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		<title>Shikika—Remote Island Bakery</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:53:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bread]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cookies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Okinawa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pastries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=1007</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;ve been to Zamami&#8217;s 105 Store recently (and let&#8217;s be honest, if you&#8217;ve been to Zamami, you&#8217;ve been to 105 Store), you might have noticed freshly-baked bread and pastries being sold near the register. The treats are actually baked right here on the island by Shikika, who—in addition to the breads and treats that [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg"><img width="683" height="1024" data-attachment-id="1074" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e3%83%9b%e3%82%a8%e3%83%bc%e3%83%ab%e3%82%af%e3%83%83%e3%82%ad%e3%83%bc/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg" data-orig-size="1045,1567" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="ホエールクッキー" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=200" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=683" alt="Sandwich cookies in the shape of humpback whales" class="wp-image-1074" style="aspect-ratio:0.7507407973117458;width:216px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=683 683w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=100 100w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=200 200w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be382a8e383bce383abe382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg 1045w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shikika&#8217;s Whale Sandwich Cookies</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you&#8217;ve been to Zamami&#8217;s 105 Store recently (and let&#8217;s be honest, if you&#8217;ve been to Zamami, you&#8217;ve been to 105 Store), you might have noticed freshly-baked bread and pastries being sold near the register. The treats are actually baked right here on the island by Shikika, who—in addition to the breads and treats that can be found at 105 Store—makes food souvenirs as well as custom-made cakes for birthdays and anniversaries. In this post, we&#8217;d like to take a glimpse at the people behind the brand as well the challenges of running a bakery on a remote island.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shikika</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shikika is ran by couple Nozomi and Shōta Yamashiro, who live on the island with their three children. Although Shōta is originally from mainland Okinawa, his family has roots in Zamami, and he later moved to the village. While both Shōta and his wife have backgrounds in confectionary making, the two started the company just this past year. Before that, Shōta worked in the village office, helping to support the island from the side of civil service.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In asking about the couple&#8217;s motivation behind confectionary, Nozomi Yamashiro replied:<br>&#8220;Everyone smiles when eating sweets, so I figured this occupation is intertwined with &#8220;smiles,&#8221; and I wanted a career where I could make people smile.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg"><img width="1024" height="977" data-attachment-id="1087" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/img_6640-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg" data-orig-size="2430,2319" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1754683816&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6640" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="Cheesecake topped with various fruits and &quot;Happy Birthday&quot; written on a cookie  " class="wp-image-1087" style="aspect-ratio:0.8300907911802854;width:202px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=2048 2048w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6640-1.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cheesecake with fruit topping</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Products</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shikika&#8217;s products can be grouped into three categories:<br>・Fresh-baked bread sold at 105 Store<br>・Food souvenirs sold at Zamami-mun Market<br>・Fresh sweets, including whole cakes for birthdays and anniversaries, cream puffs, and various types of                      <em>wagashi</em></p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg"><img width="1024" height="682" data-attachment-id="1064" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e3%83%96%e3%83%ab%e3%83%bc%e3%82%bc%e3%83%aa%e3%83%bc/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg" data-orig-size="1567,1045" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="ブルーゼリー" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=640" data-id="1064" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=1024" alt="Blue jelly made with shikuwasa juice" class="wp-image-1064" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e38396e383abe383bce382bce383aae383bc.jpg 1567w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="768" height="1023" data-attachment-id="1065" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e5%ba%a7%e9%96%93%e5%91%b3%e3%82%af%e3%83%83%e3%82%ad%e3%83%bc/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg" data-orig-size="1108,1477" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="座間味クッキー" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=225" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=640" data-id="1065" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=768" alt="Cookie in the shape of Zamami Island" class="wp-image-1065" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=113 113w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg?w=225 225w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e5baa7e99693e591b3e382afe38383e382ade383bc.jpg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
</figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And souvenirs are not limited to tourists! In Japan, there is a custom of gift-giving in business scenes amongst clients and partners, making small, individually-wrapped snacks a great item to for residents to bring on business trips.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Origin of Name &#8220;Shikika&#8221;</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;Shikika&#8221; has two origins. The first comes from the Japanese words <em>shiki</em> (literally meaning &#8220;the four seasons&#8221;) and <em>kashi</em> (which refers to sweets or confectionaries). The idea here is that the company makes confectionaries year-round across the four seasons.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The second origin come from taking the first syllable from the names of each of their three children, which comes out to &#8220;Shi-ki-ka,&#8221; or Shikika. </p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Path into Confectionary</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-attachment-id="1061" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e4%bd%9c%e3%82%8b%e6%a7%98%e5%ad%90/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg" data-orig-size="1477,1108" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="作る様子" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=1024" alt="Making bread in Zamami's rental kitchen space" class="wp-image-1061" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333493720829523;width:292px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e4bd9ce3828be6a798e5ad90.jpg 1477w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although both Shōta and Nozomi have backgrounds in confectionary, the two took very different paths. While Nozomi studied Western-style sweets, such as cake baking, Shōta received his training in Japanese-style confectionaries (think of sweets made with <em>anko</em>, or sweet red bean paste common in many Japanese sweets such as <em>dorayaki </em>and <em>anpan</em>). When asking about how the two got started in confectionary, Nozomi Yamashiro explained:<br><br>&#8220;Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed making sweets, especially cakes. By the time I reached middle school, I had a clear idea that I wanted to make a living from this kind of work. In high school, I worked part-time at a cake shop and went on to enroll in a culinary professional training college, aspiring to become a patissier.&#8221; <br><br>&#8220;(Shōta) has always enjoyed eating sweets, and the idea for a career in confectionary came from a desire to be able to make them as well. During a trip to Osaka, he was moved by the various wagashi (Japanese sweets) he tried, inspiring his decision to choose the path of wagashi confectionary.&#8221;</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Patisserie in Zamami</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As mentioned earlier, Shōta&#8217;s family has history in the village, which helped the two move to Zamami. When thinking about whether there was a job that would allow her to use her skills, Nozomi realized both that was no patisserie in the island and she could be the one to change that circumstance. From there, she began gathering equipment and testing out recipes while Shōta worked in the village office. 11 years later, this vision finally began to take form.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While Shikika does not yet have its own brick-and-mortar store, the company borrows kitchen space in the village and has grown to the point where they are able to make and sell bread, snacks, and cakes.</p>



