Kenny Ehman - Author / Photographer

Kenny Ehman has spent the last 15 years living on Okinawa. His Okinawan mother provided much inspiration for his decision to come to Okinawa, where he discovered his roots. While living with his Okinawan grandparents and relatives during his first year on Okinawa, Kenny learned quickly about the many customs and traditions of Okinawan culture. Later, Kenny worked for several years as a journalist, writing articles about Okinawan culture for various English-language publications. During this time, he realized that there was a need for a good English-language guidebook and began researching and writing in 1999. After five years of hard work, Kenny enlisted the help of his younger sister and his brother-in-law to help with photography, design, and editing. Kenny has a great love for Okinawa and its people. When he is not working, he spends most of his time in the ocean with his wife, Komaki, swimming, snorkeling, sea-kayaking, and surfing. Kenny is currently working on a children’s book and hopes to have it published in the near future.

Kim J. Streaty - Art Director

Kim Streaty was born in New Jersey in 1973. After graduating from the Philadelphia Institute of Art, she followed her brother, Kenny, to Okinawa. Kim has spent the last ten years working as a graphic designer. She also has experience in web design, DVD production, and photography. Kim spent several years on Okinawa working for one of the island’s most well known monthly magazines as Art Director before joining the Okinawa Explorer project. While living on Okinawa, Kim spent much time with her husband, Tim, enjoying the outdoors and snorkeling in the island’s beautiful sea. Kim also devotes much of her energy to helping others in need. In 2005, Kim moved with her husband to San Diego, California, where she is currently working as a designer for a large toy company.

Timothy A. Streaty - Editor / Photographer

Timothy Streaty was raised in Georgia and came to Okinawa as a public relations specialist for theU.S. military in 2001. Tim has over 16 years of experience working in visual communications. Some of his many talents include photography, videography, layout and design, and building personal computers. It was while living on Okinawa that Tim met and married Kenny’s sister, Kim. He has a sincere love and respect for the Okinawan people and enjoys taking time to capture many of the island’s special moments on film. Tim offered his photography and editing skills to the Okinawa Explorer project in 2004 and played an important role in getting the guidebook published. Tim is currently living with Kim in California, where they plan to raise a family in addition to his four children Brit, Greg, Tab, and Darrian.

Daniel Lopez - Contributing Photographer

Daniel Lopez is a freelance photographer with strong Spanish roots, born and raised in Switzerland. Daniel dedicates his talents to capturing the essence and beauty of the Ryukyu Islands through his encounters with everyday life. He has had several exhibitions in Europe and Okinawa.

Yuka Tsubouchi - Contributing Photographer

Yuka Tsubouchi is a SCUBA instructor with a strong passion for Okinawa’s ocean and marine life. She enjoys educating tourists about the sea when diving and taking photos in her free time.