okinawa soba

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Okinawa SobaOkinawa soba is a type of noodle that is similar to Japanese soba. However, the noodle ismade of wheat without soba powder, which is used for soba noodle to be called "soba."Soba lovers used to argue that Okinawa soba should not be called "soba" since it does notcontain soba powder. Historically, Okinawan people believed that what they have beeneating was soba and people from mainland Japan named the noodle "Okinawa soba."

The taste of Okinawa soba isdifferent from shop to shop. Everyshop has its own way of makingthe soup. The most commoningridients for the soup are tuna,tuna flakes, chicken, and pork.The noodle tastes like Udon,which is another popular kind ofneedle in Japan. As soon as yougo to soba ship, you would noticeother kind of Okinawa soba called"So-ki Soba." So-ki soba is the

same as Okinawa soba but it hasdiced pork in it. So if you aremeat lover, then order So-ki soba.

The most popular food in Okinawa

Ryukyu RyouriRyukyu Ryouri is a food category that of Okinawan traditional dishes. Each dish isprepared based on traditional Ryukuan recipie. All the ingridients of Ryukyu Ryouri arethe local agricultural or ocean products such as Goya, Mozuku, pork, fish, and so forth.Ryukyu Ryouri has almost similar concept as Japanese "Kaiseki Ryouri", which is servedfor treating guests on special occasions. Ryukyu Ryouri, however, has Chinese influencein its process of coooking that it is somewhat different from Kaisaki Ryouri. RyukyuRyouri usually is served in Ryukyu Lacqureware and with Ryukyuan Sake called

"Awamori."

Ryukyu Ryouri is served to treat guests on special occasions

GoyaGoya is a kind of cucumber in shape but it has lots of spikes on the surface. Peoplesometimes call Goya "Nigauri", which means bitter cucumber. Indeed, Goya just tastesnothing but bitter. Goya contains lots of vitamins that generates stamina in the hotsummer. Goya is usually cooked as stur fries with Tofu and Eggs. Goya champuru


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(Goya stur fries) is the most popular food next to Okinawa soba in Okinawa.

Goya is a unique vegetable originated in Okinawa

FishThere are many tropical fish in Okinawa's ocean. You will find variety of colorful fish atthe fish market all around Okinawa. The most popular fish eaten among Okinawans fromthe ancent is called "Gurukun" or "Banana Fish." Fish is not only the sea food sold in themarket but also all kinds of sea products such as crawfish, shells, clubs, and seaweed.

Just walking around the fish market may satisfy your appetite for eating sea food.

Fish market is always crowded with people and fish

Sa-ta-andagi-Sa-ta-gandagi- is a Okinawan direct literary meaning "sugar fries." It is very similar to oldfashioned dounut but its just ball-shaped. Sa-ta-andagi- is typical Okinawan sweetsfound everywhere in Okinawa. If you like donut, I am sure you like Sa-ta-andagi- as well.


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The donut-like taste of Sa-ta-andagi- is the typical Okinawansweets

Orion BeerFirst brewed in 1957, Orion Beer has been the most popular local beer amongOkinawans. This light bitter draft beer best match iwth all kinds of Okinawan dishes.

Orion Beer is Okinawa's original draft beer that has been the most popular among Okinawans

Okinawa was called the Ryukyus in ancient times. The name changed

from the Ryukyus to Okinawa with the establishment of the prefectural

system in 1879. Human habitation of Okinawa began tens of thousands ofyears ago. The islands of Okinawa, despite their small size, have seen many

events over their long span of history. To easier understand this history, we

have here divided it into five periods.

The period tens of thousands of years ago up until the 12th century can be

termed prehistoric in Okinawa. During this time, the basis of Okinawan
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history was created under influences from the neighboring countries of Asia.

The trend toward political unification of the islands began with the

establishment of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom in 1429. It was then thatflourishing exchanges with China and Asia began and through this

experience, various areas of culture were cultivated. However, due to the

invasion by Satsuma in 1609, the Ryukyu Kingdom came under dominationof the Japanese shogun and the Shimazu clan from Satsuma. The period

before the invasion is referred to as the Ancient Ryukyus era. Under

Shogunate administration, the Ryukyu Kingdom was able to maintain titularsovereignty but became subordinate in actuality. None the less, this period

saw a great flowering of Ryukyuan culture and performing arts. The latter

half of the kingdom era is referred to as the Later Period Ryukyus.

