What would you like to accomplish this year? A new year is upon us; the weather is warm and it is beautiful in the Yaeyama Islands. The Ocean is a glistening emerald and turns a dark blue, reaching to the sky and its never-ending bluish hue. Time passes peacefully as we enter this New Year. The difficult economic climate of the past year slips away and gives rise to new hope. The splendor of nature calls upon us to anticipate with optimism the rising New Year. Here at Hirata Tourism, we entertain tourists and guests with Otoso (new year's sake) and the staff wears traditional Okinawan costume. If you are in Yaeyama now or are soon to be - why not come and visit our staff at Hirata, as we welcome and celebrate the New Year ...

Today is Christmas Eve, How to Plan to Spend Christmas? Even though we do not have a very cold winter on Yaeyama Islands, we decorate a office for Christmas. The weather report said it was up to 24degree today. Unbelievable!! Wishing you a peaceful holiday season filled with the joy of family and friends. Merry Christmas.. Happy New Year

New year's special Tour January 1st, Please don't miss your chance to see Yaeyama Bull Fighting! Hello, everyone I would like to introduce you to Okinawan bullfighting (togyu). Come join us in Ishigaki on January 4th, 2010, to watch togyu. It is also known as ushi-zumo or Bull sumo. Togyu was stared hundreds of years ago by farmers pitting their bulls against each other for sport. It involves two bulls battling head-to-head in contest of strength. When one of the bulls turns their back and runs, the match is decided. The bulls are not allowed to harm each other, and the match will stop if they are injured. The matches are entertaining because each bull has a handler who encourages it to win. The handlers are enjoyable to watch as they stomp their feet and shout like madmen to cheer on the bull.

Here Ishigaki city, also had opportunity to observe the first total eclipse of the sun over Japan in 46 years last Wednesday. Did you see that?

A Happy New Year from Ishigaki Island!! New year began,How did you spend the New Year's holiday? Please accept our best wishes for 2009!