Cape Zanpa is a coast with a 30m cliff that stretches for 2km, and is said to be the last place where the setting sun sets on the main island of Okinawa. It seems to be a popular spot for fishing and surfing.

There are cats in various places in Okinawa. Is it warm and cozy?
They are very friendly and they come closer and follow me.

Cape Zanpa is a big park (Cape Zanpa Park), and I could see something like this while walking.

It is a bronze statue of the “Taiki” that was selected as the leader of the tribute messenger (the messenger to deliver tribute to the Ming and Qing emperors) for the first time during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and went to China.

He is said to have shaped the kingdom’s era of great trade, and is now known as the “god of business.”
As a matter of course, there is China (Ming and Qing at that time) in the direction of pointing.

This giant Shisa is called “Zanpa Daishishi”. The direction this Shisa is facing, yes, it is also facing China.

When I saw this coast, it seemed to overlap with the coast I had seen in the video of the Battle of Okinawa (the end of World War II, the ground battle in Okinawa).
When I looked it up later, the coast of Yomitan Village was also the place where the military landed.

When I first came to Okinawa over 15 years ago, I remember being surprised at how large the US military base was. Despite having mixed emotions, they digest American culture and incorporate it into their own culture. I remember feeling very attractive about this. The more I know about the history of Okinawa, the more I feel that it is quite natural that Okinawa is a place full of originality.

This theater was enthusiastically recommended by my mother-in-law in Okinawa, saying, “It’s a really nice place. I’m doing a lot of very good movies, so please go.”

It was a place called “Sangoza”, a playhouse that opened in 1952. The following year, it changed into a movie theater and changed the names of “Sakurazaka Ryueikan” and “Sakurazaka Cinecon Ryuei”. It is now called “Sakurazaka Theater”. They also hold events and live performances.

I think it’s one of the few small, old, and a little deserted cinemas (I personally love it), but it’s not just about history. In a small space, I felt the liveliness of saying, “I’m still active at all.”

One that felt such liveliness. There are various vessels and miscellaneous goods that you can see or buy. It conveys the feelings of customers, creators, and Okinawan culture.

There are many books that are mixed old and new and look interesting.
“Yachimun” and “Ryukyu glass” are lined up in the middle of the stairs to the second floor.

Almost every bookstore in Okinawa has an “Okinawa book corner”.

Do you mean that you are very interested in the history and people of your place of residence? Of course, I think it has the meaning of a corner for tourists.

There was even a cafe inside the building. You can also use the open terrace. It was a cafe that blended the atmosphere of a modern casual cafe with the atmosphere of a pure coffee shop in the Showa era.

“Sangoza Kitchen” is probably taken from the name “Sangoza” when it first opened. The small window for takeout is very nice.

It seems that it has been renewed several times, but it continues to change flexibly with the passage of time. I think it’s more difficult than words to throw away the past.

I have never met such a movie theater that is constantly changing like a living thing. I’m really looking forward to what the “newness” will look like the next time I go.

> “Sakurazaka Theater” official homepage

By the way, I would like to introduce the recommended restaurants at the end this time as well.

It is a shop called “Kinjo Parlor” near the Zanpa Cape Lighthouse. It’s a shop with an atmosphere that seems to appear in movies.

The menu is extensive, with tables and chairs outside.
I think the cheerful female shopkeeper will welcome you with a smile, so please stop by when you go to Cape Zanpa.

See you next time.

(Visit in February 2021) Please check the official website for the latest information.

＞ Uchina Stay Report vol.1: “Can I be Uchinanchu? ~ Kanhi-zakura and Chinese Culture ~”