<figure data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:76955714,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/&quot;}'  class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-attachment-id="1069" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e3%83%9d%e3%83%bc%e3%82%af%e3%82%b5%e3%83%b3%e3%83%89-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg" data-orig-size="1477,1108" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="ポークサンド" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=640" data-id="1069" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="Pork sandwiches " class="wp-image-1069" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839de383bce382afe382b5e383b3e38389-1.jpg 1477w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="768" height="1023" data-attachment-id="1070" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e3%82%b3%e3%83%bc%e3%83%b3%e3%83%91%e3%83%b3/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg" data-orig-size="1108,1477" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="コーンパン" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg?w=225" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg?w=640" data-id="1070" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg?w=768" alt="Bread with corn and cheese" class="wp-image-1070" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg?w=113 113w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg?w=225 225w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b3e383bce383b3e38391e383b3.jpg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
</figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Challenges of Running a Patisserie on a Remote Island</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Running a patisserie in Zamami Village is not easy, especially when it comes to ingredients. Like all other supplies, ingredients must be brought in by ferry. First, this means that there is a delay between purchasing ingredients and actually having them delivered. Unlike going to a wholesaler or supermarket, islanders usually have to wait at least several days for items to be loaded onto the ferry. This also means that when the ferry gets canceled, so do grocery deliveries.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-attachment-id="1080" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e3%83%9b%e3%83%83%e3%83%88%e3%83%89%e3%83%83%e3%82%b0/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg" data-orig-size="1477,1108" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="ホットドッグ" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=1024" alt="Hot dogs on homemade buns" class="wp-image-1080" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333495974627958;width:244px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e3839be38383e38388e38389e38383e382b0.jpg 1477w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The other option is to go to Naha for shopping and bring back items oneself. Similar to the option of ordering groceries, if the ferries don&#8217;t run, islands are unable to make it to Naha to purchase ingredients. Moreover, with this method islanders are limited to buying only what they carry back with them.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shikika both purchases ingredients online for delivery and goes back and forth to Naha for fresh produce. Although even with stocking up on supplies, there are times when they have to refuse sudden orders for confectionaries due to the time it takes to obtain ingredients. <br>&#8220;We want to deliver cakes in time for everybody&#8217;s special anniversary, but the reality is that logistical difficulties remain a challenge,&#8221; says Nozomi Yamashiro.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="850" height="1024" data-attachment-id="1077" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/%e3%82%b1%e3%83%bc%e3%82%ad-3/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg" data-orig-size="1108,1335" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="ケーキ" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg?w=249" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg?w=850" alt="White-frosted birthday cake with whole strawberries on top " class="wp-image-1077" style="aspect-ratio:0.8300907911802854;width:188px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg?w=850 850w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg?w=124 124w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg?w=249 249w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/e382b1e383bce382ad-2.jpg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px" /></a></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inspiring the Next Generation</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;In reality, bread (boulangerie), Western-style sweets (patissier/patissiere), and wagashi making is split into three different occupations. Through bread baking and confectionary, we hope to increase the future options available to<strong> </strong>children in the village. Even if they don&#8217;t end up taking up this career, I hope that knowing that this profession exists leads to some kind of discovery,&#8221; the couple relates.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;The professions children in Zamami are exposed to are pretty limited, and even when considering shops that offer food and beverage service, there is no bakery or patisserie yet. When they see products being made, this helps lead to an understanding that a certain profession exists, and through this exposure hopefully increases the number of paths they can choose to take.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shōta and Nozomi Yamashiro have been working since last year toward their goal of a brick-and-mortar store, and they hope to open one by the end of this year.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" data-attachment-id="1098" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/15/shikika-remote-island-bakery/img_6678-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg" data-orig-size="1567,1045" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6678" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="Butter cookies in the shapes of Zamami, Aka , and Geruma islands" class="wp-image-1098" style="aspect-ratio:1.501508211373031;width:288px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6678-1.jpg 1567w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<div style="height:120px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">*note: this article is not an endorsement of Shikika. Instead, The Zamami Times wants to highlight the people and businesses who are working to make the island a better place for both residents and tourists.</p>
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			<media:title type="html">Cheesecake topped with various fruits and &#034;Happy Birthday&#034; written on a cookie  </media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">White-frosted birthday cake with whole strawberries on top </media:title>
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		<title>Pokémon Comes to Zamami!</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 02:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Growlithe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Okinawa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pokémon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zamami]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=929</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[On August 4, the Pokémon Growlithe (Japanese name: ガーディ Gaudi) came to Zamami Island to unveil a new Pokémon utility hole cover (&#8220;Poké Lids&#8221; hereinafter) that will be placed in the village. Zamami&#8217;s Poké Lid features Growlithe in addition to the whale Pokémon Wailmer (Japanese name: ホエルコ Hoeruko) and will be set in the park [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="723" height="1024" data-attachment-id="985" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/photo_20250804-040218_3/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg" data-orig-size="723,1024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="photo_20250804-040218_3" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg?w=212" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg?w=723" alt="The Pokémon Growlithe posing for a photo inside of the Zamami Village Office" class="wp-image-985" style="aspect-ratio:0.7060609759819331;width:237px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg 723w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg?w=106 106w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/photo_20250804-040218_3.jpeg?w=212 212w" sizes="(max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px" /></a></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On August 4, the Pok<strong>é</strong>mon Growlithe (Japanese name: ガーディ Gaudi) came to Zamami Island to unveil a new Pok<strong>é</strong>mon utility hole cover (&#8220;Poké Lids&#8221; hereinafter) that will be placed in the village. Zamami&#8217;s Poké Lid features Growlithe in addition to the whale Pokémon Wailmer (Japanese name: ホエルコ Hoeruko) and will be set in the park next to the Tourism Information Center, with construction planned to take place later this month.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Four New Poké Lids in Okinawa</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zamami Village is one of four municipalities in Okinawa that were selected to receive a one-of-a-kind Poké Lid featuring Growlithe, with three including additional Pokémon. The utility hole covers are part of a collaboration between Okinawa and The Pokémon Company to promote tourism and were unveiled at Okinawa&#8217;s Naha International Airport on August 1, Okinawa&#8217;s official Tourism Day. The event was attended by Growlithe, who serves as Okinawa&#8217;s supporting Pokémon for its resemblance to the traditional figure of Shisa, which can be seen throughout the prefecture guarding the entrances of homes and businesses.