okinawa
japan
    ๐ด Welcome to Gals That Brunch Okinawa! ๐ด 
    Weโre just getting started here on this beautiful little island, and already something special is unfolding. Whether youโre brand new to Okinawa or youโve been here for a while and just need a place to exhaleโyouโre in the right spot. GTB is a global sisterhood, but this chapter is yours, and itโs still being written. One brunch, one brave hello, one deep breath at a time. We host 1โ2 events a monthโfrom cozy coffee dates to curated island momentsโand each one is a chance to meet new people, share stories, and feel just a little more at home. So come as you are. With big dreams or broken pieces. In your Sunday best or your โjust rolled outta bedโ bun. Thereโs room for you here. And sis? We already saved you a seat. ๐
  
Meet Your City Leader:
Kaily Watson
I am a wine-loving, pink-obsessed cat mom of four, originally from Washington state and now soaking up the island life in Okinawa, Japan. I work as a paralegal by day and run a small sea glass art business inspired by the beautiful beaches around me. Whether Iโm crafting, sipping something bubbly, or hunting for the perfect seashell, I am all about finding joy in the little things. I love connecting with new people, sharing laughs over good food, and building community!
FAQ | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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      Hey galโcan we have a lilโ heart-to-heart? ๐ 
 We know life happens. Schedules change. Plans shift. Emergencies pop up.
 And we hold space for all of it. We truly do. But alsoโฆWe canโt operate like everyone is the exception, ya know? ๐ 
 So hereโs your soft and sparkly RSVP reminderโequal parts gentle accountability and full-body hug.As much as we love a good dramatic entrance (fashionably late and fabulous, of course), 
 thereโs something important we need you to know:
 If you wake up on a Saturday or Sunday and those sign-up jitters hitโฆ
 If you're tired from the night before or feeling like your presence might not make a differenceโฆPause. Take a breath. And hear this, loud and clear: 
 You. showing. up. matters.When you donโt come, we all miss out on your magic. 
 This isnโt just about a name on a list or a seat at a tableโ
 This community? Itโs built on the real-deal hearts of women like you.
 Your laugh. Your presence. Your awkward parking story or mimosa mishapโ
 Itโs all part of the joy. And itโs never the same without you.Letโs also talk about the why behind RSVPs and sometimes little fees we attach to events: 
 We donโt charge to be exclusiveโwe charge to be excellent.
 That fee goes back into creating something beautiful:
 ๐ธ Signs, name tags, welcome cards, venue deposits, supplies, surprises, and alllll the little details that make this thing feel intentional and full of love.So when someone ghosts or bails last minute? 
 Itโs not just a missed chair. Itโs a missed opportunityโ
 for another gal on the waitlist to be seen, known, included, and celebrated.
 Itโs also a resource we no longer get to steward well. And girl, we want to steward this well.
 Weโve bargained, emailed, prayed, and probably even begged for those reservations ๐โ
 so when we say it matters, we mean it from the top of our coffee mugs to the tips of our croissant crumbs.More than anything thoughโฆ this policy isnโt about rules. 
 Itโs about love. Itโs about honor. Itโs about respecting the sacred space weโre building hereโtogether.
 Itโs how we care for one another.
 Itโs how we show up for each other.
 And itโs how we build a culture where no one gets left out, overlooked, or forgotten.So if something does come up (and we know it might), just let us know. 
 No guilt. No shame. Just communication and care.
 Weโll always hold space for your humanity hereโbut we also believe in showing up for one another with honesty, grace, and kindness.This isnโt a party. Itโs a movement. 
 This isnโt about perfection. Itโs about presence.
 This isnโt just a seat at the table. Itโs a chance to help set it.And you, dear gal, are such an important part of it all. We love you. Weโre cheering for you. 
 And we canโt wait to see you at brunch. ๐
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      While weโre out here sipping lattes and forming life-giving friendships, weโre also holding something sacred. 