Finally, as Japan shifted from a feudalistic state to a modern nation, theRyukyu Kingdom was abolished as well. In 1879, it became Okinawa

Prefecture and the islands advanced into the Modern Okinawa period. This

period was by no means prosperous and many emigrated overseas. With the

outbreak of WWII, Okinawa became the location of fierce land battles. Thisperiod is called the Battle of Okinawa. As Japan was defeated in WWII, the

islands of Okinawa were separated from Japanese society and were place

under the direct control of the America. This was the start of the OkinawaPostwar era. In this period, the American military began building vast bases

on the islands. The U.S. rule lasted 27 years during which the residents

demanded a return to Japanese sovereignty. This became a reality in 1972

with the reversion. And that brings us to the present time. The postwarperiod in Okinawa is divided into the period of American rule and the Post

reversion era. As Okinawa has the historical distinction of having gradually

become a part of Japanese society, it is a prefecture like no other in Japan.This is a conspicuous regional characteristic of Okinawa.

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

Shuri Castle RemainsFrom the 15th century, when Sho Hashi unified three Sanzan Kingdoms, up until the MeijiRestoration (1868) this castle was the residence of the Ryukyuan kings and center of thekingdom which lasted for closed to 500 years over 19 generations of kings.
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Shuri Castle was the center of politics and culture duringthe kingdom era

Stone Gate of the Sonohyan ShrineThis Utaki or sacred grove is located in the rear of Shurei-mon Gate outside of ShuriCastle. This area was used by the king to pray for a safe journey and for important

ceremonies. The highly advanced masonry construction techniques which were used inconstruction have been passed down from the kingdom era.

There is an Utaki (sacred place) in the woods behind the stonegate

Tamaudun Royal MausoleumTamaudun is the royal mausoleum for the Second Sho Dynasty and was built in 1501 byking Sho Shin to inter the remains of his father, King Sho En. The names of the kingsinterred inside are inscribed on the stone out front.


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Tamaudun is the royal mausoleum for the Second Sho DynastyShikinaenThe gardens are the location of the largest detached villa of the Ryukyuan royal family. Itwas utilized as a rest house and to entertain foreign diplomats and envoys. Within thegarden, there are the Chinese style pavilion Rokkaku-do and two stone bridges, one

large and one small.

Shikinaen, which is about 41.997 square meters, was built in1799

Sefa UtakiThe creator goddess of Okinawa, Amamikiyo, is said to have made this sacred areawhere all males were once prohibited from entering. The sacred island of Kudaka can beseen through the triangular space of the stones.

Amamikiyo, the creator goddess of Okinawa, is belived to madethis Utaki (sacred place)

Nakagusuku Castle RemainsLocated on a limestone hill about 160 meters tall, this castle was constructed using an

extraordinary method of piled stone masonry and stone arches. There is a splendid viewfrom the castle's six walls.


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Nakagusuki Castle was built during 14th to 15th century byGosamaru, the warrior

Katsuren Castle RemainsThis castle was destroyed by the royal court because of fears of revolt caused by the ill-fated lord, Amawari. It has a view of Kin Bay and Nakagusuku Bay.

Katsuren Castle was the residence of the lord, AwamariZakimi Castle RemainsThis castle was built at the begining of the 15th century by Gosamaru. The arch-shapedstone gates are the oldest in Okinawa. There is a spectacular view of the East ChinaSea from the Castle.

Zakimi Castle was built around 1420 and has the oldest arch-shaped stone gates in Okinawa

Nakijin Castle Remains


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Next to Shuri Castle, this is the second largest castle in the prefecture and was said to beimpregnable. It was the castle of the Hokuzan (northern) Kingdom and enjoys awonderful view of the surrounding deep green forests and East China Sea. It is also wellknown for its Hikan cherry trees.