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="768" height="1023" data-attachment-id="1001" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/img_6628/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg" data-orig-size="1108,1477" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6628" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg?w=225" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg?w=768" alt="Zamami Village's Poké Lid." class="wp-image-1001" style="aspect-ratio:0.7507407973117458;width:235px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg?w=113 113w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg?w=225 225w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6628.jpeg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zamami Village&#8217;s Poké Lid.</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The other participating municipalities include Kume Island, Chatan Village, and Zamami&#8217;s neighboring island of Tokashiki Village. Each of the Poké Lids features a different Pokémon that holds some sort of significance to that area. Zamami Village, which is visited by humpback whales each winter, is aptly called &#8220;The home of the whales&#8221; (クジラのふるさと). As such, Zamami&#8217;s Poké Lid features the whale Pokémon Wailmer. Kume&#8217;s Poké Lid features Clauncher alongside Growlithe, Tokashiki&#8217;s displays a triple Pokémon feature of Azurill and Salandit with Growlithe, while Chatan Village&#8217;s features a solo of Growlithe with Pikachu and Poké Ball fireworks in the background.</p>



<figure data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:76955714,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/&quot;}'  class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png"><img loading="lazy" width="750" height="750" data-attachment-id="975" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/kume_pokelid/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png" data-orig-size="750,750" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="kume_pokelid" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png?w=640" data-id="975" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png?w=750" alt="" class="wp-image-975" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png 750w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kume_pokelid.png?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png"><img loading="lazy" width="750" height="750" data-attachment-id="977" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/tokashiki_pokelid/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png" data-orig-size="750,750" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="tokashiki_pokelid" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png?w=640" data-id="977" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png?w=750" alt="" class="wp-image-977" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png 750w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tokashiki_pokelid.png?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png"><img loading="lazy" width="750" height="750" data-attachment-id="974" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/chatan_pokelid/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png" data-orig-size="750,750" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="chatan_pokelid" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png?w=640" data-id="974" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png?w=750" alt="" class="wp-image-974" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png 750w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chatan_pokelid.png?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although twelve Poké Lids already exist throughout the prefecture, these four are the first to feature designs that include Growlithe. The pictures of the Poké Lids above as well as the rest of the Poké Lids in Okinawa can be viewed on Pokémon&#8217;s website <a href="https://local.pokemon.jp/en/manhole/okinawa.html">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Zamami&#8217;s Poké Lid Unveiling Event</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zamami&#8217;s new Poké Lid was introduced by Growlithe in front of a group of ecstatic children from Zamami and Aka Island and their parents, members of the village office, a representative from the Ministry of the Environment, other residents of the village, and several tourists.</p>



<figure data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:76955714,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/&quot;}'  class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="920" height="1024" data-attachment-id="992" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/img_6618/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg" data-orig-size="3024,3367" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1754312648&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;64&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0064516129032258&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6618" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=269" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=640" data-id="992" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=920" alt="Growlithe presents Zamami's Poké Lid" class="wp-image-992" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=920 920w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=1840 1840w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=135 135w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=269 269w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6618.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="922" data-attachment-id="993" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/img_6615/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg" data-orig-size="3024,2724" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1754312504&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;40&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0058823529411765&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6615" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=640" data-id="993" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=1024" alt="Growlithe presents Zamami's Poké Lid " class="wp-image-993" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=2048 2048w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6615.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The event took place on August 4th at 13:00 inside the air-conditioned ferry terminal at Zamami Port, set in front of the picture of a humpback whale famous in the village. After showing everyone the new Pokémon utility hole cover, Growlithe took a few pictures with Zamami&#8217;s mayor and sub-mayor. Afterwards, Zamami&#8217;s preschool and elementary school students gathered around Growlithe for a group photo. Following this photoshoot, attendees of the event formed a line for individual and small-group photos with Growlithe, although it took some time to wrangle the excited children away from the character. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-attachment-id="996" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg" data-orig-size="1024,768" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1754391108&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_LI" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg?w=1024" alt="Children posing for photo in front of the Pokémon Growlithe" class="wp-image-996" style="width:347px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg?w=768 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After a half-hour of photos, it was finally time for Growlithe to return to its Poké Ball. As the Pokémon was led out of the ferry terminal, it was followed closely by the children of Zamami who seemed ready to make it their own. After a final bombardment of hugs and pats from the children, Growlithe returned to its Poké Ball and the event came to a close.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Poké Lids Across Japan</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first manhole cover was placed in Kagoshima&#8217;s Ibusuki City back in December of 2018 featuring the Pokémon Eevee. This Pokémon was chosen for Ibusuki due to the phonetic similarity in the name of the city and the Japanese &#8220;I love Eevee&#8221; (イーブイ好き iibui-suki). From there, Poké Lids spread across Japan, and there are now over 300 unique utility hole covers throughout 37 of Japan&#8217;s prefectures.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Pokémon:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>&#8220;Poké Lids, artistic covers for utility holes, have recently started to be spotted in some cities. Who knows if they are of Pokémonopolistic nature? It seems that not all utility holes are man-made; rumor has it that Diglett may be responsible for digging large enough holes to be mistaken for utility holes and some artists took it upon themselves to “mark” the covers to differentiate them from ordinary ones.&#8221;</p><cite>From Pokémon&#8217;s <a href="https://local.pokemon.jp/en/manhole/">website</a></cite></blockquote></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While visitors to Zamami likely won&#8217;t spot Diglett running around the island (hopefully they&#8217;re not doing too much digging!), they will be able to visit the brand new Wailmer x Growlithe Poké Lid in the park next to the Tourism Information Center. If you visit Zamami, make sure to snap a few pictures with the Pokémon pair!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-attachment-id="1003" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/pokemon-comes-to-zamami/img_6630-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg" data-orig-size="1477,1108" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6630" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=1024" alt="The Zamami mayor and sub-mayor pose with Growlithe." class="wp-image-1003" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333449271329694;width:377px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg 1477w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Zamami mayor and sub-mayor pose with Growlithe.</figcaption></figure>
