During your assignment to Okinawa, take advantage of the many beautiful and historic and cultural sites. The following are a few of the most popular attractions:
Naha Dragon Boat Race:
"Golden Week," the first week in May, is one of Japan's biggest holidays. The Naha dragon boat races are held at Aja Port, Naha, to coincide with the start of the annual tourist season. These races began in China around 278 B.C. and were imported to Okinawa in the 14th Century. Each year, male and female teams from the U.S. forces on Okinawa compete against Okinawan teams and each other.
Okinawa City Festival:
Every year in late summer or early fall, Okinawa City host its annual international festival and tug-o-war. One hundred children line up against Okinawans and enjoy the spirit of friendly competition using a huge rope. Many base members also march in the local parade.
Mabuni Hill:
On Mabuni Hill, next to quiet cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you will find 90 monuments erected by various prefectures and cities within the park. These tombs are memorials honoring the men who lost their lives during World War II's Pacific Islands campaign. The cliffs are known to some Americans as "Suicide Cliff," because Japanese Lt. Gen. Mitsuru Ushijima, commanding general of the 32nd Imperial Japanese Army, performed "seppuku" or "harakiri" here. You will find Okinawa's Peace Memorial Hall just north of the cliffs. The hall houses the Peace Buddha Statue and other war artifacts.
Southeast Botanical Gardens:
The Ryukyu Islands are known for their tropical beauty and lush foliage. The Southeast Botanical Gardens has more than 100 acres of palm trees, tropical flowers and rolling hills. The gardens are located just outside of Kadena's Gate Three off Highway 74.
Okinawa City Children's Zoo:
The Okinawa City Children's Zoo offers the entire family a place to enjoy animals and the outdoors. Although the zoo is relatively small, it provides plenty to hold children's attention, including an amusement park with a merry-go-round, train and is decorated with millions of lights during the Christmas season.
Shuri Castle:
Shuri Castle offers an opportunity to rediscover the Ryukyuan Kingdom. Shuri, the capital city during the Ryukyu dynasty, was used as the king's office and hall for ceremonies in the Ryukyu Dynasty. The castle represents a refined Ryukyu style, developed through incorporation of Chinese and Japanese styles.
Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters:
After World War II, only a few structures on Okinawa remained intact. The Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters, honeycombed beneath the hills above Naha, was one structure which stood solid during constant U.S. military bombardment. Visitors can tour down the long narrow hallways and rooms of this structure which Japanese soldiers carved into the earth with picks and shovels. Visitors will also find a museum located above the headquarters displaying many articles used by the troops during the Battle of Okinawa.
Underwater Marine Observatory:
The Underwater Marine Observatory offers an opportunity to see Okinawan marine life up close... without getting wet. Descending on a spiral staircase, visitors travel 25 feet below the East China Sea. There is also a shell shop, marine museum and a glass-bottom boat tour.
Okinawa Exposition Memorial Park:
Ocean Exposition Memorial Park is dedicated to man's relationship with the sea and its animals. The park features an indoor aquarium, dolphin shows, a museum, foreign pavilions, playgrounds, game rooms, picnic areas, a large amusement park and a white sand beach. The park is located on the Motobu Peninsula.
Bullfighting: Bullfighting has been a part of Okinawan culture for centuries. Unlike the traditional bullfights in Spain and South America, Okinawan bullfighters developed their own style. Instead of a man fighting a bull, two bulls battle each other under the close supervision of trainers.
Nago Tropical Paradise: The Nago Tropical Paradise offers visitors a view of the Okinawan landscape. The Paradise features tropical flowers, plants and trees. Various commercial vendors near the park sell tropical flowers, plants and trees as well as tropical fruits like papayas, pineapples and bananas.
Ryukyu Folk Village:
The Ryukyu Folk Village features numerous exhibits depicting traditional Okinawan homes and customs. Most buildings are filled with Okinawan antiques. Weaving, bingata and pottery demonstrations show Okinawan life from yesteryear. A highlight of a visit to the village includes a "Habu" (snake) fight with a mongoose.
