Besides awamori, specifically selected foods are also available.

As COVID-related restrictions begin to fade to the Bad Memories land, the Depot Island Street Association is gearing up for the second volume of the Awamori Festival this weekend, Nov. 13 (Sat.)

Plenty of fun will be guaranteed, with seven Okinawan awamori distillers and seven local businesses organizing the second volume of the festival, this time at the Chatan Fisherina Uminchu Wharf.

The festival starts at 14:00 and runs through 18:00. The seven companies from Mihama are Cherish the Sea café and bar, China Kitchen. Koshien Stadium, Irish Pub Howdy, Hakata Yakiniku Tenjin, Churahama Shokudo and Kanasanya. The companies pair with Zuisen, Kumeshima-no Kumesen, Chuko, Taragawa, Seifuku, Higa and Nakijin awamori distillers for the event.

To purchase drinks and food, visitors can buy sets of six tickets with a face value of ¥500 each on the day of the event, totaling ¥3,000 per set, credit cards accepted.

Awamori has been a part of the Okinawan culture for hundreds of years and is the oldest distilled drink made in Japan. Organizers hope that the event will teach visitors new ways to enjoy awamori. For example, Irish Pub Howdy is set to prove that awamori and Guinness are good companions.

In addition to food and drinks, live entertainment is also on the cards. After the festival, the restarted Depot Island Saturday fireworks shoot off at 20:00 over the ocean in front of the Mihama Boardwalk.

In case of inclement weather, the event takes place the next day.

Organizers urge participants to drink responsibly and not drink and drive. Taxis and daiko are readily available in the area. To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 infection, all staff at the event wear face masks at all times. Everyone visiting should also wear face masks while not eating and remember social distancing. Plenty of hand-sanitizing liquid is ready for visitors at the venue. Organizers will also measure everyone’s body temperature upon arrival. Young visitors should prepare to show an ID when asked.

Irish Pub Howdy shows that awamori is a good companion to Guinness.

Also, many food trucks will line up for the “Okinawa Food Marche” at the same location from 11:00 to 17:00.

Event: Awamori Fest

Date: Saturday, Nov, 13

Time: 14:00-18:00

Place: Uminchu Wharf, Chatan Fisherina