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			<media:title type="html">The Pokémon Growlithe posing for a photo inside of the Zamami Village Office</media:title>
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			<media:title type="html">Growlithe presents Zamami&#039;s Poké Lid </media:title>
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		<media:content url="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedphoto_20250804-040217_6_li.jpg?w=1024" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">Children posing for photo in front of the Pokémon Growlithe</media:title>
		</media:content>

		<media:content url="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6630-1.jpeg?w=1024" medium="image">
			<media:title type="html">The Zamami mayor and sub-mayor pose with Growlithe.</media:title>
		</media:content>
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		<item>
		<title>Tsunami Warning Follows Double Typhoon</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/</link>
					<comments>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:02:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Okinawa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=891</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This past week, the onset of two simultaneous typhoons resulted in the cancelation of both the High-Speed Ferry Queen Zamami and Ferry Zamami for six days straight. On the seventh day, the ferry was scheduled to run, although the earthquake off Russia&#8217;s far east coast and the subsequent tsunami alerts quickly led to its cancelation. [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/images.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="168" data-attachment-id="920" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/images/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/images.jpg" data-orig-size="300,168" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="images" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/images.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/images.jpg?w=300" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/images.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-920" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/images.jpg 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/images.jpg?w=150 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image from NHK News</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This past week, the onset of two simultaneous typhoons resulted in the cancelation of both the High-Speed Ferry Queen Zamami and Ferry Zamami for six days straight. On the seventh day, the ferry was scheduled to run, although the earthquake off Russia&#8217;s far east coast and the subsequent tsunami alerts quickly led to its cancelation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Six Days of Full Ship Cancelations</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last Wednesday, July 23, all departures of the high-speed ferry were canceled, but the regular ferry ran on an altered departure schedule. The ferry departed Naha at 10 AM headed for Aka Island. It then departed Aka at 11:45 AM, arriving in Zamami at noon before leaving again shortly after 12:30 PM. Following a regular schedule, the ferry stays docked in Zamami Port until 16:00, meaning that tourists were unable to visit the island for a day trip during the altered schedule, affecting both the village office&#8217;s income and that of the many business that rely on tourism.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This would be the last day for a full week that the village saw either of the ferries. From the 24th through the 29th, all ship departures were canceled due to rough sea conditions brought about by Typhoons no. 7 and no. 8. For the first few days, villagers were in high spirits and the island was filled with an air of relaxation. Barbeques could be seen taking place outside of homes in the evenings, with neighbors casually walking over to participate in the festivities. <br>During the summer months, the number of visitors to the island is at its highest, and many of the dive shops and accommodations work tirelessly until the wave of tourism finally dies down around the end of September.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="969" data-attachment-id="918" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/img_6599/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg" data-orig-size="1099,1040" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6599" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-918" style="aspect-ratio:1.056769932379305;width:302px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6599.jpeg 1099w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Supermarket Shelves Run Low</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As days without ships continued, the village began to grow restless. Just as no tourists were able to make it to Zamami, none of the islanders were able to travel to mainland Okinawa. Ever more, without the ferry, no supplies could be delivered. Zamami Village relies on its ferry alone for all cargo. As could be expected, empty shelves and freezers filled 105 Store, the island&#8217;s lone supermarket, and Komine Store, a small shop that sells mostly snacks, was also mostly empty. The sight was reminiscent of supermarket aisles during the onset of the covid-19 global epidemic. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As Typhoon no. 7 passed and Typhoon no. 8 seemed to be on its way, the village looked forward to the return of its ferries and of visitors. However, this proved to be a premature celebration. Just as Typhoon no. 8 seemed to be leaving Okinawa, it boomeranged back in a fake-out that led to further ferry cancelations. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On July 30, after six days without ships, the ferry was finally scheduled to run. Although the Queen Zamami had been canceled in all of her departures, at least with the regular ferry, supplies could make it to the island alongside passengers. <br>The ferry left Naha&#8217;s Tomari Port at 10 AM as regularly scheduled before plans were to once again dramatically change.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="775" height="514" data-attachment-id="915" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/image1/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg" data-orig-size="775,514" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="image1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg?w=775" alt="" class="wp-image-915" style="aspect-ratio:1.507827937376501;width:271px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg 775w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image1.jpg?w=768 768w" sizes="(max-width: 775px) 100vw, 775px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zamami&#8217;s 105 Store</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tsunami Alert Leads to Emergency Cargo Run</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shortly after the ferry&#8217;s departure, tsunami alerts were sounded across the world following the massive earthquake centered in eastern Russia&#8217;s Kamchatka Peninsula. For Zamami, this meant that the ferry was ordered to do a U-turn and return to Tomari Port. Back in Naha, passengers were promptly unloaded as were supplies scheduled to be delivered to the island. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By 13:45, after waiting for several hours to see if the alert would end, the ferry was canceled for the entire day, marking the seventh day in a row of all the ferries to Zamami Village being canceled. <br>However, due to extremely limited supplies in the village, it was decided that the ferry would run without passengers in order to deliver the much needed items. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ferry left Naha around 14:30 and was scheduled to arrive in Aka at 16:00 and unload cargo before heading to Zamami with a scheduled arrival of 16:30. After a week of no supplies, 15 minutes alone in Aka was not nearly enough time to unload everything, and it wasn&#8217;t until around 16:50 that the islanders of Zamami saw their ferry. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ordinarily, the ferry runs everyday, and supplies for businesses and individuals are distributed throughout the week. Being the first delivery in a week, it seemed that the entire island came to greet the ferry and pick up the items that they had been desperately waiting for. Containers were filled to the brim with groceries, fuel, and various other supplies. Villagers helped one another sort and distribute items in a show of community solidarity.</p>