18 July, 2008
Used Car Prices
AUTOMOBILES
Used cars in Okinawa cost anywhere from $500 to $6,000, depending on the age of the vehicle, its condition, what accessories it has, etc. There are plenty of car dealers on island, and individuals departing Okinawa always have vehicles for sale in the Kadena Services Auto Resale Lot. Most vehicles are small and are not models you're likely to be familiar with in the United States. Brand name vehicles include Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota, for example, but the models and the standards to which they are built are particular to Japan. Additionally, there are usually a number of "larger" vans - approximately the size of a U.S.-made mini-van - available for purchase.
All vehicles must pass a Government of Japan (GOJ) inspection every two years, costing an average of $300 to $800. The cost of inspection will normally include the Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) which is the equivalent of liability insurance in the U.S. People can tell when a vehicle's GOJ inspection is due by looking at the window stickers. The color of the large decal in the middle with the large number in the center reveals which year and day the GOJ inspection expires.
For more information, call the Joint Service Vehicle Registration Office at 645-7481/3963.
JCI is purchased for a two-year period and is required by Japanese law. This insurance covers death and serious injury up to 30,000,000 yen per person and hospitalization up to 1,200,000 yen. When looking for a used car, JCI plays a large part of the price of the vehicle. Normally, vehicles with little or no JCI cost much less than those with one or two years left of JCI. The price of JCI is included in the cost of vehicles sold by off-base car dealers.
"American insurance" (property damage insurance) is also required. As an example of the rates, a 30-year-old married staff sergeant can expect to pay about $250 a year for basic coverage, while a senior airman under 26 years of age can expect to pay a little over $600 a year. The rate depends upon a driver's age and rank.
Insurance firms are located on and off base. One is located at the USO adjacent to Gate 3. Shipment of any automobile manufactured after March 31, 1976, is prohibited. Anyone wanting to ship a vehicle manufactured before that date should contact the nearest traffic management office.
Joint Services Vehicle Registration Office on Camp Foster can assist with all matters related to vehicle operations, inspections, insurance, etc.
Used cars in Okinawa cost anywhere from $500 to $6,000, depending on the age of the vehicle, its condition, what accessories it has, etc. There are plenty of car dealers on island, and individuals departing Okinawa always have vehicles for sale in the Kadena Services Auto Resale Lot. Most vehicles are small and are not models you're likely to be familiar with in the United States. Brand name vehicles include Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota, for example, but the models and the standards to which they are built are particular to Japan. Additionally, there are usually a number of "larger" vans - approximately the size of a U.S.-made mini-van - available for purchase.
All vehicles must pass a Government of Japan (GOJ) inspection every two years, costing an average of $300 to $800. The cost of inspection will normally include the Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) which is the equivalent of liability insurance in the U.S. People can tell when a vehicle's GOJ inspection is due by looking at the window stickers. The color of the large decal in the middle with the large number in the center reveals which year and day the GOJ inspection expires.
For more information, call the Joint Service Vehicle Registration Office at 645-7481/3963.
JCI is purchased for a two-year period and is required by Japanese law. This insurance covers death and serious injury up to 30,000,000 yen per person and hospitalization up to 1,200,000 yen. When looking for a used car, JCI plays a large part of the price of the vehicle. Normally, vehicles with little or no JCI cost much less than those with one or two years left of JCI. The price of JCI is included in the cost of vehicles sold by off-base car dealers.
"American insurance" (property damage insurance) is also required. As an example of the rates, a 30-year-old married staff sergeant can expect to pay about $250 a year for basic coverage, while a senior airman under 26 years of age can expect to pay a little over $600 a year. The rate depends upon a driver's age and rank.
Insurance firms are located on and off base. One is located at the USO adjacent to Gate 3. Shipment of any automobile manufactured after March 31, 1976, is prohibited. Anyone wanting to ship a vehicle manufactured before that date should contact the nearest traffic management office.
