This Is Japan's Island Run By The US Military (
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- čas přidán 14. 12. 2022
- Okinawa, Japan. A friendly island with good weather, a bit like the Hawaii of Japan. After all my hard work chasing down Yakuza members, that was more than enough reason for me to visit. But there was more to it than that: ever since WW2, the US Military has maintained a very large presence on the island, particularly the Marines and Air Force. I should know very well: both my grandfather and brother served here as Marines. I needed to see how these cultures clash on the island.
The US Military may capture most of the discussion when Americans think of Okinawa, but it's also the home of the Ryukyuu people, the only people looking to be independent from Japan.
This was set to be an interesting tour. I found a taxi driver and asked him to drop me off somewhere in the countryside, where my journey would begin.
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My Instagram: sabbatical.tommy
My Patreon: www.patreon.com/sabbaticaltommy?fan_landing=true
#sabbatical #japan #okinawa
Semper Fi. Taking a break from Yakuza duties for this one. Enjoy the tour of Japan's Hawaii.
When he was bent down going through that spider trap I would have given almost anything to be right behind him and reach up and pinch him on his ass or somewhere and holler got you.
It's government that are the problem, like we are just as much to blame
ooh rah
So, sabbatical you mean you will not fly to Qatar to watch this 3rd 4th play off and my beloved country France beating Argentina like non sense
Awesome video, as always =) Thank you
Love this guy's content. He is super respectful to the locals when he travels, he can communicate with them, and he even gives a small history lesson with each video. Keep it up!
I would argue he’s one the best travel vloggers in CZcams history! Lol
Sabbatical is definitely one of the best. His language skills and maturity are such an asset.
Bald’s recent visits to Japan and Vietnam have been cringeworthy in the disrespect he seems to show to the people in both countries.
@@ElBrandenBrazil Bald is literally a sexpat, lol
@@ElBrandenBrazil I agree. It felt like a british tourist in Vietnam...
Hope his channels grows as we join along the journey!! ❤
i was stationed there for 3 years. As a Hawaiian, I found the similarities between Okinawan people's lifestyle and ours cool. I miss it every day.
Well because the native Americans, Japanese,siberians, and the islanders all sort of share the same dna. Even some say the Samoans and Tongans would sail to Mexico and trade. So much we will never know because of colonization and religion blinding us.
except you guys can carry a gun.....im just joking dont get that seriously
many okinawans actually immigrated to Hawaii to work on the plantations so there is a long time connection between those two islands
@@ciello___8307 My friend's great-grandparents emigrated from Okinawa to Hawaii and did just that- worked on sugar plantations. They ended up in San Jose, California, like many Japanese-Americans.
@@ciello___8307 wow i had no idea. that is very interesting
Hahaha I love the fact you’re not scared of the yakuza or the ghettos but spiders take you to a whole new level.
Spiders are just like any other insects that co- exist with humans all over the world.They are not an enemy to humanity, just like snakes.Don't ever create fear in them since human beings have power to manage all other creatures on earth.
@@alexandermutune6131 I’m not afraid of spiders but I might add spiders are not insects.
@@TheMrDarius True.Spiders are arachnids (8 legged) while insects are supposed to have 6 legs.Thanks for the correction.But never fear these animals...I hope you don't tell me that spiders are not animals!
@@alexandermutune6131 no spiders are definitely animals just not insects. I’m not scared of them but I am more cautious when I know the poisonous variety are around me. I’ve actually handled black widows and moved them away from my home without harm to me or the spider. Jumping spiders I’m a huge fan of they’re cute and so full of personality. Very curious as well I try to befriend them and put them in the various window sills to catch any stray flies. We cohabitate and rely on each other.
It was an Orb weaver which are fairly harmless...
Thanks Tommy for visiting my home country Japan. I’ve been watching you since your journeys in East Africa and now I’m still even more impressed with your linguistic capabilities. You da man.
I used to run on those roads back in the 90s when I was stationed in Okinawa. Almost everything outside of Naha definitely fest rural and peaceful. One of the best times of my life. Thank you for sharing!
Oh shoot waddup Dave. Jaboody viewer here lol
@@easyduster hey man!