<figure data-carousel-extra='{&quot;blog_id&quot;:76955714,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/&quot;}'  class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="774" data-attachment-id="912" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/inkedimg_6597_li/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg" data-orig-size="1759,1331" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1754064484&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="InkedIMG_6597_LI" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=640" data-id="912" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-912" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6597_li.jpg 1759w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1010" data-attachment-id="913" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/inkedimg_6598_li/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg" data-orig-size="1760,1737" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1754064485&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="InkedIMG_6598_LI" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=640" data-id="913" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-913" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inkedimg_6598_li.jpg 1760w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ferry and Queen Zamami Arrive Together</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The following day, the tsunami alert ended between 10 AM and 11 AM. As a result, the first departure of the Queen Zamami was canceled, but the remaining two departures as well as the ferry departed safely, albeit on a bit of an altered schedule. <br>Despite the ferry leaving a full hour before the Queen, it was no match, as the Queen pulled into Zamami Port just ahead of the ferry. For possibly the first time in the history of the village, both of the island&#8217;s ferries arrived to Zamami Port simultaneously.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="813" data-attachment-id="907" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/08/01/tsunami-warning-follows-double-typhoon/img_6593/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg" data-orig-size="1189,945" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1753970919&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;50&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;9.1996320147194E-5&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6593" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-907" style="aspect-ratio:1.2595473501710324;width:481px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/img_6593.jpg 1189w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Both ferries arriving together</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During the typhoon season, ship departure status can be difficult to predict ahead of time. The decision for whether the ships will run is made same day and uploaded to the village office&#8217;s website by 8 AM. Before visiting Zamami Village, please research the weather and plan ahead. Every year, visitors get stuck on the island during ship cancelations. </p>
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		<title>The Zamami Times Launches Instagram Account</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/07/27/the-zamami-times-launches-instagram-account/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Jul 2025 23:58:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=884</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Hello readers of The Zamami Times! Today, we are excited to announce that The Zamami Times has just launched an Instagram account (account handle: @zamami.times). While the account will feature the stories we share here, we also plan to highlight island information that won&#8217;t be posted to the website. This may include information and pictures [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hello readers of The Zamami Times! Today, we are excited to announce that The Zamami Times has just launched an Instagram account (account handle: @zamami.times). While the account will feature the stories we share here, we also plan to highlight island information that won&#8217;t be posted to the website.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This may include information and pictures related to weather, businesses, people, videos from events and everyday, and other bite-sized stories that we normally wouldn&#8217;t upload here. On the website, we are limited to the size and number of photos that can be uploaded, and we have yet to share any videos. Through our Instagram account, we should be able to share more visually-engaging content.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Additionally, we hope that the account becomes a space that encourages more interaction with Zamami-related content as well as comments and shares from our readers! If you have any suggestions for us, we&#8217;d love to hear them!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please follow us @zamami.times !</p>
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		<title>Zamami Chef Wins Chef of the Year Okinawa 2025</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/zamami-chef-wins-chef-of-the-year-okinawa-2025/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Jul 2025 06:45:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[Last month, Kanusuba Zamami&#8217;s Chef Kawashimo Keisuke was awarded first prize in the &#8220;Chef of the Year Okinawa 2025&#8221; cooking competition. The tournament began in February and followed participating chefs for almost five months through two rounds of preliminary selection, a semi-finals and a finals competition. From the two levels of preliminary selection, eight chefs [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="832" height="1023" data-attachment-id="881" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/zamami-chef-wins-chef-of-the-year-okinawa-2025/img_6582/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg" data-orig-size="1171,1441" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_6582" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg?w=244" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg?w=832" alt="" class="wp-image-881" style="aspect-ratio:0.8133043174552;width:287px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg?w=832 832w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg?w=122 122w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg?w=244 244w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_6582.jpg 1171w" sizes="(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last month, Kanusuba Zamami&#8217;s Chef Kawashimo Keisuke was awarded first prize in the &#8220;Chef of the Year Okinawa 2025&#8221; cooking competition. <br>The tournament began in February and followed participating chefs for almost five months through two rounds of preliminary selection, a semi-finals and a finals competition. From the two levels of preliminary selection, eight chefs were selected to move on to the semi-finals, with three chefs advancing further to the final round of competition.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Finals Competition</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The finals competition was held at the Ryukyu Culinary School in Urasoe City just north of Naha on June 15. This stage required chefs to prepare three dishes—an appetizer, main course, and dessert—using specific ingredients designated by the committee. For the appetizer, the required ingredient was octopus; the designated ingredient for the main course was goat meat, and the dessert required pineapple. All ingredients are local to the prefecture. Okinawa herbs and acerola were also designated as required ingredients, but these could be used in any of the dishes. Leading up to the competition, the three finalists had time to decide on and practice the dishes they planned on making. At the competition, chefs were given three hours to prepare their dishes as they took turns presenting them to the judges. <br><br>Below, we outline how Chef Kawashimo chose to use the ingredients through a description of the dishes he prepared.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left">Appetizer</h3>



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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="947" height="1023" data-attachment-id="858" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/zamami-chef-wins-chef-of-the-year-okinawa-2025/%e5%89%8d%e8%8f%9c%e3%80%80%e5%85%a8%e4%bd%93-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg" data-orig-size="1108,1198" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="前菜　全体" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=277" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=947" alt="" class="wp-image-858" style="aspect-ratio:0.9247441300421433;width:269px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=947 947w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=139 139w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=277 277w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5898de88f9c-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 947px) 100vw, 947px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The required ingredient for the appetizer was octopus. In Okinawa, octopus, known as <em>shima-dako</em> (島ダコ, or &#8220;island octopus&#8221;), is a familiar ingredient used in a variety of dishes, from served raw as octopus sashimi to cooked into Chinese-style stir-fries. In many parts of the prefecture, locals go octopus hunting when the tides are low, walking out into the receding ocean at night in order to catch octopi by hand. Of course, octopus can also be fished on a rod, and many people who fish around rocky outcroppings near shore are in pursuit of octopus. <br><br>For the appetizer of the competition, Chef Kawashimo presented Octopus Gazpacho. The octopus was prepared using hojicha, a type of green tea that is roasted over charcoal, giving it a distinctive golden-brown color. A marinade of fennel, lime, and red onion was also used in the soup. According to Chef Kawashimo, acerola gives the dish some fruitiness, double cream adds richness, and fennel, basil, and mint grown in Zamami add refreshing flavors to the gazpacho.<br>Especially in the Okinawa summer, with seemingly endless days of high humidity and temperature, this cold tomato soup helps to cool you down and reset diners for hot dishes that follow.