Street Snap #19 Koza (Okinawa vol.5)

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In the warm climate of Okinawa, lush plants grew freely and often took over abandoned buildings. I saw raw concrete walls painted in vivid colors like pink and yellow. These buildings were not carefully decorated. They seemed spontaneous and open, expressing the relaxed spirit of Okinawa.

This roughness felt well balanced with the casual charm of old American styles. Nothing was hidden or corrected. Everything was accepted. It reminded me of the Okinawan word “chanpuru” — a joyful mixture of many things. ■

沖縄の暖かな気候の中で、豊かな植物は自由に伸び、時には使われなくなった建物を覆うように広がっていた。むき出しのコンクリートの壁には、ピンクや黄色といった鮮やかな色が塗られている。そうした建物は丁寧に装飾されたものではなく、自然発生的で開かれていて、沖縄のゆるやかな精神を表しているように見えた。

その荒さは、古いアメリカ的なスタイルの気楽な魅力とよく釣り合っていた。何も隠されず、修正されてもいない。すべてが受け入れられているように感じられた。それは、さまざまなものが楽しく混ざり合う沖縄の言葉「チャンプルー」を思い出させた。■

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Articles are written in Japanese.

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INFORMATION

Location: Koza, Okinawa

This map shows the approximate area where the photos were taken.

All photos in this article were taken with a RICOH GR III and edited in Lightroom.

See the RICOH GR IV accessories I actually use .

All images are protected by copyright. Please contact me for usage requests.

Explore the full Okinawa series:

Vol.1 Journey to Naha

Vol.2 Naha Tomari Port

Vol.3 Sakaemachi Market

Vol.4 Koza Cityscape-1

Vol.5 Koza Cityscape-2

Vol.6 Koza Park Avenue

Vol.7 Koza Crossroads

Vol.8 Naha Fukushuen Garden

Vol.9 Naha Beach & Departure