okinawa hai!

CONTRIBUTED BY LULU American Wave Exterior I admit – I was one of those little girls who raided her mum’s closet for outfits and spangle, and I clip-clopped around in her heels. I still enjoy the experience of getting dressed up and I look forward to shopping with the same fervour. Many of us resort [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY ERIN SCHALK Koza Gate Pottery In my case, finding Koza Gate Apartment, a combined boutique and art gallery, could be best described as a happy accident. Earlier this summer, I had agreed to meet my friend and Japanese teacher there for a private lesson and good conversation. As with many storefronts in Okinawa, [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY SARRA MCMILLAN I love shoes. Who’s with me? Before coming to Japan, I agonized over the shoe situation that would await me; I’d be in a county filled with the most adorable footwear, none of which would ever adorn my (average-sized, thank-you very much!) feet. Luckily, upon arriving, my obsessive worrying manifested itself [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY JEANINE CZUBIK Last week on a drive up north to “see what we could see”, my friend and I spotted Ryukyu Tribes – with this artistically refined pig:   I am no longer fazed at seeing pigs in Okinawa: from the Puma sneaker brand styled Shisa shirts to the real skinned pig’s face [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA    If you have ever taken 449 to get to Sachi’s Antique Store or Pizza In The Sky this building on your left will have caught your eye.  The treasures inside are equally as artsy and intriquing as the outer building.  The owner, Shiimada jiro, is an unassuming man who didn’t study [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA    This Marine is now retired and raised his own Marine who is now 21 and stationed at Camp Pendleton. “A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be.”  -Unknown With Father’s Day fast approaching I was thinking it would be fun to share [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN Let’s talk clothes. I have no idea where they myth got started that there aren’t any cute clothing stores on this island. It’s just not the truth! There is lots of cute stuff here, as my wallet can attest to. I’ve already highlighted two clothing stores that I like, Roseri and [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN Japanese sizing has been a problem for me. Probably because I was too lazy to figure out what I was doing, I admit it. I’d been (for the most part) holding things up and guesstimating if they would fit. Tricky, but doable. I finally broke down and did some sizing research [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HANSEN Today is the day we share our favorite holiday shopping spots on the island. I’m so excited about this, and I hope you all participate! I picked Shima’s Hobby Shop – the go to place for models and slot cars. I admit, I was fascinated when I walked inside. I have [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY DIANA MIDDLETON   I’m not really sure which of these signs belongs to the storefront I am covering today. The cashier tried diligently to answer my questions, laced with choppy Japanese, to no avail. So maybe you might know. If you can tell from the signs the name of the store … please [...]

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