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Main Course</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="996" height="1023" data-attachment-id="853" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/zamami-chef-wins-chef-of-the-year-okinawa-2025/%e3%83%a1%e3%82%a4%e3%83%b3%e3%80%80%e5%85%a8%e4%bd%93-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg" data-orig-size="1108,1139" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="メイン　全体" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=292" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=996" alt="" class="wp-image-853" style="aspect-ratio:0.9726443768996961;width:298px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=996 996w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=146 146w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=292 292w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e383a1e382a4e383b3-e585a8e4bd93-1.jpeg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 996px) 100vw, 996px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since long ago, goat meat has been a standard of Okinawan cuisine, with popular dishes including <em>hiijaa-jiru</em> (ヒージャー汁, or goat stew) along with goat meat sashimi. It is also known as an ingredient with both a strong flavor and pungent smell, dividing people quite decisively into those who enjoy goat and those who despise it.<br><br>For this course, Chef Kawashimo prepared Goat Crépinette, served with acerola sauce grand veneur and paired with goat cheese crème and mashed potatoes. <br><br>Chef Kawashimo describes this dish as tender roasted goat meat served French-style in a rich sauce. Bone-in goat meat is wrapped in chicken mousse and crépine (caul fat), allowing the meat inside to tenderize by cooking through the use of indirect heat. The sauce used in the dish is sauce grand veneur, a sauce that pairs well with game meat and that uses berries, giving it a sweet tartness. In place of berries, acerola was used to fit with the theme of the competition.<br>The goat meat is paired with goat cheese crème that adds a refreshing acidity and mashed potatoes spiced with cumin, the entirety of the dish made in such a way that various fragrances can be enjoyed as one progresses through the meal.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dessert</h3>



<div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="979" height="1024" data-attachment-id="864" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/07/26/zamami-chef-wins-chef-of-the-year-okinawa-2025/%e3%83%87%e3%82%b6%e3%83%bc%e3%83%88%e3%80%80%e5%85%a8%e4%bd%93/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg" data-orig-size="1108,1159" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="デザート　全体" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg?w=287" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg?w=979" alt="" class="wp-image-864" style="aspect-ratio:0.9560562678949334;width:241px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg?w=979 979w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg?w=143 143w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg?w=287 287w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e38387e382b6e383bce38388-e585a8e4bd93.jpeg 1108w" sizes="(max-width: 979px) 100vw, 979px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The required ingredient for the dessert was pineapple. For this course, Chef Kawashimo chose to make Gold Barrel Granité, a semi-frozen dessert similar to sherbet or shaved ice. Gold Barrel is the name of a variety of pineapple grown in Okinawa, and a short explanation of the characteristics of the special fruit can be found <a href="https://food-reborn.co.jp/en/pineapple-owner/">here</a>.<br><br>The dessert features coconut crème bavaroise, or Bavarian cream topped with homemade frozen yogurt and pineapple granité made from the Gold Barrel variety. Passion fruit and cut pineapple is placed on top.<br><br>Chef Kawashimo explains that the characteristic of the dessert is the compatibility of the flavors of pineapple and coconut as well as the textures of the granité and passion fruit. The fresh fruit adds a refreshing scent and flavor to the dessert. </p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chef Kawashimo Keisuke is the third winner of the Chef of the Year Okinawa competition since its start in 2023. He is also the first participant from a separated island of Okinawa to be awarded first place. We congratulate Chef Kawashimo on his hard-earned win and look forward to his future contributions to Okinawan gastronomy. </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kanusuba Zamami</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kanusuba Zamami&#8217;s restaurant &#8220;Akagi&#8221; offers a &#8220;Ryukyu Innovative&#8221; course dinner featuring dishes that combine French culinary techniques with traditional Okinawan ingredients and dishes. The &#8220;Ryukyu Innovative&#8221; dinner offers around 10-11 unique courses that takes diners through a culinary story of Okinawa. <br>The restaurant also offers a BBQ set with locally-sourced ingredients, included smoked pork sausage, Yamashiro beef, lamb, and an assortment of sashimi.<br>Breakfast is also available and features a more traditional Japanese-style meal using Okinawan ingredients.<br>All dining options at Kanusuba Zamami require advanced reservation of at least one day. Reservations can be made through their <a href="https://kanusuba.jp/en/dining?language=en">website</a>.<br>*note: you do not have to be staying at Kanusuba&#8217;s hotel to enjoy their dining options.</p>
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		<title>Kerama Blue Cup SUP Tournament</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/05/21/kerama-blue-cup-sup-tournament/</link>
					<comments>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/05/21/kerama-blue-cup-sup-tournament/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 01:38:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=803</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Hello readers of The Daily Zamami! While not in full swing yet, summer has hit Zamami. In addition to an increase in passengers coming to the island to visit the beaches and scuba dive and snorkel in one of the best seas in the world, the summer season also welcomes several sporting events held in [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="642" height="1023" data-attachment-id="805" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/05/21/kerama-blue-cup-sup-tournament/screenshot/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg" data-orig-size="1029,1641" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Screenshot&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Screenshot&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="Screenshot" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="&lt;p&gt;Screenshot&lt;/p&gt;
" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg?w=188" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg?w=642" alt="" class="wp-image-805" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg?w=642 642w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg?w=94 94w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg?w=188 188w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/unnamed.jpg 1029w" sizes="(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The mayor crossing the finish line</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hello readers of The Daily Zamami! While not in full swing yet, summer has hit Zamami. In addition to an increase in passengers coming to the island to visit the beaches and scuba dive and snorkel in one of the best seas in the world, the summer season also welcomes several sporting events held in Zamami. This past weekend, the island hosted the annual SUP (stand-up paddleboard) competition, Kerama Blue Cup (KBC).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While SUP has been gaining popularity worldwide, we will briefly introduce the sport for any unfamiliar readers. SUP is kind of like a cross between surfing and canoeing, where an individual stands on a flat board and uses a single-bladed paddle to propel themselves forward. The sport grew up in Hawaii but is now enjoyed worldwide by everyone from families and fishermen to serious SUP athletes. While inflatable boards may be more prevalent, especially among casual enjoyers of the sport, SUP is divided into both inflatable and hardboard divisions at the competitive level. Competitive SUP consists of athletes racing over a set distance, testing athlete&#8217;s technical skills and physical endurance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the goals of Zamami&#8217;s Kerama Blue Cup is to encourage community engagement while spreading interest in the sport of SUP. Additionally, the tournament aims at spreading ideas of environmental awareness, including avoiding the use of plastics and the importance of efforts to reuse items instead of throwing them away, as well implementing a beach cleanup. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This year&#8217;s KBC was held on Saturday, May 17th. Recent weather reports have hinted at rain and strong winds, so the 18th was set aside as a backup day in case weather prevented the event from being held on Saturday. However, Zamami Village woke up to a bright blue sunny sky on the 17th, with clear weather lasting throughout the day.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">5 competition divisions were held in Zamami, including 12 km, 6 km, 3 km, 1 km, and team relay races. Inflatable boards and hardboards raced in separate categories, and for adults men and women were split into separate divisions. There were 3 km and 1 km races for children, and these divisions were combined among boys and girls. In total, the event hosted over 200 participants. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thedailyzamami2.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/img_5980-2.jpeg?w=789" alt="" class="wp-image-58" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following the conclusion of the tournament, a party was held at the outside stage of the health and wellness center. The party kicked off with a Hulu dance group and remarks by the mayor, which was followed by an awards ceremony for the top three finishers across each division. Following the awards ceremony were remarks by contributors and organizers of the events, as well as an Okinawa Eisa dance performance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you get the chance to visit Zamami, a day of SUP could make for the perfect experience. Especially on clear days, the waters around Zamami are crystal-clear, allowing you to peer into the world of coral and other sea creatures below the surface. There are several marine shops that offer SUP tours, including sunset SUP, where participants watch the sunset from atop their SUP board.</p>