Nakijin Castle was built sometimes during 13 century and was

destroyed in 1416

From the Gusuku Era tothe Ryukyu DynastyUntil the 9th century, small groupsof people established communitiesin many parts of Okinawa. Up tothe 13th century, local chieftains,"Aji," of these communities built

residential castles, "Gusuku", andstrugglesd for power and fame.This period is called the GusukuEra. In the 14th century, theisland was split into 3 kingdoms;the Northern Kingdom (Hokuzan),the Central Kingdom (Chuzan),and the Southern Kingdom(Nanzan or Sanzan). In 1429, Sho Hashi, the king of the Chuzan Kingdom united the threekingdoms, gained control and established the Ryukyu Dynasty. The first Sho family line(Sho Hashi's lineage) ended with the 7th king, Sho Toku. Then, Kanamaru became KIngSho En in 1470 and started the second Sho family line. The third king of the second Sholine, King Sho Shin, established centralism, a social ranking system, and trade with the

Chinsese Ming Dynasty. The era is so called the "Golden Era of the Ryukyu Dynasty"because of the prosperous Ryukyu culture through associations with Japan, China, andSoutheast Asia.

Ruins of Nakijin Castle (It was built in the 14th century bythe Hokuzan king)


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From the Satsuma Invasion to WorldWar IIWith an eye towards the Ryukyu Kingdom's lucrativeoverseas trade, the "Satsuma", a kingdom based onhe southern part of Kyushu in Japan, invaded

Okinawa and took control in 1609. During the reignof Sho Shin, which was about 100 years before theinvasion. Okinawa had banned weapons.Prohibitation of weapons made peace on Okinawa,but left it defenseless against the Satsuma invasion.So, the king Shimazu of the Satsuma conquredOkinawa easily. Shimazu allowed the Ryukyu toremain intact, but established severe onctrols overtrade. The Satsuma sustained trade with the MingDynasty under the name of the Ryukyu Kingdom,while the rest of Japan closed its country to almost allinternational access until 1853. The Ryukyuan(Okinawan) people suffered under the doubleexploitation of local taxation and Satsuma controls.After Commodore Perry visited Tokyo (called Edo atthat time) in 1853, the change in Japanesegovernment led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. In1879, the Ryukyu province became the Okinawaprefecture, but the strict land taxation system and local administration remained under the control ofthe Ryukyu government that was manipulated by the Satsuma. The Okinawan people continued tosuffer tyranny for another 30 years. In 1920, Okinawa finally regained autonomy like every otherprefecture in Japan. Okinawa was peaceful doing well until the Japanese government startedmilitary campaigns in the 1930's. In 1945, Okinawa suffered as the only battlefield in Japan duringWorld War II. The hills and rivers had completely changed their features, and villages were totallydestroyed. Moreover, one out of every three Okinawans were sacrificed during the war.

Recovery from devastation to

reversionAfter the war, Okinawa had to be restoredfrom complete destruction. In 1953, apeace treaty with Japan became effective,and Japan recovered its sovereignty fromthe U.S. Occupation Government.However, Okinawa remained under thecontrol of the U.S. Military OccupationGovernment. Although the OkinawanGovernment performed administrative,judicial, and legislative duties, the U.S.Military Government had ultimate control.The U.S. military was the first priority, and

and authority for Okinawan, was quitelimited. After 27 years of U.S. militarycontrol, the reversion of Okinawa to Japan had succeeded, and Okinawa was annexed to Japanand regained its autonomy. After the annexation, the national government implemented threeconsecutive ten-year "Okinawa Development Plan" in order to correct the distortion created by U.S.military occupation and to atain the same level of standard of living in other regions of Japan. Thegoal of the plan is to develop Okinawa as a peaceful economically independent prefecture in Japan.

Statue of Hisamitsu Shimazu (1817-1887)

Heiwa no Ishiji (the Stone Wall Monument at Peace MemorialPark in Itoman)


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~ Commodore Perry and Ryukyu ~Before the U.S. military officer, Commodore Mathew Perry, appealed to Japan to open its country in1853, he stopped in the Ryukyus (Okinawa) five times. He made the Ryukyus his base when henegotiated with Japan. The U.S. and the Ryukyus signed a treaty of friendship at this time. He wasthe person who was responsible for opening the door of the long relationship between the Ryukyus(Okinawa) and the U.S. The "Monument for Perry's Landing Site" was built at the InternationalCemetery in Tomari, Naha City.

