Editor’s Letter
No.71 — MIYAKOJIMA ISLANDS of OKINAWA（2024）
‘Living as a Local’ (Kurashi no Tabi)
By LUCAS B.B.
In this issue of Papersky, we journey to the Miyako Islands of Okinawa, exploring one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Our story begins on a Monday. Upon arrival, like many Miyakians, we pay our respects to the spirits at the local Utaki. The next day, in our red-tiled roof house, we peel back the paper from the calendar, revealing Tuesday. We savor locally roasted Hasaba coffee, prepare Goya chanpuru with organic eggs from Nagasaki Farm, read some pages from the Banana Yoshimoto book we brought, and share laughter and conversation. Later, we stroll into town for a haircut.
As the last customers, the barber invites us to go fishing together. We watch the sunset while casting our lines before returning home to greet our friend, local artist Daichiro, who arrives in a traditional Miyako Jofu kimono. After a few cups of Awamori, we yawn under the starry night sky, stretch our arms toward the heavens, and head to bed.
Then comes Wednesday and Thursday, and we peel back the calendar each day, reminiscing about the local people and experiences we’ve encountered. Before we know it, it’s Sunday.
Our trip is not just about the destination; it’s about the experience of ‘Living as a Local’―traveling simply and absorbing daily clues from the nature, culture, and people of Miyako. This allows us to delve deeper into the Miyako Islands through our own eyes and the fresh perspectives of the island’s residents. After seven days, we feel we’ve become part of the landscape, embracing the essence of ‘Living as a Local.’
During one of our daily explorations, we visited the City Library in Miyako, which features an entire floor dedicated to the culture of Miyakojima and Okinawa. As I read, I learned that around 600 years ago, the Okinawa Islands and Amami Oshima were ruled by three kings and two powerful nations that coexisted in relative harmony for 500 years. This region became a melting pot where goods, ideas, music, food, and culture from Japan, China, Thailand, and Indonesia fused, creating the sophisticated culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Nestled in the heart of this diverse and creative Ryukyu Kingdom is Miyakojima. I felt a rush of goosebumps as my experience of ‘Living as a Local’ intertwined with this knowledge, deeply connecting me to Miyakojima: past, present, and future. It was as if I had become one with the island.
We invite you to peel back the pages of this Miyako Islands of Okinawa – ‘Living as a Local’ issue as we explore the ‘daily’ alongside our guests: artist Kiyo Matsumoto and photographer Yuta Kato.
Soundtrack
MIYAKO ISLANDS of OKINAWA
PAPERSKY Soundtrack For Travelers
MIYAKO ISLANDS of OKINAWA Edition
A list of Songs to enjoy over a cup of coffee, while driving, and of course while flipping through the pages of the MIYAKO ISLANDS of OKINAWA edition of Papersky.
Selected by:
GOOD NEIGHBORS’ MUSIC VENDER
Shuichiro Sakaguchi (BAGN Inc. / Double Famous)
Kenji Hatogai (BAGN Inc.)
- NARIYAMA AYAGU feat. Satoko Ishimine (Phil Mison Remix) / Okinawa Delays
- OBOROZUKI NO NAMIDA feat. Chiharu Ikehara (Cicada’s Ambience Mix) / HAKASE-sun
- EARTH SPIRIT / Shoukichi Kina & Champloose
- KUICHAA OF MIYAGUNI / Yoneo Miyaguni
- KUICHAA OF HARIMIZU / Genji Kuniyoshi
- KOINA-YUNTA / Mine Ohama, Hiroki Ohama, Ankyo Toji, Takako Hiyane
- NIIMANUSYU / Soyu Furugen & Satoshi Shinzato新里 敏
- KUNNU-SHOO / Satoru Shimoji
- SHIRATORINU ARGU / Miwa Yonashiro & Seigo Matsunaga
- NARIYAMA AYAGU / Erika Sunagawa