Overview

Despite its small size, Okinawa has many events that celebrate its unique culture, seasons, and various islands. While not a comprehensive list of all events, this list provides a great starting place to get involved.

January

Winter Break 

  • While the days surrounding January 1st are holidays, the rest of winter break, including Christmas Day, are work days. However, many teachers will use their nenkyu to visit the mainland or celebrate with their families. If you wish to visit your family or visit the mainland, please contact your school(s) and supervisor(s) in advance.

New Year’s

  • Many Okinawans will celebrate the New Year with a nabe party. Nabe, Japanese hot pot dishes, are a perfect compliment to the cold weather. If you are invited to one of these parties, be prepared to help cook some of the food.
  • As part of the celebrations, adults will give each other New Year`s cards (年賀状　ねんがじょう　nengajou). Children tend to receive money in special envelopes (お年玉 おとしだま　otoshi dama). Friends and co-workers may ask for your address in order to send you a card as well. If you receive one, make sure to send a card in reply.

Itoman Winter Illuminations

  • Included among these illuminations are miniature car and panda rides for children, photo opportunities, and festival foods (takoyaki, cotton candy, etc). These illuminations are a limited time event in December and January.

February

Hanami (花見　Cherry Blossom Viewing)

  • Because of its southern location, Okinawa boasts the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan. While Japan’s cherry blossoms are quite famous for their pale colors, Okinawa`s cherry blossoms tend to be darker and richer in color. Popular sights for hanami include Nakijin Castle and Naha’s Yogi Park. While peak blooms can vary from year to year, hanami generally takes place in January and February.

Whale Watching

  • In February, mother whales and their newborns can be seen around the islands. There are several boat tours available from both Naha and Motobu. Zamami Island is a popular destination.  

Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido

  • Arguably the most famous winter event in Japan, the Sapporo Snow Festival (雪祭り　 ゆきまつり　yuki matsuri) in February showcases impressive snow and ice sculptures. Tickets can sell out quickly in December.

March

Okinawa City Crafts Fair

  • One of the largest crafts exhibitions in Okinawa, this walking fair showcases various local studios. While perusing the various crafts, you can also enjoy various shops and restaurants located in the Koza area of Okinawa City.

Okiten Art Exhibition

  • Held in March or April, Urasoe`s Okiten Art Exhibition showcases the talent of local artists in 12 different mediums: painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphic design, calligraphy, photography, pottery, lacquer ware, dyeing, weaving, glass ware, and wood work. In addition to viewing this exhibition, you can also submit your own work.

Spring Break

  • Following on the heels of the end of the school year, spring break is the busiest of the school breaks. Because the new school year will start in a few short weeks, Spring Break is filled with meetings and cleaning. Spring Break can be very disorienting for first year JETs as many teachers will depart for another school and new teachers will come. If you wish to take nenkyu, please consult with your school(s) and supervisor(s) in advance.

April

Ryukyu Kaiensai Fireworks Festival

  • Japan’s earliest fireworks festival, this Ginowan festival held in April highlights Okinawan music and culture with a dynamic and vast range of fireworks.

Miyakojima Triathlon

  • In April, athletes swim 3 km, bike 123 km, and run 35 km over the course of 12 hours in this Strongman competition. For those who wish to participate and enjoy the beauty of Miyako Island in an exciting way, please check the official triathlon website for deadlines early.

Ie Island`s Lily Festival

  • As the earliest lily festival in Japan, Ie Island`s festival showcases the beautiful Easter Lily as well as over a hundred other varieties. While entry is free, many vendors and stores are open, selling food and goods to enjoy during the festival.

May

Golden Week

  • This string of holidays happening between the end of April and the beginning of May make for the perfect break in the first semester. Many people will use this week to travel. If you plan on going to Mainland Japan, plan in advance for the crowds.

Children`s Day (子供の日　こどものひ　kodomo no hi）

  • One of the Golden Week holidays, Children`s Day is on May 5th. To celebrate, many schools and houses will hang up koi fish banners called koinobori. Each koi fish represents a different member of the family.

Hari Races

  • In May and June, Naha and Itoman hold their annual hari races. Hari are Okinawan dragon boats, and these races are a 600 year old tradition used to pray for safe sea passage and a bountiful catch.

June

Okinawa Memorial Day  (慰霊の日　いれいのひ　Irei no hi)

  • June 23rd is the Memorial Day for the Battle of Okinawa, on which many Okinawan civilians died. Schools may have a moment of silence the day before. If interested in learning more about World War II history from the Japanese/Okinawan perspective, please consider visiting:
    • The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
    • The Himeyuri Peace Museum
    • The Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum
    • The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters

Beach Volleyball Tournament in Miyako

  • In addition to watching famous players hit the sand, beach-goers can also enjoy sanshin performances in this fun, two-day festival.

July

Star Festival (七夕　たなばた　Tanabata)

  • Celebrated in early July, Tanabata is a fun festival in which children will write their wishes down on a colorful piece of paper before tying it to a tree.

Japanese Language Proficiency Exam (JLPT)

  • If you are interested in testing your Japanese skills, the JLPT comes around twice a year in December and July. The registration deadline for the July test is in April, so please think ahead.

