kenleewrites in 日本

Usually, except for the night life, there’s not much to see if you’re out late anywhere… ok.. if you’re in Tokyo, you get to see people vomiting and sleeping on the sidewalks. That’s interesting in it’s own way. ^^. I was out late along International Street in Okinawa. Was there in the evening for some events/parties and before I knew it, it was close to midnight.

There were quite a few interesting things to see late that night too. Let’s start off when the night was young; what I saw in the evening.

First, it was the matter of getting to International St.

This was the first souvenir shop I visited. Had lots of candies etc. The usual stuff.

Neon lights brighten up the place. You see it’s a very touristy area.

There’s a US base in Okinawa. If you’re a big fan of army supplies, there are a few shops like this one right here littered along International St. Lots of military wear, bags, medals, used bullets etc. The whole lot.

M-16 rounds, but no M-16 in sight. ^^.

They also sold used bowling pins. I could use a few of these for interior decor, but they weren’t very luggage-friendly; I didn’t realize bowling pins were actually that heavy!

Here’s one of the local delicacies. ハブ酒 (HABUSYU). Don’t know what Habu is called in English, but it’s one of the local snakes.

Although you see alot of habusyu on the shelf, it isn’t cheap.

¥44100 gets you 2.7l. Why would one pay so much for it? It’s supposed to give us guys some “omph”. I’m still young. Still full of “omph”. Habusyu could be an alternative for me when I get older. ^^. For ladies, if your guy friend is… you know… making him drink this might make you both happy. Ok! Enough with the funny talk. ^^.

Master Yoda wasn’t amused.

Of course there are cheap habusyu, without the habu in it. Considering the disparity in prices, one has to wonder if the cheaper versions are just as effective. ^^.

Shisa is a mythical creature in Ryukyuan (the indigenous people of Okinawa) traditions. I bought myself a rather modern-looking pair as a memento. It’s not in this picture. These are the traditional designs of shisa.

Some food stuff you can get along International St. Okinawans are big on chilli,

and pork. The local pig is affectionally called あぐー (AGUU).

Bullet candies with “LOVE” and “PEACE” written on them.

Various nuts were also quite popular among us tourists.

More candies.

This photo isn’t really good, but if you were looking for a small pair of shisa, these are the usual prices.

This big one isn’t for sale though.

One of the things I found interesting about International St. were the sidewalk statues (?) that were on display.

Recognize this guy?

Boxer Joe.

Cheer up boxer Joe.

Everyone’s favourite plumber.

Bitter gourds (ゴーヤ, Goya) are big in Okinawa.

Shisa aren’t always on the ground. Okinawan rooftops are also furnished with a pair of shisa. I like the idea of having something on the roof.

Blue Seal ice cream is the local Haagen Daaz. Every wondered what bitter gourd flavoured ice cream tastes like? ^^. Bitter gourd of course.

These were other streets I wanted to explore, but didn’t really have the time.

If you’ve been there, tell me, would love to hear what’s there.

Really like this humongous guest book.

I’ve always thought that it was free to put up posters everywhere. Apparently, it’s not. DAME DESU stickers. Where can I get stickers like those…. hmmm… gears turning…. where can I make stickers?

The mighty Judo Chop!

I found myself a little gem of a store just off International St. Name of the place is “Banana Flavors”. It’s a toy shop with a rather misleading name.

I went in. Every wondered how much this life-sized Buzz Lightyear costs? Take a closer look.

The store was all “Toy Story”. I was pretty impressed at what they had. It’s one of those stores which after entering, I can’t leave empty handed. You have one of those stores too? I left with a Toy Story postcard.

Some drinking places off International St.

Love the cosiness of this place. Haven’t been in it though…

This place looks really casual.

I also found these hand make ryukyu glass spheres rather interesting.

According to the sign in the corner (picture above), these spheres won’t break even when dropped.

Walked by this t-shirt printing store. I know someone has been looking for places that produces print t-shirts. This place, albeit far, ships free to anywhere in Japan.

I was tempted to get a few. Especially the 長男 (first boy) t-shirt for myself.

Small shops, run by old ladies, like this one down here still exists! Isn’t that fascinating!

This shop sells silver accessories. Creative parking space for the Porsche.

You know, we’ve been walking quite a bit along International St. Probably killed a few hours. I think it’s time for the shops to close. … …

That’s when we get to see a different side to International St.

Couples come out. Don’t know if that was an accurate description, but I did seem to notice more couples walking the streets late that night.

Cool kids with things to sell also come out.

Open a table along the street, which was crowded till about a while ago, and show your wares. Some were pretty good.

Street artists also start working. When the shops were closed, it wasn’t all just boring gray shutters everywhere.

Love all the shutter art.

Please come back again.