Mathew Calbrath Perry (1794 ~ 1858) Perry's party visiting Shuri Castle

Okinawa is located midway between Tokyo and Southeast Asia and is Japan'ssouthernmost point. The islands are approximately 1,000km east to west and

about 400km north to south. The prefecture is composed of 160 islands

extending over a vast area of ocean. There are 48 inhabited islands in thegroup. While being Japan's southernmost point, Okinawa is also located close
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to many of the nations of East Asia. Vladivostok, Beijing, the DemocraticPeople's Republic of Korea, The Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the

Philippines, and Guam are all located in the 2,500km radius of Okinawa that

extends up to Hokkaido.

The average temperature is 22, around 5.3 higher than Kagoshima.Average annual precipitation is over 2,000ml, average humidity is 76%, andthe islands enter the rainy season about a month earlier than mainland Japan.

Okinawa also has higher temperatures and humidity in the summer months.

The heavy rainfalls are similar to the tropics. The warm mild climate isinfluenced somewhat by the Kuroshio Current and the intense heat of summer

is softened by its sea breezes. Seasons are not as clearly defined as in mainland

Japan because Okinawa belongs to the subtropical zone and has an oceanic

climate. The islands receive seasonal winds from East Asia with strong windscoming in during the winter months from the northeast. The seasonal changes

can be characterized as a combination of subtropical oceanic climate and the

weather brought on by seasonal winds from East Asia. Okinawa is the northernlimit for Southeast Asian flora, and species such as the Gajumaru Banyan

(Ficus retusa) and Deigo Indian Coral Bean (Erythrina variegata) as well as

other tropical and subtropical plants and flowers inhabit the islands.

The archipelago is extends in an arc shaped line between the Japanese island

of Kyushu and Taiwan. Approximately ten million years ago, it connected the

southern region of the Asian continent to the islands of Japan. During that time,

many species of fauna migrated to Okinawa. By about twenty to ten thousandyears ago it was finally separated, after which evolved the unique animals

which inhabit the Ryukyu archipelago. The Yanbaru area in the northern part of

Okinawa Island is home to endangered species such as the Noguchigerawoodpecker (Sapheopipo noguchi) and the Yanbaru Kuina (Rallus okinawae)or Okinawan Rail. The island of Iriomote is inhabited by the Iriomote

Yamaneko wildcat (Mayailurus iriomotensis) and other rare and important

species of fauna. For the many rare and diverse flora and fauna that can be seenon the islands, Okinawa has been called the Galapagos of the East. With its

many coral reefs, Okinawa boasts of some of the world's most beautiful coral

treasure houses. The reefs protect the islands from natural disasters and provideabundant fishing. The reefs are an integral part of the lives of people here. In

this way, Okinawa's geographic location and climate have woven a distinctive

natural environment.

The traditional arts and crafts of Okinawa are known throughout Japan. This

includes weaving and dying techniques such as its Kasuri splashed pattern

fabrics and Bingata stencil dyed fabrics as well as lacquer ware techniques such

as Chinkin gilt line engraving and Raden mother of pearl inlay. The Ministry ofInternational Trade and Industry has designated thirteen products from

Okinawa as traditional arts and crafts. Okinawa and Nigata Prefectures share

the distinction of both being number two in the nation for designated traditional
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arts and crafts products after the top ranked Kyoto. In particular the weavingand dyeing arts, with eleven traditional items including Bingata, have led to

Okinawa being singularly referred to in Japan as the "Treasure House of

Weaving and Dyeing Culture."The marked uniqueness and originality of

Okinawa's arts and crafts can be thought of as forming a cultural sphere of

abundant individuality that ranges through the Ryukyuan Arc as thesouthernmost point of the Japanese archipelago. Factors which helped create

unique traditional arts and crafts in the region, such as weaving and lacquer,include its experiences as a kingdom during the trading era from the end of the

14th to the middle part of the 16th century and the subtropical climatic

conditions with an average annual temperature of 23.30C with an averagehumidity of 76%.