Joint Services Vehicle Registration Office on Camp Foster can assist with all matters related to vehicle operations, inspections, insurance, etc.
Driving on Okinawa
Those who want to drive a motor vehicle on Okinawa must first attend the Kadena driver licensing class held at 9 a.m. each Tuesday at Schilling Community Activities Center.
Bring a copy of your orders, a stateside driver's license and a military I.D. card.
As for driving here, traffic congestion poses a major problem on the narrow streets and roads of Okinawa. Roads are packed with mini-cars, economy cars, vans, trucks, buses and construction vehicles. Combine them with several thousand taxis of all sizes and you have one of the highest vehicle/road densities in the world.
Okinawans drive on the left side of the road. Most new arrivals find the change takes some getting used to; however, you will quickly master it. Pedestrians must also adjust and should look to the right before stepping off a curb. You also will have to learn the international road signs and know Japanese road signs.
Pedestrian crosswalks are prominent on military installations and on streets and roadways throughout the island. As in the states, you must yield to all pedestrians in a crosswalk.
When Japanese school children wish to cross the street, they will hold their hand up, palm toward the traffic, and proceed to cross the street.
During rainy weather, drive slowly and cautiously. Roads become extremely slippery because of the mixture of water and coral dust.
The maximum speed limit on base, unless otherwise posted, is 40 kilometers (25 mph) per hour. Speed limits in base housing areas of 40 kph and 25 kph in school zones are strictly enforced.
Seat belts and child-restraint devices are mandatory. Speed limits off base range from 25 to 40 kph in business and residential areas and up to 80 kph on the island's only expressway.
You will encounter some difficulty finding parking on Okinawa. Always park in designated parking areas, otherwise it can be extremely costly.
Off base, if your car is towed, you will pay upwards of $200 at a local police station to retrieve your vehicle.
You will also pay a parking charge that varies with the length of time your car has been stored. The cost for illegal parking can sometimes be more than you paid for your car! If your car gets towed, and you don't know where the local police station is, call Kadena's Security Forces Law Enforcement Desk at 938-1111, Ext. 634-2475.
Bring a copy of your orders, a stateside driver's license and a military I.D. card.
As for driving here, traffic congestion poses a major problem on the narrow streets and roads of Okinawa. Roads are packed with mini-cars, economy cars, vans, trucks, buses and construction vehicles. Combine them with several thousand taxis of all sizes and you have one of the highest vehicle/road densities in the world.
Okinawans drive on the left side of the road. Most new arrivals find the change takes some getting used to; however, you will quickly master it. Pedestrians must also adjust and should look to the right before stepping off a curb. You also will have to learn the international road signs and know Japanese road signs.
Pedestrian crosswalks are prominent on military installations and on streets and roadways throughout the island. As in the states, you must yield to all pedestrians in a crosswalk.
When Japanese school children wish to cross the street, they will hold their hand up, palm toward the traffic, and proceed to cross the street.
During rainy weather, drive slowly and cautiously. Roads become extremely slippery because of the mixture of water and coral dust.
The maximum speed limit on base, unless otherwise posted, is 40 kilometers (25 mph) per hour. Speed limits in base housing areas of 40 kph and 25 kph in school zones are strictly enforced.
Seat belts and child-restraint devices are mandatory. Speed limits off base range from 25 to 40 kph in business and residential areas and up to 80 kph on the island's only expressway.
You will encounter some difficulty finding parking on Okinawa. Always park in designated parking areas, otherwise it can be extremely costly.
Off base, if your car is towed, you will pay upwards of $200 at a local police station to retrieve your vehicle.
You will also pay a parking charge that varies with the length of time your car has been stored. The cost for illegal parking can sometimes be more than you paid for your car! If your car gets towed, and you don't know where the local police station is, call Kadena's Security Forces Law Enforcement Desk at 938-1111, Ext. 634-2475.