Many decades ago I was a participant in the Around Okinawa 24 hour Marathon, there were U.S. and Japanese Military Teams and individual civilian teams! It was one of the most exhausting runs I have ever made, primarily due to the small Japanese buses we used to move from point to point to start our run segments, which didn't allow one any sleep! In addition, in the Northern Area of Okinawa, the roads in those days were just coral, there were few bridges and each runner had to cross multiple rapidly running streams, with NO lights other than a flashlight! One also had to carefully watch that they didn't step on any habu snakes who would lie on the warmer roads at night soaking up the heat! Yes, quite an experience!
Can I just take a minute to day your my favorite CZcamsr at the moment. I look forward to seeing your journeys everyday. I thank you for showing the world. I have made a New Year’s resolution to get out of the US and travel. Thanks to you!
Okinawa has my heart. I left almost a year ago, and even living through all of Covid there, it was still an amazing experience that I’m so grateful for. Most of all I love the wonderful friendly people. Such a wonderful place for children to grow up. The food. The ocean. The adventure.
I hope I can return one day
My family lived on Okinawa for four years. It's a beautiful island and we fell in love with the people and culture. Some of the older generations are farmers and in great physical shape. It became a normal part of my day to see 80 and 90 yr olds out walking for exercise. I came to love seeing and greeting them every morning; their smiles and cheerful waves make you realize life is as great as you make it. Taking our kids to the sugar cane and pineapple farms as well as the many festivals created lasting memories. You do have to be careful of poisonous snakes and spiders in the wild though.
The argument over the land occupied by military bases gets very political and the issues vary widely based on whom you ask. Some say crime has gone up because of the American military, some say the issue is the land, some say the issue is America still having a say in Japanese affairs when we shouldn't. On the other hand you have those that say crime committed by Americans is lower than Okinawa as a whole, that the land "rent" is higher than it should be according to the market and Americans help fuel the economy of Okinawa.
Personally, I feel there should be some compromise. Maybe scaling back the amount of members present and some bases closed with the property given back. It really is a much deeper issue than it appears on the surface.
Well said 💯
My family 👪 also lived in Owkiynawa before we moved to Domini
czcams.com/video/2CA_CtcRw_8/video.html
czcams.com/video/Z-whHBGBHaY/video.html
The Japanese do not like the presence of US military bases. most murders and rapes are American soldiers
在日米軍の米兵が日本で犯罪を犯しても、地位協定の為に米軍に匿われてしまい、罪を償うこともしない。私はすぐにアメリカ軍に出ていってほしい。
I've been stationed in Japan mid 2000's however not Okinawa. Though my base moved to Okinawa since I have left.
Feels like i'm on facetime with him and he is showing around ! Somehow youtube brought me to your channel and I must say you made me watch several of your videos and even subscribe! You are unique in a way I cannot define , love the work you put on with different languages of the world and the respect you have. Very original.
He's a very friendly person who immediately puts people at ease. Those kids are so cute. 4:47 What a great place to grow up. If only the Japanese would have more children.
Wow!! I lived in Okinawa for 5 years as a kid and 2 years as an adult (my dad was in the Air force and I joined at 18) this video is bringing back so many good memories of the local Okinawan people’s friendliness and the beautiful island where they live. Thanks!!!
I was stationed at Kadena airbase, Okinawa from 1994 to 1998 and I had the time of my life. In my 24 year Air Force career, it was undoubtedly the best assignment that I ever had. The people were awesome, the food was great, and there was plenty of things to do to be entertained. Truthfully, most parts of Okinawa are quite beautiful.
did you go see Clay Sun Union on the weekends like the rest of us always did in 97-98 ?
I’m Australian, and I travelled to Okinawa back in 2010 for karate. After landing, a lot of the locals around Naha, on kokusaidori or international street, thought we were American. Not until seeing the massive barbed wire fence and the kaneda airbase did I realise why.
Also fun fact, karate was introduced to Okinawa, from the Chinese as it was previous the Ryu-kyu kingdom. I can’t wait to travel back one day. My Japanese is basic at most, but can’t deny the Chinese influence on the island.
