Stories from Naha · Japan

Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to significantly increase hospital beds at major Self-Defense Forces hospitals nationwide. The move indicates a shift in national defense strategy.

Japan will hold a ceremony in November to mark the completion of restoration work on the main hall of Shuri Castle. A fire destroyed a large part of the complex in 2019.

Typhoon Jangmi has hit Japan's Okinawa region, causing flooding. The storm is now heading toward Kyushu. Typhoon Jangmi has made landfall in southern Japan, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. The event was recorded at a depth of 58km and occurred at 02:46:25 UTC on May 20, 2026. The event has not yet been reviewed by a seismologist. The epicenter was located at 128.54°E 27.39°N with a depth of 10 km.

The South Gate Hotel Okinawa is set to open in May 2026, offering a new resort experience in Naha City.

Naval patrols are being conducted near the Ryukyu Islands, visible to Japan, in the western Pacific. A Chinese warship followed a Japanese warship transiting near the Ryukyu Islands. A Chinese warship was observed following a Japanese warship that transited the Miyako Strait into the Western Pacific.

The withdrawal of US Marines from Okinawa spanned 13 years. The process cost the United States budget 6 billion dollars. A portion of these expenses was covered by Japan, according to the report. The news was reported by Valentin Bogdanov from New York.

Japan Transocean Air (JTA) is updating its in-flight meal service for the Naha to Taipei route. The revamp features collaborations with local Okinawan producers to incorporate regional ingredients.

Two US Marines were arrested in Okinawa Prefecture on April 26, 2026. One Marine was arrested on the morning of April 26 for forcing entry into a hotel, while a second was arrested at noon for suspected drunk driving.