Bluebird of….

Filed under:☽2005,Culture — posted by JAWjaw on August 26, 2005 @ 4:56 am

Having lived on Okinawa since 1973, I have seen many changes in the type of merchandise that the island provides the mainstream tourists. Back in 1973 the mainstay of sales was aimed at the American market. After all there were few large Japanese tourist hotels; numerous American soldiers were stationed on island; and the yen rate was 365 to a dollar. The type of merchandise found in many of the “tourist” gift shops consisted of wooden products mainly from the Philippines; such as hands shaped in the peace sign formation and Hotei. Hotei is still one of the Asian Gods that Westerners confuse with Buddha. He is the fat jolly God of Contentment and Happiness, also known as the Laughing Buddha. Another of my favorite souvenirs included the brass Shisa incense burners. These type of “tourist” souvenirs are not seen as frequently as before as the focus of the island tourist industry has been redirected to the water sports industry. I still have those reminders of less complicated times on island and sometimes I miss seeing those simple, but charming, Asian goods.

13 comments »

  1. Dawn it seems as times change things appear to get more difficult,could be as humans we tend to remember the good times and not the bad ones!.History always repeats itself so you and Taki hang inthere those times(Somewhat altered) will return.

    Comment by Brad Lietha — September 12, 2005 @ 3:06 pm

  2. Being a teenager when I came to the island, I think a lot of the simplicity had to do with youthful naivety. You know, the late ’60s and early ’70s “hippie” mentality that humans could live without greed and hatred. Now that I’m older, I realize those are just part of the world’s make-up and all one can do is try to rise above them!

    Comment by JAWjaw — September 13, 2005 @ 10:55 am

  3. As for me ride my bikes and spend ing a little time at the JET,Cures my getting older woes!!! HEHE

    Comment by Brad Lietha — September 14, 2005 @ 10:28 am

  4. Forgot to mention I was born and raised in a small town,in Wisconsin (approx 300 people!).Where is all we did was work on the farm, fish,and get drunk at the local Tavern,I joined the MC when I was almost 22,And was I naive!!!!!.to the world!.Some of the things I experienced in my time made me bitter a bit.Okinawa has for the most part allowed my trusting youth to return.But owning a business I do know the bad customers to for sure.Americans and Okianwans.

    Comment by Brad Lietha — September 14, 2005 @ 10:48 am

  5. I’m glad you found the answer that works for you. (True owning a business does, especially the kind we own, tend to be trying at times, but to me that is just part of life and I try not to let other peoples’ dissatisfaction with their lives upset me.) As for returning to my former level of youthful trustfulness, it’s not something I’m aiming for. Instead I have learned to accept the world for what it is (for the better or the worse) and that has led to an inner tranquility. I believe that learning from one’s experiences in life is life. Show me a person who boasts “I haven’t changed!” and I’ll show you someone who has never lived life.

    Comment by JAWjaw — September 14, 2005 @ 3:43 pm

  6. Yea So true Ha!.Hey check out these 2 songs Taki might know them?.The night Chicago died By Paper Lace..I,d love you to want me by LOBO.The LOBO song is my favorite Slow song ever.

    Comment by Brad Lietha — September 14, 2005 @ 8:02 pm

  7. We both know “The Night Chigago Died, but aren’t quite sure of the Lobo song.. I think my favorite slow song of that era was “If”. It’s early in the morn, did you just feel that tremor we had?

    Comment by JAWjaw — September 15, 2005 @ 8:12 am

  8. Oh yes I was just getting up and I thought Kaori had shaken the bed but she was already off to work.I wonder where it was located at?.Yes one of my big time favorite Bands.Darryl gates and BREAD,IF!! Aw soo nice.How about there Aubrey Song?.

    Comment by Brad Lietha — September 15, 2005 @ 10:19 am

  9. I will bring the LOBO song CD quite sure you and Taki might know it when you hear it.It was there 1 big hit,Like LULU in May of 67 when she sang To Sir with Love,Which BTW is a good movie.You 2 might also Like American GRaffitti..I have all of those CD,s and the VHS of it.Those young actors were really cool.Not to mention George Lucas first movie

    Comment by Brad Lietha — September 15, 2005 @ 10:26 am

  10. “To Sir with Love” was the movie chosen when I was taken on my first official date! (an afternoon matinee) LOL

    Comment by JAWjaw — September 15, 2005 @ 12:07 pm

  11. Ah did I bring up some memories HEHE.I have LULU,S CD From crayons to perfume.Incl in the to sir with Love.

    Comment by Brad Lietha — September 15, 2005 @ 12:53 pm

  12. Hey Brad, funny you were just talking about ‘American Graffiti’ guess what started on the satellite Star Channel at 5:10!!!

    Comment by JAWjaw — September 21, 2005 @ 5:21 pm

  13. I have the digitally remasterd VHS of it.The music and the basic simple party life not too mention Hot rods and 25 cents a gal gas OR LESS!!.Must of been good times.John Milners yellow 32 Ford coupe is BADDDDDDDD to the Bone..And so is he.

    Comment by Bradley Lietha — September 21, 2005 @ 6:05 pm

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