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		<title>Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/02/12/cherry-blossoms-in-full-bloom/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:14:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cherry Blossoms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sakura]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=782</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Japan is well-known for its cherry blossoms (sakura) that bloom for a short period each spring around March and April, but did you know that there are cherry blossoms in Okinawa as well? In fact, due to the tropical climate here, these cherry blossoms are the first to bloom each year in Japan, blossoming from [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5008.jpg"><img data-attachment-id="787" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/img_5008-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5008-edited.jpg" data-orig-size="3024,2016" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1738519156&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;40&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0082644628099174&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_5008" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5008-edited.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5008-edited.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5008-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-787" style="width:509px;height:auto" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cherry blossoms blooming in Zamami</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Japan is well-known for its cherry blossoms (sakura) that bloom for a short period each spring around March and April, but did you know that there are cherry blossoms in Okinawa as well? In fact, due to the tropical climate here, these cherry blossoms are the first to bloom each year in Japan, blossoming from January to February!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unlike the lighter-pink cherry blossoms of Honshu and other parts of Japan, the cherry blossoms that can be found in Zamami are of the kanhi-zakura species (scientific name: Cerasus campanulata). These flowers are characterized by a deep pink color and bloom facing downwards in a bell-like shape. More information about the flower can be found <a href="https://www.flower-db.com/en/flowers/cerasus-campanulata">here</a>.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" data-attachment-id="795" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/02/12/cherry-blossoms-in-full-bloom/img_5007/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg" data-orig-size="3024,4032" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1738519131&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;125&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0088495575221239&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_5007" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=225" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-795" style="width:282px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=1536 1536w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=113 113w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=225 225w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5007.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are several sakura festivals that take place around the main island of Okinawa during this season, so if you get a chance to visit, look out for information related to those events as well.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cherry blossoms in Zamami can be found lining the forest road behind Ama Hamlet as well as in the area surrounding Takatsuki-yama Observatory. They make for a great sight during a hike or run along the roads running throughout the village.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="774" data-attachment-id="792" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/02/12/cherry-blossoms-in-full-bloom/img_5010-2/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg" data-orig-size="2884,2181" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1738519369&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;64&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0081967213114754&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_5010" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-792" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;object-fit:cover;width:617px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=2048 2048w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/img_5010-2.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanhi-zakura trees blooming alongside the road behind Ama Hamlet.</figcaption></figure>



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		<title>Zamami Village 2025 Dezome-shiki</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/zamami-village-2025-dezome-shiki/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jan 2025 06:19:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=763</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[At the start of the new year, fire departments all across Japan show off their firefighting capabilities to the public in an effort to increase morale among firefighters as well as encourage recognition and understanding of the fire department among citizens. These New Year firefighter&#8217;s events, known as &#8220;Dezome-shiki,&#8221; are performed every year in Zamami [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="719" data-attachment-id="767" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/zamami-village-2025-dezome-shiki/image/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png" data-orig-size="2024,1422" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="image" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-767" style="width:456px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png 2024w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the start of the new year, fire departments all across Japan show off their firefighting capabilities to the public in an effort to increase morale among firefighters as well as encourage recognition and understanding of the fire department among citizens. These New Year firefighter&#8217;s events, known as &#8220;Dezome-shiki,&#8221; are performed every year in Zamami as well.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Being a small island village, Zamami does not have a separate fire department. Instead, the fire brigade is composed of volunteer members from the village office in addition to island residents. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="945" data-attachment-id="770" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/zamami-village-2025-dezome-shiki/img_4781/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg" data-orig-size="1944,1795" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1736331143&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;50&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00026702269692924&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_4781" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-770" style="width:361px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4781.jpg 1944w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This year&#8217;s dezome-shiki was held on the crisp morning of January 8th at the port in Zamami Island. The event kicked off with a few words from Mayor Miyazato and the captain of the volunteer brigade, who expressed their hopes for a safe year and expressed their appreciation for the volunteers. Members of the fire brigade stood in rows dressed in their uniforms, responding to commands given by the captain. A crowd of residents and a few visitors watched the ceremony from the sidelines, with Zamami&#8217;s preschool students gathered at the front.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-attachment-id="776" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/zamami-village-2025-dezome-shiki/img_4789/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1736333297&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;50&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00021500752526338&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_4789" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-776" style="width:446px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=2048 2048w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4789.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1004" height="1024" data-attachment-id="774" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/zamami-village-2025-dezome-shiki/img_4784/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg" data-orig-size="2989,3049" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1736332525&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;50&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0001009998990001&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_4784" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=294" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=1004" alt="" class="wp-image-774" style="width:336px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=1004 1004w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=2008 2008w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=147 147w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=294 294w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4784.