminoue Beach where I literally had the whole place to myself. By then, the rains had already stopped and it was nice to be outdoors when the weather was fine. I headed to the Max Valu supermarket nearby ... read more

Sunday, 21st January 2018 Bus Service # 117 took an insane 2.5 hours to complete the 100km journey from Naha Airport to the Ocean Expo Park (2,500 Yen). This was where I would be based for the next 2 nights. I was thankful that I had taken a full breakfast at the airport prior to boarding the bus. The ride was uneventful for the most part as I slept through half of the journey. Things only picked up towards the final leg as the bus made a loop around the Motobu Peninsula with the beautiful Nago Bay on my left. Bus-Tip: The "Yanbaru Express" Bus does the same trick from the airport at a cheaper rate of 2,000 Yen. The best perk - there is a bus stop directly within the hotel premises. I finally alighted ... read more

Every day in Okinawa is another day in paradise. Eight weeks has passed so quickly. So many adventures, so many lessons learnt and the joy of making good memories. Enjoy the next adventure, Dylan.... read more

Open Days in Japanese schools are held to show case good practice, and hold the schools accountable to their clients. Each year, there are Open Days held specifically for the parents, open to the general public and for fellow teachers to attend. I had the privilege of attending the Open Day at Yamada Elementary School (a public school in Onna Village) where they showcased a six-year journey of whole school improvement in ICT. The afternoon began with the Kenkyu Shunin (Research Chief) outlining the school improvement journey. Demonstration classes from Grades 1 to 6, in Maths, Japanese, Social Studies, Science and PE were held. Teachers demonstrated routine classes where ICT supported good classroom practice. Next came workshops led by teachers from within the school and outside guests. The afternoon finished with a 3-part Keynote address by ... read more

The sounds of a stable are universal. Horses whinnying, chickens fussing, children coaxing ponies into obedience and impatient demands for food, especially carrots. Every night after school, and on weekends, Umabu (horse club) members spend two hours learning all aspects of horse care. From age six, they master everything from saddling stroppy ponies, to mucking out the stalls. After taking apart and then reassembling a bridle, students achieve one of many proficiency awards, with the most senior students being competent in many things equine. Club members host family fun days and give pony rides to their parents. Senior riders compete against Ryukyu University Agricultural students in the recently reestablished M'Maharashi (old Okinawan horse racing event). After a hectic day at work, a peaceful hour with the seven ponies, three horses, Umabu staff and assorted students, is ... read more