Beautiful place
I can't say it enough Tommy. I love these videos of Japan. You're doing a great job with history and letting us see a side of Japan that many will never see. Keep 'em coming.
I appreciate the fact that you aren’t ashamed to tell people you are from the US. I once met this guy when I was staying at a hostel in Spain, who told me he was Canadian. We ended up going out for a few beers later that day and he admitted that he was actually from Maryland.
Not sure why he fibbed about that. I just thought that was bizarre and kind of sad too.
You’re setting a great example for all travelers out there. You’re kind, respectful, and genuine. Thanks for the great content.
Sounds like a typical leftist
When I was younger, I remember reading lots of advice about not telling people you were American when you traveled overseas. It was recommended that you tell people you were Canadian, to the point of sewing Canadian insignia like a Canadian flag to your backpack or luggage. I never followed that advice, and always told people I was American. It never caused me any problems.
@@fixpacifica I think this is a usefull advice if you travel to Iraq or Iran
But he told that old lady he was from France....
@@Ordzo88 yes and he explained why he did that.
Love watching this. My grandma, who we called Obachan, grew up in Okinawa. Definitely on my list of places to visit. I've visited Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara when I was younger. But one day I would love to visit Okinawa and stay for a while. Thanks for the video!
I love your vids because no matter where you go, you show us that there are kind and generous people. Thank you for your work.
Love the way you explore places not on the usual tourist trail. Best way to meet the people and learn about a country. So great you have a chat where ever you go to and your relaxing personality helps you too. Great channel 👍 👍
You are the CZcamsr that makes me want to travel most, and through your videos I see so many places I want to visit as soon as I get the chance. Thank you!
i love watching your videos of japan! it’s nice to show the true everyday scenes that people don’t really care to show. i’ll be looking forward to your next one.
love how you learn the language to talk to the locals and being friendly. much respect. wish i could learn languages but i still have trouble with english lol!! great content
I love it Tommy when you do this kind of exploration, your like an astronaut.... Finding friends everywhere... these are my favorite content.
Nice to see this video. I've been to Okinawa a couple of years ago and had a great time. It's nice to see your perspective of this island.
Every single video you put out you seem to deliver such an authentic view of the life style of the locals, there doesn't seem like there's any other channel likes yours, keep up the amazing work. love from the U.K
I'm half Okinawan and lived in Okinawa in the 70s to early 80s. I miss the beautiful island, culture and people. Okinawa will always be in my heart.
I love your vids man. This one was chill, serene. A nice look at Okinawan countryside. I've been to Okinawa twice and love it there.
A pleasure watching your content not only because it’s entertaining but very educational! Keep up the good work Tommy.
Outstanding content ! Your videos are so organic. It is truly great to see. ありがとうトミさん ❤
You're living my dream. At least I can live vicariously through your channel. Your adventures are very entertaining
I swear this guy has the best travel channel on CZcams, I haven't found any travel vlogs as authentic, entertaining and educating as his.
Agree
I can’t express enough how much I appreciate your content!
It’s tranquil yet exciting. Delightful like a palette cleanser; like those coffee shakers at the perfume counters.
It’s a refreshment in the desert.
May LOVE and Peace keep you. May you be well. May you be blessed.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Found your channel from your Japan content and I can't help but wish there were more videos for me to binge watch. Wishing you safe travels on your journey and please keep em coming!
I am very grateful for the usually informative tours u take us on, but please be careful with those wildlife... Continuous blessings and guidance in all u do. Watching from Jamaica 👍🫂🇯🇲
Just discovered the channel recently. Must've came up due to my love of Japan although I've never been. Started watching your adventures from number 1 and going through. Hope there's more Japan videos coming though and maybe China and Thailand? I also hope your journeys will be long. Its addictive, entertaining, insightful and uplifting.
Just found your page. Absolutely loving it. Great documentary of Oki. I was stationed there back in 2003. Nice place. Very humid in the summer.
This is one of the best channels I've seen recently. I love traveling and this is pretty much how I would do it. I feel the same about the city and nature. Your experience with the spider had me busting up.
I had a DMT trip once Tommy and heard something in my head very similar to what you said, "Life's the trip, enjoy it while it lasts."