 This isnโt just brunch. Itโs a movement. Itโs a culture. Itโs a privilege.If you're repping GTB (online or IRL), know that you're an extension of this beautiful community. 
 Youโre part of something biggerโand we take that seriously.Over the last almost 10 years, weโve built something that doesnโt happen by accident. 
 Itโs been cultivated with intentionality, tenderness, and fierce love.And every gal who walks through the door becomes part of holding that sacred space. 
 Whether itโs your first time or your 200th, you are a culture carrier.Weโve spent a decade building a community marked by: โจ Extreme generosity 
 โจ Radical love
 โจ Honor in action
 โจ Over-the-top inclusivity
 โจ And a whole lotta hope-filled, joy-soaked energySo hereโs what that means in real-life termsโhow we live it out together, every single time: ๐ท We honor every space weโre invited into. 
 These restaurants, patios, and venues donโt owe us anything.
 We show up with gratitude, gentleness, and grace.
 And yesโwe always leave it better than we found it.
 That means cleaning up after ourselves, being courteous to staff, and never forgetting that our presence should feel like a gift.We understand that we are often a large group and that hosting us requires extra patience, coordination, and flexibility. So we lead with kindness, and we overcommunicate joy and gratitude. Thatโs the GTB way. ๐ซ GTB is a drug-free, drama-free, diva-free space. 
 We know this might go without sayingโbut around here, we like to say the good things out loud.Gals That Brunch is about creating a soft landing place. A space where women can show up fully, breathe a little easier, and feel safeโbody, mind, and spirit. Not out of judgment or shameโbut out of care. We never know what someone else is carrying, navigating, or healing from. And part of being in community is honoring that. So we come with open hearts, clear minds, and a shared desire to be presentโto ourselves, and to one another. This isnโt a party scene. Itโs a soul scene. 
 A space for slow mornings, deep laughs, meaningful connection, and maybe a little magic. โจ๐ Kindness is non-negotiable. 
 Yes, that includes how you speak to fellow attendees and how you treat restaurant staff and venue partners.
 Even if someoneโs having an off day. Even if your order is wrong. Even if it would be easier to respond sharply.We are not here to match energyโwe are here to shift culture. We lead with grace. We offer patience. We stand in the gap. We donโt have to know someoneโs story to treat them with honor. ๐ชฉ You represent GTB 
 Whether youโre showing up at a gathering or posting online, you carry the name, the brand, and the energy.Itโs a privilege to be part of this communityโand it should never be abused. We are ambassadors of radical love and intentional community. We speak life, joy, and hopeโbecause the world needs more of it. ๐ซถ Everyone shares the responsibility. 
 This isnโt a business. Itโs a love-fueled movement.
 Itโs powered by volunteers, heart, and community.That means we ALL pitch in: - You welcome someone new. 
- You help clean up. 
- You model warmth and inclusion. 
- You hold the standardโno matter your title or how many events youโve attended. 
 We believe in leaving places more beautiful than we found themโpeople included. ๐ Inclusivity is our heartbeat. 
 We are a community of many shapes, sizes, stories, and seasons.
 We welcome all women to the tableโand we scoot over, pull up chairs, and make room for every voice.You donโt have to be anything other than yourself to belong here. Everyone is part of the welcome committeeโeven if itโs your first time. ๐ซ We donโt just set the vibeโwe steward it. 
 We tend to the atmosphere. We honor each other.
 We treat people how we hope to be treatedโeven when itโs hard. Especially then.We bring beauty with us. We shift the energy in a room. We leave spaces softer, sweeter, and more full of life. We hold the culture like something preciousโbecause it is. We are not perfectโbut we are intentional. 
 This community is rare, and itโs real, and itโs a reflection of all the hearts that show up and pour in.This is not just a seat at the table. 
 Itโs an invitation to help set it.
 And weโre so honored youโre here.
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      From our hearts to yoursโฆ We believe in long tables. The kind where you pull up a chair, even if itโs your first time. 
