Photo credit: Janet Donovan
It didn’t take long for guests attending the Kick-off reception in honor of the Okinawan Culture and Spirit Promotion Project & the Vice Governor of Okinawa Prefecture at the residence of Kenichiro Sasae, The Ambassador of Japan, to get into the ‘spirit’ of things as they were greeted with free flowing aqua blue mystery cocktails, toasted with Hana Hana Beni “floral sparkling’ champagne and handed souvenirs from Ryukyu Awamori, Japan’s oldest distilled liquor.
For those that ignored the attire note on the invitation that indicated informal, or didn’t have Kariyushi Wear (Okinawa attire), they wish they had. With temperatures in the nineties, most were envious of Ambassador Sasae, cooly dressed adhering to the invite and “wishing he had one for every guest.”
Kariyushi Wear is a cool Okinawa summer shirt similar to an Aloha shirt that is worn as everyday wear in the government offices of Okinawa. (Uncle Sam take note.) The patterns depict various subjects such as the scenery and customs of Okinawa as well as traditional patterns.
Ambassador Sasae
After brief speeches, guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet featuring an Okinawan cuisine. We’re not sure if any IRABU (Dried sea snake used as an ingredient of medicinal food) was included, but looking at the table, just about everything else was: Tart with Okinawan Vintage “Awamori” Liquor Flavored Live Paste; Mugwort Flavored “Taimo” Potato Croquette;”Mozuku” Seaweed and Tofu Salad; “Goya” Bitter Gourd Salad; Fried Vegetables and Sliced Kelp; Okinawan Tempura; Okinawan Noodles; “Shekwasha” Lime Flavored Cheesecake and Creme Brulee with Okinawan Brown Sugar. If you spot any IRABU, let us know.
According to the take home brochure, Okinawa is known as a region whose residents enjoy long lives, thanks to the warm climate, a healthy diet, and a laid-back attitude. The traditional diet of Okinawa is one of the factors of this longevity……based on the unique concept that food is the same as medicine that cures illnesses.