17 July, 2008
Driving in Okinawa
Driving Tips
Have you ever driven on the right side of the road, which is actually the wrong side in Japan, when making a right turn? In Okinawa, as in the rest of the country, drivers must keep to the left. It might be confusing at first to drive on the left side, but try to get used to it as soon as possible because driving on the wrong side is very dangerous. Be sure to obey the light at intersections; it is against the law to turn against the light even if there is no oncoming traffic. Incidentally, there are no four-way-stop signs in Okinawa; the car on the main road has the right of way at intersections without stoplights.
Links to check out: http://www.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/info/driving/MCB%20HANDBOOK%205100RevA.pdf - driving handbook
Have you ever driven on the right side of the road, which is actually the wrong side in Japan, when making a right turn? In Okinawa, as in the rest of the country, drivers must keep to the left. It might be confusing at first to drive on the left side, but try to get used to it as soon as possible because driving on the wrong side is very dangerous. Be sure to obey the light at intersections; it is against the law to turn against the light even if there is no oncoming traffic. Incidentally, there are no four-way-stop signs in Okinawa; the car on the main road has the right of way at intersections without stoplights.
Links to check out: http://www.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/info/driving/MCB%20HANDBOOK%205100RevA.pdf - driving handbook
http://www.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/info/driving/Military%20Personnel.doc - Obtaining POV SOFA License
http://www.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/info/driving/CulturalDrivingDifferences.wmv - movie to get you started on driving here in Okinawa, Japan.Bus
Buses on Regular Routes
The route number shows which route the bus takes. Buses with the same route number drive on the same route regardless of the company. Route numbers 1-17 operate within Naha City. Numbers 20 and greater are for suburban lines.
Route Numbers 1 - 17 (City Lines)City line buses with circled route numbers are destined for the Miegusuku Bus Terminal. Get on the bus through the front door and disembark from the rear door. All buses on these routes are one-man controlled and air-conditioned. Bus fare is uniform 200 regardless where you get on or off within the city.
Route Numbers 20+ (Suburban Lines) Get on the bus through the front door, but do not forget to pick up a numbered ticket. Pay the fare from the ticket-numbered bus stop before getting off from the front door. All buses on these routes are one-man controlled and air-conditioned. This category of bus is destined for the Naha Bus Terminal.
Bus Stops
In some places, the bus stop for the city line is positioned away from that of the suburban line. Make sure that you are getting on the right bus, especially on Kokusai Street.
Bus Service
Chubu Kanko Bus Co.
(098) 937-7858
Naha Kotsu (Silver Bus)
(098) 858-4178
Okinawa Bus Co.
(098) 861-0083
Okinawa Prefecture Bus Assoc.
(098) 867-7386
Ryukyu Bus Co.
(098) 863-3636
Toyo Bus Co.
(098) 832-1840
The route number shows which route the bus takes. Buses with the same route number drive on the same route regardless of the company. Route numbers 1-17 operate within Naha City. Numbers 20 and greater are for suburban lines.
Route Numbers 1 - 17 (City Lines)City line buses with circled route numbers are destined for the Miegusuku Bus Terminal. Get on the bus through the front door and disembark from the rear door. All buses on these routes are one-man controlled and air-conditioned. Bus fare is uniform 200 regardless where you get on or off within the city.
Route Numbers 20+ (Suburban Lines) Get on the bus through the front door, but do not forget to pick up a numbered ticket. Pay the fare from the ticket-numbered bus stop before getting off from the front door. All buses on these routes are one-man controlled and air-conditioned. This category of bus is destined for the Naha Bus Terminal.
Bus Stops
In some places, the bus stop for the city line is positioned away from that of the suburban line. Make sure that you are getting on the right bus, especially on Kokusai Street.
Bus Service
Chubu Kanko Bus Co.
(098) 937-7858
Naha Kotsu (Silver Bus)
(098) 858-4178
Okinawa Bus Co.
