If your summer plans don’t involve racing boats, grabbing seaweed with your bare hands, and stuffing your face with festival food… well, you’re doing it wrong. The Motobu Ocean Festival is back for its 52nd year, and it’s bringing two full days of ocean vibes, local talent, and the kind of entertainment that makes you forget it’s August in Okinawa (almost).
🌊 What’s the Deal?
This isn’t just any summer festival—it’s a two-day celebration of Motobu’s love affair with the sea. You’ve got Hari boat races that will have you shouting yourself hoarse, stage performances from local bands and dance teams, magic shows, karaoke contests, and more random-but-awesome activities like the Children’s Sumo on the Water and the Mozuku Seaweed Grab Contest.
Best part? It’s free to join, so you can spend your money where it matters—on festival food.
📍 Where It’s Happening
- Toguchi Port | Google Pin
Both spots are in Motobu, which means you’re never far from the beach or that next icy kakigōri.
Oki Social Official Gift Shop
Established in 2021 in the heart of Kadena Air Base, Oki Social Store serves the community and all who love Okinawa. Our Okinawa-inspired souvenir shop features art and gifts designed and created by talented local artists right here on the island.
📅 Day-by-Day Schedule
August 16 (Sat)
Stage Fun:
15:00 – MOTOBU Kids Show
16:15 – Berry Wink
16:50 – Motobu Children’s Music Club & Friends Concert
17:40 – Opening Ceremony
18:20 – Company & Group Karaoke Contest
19:35 – Mottoble First Step (Dance)
20:15 – Motobu Yaezakura Drumming Performance
Extra Perks:
🎩 Magician Shusaku Higa + Balloon Chuck (14:30–19:30)
🐟 Stock Enhancement Center Tour – See how fish, sea urchins, and shellfish are raised (sessions at 11:00 & 14:00, limited to 30 people each)
August 17 (Sun)
Stage Fun:
15:00 – Ninju no Sunawai (Circle Presentations)
16:25 – Inagungwa
17:00 – Modern Kumiodori “Wind of Hokuzan”
17:50 – Masakayaa & Kenbo with Bochilaz
18:35 – Rude-α
19:20 – Matsuda Yumetaka Drums
20:05 – Hideyuki Maeda Live + Fireworks Show from Toguchi Port
On the Water:
🚤 Hari Boat Races (10:00)
🎩 Magician Shusaku Higa + Balloon Chuck (10:30)
🌿 Mozuku Seaweed Grab Contest (11:00)
🤼♂️ Children’s Sumo on the Water (11:00)
🏖️ Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Because where else can you see someone in a boat race, grab a fistful of seaweed, and then end the night with fireworks—all in the same day? Whether you come for the music, the magic tricks, or just the salty sea breeze, Motobu Ocean Festival is your ticket to peak Okinawa summer.
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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