What is special about Okinawa Japan?

Known as the “Hawaii of Japan”, Okinawa has amazing star-gazing, diving, a unique cuisine and yes, cherry blossoms too.

How would you describe Okinawa?

Okinawa is the name for the biggest island in the Ryūkyū Islands, far south of Japan. It is also the common name for Okinawa Prefecture, which controls the Southern Ryūkyū Islands. Many of Okinawa’s islands are scenic, and there are many beaches there. The temperature in Okinawa is often warm or hot.

What is the culture of Okinawa?

Okinawans have intertwined the cultures of the Chinese and Japanese into their own, producing a multitude of colorful holidays and festivals. During your stay on Okinawa, you will be able to experience very bright and lively pageants, parades and festivals. A popular festival is the “Tsunahiki” or Tug-of-War.

Is Okinawa still occupied?

Naha is the seat of Okinawa Prefecture on the southwestern part of Okinawa Island. The island was under American administration until 1972, and today hosts around 26,000 US military personnel, about half of the total complement of the United States Forces Japan, spread among 32 bases and 48 training sites.

What was significant about the battle of Okinawa?

It was the largest amphibious landing in the Pacific theater of World War II. It also resulted in the largest casualties with over 100,000 Japanese casualties and 50,000 casualties for the Allies. Thus, from the Japanese view Okinawa was and could be no more than a delaying battle of attrition on a grand scale.

Is Okinawa Tourist friendly?

Okinawa has beautiful beaches, great weather and friendly people! The culture is very distinct from what you’ll find on the main islands of Japan, so it’s definitely worth a visit!

What is the Okinawa lifestyle?

The Okinawa diet is based on the foods and lifestyle of Okinawa islanders in Japan. It emphasizes nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegetables and lean protein sources while discouraging saturated fat, sugar, and processed foods. Although its benefits may include a longer lifespan, it can be restrictive and high in sodium.

What is it like to live in Okinawa?

People from the Ryukyu Islands (of which Okinawa is the largest) have a life expectancy among the highest in the world, although the male life expectancy rank among Japanese prefectures has plummeted in recent years. The traditional diet of the islanders contains 30\% green and yellow vegetables.

What is the history of Okinawa?

In 1879 Okinawa became Japan’s 47th prefecture, though its history as a major trading hub as the Ryukyu Kingdom dates back well into the 14th century. During World War II the Japanese government used Okinawa’s strategic location in the East China Sea to ward off Allied Forces’ advances as the war approached mainland.

What is the Okinawa program?

The current 10-year program for Okinawa’s development will expire in late fiscal 2021. The program has been running since the prefecture’s return to Japanese sovereignty in 1972 from U.S. military rule. Now both sides need to work on a blueprint for the next 10-year program.

What is the size of Okinawa?

Okinawa Island is the largest in the Ryukyus , being about 70 miles (112 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide and having an area of 463 square miles (1,199 square km).