Parallels in food and fashion - Alo Japan All About Japan

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii and Okinawa have a lot in common to include similar weather, terrain and natural resources.

You’ll also be surprised at the parallels when it comes to food and fashion.

As you walk the streets of Naha City, Okinawa, it doesn’t take long to see just how popular Spam is here.

First, let’s start with Spam Musubis. From your everyday grab-and-go varieties to your made-to-order, designer premium types.

There is a canned luncheon meat with seaweed wrapped around it treat for every type of preference.

“I saw plum, all kinds of egg, there’s fruit, there’s tomatoes, they put it on top of the spam,” said Chip O’Neill, a part-time Hawaii resident visiting Okinawa.

Beyond the edible products, it’s easy to see that the obsession with Spam goes beyond the musubi.

There are Spam t-shirts, slippers, designer shopping bags, Spam Aloha shirts, and even Spam underwear.

Beyond Spam, there’s the Kariyushi, Okinawa’s version of the Aloha Shirt.

It’s almost like being at one of Hawaii’s malls with a variety of colors and designs to satisfy every type of taste.

“I think it is wonderful,” O’Neill said.

Last but not least, let’s not forget about Taco Rice.

With the U.S. service member in mind, local restaurants use rice instead of a shell or tortilla for this popular fusion of Mexican, Okinawan, and American meal.

So, at the end of the day, after having some retail therapy, you may end up with a bag that is not Louis Vuitton but a Spam bag, some Okinawa style Aloha Shirts, and chow down on taco rice topped off with an Okinawan Spam Musubi.