Loved the video! Japan has always been #1 on my list to travel to. Have been binge watching all of your videos since finding you about a month ago. So thankful for all that you do, it's very inspirational. Keep up the great work my friend!
Truly such a breathtaking landscape Japan is such a beautiful country
Hey man thanks for the content, I usually stay in my room all day and then I go back to work every day. But thanks to you I get to explore the world, I really appreciate your videos, hopefully one day I get to explore the world too. Stay safe!
Wow, memories. I was there in '88 thru '90. Thanks for sharing.
I think I could see some sadness when Hitomi talked about Canada. Sadly I don't think Canada, or at least its major populated areas, aren't nearly as friendly as people use to be.
nope lol
My family was stationed on Okinawa from 86-91 at Kinser. As a grade school youngster I wasn’t able to fully appreciate the beauty and peace found there. As an adult I look back at my time there as some of the best years of my life. The people are incredibly humble and the food is amazing. My Dad took us to EVERY historical sight on the island and we as children spent most of our time off base and never felt threatened.
Another great watch! Thank you for these videos.
I loved this video! I lived in Okinawa for 4 years in my last visit. I used to wander the northern end of the island every chance I got, lots of friendly people and great empty beaches.
Takes me back to my time spent on Okinawa back in '96... Took a bus from Naha to Chatan and did some karate training with an American sensei that was stationed at Kadena base. The founder of the style I practiced (Shotokan) was Gichin Funakoshi, who was an Okinawan. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
I spent 6 years in Japan, first 3 were in the tokyo area, the last 3 were here in Okinawa. Col to see you wandering OKI. Cheers
Wow respectful and kind man you are and your knowledge of Hawaiian history isn’t unnoticed, nothing but respect to you🙏🏾 for that you get a sub my braddah🤙🏾
THANK YOU TOMMY,,AMASSING CHANNEL..SAFE TRAVELS..HAPPY HOLIDAYS..
I love Okinawa! I Also have video of my visit there, nothing like yours but I would also say to anyone thinking about visiting there to go! I think the vibe there is very relaxed and fun. Some Blue Seal Ice Cream is always good too! Usually people form Okinawa don't say they are Japanese, they say they are Okinawan! They are very proud of their culture. And like you mentioned it is the Hawaii of Japan for sure!
You deserve a very large budget from a major tv network to do a round the world travelogue. One day I'd love to see you meet the other YTuber doing pretty much the same thing - Bald and Bankrupt. The two coolest travel guys on YT.
You just earned a new subscriber. Great job, Sir!!!! I look forward to viewing past adventures, and riding along on new ones.
Just watching your new video now shout from england
So quiet and peaceful. My kind of place.
poor tommy, you're in asia, you don't have to apologise for wearing a mask 😂
not gonna lie, every second of this video was fascinating.. and the random meeting with hitomi was magical. Great video again as usual 😌
Always interesting and engaging content... Thanks for posting.
Just came across your channel a week ago I’ve watched close to 20 hours of your content you’re great at this thank you for all you do
That lady who gave you those charms made my heart flush and feel warm.
God bless her
I been interested in Japan for ages, started watching some Japanese vids & I have learned so much more from you than I have from Japanese youtubers I have watched. Thank you
Love your videos mate I've been binge watching for weeks, the fact you know the the languages separates you from the rest
I was in Chatan Okinawa for the first time just a few weeks ago. Stayed right on the ocean and watched surfers. It brought back me all the memory throughout this video. Thanks Tommy!
Tom, Okinawa is a historic Island for a number of reasons one of which is it is the birth place of Karate. I wish you could visit an old school Karate dojo. 🥋
And the Lady in the shop (Hitomi) has a heart of complete gold 🪙 ❤️💯🙏bless her
It sure looks different than when I was in Okinawa. I was in the Marines in 1966 at Camp Schwab. The village of Honoko was outside our gate. It is on the eastern side of the island across from Nago. Nago was off limits to the military but we went there anyway because the food was really good and cheap. I enjoyed my time while there and Naha looks so modern. Maybe one day I might visit. Looking forward to the next video.
