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Latin SoulDate Posted: 2001-09-07 Owner Hiroaki "Hiro" Kamiya opened Latin Soul on May 21, 2001. He says he started to get into the Salsa scene in 1999 when he saw the Diamantes and Kachimba 1551, and he made plans to open his own business while he was working in various Latin bars in Naha. Though the cafe/club receives many visitors, Hiro says that 80% of his customers are female. You might especially want to visit Latin Soul on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Wednesdays are Ladies’ Day, with 50% off all drinks for all women, Fridays and Saturdays are Salsa Nights with a live DJ. The admission is ¥1,000 and includes one drink. Sundays are your chance to learn to Salsa dance with lessons taught by instructor Erik Rodriguez from 6 to 9 p.m. The admission is ¥1,000 and includes one drink. When we came to Latin Soul, Rio Goto had just recently been hired by Latin Soul as a bartender and was working his first day at the venue. In 1999, Rio bought an airplane ticket for $3,000 that enabled him to travel around the world to fifteen selected cities during the timeframe of one year. During this trip, he stayed in many South AmErikan countries including Spain, Argentina, Cuba, and Brazil and was drawn to the music. Originally from Mito City, about 100 km from Tokyo, Rio wanted to live on a tropical island so he packed up and moved to Okinawa. He claims that Okinawa has the same look as many other places in Japan but it has more of a tropical culture with open, friendly, peaceful people. He says he likes Okinawa and wants to stay forever. Recently hired at Latin Soul, he believes he will love his new job because he can work and dance at the same time. Rio began learning to dance Salsa from instructor Erik about five months ago and has done well. "I listened to Salsa music on my trip, but I couldn't dance until I started learning in Okinawa," he says. Latin Soul is a classy cafe/club with a casual comfortable feel and a warm atmosphere. If you're interested in learning more about the Salsa scene while staying in your comfort zone, be sure to check this place out! Latin Soul Sun. ~ Thu 7 p.m. - 3 a.m. Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m. - 5 a.m. Information 098-890-0983 / 090-1369-8466 |
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