In particular, Okinawa's historical background enabled development of arts

and crafts. During the era of trade, the boats of Ryukyu Kingdom traded goodsfrom China in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia and so many items from

throughout Asia found their way to the islands. Within this exchange, thetraditional arts and crafts also received the influence from overseas anddistinctive techniques were developed. The development of Okinawa's arts and

crafts, when compared to those of other regions shows the great influence from

the economic conditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Limited demand for theceramic production came from within the kingdom but the more precious arts

and crafts were used as trade items outside the kingdom. After the Satsuma

Invasion of the kingdom in 1609, the arts and crafts became tribute goods and

presents to Satsuma and for this reason the production systems were advanced.

Aside from fabrics and lacquer, a variety of arts and crafts developed.

Ryukyuan glass, cabinetry, bamboo work, Ryukyuan paper, utilitarian items,and musical instruments all developed unique characteristics in Okinawa. Inthe ruins of post WWII Okinawa, Ryukyuan glass made use of discarded cola

and beer bottles and has become firmly established as a folk craft for its

wonderful new designs. Handmade banana paper, unique to Okinawa, is typical

of the Ryukyuan paper that started production in the first part of the 18thcentury and was used widely throughout the kingdom. The production of

banana paper was successfully revived in 1978 and has drawn much attention.

One of the typical musical instruments produced in Okinawa is the Sanshin or

Okinawan samisen, well known since ancient times. Many of the famouspieces of traditional art can be seen today at museums. There are currently

however, many reasons for concern regarding these arts. Tasks remain such asthe upbringing of the next generation of artisans and the competition from theintroduction of inexpensive arts and crafts produced outside the prefecture.

Inventiveness and skill are required to preserve and nurture the traditional arts

culture that developed within Okinawa's historical and climatic environment.Okinawa's modern art received a great postwar start with the formation of the

Okinawa Fine Arts Association in Ishikawa City. The association later shifted

artistic activities to the arts village in Shuri and received the sponsorship of the
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U.S. military in reviving the historical origins of Okinawa's artistic activities.Later, the Okiten Exhibition, sponsored by the mass media, gave still more

support to modern art in Okinawa, arts, which have developed and expanded to

the present day.

The Ryukyus consist of a number of small islands and each island in the

group, not just the main island of Okinawa, has created its own distinctiveperforming arts. As a maritime nation, the islands have formed their ownhistory since ancient times. From the late 14th to the middle 16th century, the

Ryukyu Kingdom engaged in trading with China, the countries of Southeast

Asia, and Yamato (Japan) and began assimilating diverse cultures through thisprocess. These influences facilitated the emergence of an original Ryukyuan

culture. The flowering of court culture centered on the Ryukyuan Kingdom and

against this historical backdrop the performing arts developed as well. By the

11th century, sacred songs had developed that were sung in hills and fields ofeach area in Okinawa. These "prayer songs" became the basis for the

performing arts. Songs and ballads of the ancient era called Umui and Omoro

emerged and brought the people a life of culture.

When the Ryukyu Kingdom was established, the Omoro Soushi, a collection

of ancient ballads and verse comparable to the Manyoshu tanka of mainlandJapan, was compiled and the Sanshin or Okinawan samisen was transmitted

from China. The need to provide entertainment for the foreign envoys attending

the court, a necessity of state, provided a great opportunity for the development

of the performing arts. Through this Ryukyuan Classical Music, Kumiodorioperatic drama, Ryukyuan Dance, and other traditional performing arts

received a great stimulus for development. The investiture envoys visiting from

China and the Satsuma officials from Japan were presented with these as

entertainment. Beginning in the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the classical courtand folk performing arts were produced on stage and performed in the local

playhouses of Okinawa. Through this, the performing arts became dear to the

hearts of common folk. The court performing arts became the basis forexpanded and evolved popular performing arts. An example of this would be

the Zo-odori or Popular Dance created from classical and folk dances.

Additionally, these folk and classical entertainments were assimilated into andbecame an integral part of the traditional observances held in all villages

throughout Okinawa. Along with their popularization, the dances and classical

music underwent subtle changes in form and different schools emerged.

