Takeshi Onaga

Okinawa International Movie Festival Organization Committee Honorary-Chairman
Governor of Okinawa

Haisai, gusu-yo, chu-uganabira.
(Hello, everyone. How are you all?)
From across Japan and from across the seas, to all of the visitors and participants of the Okinawa International Movie Festival, Mensore! Welcome to Okinawa. I would like to sincerely give a warm welcome to all.
Starting in 2009, the Okinawa International Movie Festival now has an additional main title of “Shima zembu de O-kina sai (All the Islands Okinawa Festival)”, and the excitement throughout Okinawa is gathering momentum with numerous supporting and cheering groups forming in various areas.
This year, from Thursday April 21 to Sunday April 24, I have been informed that the festival will be held in vari-ous locations in Okinawa, including Naha City, Ginowan City, Chatan Town, Urasoe City, Okinawa City and Tomigusuku City.
The abundant natural environment, history, tradition and culture of the various Okinawan regions are showcased in the community-based movies and JIMOT CMs. Along with the numerous screenings of superb films and high quality entertainment from Japan and around the world, I am excited to see how Okinawa and the world can unite, and look forward to the depth of this movie festival through its presentation of Okinawa’s fascinating appeal.
I would like to conclude by wishing the great success of the “8th Okinawa International Movie Festival” and the further prosperity of future festivals. Ippeh-nifeh-deh-biru.
(Thank you very much.)