Tag Archives: Okinawa

Karate as an Intangible Cultural Property

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Andreas Quast

Below is a translation of “Mukei bunkazai to shite no karate“, published in “Okinawa Karate Kobudō Jiten,” 2008. A quarter century after the first designation, Okinawa Prefecture works on having karate designated an intangible cultural heritage with the UNESCO. Yes, … Continue reading →

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The inheritance of Kobudo is “destiny.” There is no end to research [Dojo Tour 3]

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Andreas Quast

Translation of an article from Okinawa Times, April 17, 2017. “Kobudō is my life. I have been pursuing it all my life, but research is endless.” Nakamoto Masahiro (79), who was selected as the only intangible cultural property holder in … Continue reading →

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What’s in a hairpin?

Posted on June 6, 2020 by Andreas Quast

Various experts repeatedly likened karate to Ryūkyūan dance. For example, Funakoshi Gichin wrote that “As a martial art unique to Okinawa, the Mēkata dances of the rural areas are the same as not yet developed karate.” (1) More than a … Continue reading →

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Okinawan Samurai — The Instructions of a Royal Official to his Only Son

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Andreas Quast

Troubled about the future of his only son and heir, a royal government official of the Ryukyu Kingdom wrote down his ‘Instructions’ as a code of practice for all affairs. Written in flowing, elegant Japanese, he refers to a wide … Continue reading →

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Karate no omoide (My Memories of Karate)

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Andreas Quast

The article “Karate no omoide” (My Memories of Karate) is a primary source about Kyan Chōtoku’s life and his relation to karate. The article was published on 1942-05-07 in the Okinawa Shinpō Newspaper. The Okinawa Shinpō was a result of the … Continue reading →

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The 36 Clans of the Min-People

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Andreas Quast

Shortly after the establishment of tributary trade relations with China, a group of Chinese from Fujian were granted to Ryūkyū by the Chinese Emperor and started to immigrate to Okinawa in 1392. They came to be known as the people … Continue reading →

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Kyūyō, Appendix Vol. IV, No. 158: In 1851 a new vaccination method was established and used by all people.

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Andreas Quast

Since ancient times, the method of blowing dried smallpox scabs up the nose was used in all cases against contagion with smallpox. Coming the year 1851, Uku Pēchin Kijin 宇久親雲上紀仁 of the Matsu-clan 松氏 practiced a new smallpox vaccination method. … Continue reading →

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Karate Training Places in 1898, 1899, show Division by Ideology

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Andreas Quast

In 1898 and 1899 the first notes on training places of Karate in Okinawa appear in newspaper articles. From these early descriptions it can be seen that Karate was taught in the context of political activity and ideology. In the … Continue reading →

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Two helpful apps when you visit Kyushu

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Andreas Quast

Two helpful apps when you visit Kyushu Japan is a haven for shoppers who are looking for the best deals for a multitude of different things. The country is well known for its cheap electronic stores in Akihabara as well … Continue reading →

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Navi

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Andreas Quast
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