(098) 861-0083
Okinawa Prefecture Bus Assoc.
(098) 867-7386
Ryukyu Bus Co.
(098) 863-3636
Toyo Bus Co.
(098) 832-1840
Hazardous Sea Creatures
Box Jellyfish
The box jellyfish is certainly one creature to look out for while visiting any of the beaches on Okinawa. Known as habu kurage in Japanese, box jellyfish are often spotted in the waters near the beaches during the summer months. These creatures have the shape of a box, and on the four corners of the body hang clumps of poisonous, stinging tentacles which can be as long as two meters. Unfortunately, these hazardous sea creatures tend to be translucent and are difficult to spot, but you should always be on the lookout anyway. Their tentacles have cardiotoxic components that can cause very uncomfortable pain if you are stung.
If you or someone else is stung, be sure to get out of the water immediately to avoid further injury. Also, do not rub the affected area with your hand, towel, sand or anything else as this can spread the injury and enhance the burning sensation. Douse the sting wound generously with vinegar, pick off the tentacles, then ice the wound, and if there is any difficulty in breathing, provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and get the victim to a hospital immediately.
If you frequent many of the beaches of Okinawa, it is always a good idea to keep a bottle of vinegar with you as a precaution. Also, you will find that some beaches have what is called a vinegar box, but this is not always the case. However, many of Okinawa's public beaches such as Sunset Beach and Tropical Beach have netting around the swimming area to keep hazardous creatures out of the recreational waters.
Crown of Thorns Starfish
The crown of thorns starfish is an interesting-looking species of starfish, but it is something you should definitely look out for if you happen to be visiting the beach for a day of snorkeling. Do not touch them; if you happen to step on or brush against one of them, you will feel extreme pain from the punctures of their thorns. If this happens, carefully pull out the spines and seek medical attention immediately.
Sea Urchins
One should be cautious when walking in the shallow tide pools or preparing to enter the water for a swim. Sea urchins are not necessarily dangerous to touch, but if you step on one with the full weight of your body, you'll experience quite a painful sensation when several of its thorns get lodged in your foot. Sea urchins can be found everywhere near a coral reef. They are often lodged in small rock crevices and are not always easily spotted. Just look for a dark cylindrical object on the ocean floor beneath you.The best protection against a sea urchin injury is simply to wear aquatic boots when you are walking in the water. If you do happen to step on a sea urchin, don't panic. Simply pull out the large spines and let the small spines dissolve. Your foot will be in pain for a few days or weeks, but this is only temporary. If you get a spine lodged deep in your foot, seek medical attention to have it removed.
The box jellyfish is certainly one creature to look out for while visiting any of the beaches on Okinawa. Known as habu kurage in Japanese, box jellyfish are often spotted in the waters near the beaches during the summer months. These creatures have the shape of a box, and on the four corners of the body hang clumps of poisonous, stinging tentacles which can be as long as two meters. Unfortunately, these hazardous sea creatures tend to be translucent and are difficult to spot, but you should always be on the lookout anyway. Their tentacles have cardiotoxic components that can cause very uncomfortable pain if you are stung.
If you or someone else is stung, be sure to get out of the water immediately to avoid further injury. Also, do not rub the affected area with your hand, towel, sand or anything else as this can spread the injury and enhance the burning sensation. Douse the sting wound generously with vinegar, pick off the tentacles, then ice the wound, and if there is any difficulty in breathing, provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and get the victim to a hospital immediately.
If you frequent many of the beaches of Okinawa, it is always a good idea to keep a bottle of vinegar with you as a precaution. Also, you will find that some beaches have what is called a vinegar box, but this is not always the case. However, many of Okinawa's public beaches such as Sunset Beach and Tropical Beach have netting around the swimming area to keep hazardous creatures out of the recreational waters.
