The Okinawan islands are some of the most beautiful to be found anywhere in the world. The beaches, rivers, forests, and villages are steeped in history and filled with wonders unique to the islands. Okinawa extends between the northern latitudes of 24° and 27°, and has average temperature of 23℃. It is located in the world’s resort belt covering the Florida peninsula, the California peninsula, the Nassau, Bahamas,  Hawaii, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan. The warm climate makes Okinawa a great destination as a health resort for both Asians and world tourists. The southernmost inhabited island of Okinawa, Hateruma island almost reaches the tropic of Cancer, enabling spectator views of the Southern Cross in the right season. Additionally the Yonaguni islands(Undersea Ruins), the westernmost of Okinawa, are only 127 km away from Taiwan. Okinawa certainly occupies a vast area of ocean and consists of many islands of different size, including the main islands of Okinawa, Miyako, Ishigaki, and Iriomote .

Position of Okinawa (Okinawa Prefecture)

Okinawa (Prefecture) is included in southwest Islands located in the southwest of the Japanese archipelago. The southwest islands consist of Ryukyu archipelago(Ryukyu islands), Daito islands, and Senkaku islands. The Ryukyu archipelago(Ryukyu islands) is connected to the northern and the eastern islands of  Tanegashima, Amami Oshima, Okinawa, Miyakojima, Ishigakijima, and Iriomotejima. The western island is Yonagunijima, and the southern island is Haterumajima.  Among these, Okinawa Prefecture is composed of Ryukyu islands, Daito islands, and Senkaku islands, which half the south of Ryukyu archipelago(Ryukyu islands) is occupied.

Okinawa Prefecture(沖縄県) consists of 49 inhabited and 111 uninhabited islands which is a total of 160 islands (0.01km2 or more) The islands are scattered over an area north from Ioutorishima, south to Haterumajima is approximately 400km, and east from Kitadaito island, west to Yonaguni island is approximately 1,000km. There is about a 411km distance from the mainisland Okinawa (Naha) to Ishigaki island.
Situated approximately between 24°02′44″(波照間島南端, Haterumajima south end) and 27°53′08″ (硫黄鳥島北端, Ioutorishima north end). North latitude and between 123°47′18″ (波照間島南端, Haterumajima south end) and 131°19′56″ (北大東島真黒岬, Kitadaitoujima・makuromisaki) east longitude.

A total area of Okinawa Prefecture is about 2,275.71K㎡, 0.43K㎡ of nationwide 6 rank increased in 1 year, the area where it equals to the equivalent of the Octakeyama stadium(奥武山球場) approximately 20 increased. When the size of the islands of Okinawa prefecture is compared with the largest Okinawan island, which occupies approximately 53% of the whole prefecture, becomes the order of the Iliomote island, the Ishigaki island, the Miyako island, and the Kume island. Approximately 85% of the whole prefecture is occupied with these five islands.

Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture Symbol

The outer circle of this symbol represents the ocean. The white circle symbolizes a peace-loving Okinawa and the inner circle symbolizes a globally developing Okinawa. In short,   the mark symbolizes “Ocean” “Peace” and “Development.” It was decided on the symbol of Okinawa prefecture in 1972.

Okinawa Map – Okinawa Prefecture Map　沖縄県地図

For more information, take a look at Okinawa Prefecture Symbol…

Okinawa Capital and Population

Capital of Okinawa -  Naha City (那覇市)
Region – Kyushu (九州)
Island – Okinawa (沖縄)
Population – 1,379,338 (As of 2008 December 1st   estimation)
Male – 675,423
Female – 703,915
Households – 518,075

For more information , take a look at Prefectural people handbook

Any Data Sources by Okinawa Prefectural Government, Statistics Division Department of Planning

Uchinanchu (means in Okinawa language – Okinawan.)

The first worldwide Uchinanchu conference

http://www.huoa.org/kizuna/archives/uchinanchu/2003/images/Uchi0310.pdf

Some Aspects of Okinawan Culture

The early history of Okinawa was a proud independent nation known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. The country continued to trade with china, and also opened trading links with Japan, Korea, and the East Indies. Its independence sparked the emergence of a distinctive culture, different from the Japanese mainland.

The legacy of that culture lives on today in historical sites and their remarkable architectural features. A number of these sites have been registered as UNESCO World Heritages. It also survives and flourishes in Okinawa’s special Karate, Dance, Music, and other performing arts and crafts in traditional Dress, dietary habits, and much, much more.

