18 - 23 Jul '24

Sunny weather, beautiful oceans, and a rich history and culture—all of these can be found on the stunning island of Okinawa. I recently visited Okinawa in mid-July for a five-day getaway before starting my new work assignment. There wasn't any particular reason why I chose Okinawa; the flight wouldn't take too long, it wouldn't take too many days to explore the island, and of course, because I had never been there. This decision proved to be a wise one, as I enjoyed myself tremendously. Although my wife couldn't join me due to work commitments, I unexpectedly met a couple of friends who were also in Okinawa for a getaway. We ended up enjoying food, coffee, and some shopping together, turning this trip into a delightful mix of both group and solo experiences.

Okinawa has a distinct culture and identity separate from the rest of Japan. This is because it was once an independent nation known as the Ryukyu Kingdom until it was annexed by Japan in 1879. The Ryukyu Kingdom was ruled as a tributary state of imperial Ming China by the Ryukyuan monarchy (Wikipedia, 2024). This Chinese influence is evident in its culture, as I observed during my travels. Just look at the image below 😊.

We will also notice that it does not have some typical identities associated with mainland Japan such as Japanese castles, Japan Railway (JR) and presence of the big 3 Japanese banks in its midst. Instead, Okinawa has Shuri castle, gusukus, Yui monorail in Naha city and Bank of Okinawa.

In this blog, I will share 3 features which make Okinawa unique, making this trip fun and memorable.

1) Beaches and coast

Okinawa's beaches are beautiful. The sky and ocean are clear dark blue in colour while it is turquoise nearer to the coast. This is due to the fact that the coast slopes gently to the ocean, allowing corals to be formed on shallow waters. During summer, people throng these beaches to have fun and cool off from the simmering summer heat.

2) Ryukyuan culture

The Ryukyuan culture, which is deeply ingrained in Okinawan life, reflects a blend of influences, particularly from Chinese culture. This is evident in the design of castle gates and shrines, showcasing the architectural styles and artistic elements borrowed from China. The simplicity of Okinawan cuisine also stands out, with dishes featuring a combination of meat, tofu, and vegetables. One of the most iconic Okinawan dishes is goya champuru, a stir-fried dish made with bitter gourd, egg, and thinly sliced pork. This dish, celebrated for its unique bitterness and nutritional value, exemplifies the straightforward yet flavorful cooking style of the region. The dish is not seen in the above image as it came slightly later to our table. :)

I recorded a video of a traditional Eisa folk dance performed by children on Kokusai-dori, Naha's main shopping street. Despite the scorching Sunday afternoon, these kids, who seemed barely 10 years old, showcased their cultural heritage with remarkable energy.

3) Battle of Okinawa

One lesser-known fact about Okinawa is that it was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific during World War II. The Allied Forces, led by the Americans, invaded Okinawa with the intention of using it as a base to launch attacks on mainland Japan. The battle saw relentless artillery bombardments, naval gunfire, aerial assaults, and ground combat, resulting in massive destruction and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians, earning it the moniker, "Typhoon of Steel". During my visit, I explored three significant sites of the Battle of Okinawa: the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, Maeda Escarpment (Hacksaw Ridge), and Okinawa Peace Memorial Park.

The Maeda Escarpment was another site of intense conflict during the Battle of Okinawa. This strategic location was fiercely defended by the Japanese army because its loss would grant the invading forces access to Shuri and Naha, the capital of Okinawa. As a result, a brutal battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of thousands of soldiers. The battle at Maeda Escarpment was depicted in the Hollywood movie "Hacksaw Ridge," starring former Spidey, Andrew Garfield.

As US forces continued their push southward, the Japanese army was driven to its final stronghold at Mabuni Hill, now the site of the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. Geographically, Mabuni Hill faces the Pacific Ocean. Realising their defeat, many Japanese officers and soldiers took their own lives there. The memorial park includes a museum that provides a detailed account of the Battle of Okinawa. For anyone interested in World War II in the Pacific, the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park is a must-visit.

The American forces returned Okinawa to Japan in 1972. However, many US military bases remain, primarily located in the central part of the island. This American influence is evident in various aspects of Okinawan life, including certain local dishes, the presence of A&W fast-food franchises, and more. 😊

In my opinion, Okinawa offers an abundance of experiences for visitors. Amidst the bustle of Kokusai-dori and the sunny beaches, a rich story lies waiting to be discovered. Much of the land is rural, dotted with farmlands growing sugar cane. Describing Okinawa in a blog entry doesn’t do it justice—you truly need to see it for yourself to appreciate all it has to offer.

I decided to share more about Okinawa's World War II history as it dawned on me that much of what we experience today results from the post-war New World Order. Most soldiers who fought in the war are no longer with us, as it has been almost 80 years since its end. This sentiment was echoed by the President of the United States during the recent Normandy commemoration. We have peace, progress, and prosperity today because of the heroes who fought in the war. We cannot take them for granted and effort is needed to preserve peace. Let there be no more war.

The video below provides a summary of the places visited in Okinawa. Enjoy watching!