Games, books and other hobby products are displayed at Kappa Castle Game & Hobby Shop located in Okinawa, Sept. 15, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Warhammer game aficionados will find shelves full at Kappa Castle Game & Hobby Shop located in Okinawa, Sept. 15, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Hobby enthusiasts summon mythical creatures and lead fictional skirmishes every day on Okinawa, and one American business owner ensures a steady source of supplies to keep that battle drumbeat going.
Ryan Stumpff had no affiliation to the military and moved to Okinawa for a change of scenery. He decided to create his own job by opening Kappa Castle Game & Hobby Shop in 2017. It was a means of income for his family, but also to ensure his own interests remained alive.
“I wanted to stay in Okinawa and needed a job to do so,” he said during a recent interview at Kappa Castle. “I decided to start my own business, because I have a personal interest in cardboard hobbies, and because there was a high demand for English games locally.”
Cardboard hobbies are board games or tabletop games that are typically played with friends or family. Local game shops on Okinawa have games printed in Japanese, Stumpff said. He wanted games printed in his native language, English.
Visitors to Kappa Castle will find aisles full of Warhammer figurines, various cardboard group games, packs of collectible trading cards and various supplies for geek-culture hobbyists.
“Popular items include Warhammer, Magic: The Gathering, and our growing selection of English books,” Stumpff said. “My personal favorite item to sell are dice. We offer some interesting sets made [from] gemstones, glass and metal.”
The shop has a wide selection of book genres, including sci-fi, horror, romance and its largest section, fantasy. Books by authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Yukari Morgan, Brandon Sanderson and J.R.R. Tolkien are well stocked.
One employee noted that Kappa Castle is one of the only places on Okinawa where you can tangibly buy a book printed in English.
“This is my second time in Okinawa, and I’ve been here since 2019. Aside from what you see on base, you can’t find a good bookstore for English readers,” said Nina Tash. “Customers come in and some get emotional, grateful they finally found a place where they can buy a new book printed in English.”
Stumpff has expanded the business once and has plans to further his product variety. He caters to the evolving demand from service members stationed in Okinawa.
“A large portion of my business derives from service members stationed here, but some are tourists visiting or locals looking for an American-centric game,” Stumpff said. “Everything’s somewhat exploded, and I’m looking to expand our offerings and eventually host community events within the store. I’m currently hiring and have added three new staff members, including veterans and dependents.”
Stumpff regularly posts on his two social media platforms offering updates on what’s available, while asking for suggestions on what products he should carry next.
“New book arrivals! Ordering more soon so message for any requests,” Stumpff wrote in a recent Instagram post that included a photo of new arrivals.
The entrance to Kappa Castle Game & Hobby Shop on Okinawa, Sept. 15, 2025. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: Five minutes from Camp Foster Gate 4. Head North on Route 58. Make a left on Route 24. Destination will be the corner building on the left, second floor. Parking is on the ground level. 1-1-7 Mihama, Chatan, Okinawa 904-0115
Times: Open noon to 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Costs: Prices vary. Credit cards accepted.
Parking: Seven available parking spaces with one motorcycle space.
Information: @KappaCastleGame on Instagram and Facebook.
AloJapan.com