Okinawas Face

OKINAWANS
Title: Living Together: Minority People and Disadvantaged Groups in Japan Author: Miki Y. Ishikida

http://www.usjp.org/livingtogether_en/ltAinuOkinawans_en.html#mozTocId142829

Okinawan Emigrants
Okinawa the Root of Emigration to the South America

http://www.wub.gr.jp/english/con06/01.html

Okinawa and the East Asian Community
-Marginal Island Solidarity- by Kurayoshi Takara a history professor at the University of the Ryukyus
“The East Asian Political Situation Has Always Defined Okinawa’s Existence”

http://www.jpf.go.jp/e/publish/periodic/jfn/pdf/jfn30_3.pdf

Sustainable Island Tourism: The Case of Okinawa
by Hiroshi Kakazu University of the Ryukyus

http://www.yashinomi.to/pacific/pdf/Kakazu_02.pdf

Okinawan Language

Japanese and Uchinaguchi: (Uchinaguchi- Okinawan dialect)which varies from island to island is mainly spoken by older Okinawans. However, certain words and phrases are used in everyday life by almost all residents.

For more information , take a look at　Language Research Center in Okinawa

if you’re interested to learn more Okinawan language it is listed on my page “Okinawan Language”

Cultural Background

The people of Okinawa are racially and linguistically the same as the rest of Japan. However, the culture has developed differently because of isolation from the main islands. Taiwan, China, and the South Sea islands are close neighbors. Okinawa has suffered many historic tragedies. They were under a dynasty control from the 12th century, then the isolation policy by the Edo government, dual control by the Satsuma clan, the Ming Dynasty of China, and the policies of the Meiji government. Governmental discrimination continued, followed by the fierce battles World War 2(Apr, 1945).

Over third of the island’s population died during  World War 2. The Battle of Okinawa was one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War. The battle ended on September 7, 1945 and Okinawa was occupied by the U.S.  After Japan was given its independence in 1952, Okinawa remained under U.S. control. In 1969, President Nixon and Prime Minister Sato agreed that Okinawa should be returned to Japan, and May 15, 1972, President Johnson ratified the return.

Read more information from Okinawa Prefecture’s “OKINAWA TODAY“

Operation ICEBERG, as the plan for the Okinawa campaign was officially called, marked the entrance of the United States upon an advanced stage in the long execution of its strategy in the Pacific.

Looking for facts of past and new Okinawa today? Take a look!!

Military in Okinawa

U.S. Military bases(37 military facilities -aerial photographs links here) account for roughly 10.4% of the total land area(23,687.4 hectares) of Okinawa, and 18.8% of the main island of Okinawa where the population and industries are concentrated.
See links for Percentage of Land Area for U.S. Military and Self Defense Force Bases in Comparison to the Land Area of Okinawa, Land Area by Type of Ownership, and more statistics.

Percentage of Area Occupied by respected U.S. Forces in Okinawa.  As of the end of March 2003
(Number and Land Area of Facility and Number of Personnel by Forces)

• Marine Corps 75.4%,
• Air Force 9.1%,
• Army 1.6%,
• Navy 1.3%, and
• Joint Use/Others 12.6%

Number of Total Military: 50,826 as of September 2003

• Military Personnel 26,282
• Civilian Employees 1,679
• Family Members 22,865

More information U.S. Military Issues in Okinawa by Okinawa Prefecture

The Okinawan’s Hope for Peace　- Achievements in the Summit.
(the G8 Summit was held in July 2000)

Over 230,000 names of people who perished during the Battle of Okinawa including 14,000 American soldiers, are engraved on memorials at the Cornerstone of Peace.  Almost 9 years ago, which was the year 2000, Bill Clinton was the first American President to visit Okinawa in 40 years, see Bill Clinton Speech in Okinawa.  When President Clinton visited “The Cornerstone of Peace”, Governor Inamine conveyed to the President that the people of Okinawa sincerely had hoped for the reduction and realignment of the U.S. military bases in Okinawa. Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, and see PDF file for peace memorial museum. (see bottom of the page for other museum informations.)

A Guide to Old Battlefields and Other Museums Address and Phone#

• Uruma City Museum of History and Ethnology
  2-1-55, Akebono, Uruma City, Okinawa, Japan, 904-1106 Phone +81-98-965-3866 Ｆax +81-98-964-5608
• Okinawa City Folk Museum
  2-19-6 Uechi, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, 904-1106 Phone +81-098-932-6882 Ｆax +81-098-933-6218
• Sakima Museum of Art
  358, Uehara, Ginowan City, Okinawa, Japan, 901-2204 Phone +81-098-893-5737 Ｆax +81-098-893-6948

  http://sakima.art.museum/

• Underground Headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Navy
  236 Tomishiro, Tomishiro-son, Okinawa, Japan, 901-0241 Phone +81-098-850-4055 Ｆax +81-098-850-9342
• Haebaru Cultural Center
  716, Kanegusuku, Haebaru-cho, Okinawa, Japan, 901-1111 Phone +81-098-889-7399 Ｆax +81-098-889-7399
• Himeyuri Peace Museum
  671-1, Ihara, Itoman City, Okinawa, Japan 901-0344 Phone +81-098-997-2100 Ｆax +81-098-997-2102

  http://www.himeyuri.or.jp/

• The Cornerstone of Peace

  http://www3.pref.okinawa.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=11&id=7792&page=1