After WWII, the devastated Okinawan community was enlivened by theemergence of Shimauta or island music. The Shimauta music was sung in the

choruses of the local plays and functioned to bring together and introduce folk

music from the various regions, becoming the basis on which new music wascreated. Presently, there are many studios in Okinawa devoted to the teaching

of the Ryukyuan Dance, Ryukyuan Classical Music, and Okinawan Folk music

so dear to many on the islands. In addition, the performing arts receive
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attention and support of the mass media through awards and they are thriving ingeneral.As contemporary Okinawan music incorporated elements of traditional

music in the postwar era, it opened up to the World Music scene and has

garnered global attention.

The folk culture of Okinawa has taken shape under the great influence from

local religious beliefs. For example, the creation of the Utaki or sacred groundsestablished on Okinawa. The Utaki are not buildings, such as the shrines ofmainland Japan, but are instead places in the forested groves. The incense

burners and stones identify the landmarks as Utaki sacred areas. The rites held

in the Utaki center around the goddesses called Shinjo. Women play a centralrole in religious activities on Okinawa. There is the phrase Unaishin or goddess

that carries the meaning of "sisters to men". The belief in the Unaishin

goddesses expresses the spiritual protection given to brothers. Women also play

an essential role in the religious aspects of festivals. The system of the Noro orpriestesses was institutionalized during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and since the

breakup of the kingdom, they still preside over the village festivals. Women

overwhelmingly carry out the occupation of Yuta or shaman. The Yuta areconsulted for decisions on omens of a more personal level rather than for thelarger public festivals presided over by Noro. In this way, the spiritual power of

women plays a large and central role in religious activities in Okinawa.

There are many Okinawan words concerning religious belief and festivals.

There are the Shisa Chinese lion-dog guardian statues and the stones inscribed

with the phrase Ishiganto that guard against malevolent spirits. There is theHinukan fire god that protect houses, the Honen Harvest festivals, the Haari

Dragonboat races and the Tug-of Wars that are held throughout the islands.

Diverse festivals and events are held throughout the year related to farming and

fishing, ancestor worship, and to delineate the seasons. On Okinawa and theadjacent islands, Honen harvest festivals and rites called Umanchu are held in

the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th months on the old lunar calendar. Additionally, in

Okinawa there is the belief in Nirai Kanai, a utopia across the seas that bringgood fortune and bountiful harvests. In the northern areas of Okinawa Island,

the Unjami Ocean festival is held in the 7th month of the lunar calendar.

The shape and large size of tombs in Okinawa are very different from thoseon the mainland of Japan. The undulating bargeboard and turtleback styles of

tombs show influence from China. The reason many of the tombs are quite

large is because they were developed to inter the remains of whole family

groups. These large tombs are owned jointly. During the Shimi (festival for thedeceased), Jurukunichi (the 16th day of the New Year on the lunar calendar),

and the Tanabata Star Festival, family members come to worship at the tombs.

In many areas, elegant Okinawan ethnic customs remain. Customs such as theold style red tiled roofs, the coral limestone walls surrounding the houses, and

the use of Fukugi (garcinia) trees as windbreaks. The folk culture of Okinawa

can be seen easily in the everyday utilitarian articles used by people made from
http://open_win%28%27folk_004.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_003.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_002.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_001.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_004.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_003.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_002.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_001.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_004.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_003.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_002.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_001.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_004.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_003.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_002.html%27%29/http://open_win%28%27folk_001.html%27%29/


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the animals, plants, stones, and shells of the subtropics as well as thescientifically valuable information contained in the folktales which can only be

found in the ancient documents distributed throughout China and Southeast

Asia.

Mista-T's Okinawa Touring Guide

Brief Introduction of OkinawaHome|About|Map|Introduction|History|Food|Arts & Crafts|World

Heritage|Transportation|Sightseeing|Riding Tips|Photo Gallery|Camp Site|Event & Festival|Links|Guestbook

On a world map, Okinawa is a mere dot in the Pacific Ocean, but it used to be an independenctkingdom, the Kingdom of the Ryukyus. As such, Okinawa traded goods with Japan, China, Korea,

and Southeast Asia, and prospered in the region. As the winds of world trade blew through,Okinawan people ventured out and brought back many foreign influences. Subsequently, Okinawadeveloped a unique history and culture. This heritage has been passed on to its descendants.Moreover, the idea of the pioneers, "islands open to the world," still lives on among Okinawans.