I was a Marine stationed at Futema Air Base for 13 months in 1967. Great duty. Certainly better than Vietnam. I'm sure that if you and I went back today we wouldn't recognize much.
So glad I found this channel; Best travel content I've seen in a long while
Just saw the videos of this guy. Such a relief after watching countless of useless videos online. Love the simplicity and at the same time I gain a lot of knowledge. Im just hooked with this channel. Keep rocking bro 🤟🏽
As a resident of a small town in Shiga prefecture for 8 years now I do love the Japanese countryside. It might look desolate to some but to me it feels peaceful and relaxing. I tried a few cities when i first came to Japan but it's truly isn't for me.
Good video . Isn’t Okinawa supposed to blue one of the blue zones where people live to be in their 100s ?
I know there’s a connection to Hawaii as they have Okinawa festival In Honolulu. Okinawa karate is pretty cool too.
Great video
Man love your vlog , can’t wait to see , loving the history you say keep up the work Tommy best exploring vlog
me and my dad love watching your videos in japan, keep doing them!
I'm kinda upset that this channel has so few subscribers.I've seen youtubers with 1m subs and the contents are not even a quarter as great as this
I was stationed there at White Beach in the Navy before going to Viet Nam and also lived there for a while in the 80s....Gyokusendo caves are a nice hike where Japanese soldiers hid during WWII..Okinawa is a beautiful island and the Okinawan people are similar to the Taiwanese. It's not cheap for tourists that's for sure....I ordered a bowl of miso soup, two pieces of tuna sashimi and a pot of tea for me and my wife for lunch...100 bucks US...and yes...we were still hungry ..People are friendly all over the island though. At White Beach there are caves all along the cliffs...don't go there, they are graves...I made that mistake once. Lesson learned.
I enjoyed this stroll through the countryside. Pao Pao, the Thai place underneath the Red Lobster, has great food cooked by Thai folks. Cheers and Happy New Year!
Nice to hear you brushed up on your hogan, they appreciate that for sure. I lived there for 10 yrs 2004-2014 and have great memories of my time there.
Fun Fact: The Japanese who came to Hawaii to work in the plantations etc. 4-5 generations ago, were overwhelmingly from Okinawa.
Did you know that Okinawa was completely owned/controlled by the U.S. until, I think it was 1972? They only used the American dollar for currency. I was stationed at Marine Barracks Sasebo, Japan from 71-73 and remember when the island was turned back to Japanese control.
this is the best video I've found in a long time. absolutely incredible.
Kind folks in Okinawa, especially shop owner Hitomi, what a generous sweetheart!!! Thanks for braving the bugs, and hiking alll that distance!!!
I'm pretty fearless most of the time, but spiders for some reason are my kryptonite. I walked right into a spider web once when I was young. It had this big yellow and black spider on it, and I about had a heart attack. I was flailing all over the place, making sure it wasn't on me.
Especially those Okinawa Banana Spiders, big damn things!
I actually really like spiders. Roaches, tho...
Sabbatical must be really a talented linguist...how do you manage to learnn all these Lingua Franca?From Swahili, Luganda, Japanese, french, Arabic(I heard him speaking Arabic in Ceuta, Morocco) etc..
CIA
Probably my favourite youtuber. Great content really highlights the better side of humanity 👌
Loved the Okinawan pub owner. Seems like a real character. Spotted the shinobi placard on his wall in the bar too. Pretty cool.
Tommy is the best travel vlogger. I love the respect he shows to local people, his intelligence, maturity and unbelievable language skills.
How do you speak so many languages man - damn
It’s incredible how fast he picks it up
Ahh how I miss oki so much. Appreciate you doing this video man woke up some good memories for me
Really cool videos I stayed in Mauswa japan up at the top on a air force base. Best times lived there close to 10 yrs. Miss it soo much . The ppl are so nice and respectful.
Was stationed in Okinawa 2017-2019, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. I miss it a lot, so many good memories there. Gate 2 street and Kokusai-dori are really where the action is. American village Mihama is a pretty good spot too.
@@Fidelity_Sound There is a lawsuit going around (major pay) for the water there.. if you drank water there look into the campIejeune class action
Arachnophobia is real with Tommy
I really love your travelogues. And your familiarity with many languages is amazing.
