ABOUT TAKETOMI ISLAND
Taketomi Island and HOSHINOYA
In Japan, there are areas known as Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where the landscapes have been determined by the government to have special cultural value. There are 91 such districts in Japan, and two in Okinawa. Taketomi Island is one of them.
Approximately 360 people live on Taketomi Island, where around twenty festivals take place each year. The biggest is the ten-day Tanedori Sai, held in autumn. Every islander participates in this festival, its scale demonstrating the locals' commitment to preserving their traditions.
Since I began visiting Taketomi, I have witnessed an inherant spirit of cooperation among the island's people--one that is integral to their livelihood. Two people may fight over something during the day, but they will make peace by night to ensure a festival goes off without a hitch.
HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island was built on such principles. Although the Preservation Districts guidelines are very strict, their very existence helps preserve the appeal of this island. I would like to invite guests to live as the locals do so they may discover the wonders of Okinawa.
