Okinawa Views 2027 カレンダー

A year in Okinawa, told in twelve original illustrations. The great tank at Churaumi Aquarium on the cover, and inside, the islands through their seasons: tropical lights among the palms in January, Japan’s earliest cherry blossoms on Mount Yaedake in February, the elephant-trunk cliff at Cape Manza in March, a field of white lilies on Ie Island in April, dragon boats racing at Naha in May, the fishermen’s boat race at Itoman in June, the summer festival at Nago in July, the drums of Eisa in August, harvesting sea grapes in September, the village festival at Yomitan in October, the international carnival at Koza in November, and the flame and bell at Mabuni on New Year’s Eve. Okinawa keeps its own calendar. Cherry blossoms open here in February, weeks before Tokyo — and they bloom a deeper pink. Summer lasts into November, and winter never quite arrives. This is Japan, but warmer, slower, and turned toward the sea. Japanese festivals are marked on their actual dates. Drawn by hand rather than photographed. Hang it on a wall, and the seasons move through the room. A gift for anyone who loves Japan — or a small window onto it, all year long.