Okinawa

Okinawa prefecture is an archipelago extending for more than 100 kilometres and situated between Kagoshima prefecture and Taiwan. The region was formerly known as the Ryūkyū kingdom, an independent realm that paid allegiance to both Chinese and Japanese powers. Chinese influence can still be found in many historical sites across the islands e.g. in Shuri castle in the centre of Naha, the main prefectural city. Sadly, the castle itself was destroyed by a fire in 2019 and is currently under reconstruction, but the particular architecture of the Ryūkyūans can still be seen in the huge walls that surround the castle area.

A view of Naha from Shuri castle fortifications. ©Marty Borsotti

Okinawa is home of karate, a martial art influenced by Chinese kenpō that was adopted by the locals for self-defence at a time when Japanese occupation banned weapons. Every year, many people come to the region to learn karate and visit its birthplace.

Okinawa is also remembered for being the theatre of one of the most gruesome episodes of the Pacific war. The conflict between Japanese and American forces on the island has led to a huge loss of civilians’ lives. Later, the islands were semi-occupied by American forces and their bases. The restitution of Okinawa into Japan was one of the major claims of the Japanese student movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Ever since, Okinawans have been active in reducing the influence of the American bases and gained much needed space to build infrastructure demanded by the ever-growing tourist industry.

Written by Marty Borsotti