So cool Tommy , really is thanks for putting this out there
Thanks for showing Japan in a realistic manner.
1. I share your sentiment on the aesthetics of the cities in Japan. Most of the major cities in Japan had undergone severe air-raids during WWII especially Tokyo. The one good thing that came from this that I can point out is most of our major infrastructure is relatively new, but on the other hand most of the western style buildings/houses/homes are made from really cheap materials and not built to last. (And in my opinion not pretty)
2. Me myself being mixed-race and Japanese American, I also expected not to be welcomed by Okinawans, but I made a lot of connections with Okinawans in and around Tokyo thru work and was surprised, most people genuinely were not like that. On the contrary, most of them, especially older gentlemen in their 50s that were born and raised before Okinawa was returned to Japan and still under US military rule bragged to me that they grew up with an American I.D. and cars drove on the right side of the road and all the 80s American pop culture that they grew up with etc... In my head all I could think of was Danny Larusso. LOL
3. LMAO at the Red Lobster. I wish we could do better.
I am so excited for what else you got in store for us Tommy, I mean, I used to be a キャッチ in my younger years in Japan too. So I was really caught off guard when you did the video on キャバクラ and all that. And yes, most of the night life is ruled by the Yakuza. And yes, I never understood the hype around キャバクラ either! But it's just a part of life, a part of society in Japan because - reasons. Girl's Bar is also just another form of キャバクラ, but more casual. But I love that you were able to highlight the more obscure in terms of media portrayal but nonetheless the strongly present sides of Japan.
Hell man, you already do such a great job, you definitely don't need any recommendations but I'd love to see you check out some of the Brazilian towns in Japan if you're interested. I know that the largest Brazilian population is in Nagoya but you could check out 群馬県大泉町 if you're in the area. (That's where I was at for a bit) I live in Queens, NY now, but I still think about this Peruvian joint called "El Kero" located in a few towns next to 大泉町, in 伊勢崎市 that had the best lomo saltado (yes better than the ones I've had in Queens). And hey, if you're ever in 福島県郡山市, check out 焼き鳥 天ちゃん(Ten-chan). This city used to call itself the "東北のシカゴ" because of the yakuza shootouts that used to go on, but this yakitori joint in particular has a connect with the freshest meats available in Fukushima so if you're in the area, please check it out. Be warned though, the service is known to be rude and it's normally pretty busy but the food is great. My favorite is the とりわさ, which is basically chicken sashimi. Sounds crazy but with some wasabi and soy sauce it is amazing.
P.S. Please excuse the unneeded long post. ちょっと興奮し過ぎちゃいました。とりあえず、ようこそ日本へ！！！
Awesome video! Thanks for the real honest content!
Tommy knocked it out of the park again! Awesome as usual 🤙🏼
The Ryukyu Kingdom was a kingdom in the Ryukyu Islands from 1429 to 1879. It was ruled as a tributary state of imperial Ming China by the Ryukyuan monarchy, who unified Okinawa Island to end the Sanzan period, and extended the kingdom to the Amami Islands and Sakishima Islands.
Will you visit Taiwan while you’re in the area? By far my favourite travel channel 👌🏻👌🏻
会的
hey tommy its always heart melting ,to watch yo adventures. i love you works n pray for u.
Very informative!! I was stationed at Kadena from 1985 - 1989...while there I lived in Sunabe...
I was stationed on Okinawa for 13 months 55 years ago during the Vietnam war. The military did run the island but not anymore. The island changed entirely once the Japanese took back control.
Nothing should be strange when it comes to the Chinese influence in Japan... The early laws, kanji characters, economy, etc was all there because of the Chinese, or at least very much influenced by the Chinese. Early emperors had strong connections to the Chinese rulers, there were even laws for centuries that said that you can't say anything bad about Confucius and his philosophy... The main characteristic of the Japanese confucianism is the loyalty, from the VI century to this day this is the main characteristic of the Japanese people.
Binge watch again ..lol omg you make me siiiick! 😂 You and the slick facts lol 💃💃👏👏 luv u
i love his way of making videos its so simple