Crown of Thorns Starfish
The crown of thorns starfish is an interesting-looking species of starfish, but it is something you should definitely look out for if you happen to be visiting the beach for a day of snorkeling. Do not touch them; if you happen to step on or brush against one of them, you will feel extreme pain from the punctures of their thorns. If this happens, carefully pull out the spines and seek medical attention immediately.
Sea Urchins
One should be cautious when walking in the shallow tide pools or preparing to enter the water for a swim. Sea urchins are not necessarily dangerous to touch, but if you step on one with the full weight of your body, you'll experience quite a painful sensation when several of its thorns get lodged in your foot. Sea urchins can be found everywhere near a coral reef. They are often lodged in small rock crevices and are not always easily spotted. Just look for a dark cylindrical object on the ocean floor beneath you.The best protection against a sea urchin injury is simply to wear aquatic boots when you are walking in the water. If you do happen to step on a sea urchin, don't panic. Simply pull out the large spines and let the small spines dissolve. Your foot will be in pain for a few days or weeks, but this is only temporary. If you get a spine lodged deep in your foot, seek medical attention to have it removed.
What is a Typhoon?
What is a Typhoon?
If you are from Miami or certain other parts of the United States, you might be familiar with hurricanes. In Okinawa, these violent tropical cyclones are called typhoons, and they hit here often, rating as the most serious natural disaster to strike the islands. Since Okinawa is located in a subtropical area, typhoons are likely to reach here when at their peak. Areas of low pressure developing in the tropics are called tropical cyclones, and when their wind speed reaches more than 17 meters per second, they are called typhoons.
The number of typhoons hitting Okinawa varies from year to year. A year with relatively few typhoons results in a scarcity of water, while on the other hand a year with many typhoons sees heavy damage in Okinawa, with strong winds, heavy rainfall and high waves wreaking havoc on crops, fisheries and buildings, even affecting the tourism industry. In order to be prepared for a typhoon, you should regularly check typhoon warnings in the paper and on TV and radio. If you are on base, you can consult the typhoon conditions used island-wide by U.S. Forces personnel. If you live off base and are concerned about a typhoon, contact your municipal office so that they can guide you to the municipal hall where injury or other damage can be minimized.
While every hurricane has a name, a typhoon -- at least in Japan -- is usually designated by its number in order of occurrence. Although the scale of a typhoon is not as large as that of a hurricane, it can inflict tremendous damage. Most Okinawan houses are made of concrete in order to prevent damage from typhoons; however, their strong winds and heavy rain can still cause severe damage. Typhoon No. 16, which hit Okinawa in 2002, was so powerful that Okinawa remained inside the storm zone for 29 hours, cutting many households off from basic services. Some residents were killed and many suffered injuries; houses, telephone poles, signs and trees were blown down as well. Crop damage was estimated at more than 3 billion, the worst in Okinawa's history.
Even if a typhoon is relatively small, its maximum wind speed is quite strong, blowing pieces of wood, signs, flowerpots and other small items around. It's also dangerous to drive small cars during a typhoon in Okinawa. Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR)The following list is used island-wide by the U.S. Forces personnel in Japan to prevent injury and property damage through awareness and preparation.
TC-4
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours.
It is now time to stock up on food, water, and other living supplies.
TC-3
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 48 hours.
Initiate a general cleanup of outside areas.
TC-2
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 24 hours.
Secure your living area and tie up any loose items to prevent injuries or damage.
TC-1
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 12 hours.
DoDD schools are closed. Make final checks of food, water, batteries, and other living supplies.
TC-1C (Caution)
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours.
Winds of 34 to 49 knots are now occurring. Stay inside. Other than those with urgent military or civil missions, all are released from work.
TC-1E (Emergency)
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are occurring.
Power failure may occur. All outdoor activities are prohibited. Stay tuned to AFN radio or television for current typhoon information (AFN 648AM/89.1FM, TV channel 6 or 8).
TC-1R (Recovery)
Destructive winds passed but winds of 34 to 49 knots are still occurring.
All outside activity is prohibited except for damage assessment and repair teams to begin operations.