 Where someone looks up, sees you, and says โHey, we saved you a seat.โ
 Thatโs what weโre building here.Because hereโs the thing: 
 The strongest communitiesโthe ones that hold up under pressure, the ones that lastโare the ones where everyone belongs. Not because we all look or think or believe the sameโฆ but because we show up with kindness, with courage, and with open hands.At Gals That Brunch, we welcome women of all ages, stories, backgrounds, and beliefs. 
 We are made better, braver, and more beautiful because of our diversity.
 We donโt just tolerate differences. We celebrate them.Weโre a community made up of women from every walk of life. 
 Different cultures. Different belief systems.
 Different ways of voting, thinking, loving, worshiping, and living.
 And we love that about us.Because real connection isnโt built on perfect agreementโitโs built on respect, curiosity, and the courage to keep showing up for each other. While we donโt shy away from the hard stuff, we want you to know: 
 We are a bi-partisan, people-first, radically welcoming space.
 That means we care more about how we treat each other...
 We lead with empathy. We listen without shame. We stay soft even when the world wants us to get hard.We know that some might call that naรฏve. Or privileged. Or โplaying it safe.โ 
 But we call it brave.
 Because in a world thatโs constantly trying to tear people apartโ
 weโre committed to weaving people together.We are a community built on: ๐ Radical kindness โ the kind that shows up with snacks, saves a seat, and speaks with softness even when itโs hard ๐ Unshakeable inclusivity โ every body, every background, every belief system has a place here ๐ซถ Shared responsibility โ this isnโt a business, itโs a sisterhood. That means we all carry the culture, we all clean up the table, we all make the magic ๐ซ Zero tolerance for hate โ or anything that diminishes someoneโs worth, dignity, or humanity We will always protect the sacredness of this space. 
 We will always choose kindness over coolness.
 We will always lean into grace, even when itโs messy. Especially then.So if youโre wondering if youโll fit in hereโyes. 
 If youโre wondering if we meant you when we said โevery womanโโyes.
 If youโve ever longed for a place to laugh, cry, be silly, be real, or just beโyes.This is not just a seat at the table. 
 Itโs an invitation to help set it.Weโre so glad youโre here. 
 You belong. ๐
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      Most of our events are geared toward the nature of adult life, so theyโre designed for women 18+. If the event is hosted at a venue where alcohol is served, we follow the legal drinking age for your city, state, or country. ๐ทโจ We serve women navigating the realities of adulthood in all its forms. 
 The messy. The magical. The mundane. The magnificent.We are women from all walks of lifeโwoven together by curiosity, courage, and a deep desire for connection. Weโre made up of every background, body type, belief system, and storyโand we wouldnโt have it any other way. 
 We all may love, vote, worship, and work a little differentlyโbut when we gather?
 Itโs nothing short of breathtaking. Truly, the 8th wonder of the world.Our community includes creatives and caretakers, teachers and techies, stay-at-home mamas and students, entrepreneurs and dreamers, women whoโve built empires and women just beginning to whisper โmaybe I could try.โ And the one thing we all have in common? Weโre human. 
 Weโre real.
 And weโre better together.Weโre not here to competeโweโre here to connect. 
 Weโre not here to impressโweโre here to belong.
 Weโre not here to fit into a boxโweโre here to break the mold.So who shows up at brunch? โจ Women figuring it out. 
 โจ Women whoโve figured some things out.
 โจ Women who thought they had it all figured out until last week.
 โจ Women who are rebuilding. Reimagining. Returning to themselves.You might be: ๐ Navigating school, just graduated, or a young professional slaying your goals. 
