In today's article we are going to get to know the Okinawa archipelago (沖縄県) and its cultures very different from the rest of Japan. This archipelago is located and extends from southern Japan to Taiwan with a total of 169 islands.
Table of Contents
history of okinawa
Until the 19th century, Okinawa was known as the Ryukyu Islands, an independent kingdom of Japan. Thus, it developed not only a language, but a culture of its own.
After the end of the Second World War, Okinawa continued to be istered by the United States for another 27 years, in 1972 it was returned to the Japanese istration.
The archipelago is subdivided into three smaller groups of islands: Miyako, Yaeyama and Okinawa-shi where the capital Naha is located. Each of them has distinct architecture and variations in the language itself.
Naha is the capital city of Okinawa-shi, with an estimated population of approximately 320,000 inhabitants; it is the largest prefecture in Okinawa-ken. It is home to two groups of Yakuza, with the largest being the “Okinawa Kyokuryu-kai”.
Okinawan culture
Tanabata, also known as the neutral day, for Okinawans is the right day for cleaning tombs and butsudans (family altars) to avoid contagion of negative energy. According to tradition, the family cleans the graves, as a sign to their ancestors that the Obon is approaching.
The Obon is a kind of Day of the Dead where families gather to pay homage to their ancestors. It is believed that on this day the spirits return to Earth to visit their loved ones.
The Eisa (エイサー) is a dance originating from Buddhist chants and prayers accompanied by melodies. They are played through Taiko (drums) in honor of ancestral spirits.
Sanshin (三振) musical instrument consisting of three strings with a snakeskin-covered acoustic box. The instrument is believed to be over 4000 years old and its creation is told through the Legend of the Akainku.
Okinawa Highlights
Shuri Castle is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Okinawa-shi, it has the second largest aquarium in the world and features some shops and restaurants so you can optimize your time without needing to leave to buy food or anything else you might need. On the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium website, you can access various types of guides, maps, and information.
Another tourist spot is Okinawa World, where you can find plants, handicrafts, animals, food, and various typical presentations.
Okinawa-ken It has around 1800 hotels, and they are highly sought after due to their white sand beaches and the water colors that range from crystal blue to turquoise, as well as for watching the fireworks during New Year's celebrations, since it is not a place that experiences much pollution.
Shisa are images of Chinese origin, used as amulets scattered throughout the city, it is believed that placing a Shisa on top of roofs, protects houses from natural accidents.
Okinawa is located in an area with a temperate climate, so a lot of sugar cane, pineapple, banana, guava, jabuticaba and fruits such as dragon fruit and mangastin are grown. So for those who are, or will travel to Japan and would like to miss some foods they eat here in Brazil, Okinawa is a great choice..
There is much more to explore in this paradise. A land of singers like Gackt and Amuro Namie, also from the group Da Pump and the band Begin. Today I will end here, thank you very much, Gabriel.
