If you think a festival about sweet potatoes sounds boring, think again. Kadena is throwing one of the most packed parties of the year: music, fireworks, parades, and more yam-themed activities than you ever knew existed.
Why sweet potatoes? Back in 1605, a guy named Noguni Sokan brought them from China to the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Kadena was the first place they were planted. Fast-forward 400 years, and we’re still digging, singing, and eating them.
Where and When
📍 Kaneku Seaside Park, Kadena Town | Google Pin
📅 October 4 (Sat) & October 5 (Sun), 2025
🚗 No parking—take the shuttle bus or use public transport unless you enjoy driving in circles forever.
What’s Happening
October 4 (Saturday)
🎺 Opening with a brass band and a sweet potato song contest (yes, really).
🎤 Music live featuring D-51 and HAN-KUN from Shonan no Kaze—expect the crowd to go wild.
🍠 Potato digging contests for both kids and adults (bring gloves and a sense of humor).
🍚 Free Kandaba Jushi rice bowls at 4 PM for the first 200 survey-takers.
🎆 Fireworks around 9 PM to end the night with a bang.
October 5 (Sunday)
🚲 Kick-bike races and awards ceremonies.
🪕 The Noguni Sokan Parade and Performing Arts Festival keep tradition alive.
🎶 Okinawan folk legend Gen-chan (Morikatsu Maekawa) performing island songs.
🍠 More digging, more potatoes, more laughs.
🎆 And yes, another round of fireworks, because one night isn’t enough.
Why You Should Go
This isn’t just about sweet potatoes—it’s about Okinawan culture, community, and a good excuse to watch adults fight over who can dig faster. Bring your kids, bring your friends, or just bring yourself and your stretchy pants.
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A heart warming book that illustrates 365 happy moments about living on Okinawa. Now on sale on Amazon and in store.
What Else Is Happening This Week in Okinawa
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Okinawa Chatan Industry Festival Dec 6–7, 2025
Family event with food trucks, workshops, live performances, and fun activities featuring local products and cultural showcases.
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Shurijo Castle Restoration Event Dec 6–22, 2025
Shurijo Castle event features night illuminations, projection mapping, daytime tours, and hands-on craft workshops for all ages.
Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
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