Where is Okinawa?

The Okinawa prefecture is located southwestof the mainland of Japan. The prefectureconsists of 161 islands (44 inhabitedislands), and the span of those islands 1,000kilometers from east to west and 400kilometers from north to south. Okinawa canbe found between the mainland of Japanand Taiwan in the Pacific Ocean and isonsidered as an international resortdestination. Okinawa is found in the samelatitude zone as the other famous beachresort destinations such as Hawaii, FloridaPeninsula, and Bahamas.Okinawa is in the subtropical climate zone

and has confotable weather for vacationersthroughout the year. In Japan, Okinawa is the onlyprefecture that is located in the subtropical climate zone. Having bright sunshine and colorful flowersblooming all the year round, Okinawa is considered as the ideal islands for a resort destination.

Cape Zampa

Recreational ActivitiesResort HotelsOkinawa is the most popular beach resort destinatioj in Japan. Many of Okinawa's up-scale hotelswlcome guests from all over the world. Most of the large scale beach resort hotels are located on theWest Coast of Okinawa. They have white, sandy beaches facing the beautiful ocean and offer myriadbeach related activities.
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FishingThe Japan Current sweeps past Okinawa and creates thousands of fishing spots with a great variety offishes. Whether you fish on the shore or bring up big fish on a boat/cruser, it will be exciting andenjoyable. International sports fishing tornaments are held in Okinawa every year.Water SportsYou can skip over the water and waves on a jet ski, feel the breeze when you windsurf, experience the

power of the wave when you surf, or relax on the deck of a yacht. Okinawa is called the Mecca of watersports.Scuba-DivingOkinawa's coral reefs are well known for their world-class scale and variation. The coral reefs, colorfultropical fish, and cristal clear water attract divers from all of the world. Both beginner and expert diverscan surely have an unforgettable diving experience at any dive spot in Okinawa. GolfThere are about 40 golf courses in Okinawa from short to championship courses. Many golf courseshave a magnificent ocean view that fills golfers with a deep love of nature.

Okinawa is Ichiban (No.1)The Galapagos Islands of AsiaAlthough many species of animals that once lived on the Asian Continent have becomeextinct, these species have survived and evolved on the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Many rarespecies such as the Iriomote Wildcat, Yanbaru Kuina, and Yanbaru Tenagakagone, are only seen onOkinawa.

Iriomote WildcatThe Roots of Okinawan "Karate"It is said that Karate is the mix of "Ti", the Ryukyuan (Okinawan) traditional fighting art, and "Kenpo", theKung Fu, traditional fighting art of China. It was developed in Okinawa. When it was introduced to themainland to Japan, they called it Karate meaning "empty hand". Karate has spread through the worldafter World War II. Okinawa is known as the root of Karate. Many people from all over the world cometo Okinawa to train and international competitions are often held in Okinawa.


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KarateThe Biggest Rope in the WorldThe Naha Great Tug of War is the main event of the Naha Festival held every year in October.Thousands of people compete pulling the giant rope which is hand-made every year. Recently, therope has measured 186 meters (over 560 feet) in length and weighted over 40 tons. The Guiness Book

of World Records recognized it as the biggest rope in the world.

The Naha Great Tug of WarThe Longevity of Okinawans Ranks No.1 in the worldJapanese longevity for both man and woman ranks first in the world; among Japanese prefectures,Okinawa ranks on top. In Okinawa, the number of people living more than 100 years per capita alsoranks first in Japan. The reasons for Okinawans' longevity are considered to be a healthy diet, mildclimate, and a less stressful lifestyle.


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An old lady (Oba-) is chillin' in the market

~ The Average Temperature of Okinawa ~

City JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberNaha 16.0 16.3 18.1 21.123.826.228.3 28.1 27.2 24.5 21.4 18.0


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Tokyo 5.2 5.6 8.5 14.118.621.725.2 27.1 23.2 17.6 12.6 7.9

Sapporo -4.6 -4.0 -0.1 6.4 12.016.120.2 21.3 21.7 10.8 4.3 -1.4

okinawa soba

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