The sports scene in Okinawa reached new heights this week, as the Ryukyu Golden Kings celebrated a historic victory by winning the Emperor's Cup for the first time in their history. This exciting achievement followed a tough battle last year in which the Kings faced a crushing defeat in the finals. The players, displaying remarkable concentration and teamwork, turned their luck around at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo on March 15, 2025, bringing home the coveted trophy.
This victory marks a monumental achievement not only for the Ryukyu Golden Kings but also for the history of basketball in Okinawa, as they are the first team from the region to win the esteemed Emperor's Cup in over a century of competition. Head coach Daizuke Oketani remarked on the significance of this win, expressing that the atmosphere in the arena had the essence of the "Ryukyu breeze," thanks to the united efforts of players and boosters who rallied together in a celebration of what they dubbed the "power of unity.”
Jack Cooley, who shone brightly throughout the championship, earned the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding performance, which included critical plays under the basket. In a touching moment during his victory interview, Cooley dedicated his success to his daughter, saying, “I’m happy that I can make her smile, and that makes everything worthwhile.” His heartfelt comment captured the spirit of the victory, illustrating how personal achievement transcends sports.
Meanwhile, another significant event was unfolding back home. The 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament kicked off on March 18, 2025, and for the first time, two schools from Okinawa—Okinawa Shogaku and Energetic—successfully advanced past the first round. The excitement was palpable as Okinawa Shogaku triumphed over Aomori Yamada with a score of 6-3, thus extending their spring tournament victory record to 17 wins and 5 losses. The school has previously claimed the championship title twice, showcasing its robust performance over the years.
Energetic made headlines as well, securing an impressive 8-0 victory against Jitsugakkan and making their own debut at the tournament. This achievement was marked by their unique strategy of “no-sign baseball,” a method that has already captured the attention of fans and experts alike. Energetic's coach, Yoshikazu Kamiya, was inspired by the former coach of Toyo University, Taizo Nakano, who emphasized the importance of shared understanding among players over individualistic approaches. Energetic will face the strong Chiben Wakayama in their next match on March 25, 2025, and excitement buzzes as fans gear up for the challenge.
In a somber reflection, this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Battle of Okinawa, described as bringing “together all the hell,” resulted in significant devastation, with over 200,000 casualties reported during the conflict. To commemorate this turning point in history, the Okinawa Times has embarked on a project that examines various aspects of the war, including firsthand accounts from survivors. Their special web page includes a collection of insights and memories that serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during this turbulent time.
The remembrance efforts culminate in a nationwide relay project among 20 newspapers titled “That Time I,” which connects testimonies from the year 1945. In the latest installment, the Kyoto Shimbun features a heart-wrenching story about forced evacuations of buildings during the war, capturing the poignant experiences of individuals like Hiroya Kawanabe, who lost their family temple in the process. This campaign aims to keep the historical memory alive, ensuring that lessons learned from the past endure as future generations remain vigilant against the horrors of war.
On a lighter note, the weather is expected to warm up in Okinawa, with temperatures predicted to rise significantly after an unusually cold early spring. According to meteorologist Ayako Sakihama, the cold snap that has characterized this week will come to an end around March 24, with temperatures reaching 26-27 degrees Celsius between March 25 and 27—an indication that summer is just around the corner.
In summary, the successful week for Okinawa in sports, along with meaningful efforts to remember the past, serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the people in this island community. As they celebrate their victories on the court and reflect on history, Okinawa showcases the power of unity and the importance of remembrance, driving growth and unity amid its diverse experiences.