TC-1SW (Storm Watch)
The typhoon is moving away; however, there might be hazardous areas that the storm has damaged.
Normal activities are resumed, but be cautious of the storm's unpredictability. Beware of hazardous areas caused by the storm.
All Clear
All tropical cyclone danger has passed.
DoDD schools restart if during class hours. Be alert to hazardous areas where the storm has caused damage.
If you are from Miami or certain other parts of the United States, you might be familiar with hurricanes. In Okinawa, these violent tropical cyclones are called typhoons, and they hit here often, rating as the most serious natural disaster to strike the islands. Since Okinawa is located in a subtropical area, typhoons are likely to reach here when at their peak. Areas of low pressure developing in the tropics are called tropical cyclones, and when their wind speed reaches more than 17 meters per second, they are called typhoons.
The number of typhoons hitting Okinawa varies from year to year. A year with relatively few typhoons results in a scarcity of water, while on the other hand a year with many typhoons sees heavy damage in Okinawa, with strong winds, heavy rainfall and high waves wreaking havoc on crops, fisheries and buildings, even affecting the tourism industry. In order to be prepared for a typhoon, you should regularly check typhoon warnings in the paper and on TV and radio. If you are on base, you can consult the typhoon conditions used island-wide by U.S. Forces personnel. If you live off base and are concerned about a typhoon, contact your municipal office so that they can guide you to the municipal hall where injury or other damage can be minimized.
While every hurricane has a name, a typhoon -- at least in Japan -- is usually designated by its number in order of occurrence. Although the scale of a typhoon is not as large as that of a hurricane, it can inflict tremendous damage. Most Okinawan houses are made of concrete in order to prevent damage from typhoons; however, their strong winds and heavy rain can still cause severe damage. Typhoon No. 16, which hit Okinawa in 2002, was so powerful that Okinawa remained inside the storm zone for 29 hours, cutting many households off from basic services. Some residents were killed and many suffered injuries; houses, telephone poles, signs and trees were blown down as well. Crop damage was estimated at more than 3 billion, the worst in Okinawa's history.
Even if a typhoon is relatively small, its maximum wind speed is quite strong, blowing pieces of wood, signs, flowerpots and other small items around. It's also dangerous to drive small cars during a typhoon in Okinawa. Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR)The following list is used island-wide by the U.S. Forces personnel in Japan to prevent injury and property damage through awareness and preparation.
TC-4
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours.
It is now time to stock up on food, water, and other living supplies.
TC-3
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 48 hours.
Initiate a general cleanup of outside areas.
TC-2
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 24 hours.
Secure your living area and tie up any loose items to prevent injuries or damage.
TC-1
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 12 hours.
DoDD schools are closed. Make final checks of food, water, batteries, and other living supplies.
TC-1C (Caution)
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours.
Winds of 34 to 49 knots are now occurring. Stay inside. Other than those with urgent military or civil missions, all are released from work.
TC-1E (Emergency)
Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are occurring.
Power failure may occur. All outdoor activities are prohibited. Stay tuned to AFN radio or television for current typhoon information (AFN 648AM/89.1FM, TV channel 6 or 8).
TC-1R (Recovery)
Destructive winds passed but winds of 34 to 49 knots are still occurring.
All outside activity is prohibited except for damage assessment and repair teams to begin operations.
TC-1SW (Storm Watch)
The typhoon is moving away; however, there might be hazardous areas that the storm has damaged.
Normal activities are resumed, but be cautious of the storm's unpredictability. Beware of hazardous areas caused by the storm.
All Clear
All tropical cyclone danger has passed.
DoDD schools restart if during class hours. Be alert to hazardous areas where the storm has caused damage.
Okinawa Japan
Okinawa is the largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. Although part of Japan, Okinawa has it's own unique legacy, spoken language, and influencing culture. The people of Okinawa are descendants of the Ryukyus who had ties with both Japan and China.
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