| Properties |  |
| Currency Yen (JPY) | Language Japanese | Time Zone (GMT+09) Tokyo, Seoul |
| Top Contributors |  |  |
| If Karate Kid II taught us anything, it was that Crane Kicks don't work well in Japan. Sure, they will dazzle the ranks of the "Sweep the leg, Johnny"- Cobra Kai crowd but,ultimately, they just don't impress in the Land of The Rising Sun. Okinawa is both Japan and something distinct. It is at first and at last, a lone, southerly island chain, located geographically and culturally at a distance from the samurai sensibilities of greater Japan. Okinawans have a unique society, and why wouldn't they? Okinawa is comprised of hundreds of the "Ryuku islands," stretching in 1,000km archipelago chain all the way to Taiwan.
Okinawa has endured a suppressive past. Formerly an independent region known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, they enjoyed an autonomous, if tributary, relationship with China. These "pre-Okinawans" were a sovereign sea-trading people until 1879, when, following the Meiji Restoration, imperial Japan forcibly incorporated the islands into a new colony: Okinawa prefecture. Not the best landlords, the imperial administration in Tokyo largely made a sacrifice of the Okinawans as they absorbed the devastating brunt of the American-led Pacific invasion. A defeated Japan witnessed a further 27 years of compromised Okinawan sovereignty.
Today, an American military presence remains, but Okinawa is a thriving, beautiful place of gourmet delicacies, sandy beaches, and unique traditions. The archipelago is composed mostly of coral, and this airy foundation has led to myriad caves threading throughout the islands. Hit the beach and share the surf with sea turtles as they make their yearly pilgrimage to lay eggs in the warm sand. Enjoy the fresh papaya and pineapples grown locally, then set about devouring boat-loads of fresh sushi. Demographically, the island has a record number of century-old citizens, so settle down -- maybe you'll live longer. While you're waiting to superannuate, don't forget to wax-on - wax-off, you never know when you might run into that grumpy sensei from the Cobra Kai dojo.
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 |  Map and Photos for Okinawa |  |
| | Tip: Use arrow keys to flip through the slideshow. |
| Overall Recommendation: | | 50% |  |
| | Scenery: | | 63% | |
| | Popularity: | | 63% | |
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