 ๐ Quietly rebuilding after something hard, or finally stepping into something big.
 ๐ In your โI quit it all and moved into a vanโ era.
 ๐ Single and searching. Married and learning. Newly dating or freshly heartbroken.
 ๐ A mama with macaroni in your hairโฆ or a mama whose kids now have more of a social life than you.
 ๐ In transition. In your groove. In need of something real.๐ Now letโs talk to our mamas real quick... We LOVE our mamas in this communityโyou're our superheroes, our nurturers, our built-in snack providers and late-night cuddlers. But we also believe mamas deserve a break. A real one. ๐โโ๏ธโจ Most of our events are designed for you to kick off your mama hat, take a deep breath, and remember who you are. Every now and then, we might have special outings where the whole fam bam is welcomeโor you might want to bring your daughter along for something sweet. If thatโs the case, always check in with your local city leader first to make sure itโs a fit. But more often than not? 
 This is your space.
 To come exactly as you are.
 To sip slow, laugh loud, and fill your cup (literally + figuratively).
 To be seen beyond the roles you carry.
 To feel like you again.Because this isnโt about how old you areโ 
 Itโs about what you're navigating, what you're carrying, and what youโre longing to find.Whether you're new in town or born and raised here. 
 Starting over or just starting out.
 Wrestling with who youโve been or blooming into who youโre becomingโThereโs room for you here. 
 Not just a seat. A place.Because Gals That Brunch isnโt about checking a box. 
 Itโs about creating spaces where women are seen, celebrated, and set free to be their whole selves.And girlโฆ we saved you a seat. ๐ 
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      Every event is a little differentโฆbecause every space, every group, and every moment carries its own kind of magic. Some gatherings are cozy and intimate. Others? Full of energy, with gals pulling up extra chairs and scooting over to make space for one more. 
 No matter the vibe, we always try to make room at the tableโbecause we believe everyone deserves one.Here in Okinawa, weโre just getting startedโand already building something beautiful. 
 We currently host 1โ2 events each month, ranging from casual hangs to curated experiences that help make this island feel more like home.Some events might be 7 gals deep, others a little biggerโbut no matter the size, the heart is the same: 
 โจ real-life connection
 โจ laughter that lingers
 โจ friendships that donโt fade when the brunch endsYou'll find a mix of gals: 
 First-timers nervously saying โyesโ for the first time,
 and new regulars whoโve found their people and canโt wait to welcome you in.We design every event to help you build soul-filling friendshipsโnot just once, but over time. 
 (Real talk: studies show it takes over 200 hours to form a deep friendshipโweโre here to help you build those hours. Gently. Joyfully. Consistently.)Hereโs what youโll typically find at GTB Okinawa: ๐ซถ Organic Events Our most common and most accessible eventsโoften free or low-fee. These are the "pull up a chair, come as you are" moments. 
 We make the plans, book the resys, and all you have to do is show up.
 Messy bun? No makeup? Solo or with a friend?
 Youโre welcome exactly as you are.๐จ Curated Events Sometimes we add a little โจextraโจโlike a rooftop brunch, boutique collab, themed gathering, or creative workshop. These may carry a higher ticket price to reflect vendors, activities, or specialty offeringsโbut we always keep accessibility in mind. 
 Theyโre elevated, not exclusive.So, where should you start? 
 Wherever your heart says yes.
 Thereโs no wrong way in.Because hereโs whatโs true: Weโre not just here to entertainโweโre here to build community. Letโs be honestโOkinawa has no shortage of beaches, coffee shops, and weekend plans. 
 Whatโs harder to find are spaces that go beyond the surface.Thatโs where we come in. Our events are designed to: 
 โจ Create connection in a no-pressure way
 โจ Make the island feel smaller and friendlier
 โจ Help you navigate this post-college, post-transition, post-everything season where friendship feels harder than it shouldBecause no one really prepares you for how weird and wonderful adult friendships can be. New jobs. PCS orders. Motherhood. Healing. Starting over. 
 Itโs all better when youโre not doing it alone.We come together to support, celebrate, and champion the women in our city. 
 We show up to sip lattes, share stories, cry if we need to, and remind each other: you are not alone.Lookโwe get it. 
 Social media feels like connectionโฆ
 But it doesnโt hold your hand.
