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  • 18th Munitions Squadron honors Okinawan heritage with tomb clean-up

    U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Munitions Squadron clear overgrown vegetation surrounding an Okinawan family's ancestral tomb in preparation for Shimi at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 25, 2026. Volunteers carefully removed overgrowth to protect the tombs while preparing the area for

  • Honoring Ancestors: Tradition of Shimi in Okinawa

    Each year in Spring, Okinawan families observe Shimi, a deeply rooted cultural tradition centered around honoring their ancestors. During this time, families come together to clean ancestral tombs, offer food and gifts, and gather in front of these sacred spaces. This custom is one of the most

  • Shimi holiday on Kadena

    A Shinto priest leads a family in prayer before beginning to move their family’s remains at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 7, 2024. The visiting families came together to pay respects to their ancestors for the annual holiday of Shimi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker)