Okinawa Memorial Day Public Talk 2026

Learn About Okinawa's History: Irei No Hi (Battle of Okinawa)
(Language: Japanese with simultaneous English translation)

June 23 is Okinawa Memorial Day. To mark the occasion, a special lecture on Okinawa's history and war will be held on June 17 (Wed) 14:00-16:00 in the OIST Auditorium. 

This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the history of the land and people of Onna Village.

We will welcome Takahiro Seto,from the Onna Village Museum, who will provide context on the Battle of Okinawa, combat zones in Onna Village, and how these events impacted local residents.
In addition, Terunobu Yamauchi, who was born and raised in Onna Village, will join Mr. Seto in a dialogue to share his personal experiences of life in Nakadomari during that time.

Okinawa Memorial Day "Irei no Hi" Special Exhibition

This special exhibition to commemorate Okinawa Memorial Day presents a selection of wartime photographs from the Onna Village Museum Collection. The images provide a visual account of the events of the Battle of Okinawa.

Okinawa Memorial Day, observed on June 23, marks the end of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and honors the over 200,000 lives lost, including many civilians. We invite visitors to take a moment to learn more about this battle, and to reflect on the importance of remembrance.

This exhibition offers visitors and the OIST community a chance to delve into Okinawa's rich history and explore a pivotal event that forever transformed life on the island. To learn more about Okinawa Memorial Day (Irei no Hi) and about the Battle of Okinawa, please visit Uchinaa Culture 09 - Irei no Hi ~慰霊の日~

This event is organized by OIST with thanks to Onna Village Museum.

Free of charge, no registration required.

Spring Concert 2026

Spring Concert hosted by the joint collaboration of OIST x OPUA (Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts) 

Sounds of Ryukyu 2026

Admission free. Registration required.

“ISLAND SONGS” Music Talk and Mini Concert

ISLAND SONGS

Call for proposals - Cultural Events Program FY2026

The deadline to submit proposals for cultural events to be considered by the OIST Culture Committee for activation in FY2026 (April ’26-March ’27) is coming up on Friday, Dec 12.

If you’re planning to submit, please make sure everything is finalized before the deadline. 

Opening Ceremony for Crafted Traditions: Artistic Forms from Onna Village

 Crafted Traditions: Artistic Forms from Onna Village

Crafted Traditions: Artistic Forms from Onna Village

Step into the vibrant world of Onna Village through Crafted Traditions, an exhibition celebrating the timeless beauty of Okinawan ceramics and glass art.

Cephalopods: The Masters of the Ocean

For centuries, cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, have fascinated artists and artisans across many coastal cultures, and have been represented in many ways. However, cephalopods remain mysterious creatures that are hard to encounter in real life. In this video exhibition, renowned marine life photographer Ryo Minemizu, provides us with a glimpse into the biology, behavior, and unique genetic features of these marine invertebrates. This exhibition is organized by the Cephalopod International Advisory Council 2025 and hosted by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology.

CYCLE Exhibition 2025

CYCLE Exhibition 2025  Cycle Energy for Creation