 It doesnโt meet you for brunch.
 It doesnโt ask how your week was and actually listen.As human beings, we are literally hardwired for community. And GTB helps solve that. The table is where real life happens. 
 Where phones go down, eyes lift up, and hearts soften.
 Itโs where women walk in a little heavy and walk out a little lighter.So come as you are. 
 Big energy, quiet presence, in-between season and all.Because this? 
 This is the table where the real stuff happens.
 And we saved you a seat. ๐
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      aka: the pep talk you didnโt know you needed from GTB Okinawa Heyyyyy sisstaaaaaa, sooooooul sistaaaaaaaโฆ 
 Where have you even been all our lives?! ๐ฅนNo but seriously. Letโs just say the quiet part out loud: 
 Showing up is scary.Not just the logistical stuffโfinding parking, walking into a space by yourself, scanning the group like โdo I justโฆ go up and say hi?โ 
 But the emotional stuff, too.Thereโs a little voice that kicks in the second you consider RSVPing: โWhat if everyone already knows each other?โ 
 โWhat if Iโm the only new one?โ
 โWhat if I get there and itโs... awkward?โBreathe, beauty. 
 You are not alone.GTB Okinawa is brand newโlike, weโve literally had one event so far. 
 It was magical. 18 beautiful, brave gals showed up and made the whole island feel just a little more like home. ๐ด๐
 And hereโs the best part?Most of us are still new to each other. No cliques. No weird vibes. Just a bunch of women who said, 
 โIโm craving connection, and Iโm willing to go first.โSo if youโre feeling nervous? That makes you normal. 
 If youโre feeling hopeful? That makes you ready.๐ก Our honest-to-goodness advice? Come solo. 
 We knowโit sounds intimidating. But something special happens when you show up alone.
 You stretch. You open up. You meet people you never wouldโve crossed paths with otherwise.When you come with a buddy, itโs easy to stay in your safe little bubble. 
 When you come solo? You create space for something new.That saidโbring a friend if thatโs what gets you through the door. 
 No shame in the buddy system. But if youโre on the fence? Let this be your nudge. ๐๐ฏโโ๏ธ Soโฆ whatโs the vibe? GTB Okinawa is built on radical welcome. Weโre here for deep belly laughs and awkward name tags, for swapping stories and sipping lattes, for building real friendships one event at a time. Whether youโre new to the island, mid-PCS chaos, starting over after a breakup, a new mama craving adult convo, or just navigating one of those โwhat even is my life?โ seasonsโฆ Youโre not just welcome here. 
 Youโre wanted here.The gals who show up get it. Theyโve stood in your shoes. 
 Theyโre youโjust maybe a brunch or two ahead.โจ Hereโs whatโs true: You are worth knowing. 
 Not because of what you do or who you came withโbut simply because of who you are.And if no oneโs told you lately: 
 You showing up is a miracle in motion.We say it often at GTB: You are the gift. 
 Not the planner you bring, not the outfit you wear, not the social media highlight reel. Just you.Because real life? It doesnโt happen in DMs or double taps. 
 It happens around the table.It happens when you pull up a chair and say, โHi, Iโm here.โ 
 Itโs shared stories, shared fries, and those โwait, ME TOO?!โ moments.
 Itโs hugging someone goodbye who was a total stranger 90 minutes earlier.๐ซ So if youโre on the fence, hereโs our final word: Come. Come exactly as you are. 
 Big energy or quiet presence.
 Post-breakup, in between jobs, newly stationed in Okinawa, feeling lost or found or somewhere in betweenโcome anyway.This community was built for women just like you. Women who are tired of surface-level friendships. 
 Women brave enough to risk being seen.
 Women who are done waiting to be invitedโand are finally saying,
 โIโm ready to show up for my own life.โThereโs a seat for you. 
 We saved it. ๐ด๐
 Now all thatโs left is for you to sit down.
 
          
        
       
              
            