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1004px) 100vw, 1004px" /></a></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following the speeches, onlookers moved over to the ferry dock where the fire brigade gave a demonstration of its firetruck. As a fire alarm rang in the background, a group of four volunteers drove the truck to the port as part of an emergency drill. Swiftly getting out of the vehicle, the group quickly unlatched the fire hose, demonstrating its ability to the group of onlooking preschoolers, who cheered at the sight of the water jet. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After the fire hose display, the fire brigade drove the ambulance up next to the firetruck, allowing the preschoolers to take turns making announcements over the loud-speaker. Announcements ranged from &#8220;This is an ambulance. Please move aside!&#8221; to &#8220;My favorite food are apples.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="745" data-attachment-id="772" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/25/zamami-village-2025-dezome-shiki/img_4788/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg" data-orig-size="3026,2204" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1736333144&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;50&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00031104199066874&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_4788" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-772" style="width:575px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=2048 2048w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/img_4788.jpg?w=1440 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Zamami Times wishes everyone a safe and success year ahead. Let&#8217;s make 2025 one to remember!</p>
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		<title>Happy New Year from The Zamami Times!</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/06/happy-new-year-from-the-zamami-times/</link>
					<comments>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/06/happy-new-year-from-the-zamami-times/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:42:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Okinawa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zamami]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=753</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Happy New Year&#8217;s! In observance of year-end holidays, the Zamami Village Office was closed after a regular work day on December 27th, reopening this morning for the first time in over a week. As the first workday of the new year, staff of the village office showed up to work dressed in suits as opposed [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="636" data-attachment-id="754" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2025/01/06/happy-new-year-from-the-zamami-times/%e4%bb%a4%e5%92%8c7%e5%b9%b4%e5%bd%b9%e5%a0%b4%e6%96%b0%e5%b9%b4%e5%86%99%e7%9c%9f/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg" data-orig-size="1024,636" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="令和7年役場新年写真" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-754" style="width:731px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e4bba4e5928c7e5b9b4e5bdb9e5a0b4e696b0e5b9b4e58699e79c9f.jpeg?w=768 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Happy New Year&#8217;s! </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In observance of year-end holidays, the Zamami Village Office was closed after a regular work day on December 27th, reopening this morning for the first time in over a week. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the first workday of the new year, staff of the village office showed up to work dressed in suits as opposed to Okinawa&#8217;s brightly-colored kariyushi wear. Staff gathered outside in front of the village office for a group picture at the start of the workday. Exchanges of New Year&#8217;s greetings filled the brisk January air as staff met with one another for the first time since late December. After the photograph, the mayor gave a speech reflecting on the past year and expressing his hopes and aspirations for year ahead. Following the mayor&#8217;s speech were short messages by the head of the Board of Education and the Vice Mayor. Their words expressed that while it is important to focus on work, it is also important to take care to maintain your health. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Zamami Village Office serves a central role in the life of the community. From issuing ferry tickets to processing necessary documents for residents, the office is the heart of daily operations. Beyond administrative duties, the village office also organizes several events throughout the year, including the Whale Watching Festival, Kerama Bluecup SUP tournament, Sabani Sailing Race, Yacht Race, and Fan Appreciation Festival. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Events in January include the Aka О̄hashi Trim-Marathon, Hatachi-no-tsudoi coming-of-age ceremony, and basketball tournament.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Zamami Times wishes everyone a successful and fulfilling year. Here&#8217;s to 2025 in Zamami!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
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			<media:title type="html">令和7年役場新年写真</media:title>
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		<title>Return of the High-Speed Ferry Queen Zamami</title>
		<link>https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2024/12/21/return-of-the-high-speed-ferry-queen-zamami/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[zamamitimes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Dec 2024 02:50:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[未分類]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ferry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Okinawa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zamami Village]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/?p=743</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[After two long months, Zamami Village&#8217;s High-Speed Ferry &#8220;Queen Zamami&#8221; returned to the island after undergoing emergency maintenance. During the absence of the high-speed ferry, access to and from Zamami was facilitated by Ferry Zamami III. Today at 09:00, Queen Zamami left Tomari Port in Naha, making her way to Zamami Island before stopping at [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" data-attachment-id="748" data-permalink="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/2024/12/21/return-of-the-high-speed-ferry-queen-zamami/img_4620/" data-orig-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg" data-orig-size="1477,1108" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}" data-image-title="IMG_4620" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=640" src="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-748" style="width:556px;height:auto" srcset="https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=300 300w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg?w=1440 1440w, https://zamamitimes.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img_4620.jpeg 1477w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After two long months, Zamami Village&#8217;s High-Speed Ferry &#8220;Queen Zamami&#8221; returned to the island after undergoing emergency maintenance. During the absence of the high-speed ferry, access to and from Zamami was facilitated by Ferry Zamami III.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Today at 09:00, Queen Zamami left Tomari Port in Naha, making her way to Zamami Island before stopping at Aka Island on her way back to Naha.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On October 21, Queen Zamami&#8217;s starboard-side rudder broke and fell off during the morning departure, resulting in the cancelation of all remaining runs for the day. After meeting with the repair company, it was estimated that it would take roughly two months for a new rudder to be manufactured, installed, and for test runs to be carried out.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This incident follows maintenance carried out on Queen Zamami earlier in September of this year. For nearly three months, visitors to the island and residents alike had to rely on Ferry Zamami III for transportation to and from mainland Okinawa.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As an island village, the ferries are an essential part of life in Zamami. Not only do they provide access for tourists to visit the island from Naha, helping support the many businesses in Zamami that rely on annual tourism, but they allow islanders to make trips to the mainland. With only one grocery store and a small doctor&#8217;s clinic in Zamami, access to Naha greatly improves the standard of living for residents of the island, offering access to a greater range of shopping, leisure, and medical services. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zamami Village relies on the High-Speed Ferry Queen Zamami and Ferry Zamami III. With two daily departures during the regular season and three in the summer season, Queen Zamami allows for day trips for visitors heading to Zamami and islanders heading to Naha. Ferry Zamami III, a larger passenger ship, can carry cars and is responsible for transporting goods to the island.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As we head into the new year, we are excited to see both ships making their way back and forth from Naha. Additionally, with only a few weeks before the whale watching season commences in Zamami, visitors can look forward to reaching the island via Queen Zamami before heading out on a whale watching tour.</p>



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