Recontracting/Returner`s Ceremony

  • Held in mid July, these ceremonies are a Japanese custom. Returning JETs may be asked to give a speech to their school(s).

Summer Break

  • While short compared to those of some of our home countries, summer break is a great time to travel. Many JETs will use this time to return to their home country. If you choose to do so, please let your school(s) or coordinator(s) know well in advance. If you choose to remain in Japan during the summer break, summer break can be a great time to travel to the mainland. Many JETs visit Mt. Fuji because it’s the only time of the year you can hike the mountain (July to early August). The ancient forests of Yakushima in Kyushu also make for a great trip. 
  • Please note that the days of summer are still work days and will require the use of nenkyu for any non-weekend trips.

OkiAJET/Block Farewell Parties

  • With the summer season, many JETs will say goodbye to JET and/or Okinawa. OkiAJET and the blocks may throw farewell parties. If you are a departing JET, please keep an eye out for these events.

August

English Contests

  • English contests that can take the forms of a skit, debate, story, or speech happen at different times of the year, but the prefectural-wide contests happen predominantly in the summer and fall seasons. JETs are often asked to help students prepare and/or to help judge at the contests.

English Camps

  • Some schools and education centers host English camps where students can participate in various English language activities for a day or two. Depending on your school or BOE, you may be asked to help plan or run some of these activities.

OkiAJET/Block Welcome Event(s)

  • With the departure of many JETs comes the arrival of new JETs. Please keep an eye out for both OkiAJET and block events that welcome our newly arrived OkiJETs.

Okinawa Obon

  • Celebrated in either August or September depending on the lunar calendar, Okinawa Obon is a three-day holiday welcoming a family`s ancestors as they revisit the family altar. During these holidays, many cities will host Eisa performances in the streets. Okinawa City in particular is famous for their Eisa performances which can be found by driving around the city. Furthermore, Okinawans generally avoid the sea during Obon as they believe the spirits are more likely to attack.

Yonabaru Tug of War Festival

  • In August, Yonabaru hosts their own Tug of War Festival. Dating back 440 years, this tug of war contest was used to pray for a bountiful harvest. Now, Okinawans gather together to pull ninety meter long rope and to celebrate with music, dancing, and fireworks.

September

All Okinawan Eisa Festival/Orion Beer Festival

  • Around Obon, Okinawa City hosts this Eisa festival. In addition to the Eisa performances, you can enjoy seeing concerts from different artists and a fireworks show. You can also enjoy eating shaved ice and other common festival foods. Held in combination with this Eisa festival is the Orion Beer Festival.

Silver Week

  • A three day weekend, Silver Week can be a good time to travel. As many others will be traveling as well, please be sure to book travel plans/accommodations in advance.

October

Naha Tug of War

  • Occuring in October, the Naha Tug of War Festival has previously held world records for the world’s largest rice-straw rope. Tug of war is a tradition in Okinawa used to pray for a good harvest. Naha`s festival is a two-day extravaganza featuring a parade of flag bearers from various areas in Okinawa as well as various performances.

Shishimai (Lion Dance) Festival

  • A traditional dance originated in China, shishimai is thought to bring good fortune by driving away evil spirits. In October, lions from different regions gather together to display their fierce dancing.

November

Tour de Okinawa

  • If you are a cyclist, you may be interested in entering the Tour de Okinawa in November. There are three courses: an all around tour of the island, a scenic tour of the coastline of Yanbaru, and various shorter road race courses.

The Skills Development Conference (SDC)

  • A mandatory conference for all ALTs in November, SDC offers JETs the opportunity to learn from various professionals and discuss classroom practices with other JETs on the island. Included are workshops on teaching and mental health.

December

Comic Con

  • Hosted by Camp Foster in early December, this convention is a great chance to dress up as your favorite character and shop various merchandise from popular fandoms. Additionally, many food vendors from both on and off base set up stalls outside the main building.

Naha City Marathon

  • Happening in December, the Naha Marathon is a full marathon (26.2 miles, 42.2 km) starting at Onoyama park, traveling towards Southern Okinawa, going through Naha, Haebaru, Yaese, Itoman, Tomigusuku, and then back to Naha. It starts at 9:00 A.M. with a time limit of 6 hours and 15 minutes, which finishes at 3:15 P.M. There are several checkpoints throughout the course with pickup buses for participants who choose to drop out. Many people come and cheer for the participants as well as provide snacks and drinks. There are also eisa performances, taiko performances, and live music performances. Some participants even dress in cosplay. Every participant receives a shirt the day before the marathon and those who finish on time receive a medal and a certificate. This is a fun and supportive experience with lots of encouragement and camaraderie along the way. If interested, applications are due in July.

Japanese Language Proficiency Exam

  • If you are interested in testing your Japanese skills, the JLPT comes around twice a year in December and July. The registration deadline for the December test is in September, so please think ahead.

Recontracting Date

  • While enjoying the winter season, please do not forget about the recontracting deadline. If you wish to stay beyond the coming August, be sure to contact your supervisor(s).

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