When reading September 18 along the numbers of 9-10-8, it can be read as the Japanese word kotoba, or kutuba in Okinawan, meaning language. As such, Okinawa prefecture has designated this day for celebrating its linguistic heritage and for driving efforts to protect and hand this heritage over to future generations. One day before, a Yaeyama local languages contest was held at the Ishigaki Civil Hall, in which I participated. Different participants from young to old, different types of presentations including film footage, legends, dancing, speeches etc. gave a variety that is typical for Yaeyama. The participants used different dialects for their presentations. The event was covered by the local newspapers.