• Treasured Life” Peace Museum
  23004, Higashiemae, ie-cho, Okinawa, Japan, 905-0505 Phone +81-0980-49-3047 Ｆax +81-0980-49-5834
• Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum
  79-3, Shinei-machi, Ishigaki city, Okinawa, Japan, 907-0004 Phone +81-09808-8-6161 Ｆax +81-09808-8-6161

  http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/yaeyama-peace-museum/index.html

Library, Reading Room material Battle of Okinawa

Reading room of material related to Okinawa war 沖縄戦関係資料閲覧室　所蔵資料検索
http://www.okinawa-sen.go.jp/index.html

Religious Milieu

The result of a survey shows that 1.7% of the population are Buddhist believers and 0.3% Shintoists. Unlike other prefectures, traditional Buddnism and Shintoism are not rooted here. Instead, popular folklore beliefs based on ancestor worship are integral parts of the Okinawan’s life. They include ceremonies and religious events with religious virgins called “Yuta” and “Noro” conducting incantations. These beliefs are closely related to “Monchu,” a communal kinship society, which is a large obstacle to spreading the gospel.

Currency

Japanese yen, Many shops & restaurants catering to the large US military community on the main island of Okinawa accept US$. However, the outer islands usually do not accept foreign currency. Credit cards can usually be used in large stores but are still a rarity in smaller shops & restaurants.

For more information , take a look at Currency Converter

Time Difference

Japanese Standard Time Zone (GMT+9hours) worldtimeserver

Industry & Economy

The main economy of Okinawa consists of public works, tourism, and the military. Due to coral reefs and geographical isolation, along with vast U.S. military bases and other installations on the island, Iittle land is left for farming. Thus the prefectural economy depends largely on U.S. military spending. The percentage of Okinawa’s total revenue which comes from the service industry is the highest in the nation. The same is true for the percentage of people involved. Very little rice and few vegetables are grown, the main crops being pineapples and sugar cane. The per capital annual income in Okinawa has been the lowest in Japan since 1972, and its unemployment rate in Okinawa is the highest.

Impact on the Prefectural Economy http://www3.pref.okinawa.jp/site/view/contview.jsp?cateid=14&id=587&page=1

Inhabitants of the prefecture income ranking per person (2006)

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/honkawa/7450.html

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate of Okinawa http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/toukeika/

year

7.44　％

7.42 ％

7.65 ％

7.87 ％

7.63 ％

7.73 ％

8.30 ％

8.47 ％

7.86 ％

8.32 ％

Avg., 7.87%

Data Sources;
Trend of unemployment rate(Seasonaly adjusted) By Okinawa Prefectural Government, Statistics Division Department of Planning
http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/toukeika/lfs/lfs_season.xls

Okinawa’s Attractive Investment Environment

As mutual dependence across borders grows, Okinawa Prefecture is working to establish itself as Japan’s southern hub for international exchange and promote industry with international perspective, there by attaining self-sufficient development and contributing to peace and the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific region. In the fields of industry and economy, we are making efforts to create and support new industries through the expansion of the Free Trade Zone (FTZ), intensive promotion of the information and communication industry, and development of international tourism and resort centers. For more information , take a look at Free Trade Zone (FTZ)

See video by Okinawa Prefectural Government

Information Center

National Archives and Records Administration/米国国立公文書館

http://archives.gov/

The National Institute for Defense Studies/防衛研究所

http://www.nids.go.jp/

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan/外交史料館

http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/honsho/shiryo/

National Archives of Japan/国立公文書館

http://www.archives.go.jp/

National Diet Library/国立国会図書館

http://www.ndl.go.jp/

Japan Center for Asian Historical Records(JACAR) National Archives Japan/アジア歴史資料センター

http://www.jacar.go.jp/

• The US-Japan War Talks as seen in official documents

  http://www.jacar.go.jp/english/nichibei/index2.html

• The Iwakura Mission as seen in official documents (The english version is under preparation)

  http://www.jacar.go.jp/iwakura/index2.html

• The Special Exhibition of Russo-Japanese War

  http://www.jacar.go.jp/english/nichiro/frame1.htm

Okinawa Prefectural Archives/沖縄県公文書館

http://www.archives.pref.okinawa.jp/

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum/沖縄県平和祈念資料館

http://www.peace-museum.pref.okinawa.jp/

Himeyuri Peace Museum/ひめゆり平和祈念資料館

http://www.himeyuri.or.jp/

The Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum/対馬丸記念館

http://www.tsushimamaru.or.jp/

Shokeikan/しょうけい館 in Japanese

http://www.shokeikan.go.jp/

Shokeikan/しょうけい館 in English-pdf

http://www.shokeikan.go.jp/pdf/Pamphlet_English_new.pdf

National Showa Memorial Museum/昭和館

http://www.showakan.go.jp/

For more Okinawa museum.

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum Official Site

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