Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Okinawa Prefecture shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Okinawa Prefecture offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Okinawa Prefecture at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Okinawa Prefecture? Wrong! If the Okinawa Prefecture is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Okinawa Prefecture then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Okinawa Prefecture? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Okinawa Prefecture and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Okinawa Prefecture wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Okinawa Prefecture then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Okinawa Prefecture site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Okinawa Prefecture, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Okinawa Prefecture, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Prefecture Japan| Name = Okinawa| JapaneseName = 沖縄県 Okinawa-ken| Symbol = Flag of Okinawa, Japan.svg| Capital = Naha, Okinawa| Region = Ryūkyū Archipelago| Island = Okinawa Island| TotalArea = 2,271.30| AreaRank = 44th| PCWater = 0.5| PopDate = October 1, 2000)| Tree = [Pinus luchuensis (ryūkyūmatsu)] (Sapheopipo noguchii)| Map = Map of Japan with highlight on 47 Okinawa 沖縄県.svg| Website = www.pref.okinawa.jp/english/| Governor = Hirokazu Nakaima--> is Japan's southernmost Prefectures of Japan, and consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over 1,000 km long, which extends southwest from Kyūshū (the southwesternmost of Japan's main four islands) to Taiwan. Okinawa's capital, Naha, Okinawa, is located in the southern part of the largest and most populous island, Okinawa Island, which is approximately half-way between Kyūshū and Taiwan. The disputed Senkaku Islands (Chinese language: Diaoyu Islands) are also administered as part of Okinawa Prefecture.

History The oldest evidence of human existence in the Ryukyu islands was discovered in Naha, Okinawa and Yaese, Okinawa 山下町第１洞穴出土の旧石器について, 南島考古22. Some human bones from the Paleolithic era were unearthed, but there is no clear evidence of Paleolith remains. Japanese Jōmon period influences are dominant in the Okinawa Islands, although clay vessels in the Sakishima Islands have a commonality with those in Taiwan.

The first mention of the word Ryukyu was written in the Book of Sui. This Ryukyu might refer to Taiwan, not the Ryukyu islands. Okinawa was the Japanese word depicting the islands, first seen in the biography of Jianzhen, written in 779. Agricultural societies begun in the 8th century slowly developed until the 12th century. Since the islands are located in the center of the East China Sea relatively close to Japan, China and South-East Asia, the Ryūkyū Kingdom became a prosperous trading nation. Also during this period, many Gusukus, similar to castles, were constructed. The Ryūkyū Kingdom had a List of tributaries of Imperial China with China in the 15th and 16th century.

In 1609 the Satsuma Province clan, which controlled the region that is now Kagoshima Prefecture invaded the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Following the invasion the Ryūkyū Kingdom surrendered to the Satsuma and was forced to form a tributary relationship with Satsuma and the Tokugawa shogunate, in addition to its previous relationship with China. Ryukyuan sovereignty was maintained since complete annexation would create a problem with China. The Satsuma clan earned considerable profits from trades with China during a period in which foreign trade was heavily restricted by the shogunate.

Though Satsuma maintained strong influence over the islands, the Ryūkyū Kingdom maintained some degree of domestic political freedom for two hundred years. Four years after the 1868 Meiji Restoration, the Japanese government officially annexed the kingdom and renamed it Okinawa han (country subdivision). The Qing Dynasty asserted a claim on the basis that the islands had been subject to China, but later forefeited its claim. The Okinawa han became a prefecture in 1879, while all other hans had became prefectures in 1872.

Following the Battle of Okinawa and the end of World War II in 1945, Okinawa was under the Government of the Ryukyu Islands for 27 years. During the trusteeship rule the USAF established numerous military bases on the Ryukyu islands.

In 1972, the U.S. government returned the islands to Japanese administration. Under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, the United States Forces Japan (USFJ) have maintained a large military presence. 27000 personnel, including 15000 Marines, contingents from the Navy, Army and Air Force, and their 22,000 family members are stationed in Okinawa. 沖縄県の基地の現状, Okinawa Prefectural Government 18% of the main island was occupied by US military bases and 75% of all USFJ bases are located in Okinawa prefecture.. 沖縄に所在する在日米軍施設・区域, Japan Ministry of Defense

Many Okinawans oppose the large presence of the USFJ and demand the consolidation, reduction and removal of US military bases from Okinawa. 語り継ぎたい「沖縄戦」, Okinawa Times, May 13, 2007 Repeated accidents and crimes committed by U.S. servicemen have reduced local citizens' support for the U.S. military bases. The Japanese and the US government consider the mutual security treaty and the USFJ absolutely necessary and neglected the awkward situation in Okinawa for decades. The 1995 Okinawan rape incident by U.S. Marines in 1995 triggered large protests in Okinawa. As a result, both the U.S. and Japanese governments agreed to the removal of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and other minor bases. However, at present, the closure of the bases has been indefinitely postponed.

Geography Major islands The set of islands belonging to the prefecture is called Ryūkyū Shotō (琉球諸島). Okinawa's inhabited islands are typically divided into three geographical archipelagos. From northeast to southwest:







Cities Okinawa Prefecture includes eleven cities.

Towns and villages These are the towns and villages in each districts of Japan.{||valign="top"|



|valign="top"|

|}

Mergers









Demography Okinawa prefecture age pyramid as of 1 October 2003(per 1000's of people){] 2003(per 1000's of people){||-! align=right|Men! align=center|Age! Women|-| align=right|43 | align=center|0-4| 41|-| align=right|44 | align=center|5-9| 41|-| align=right|45 | align=center|10-14| 42|-| align=right|48 | align=center|15-19| 46|-| align=right|46 | align=center|20-24| 45|-| align=right|49 | align=center|25-29| 48|-| align=right|49 | align=center|30-34| 50|-| align=right|43 | align=center|35-39| 44|-| align=right|46 | align=center|40-44| 45|-| align=right|49 | align=center|45-49| 47|-| align=right|52 | align=center|50-54| 48|-| align=right|32 | align=center|55-59| 32|-| align=right|32 | align=center|60-64| 33|-| align=right|32 | align=center|65-69| 34|-| align=right|24 | align=center|70-74| 29|-| align=right|14 | align=center|75-79| 23|-| align=right|17 | align=center|80 +| 38|}


Climate and nature The island is largely composed of coral rock, and rainwater filtering through that coral has given the island many caves, which played an important role in the Battle of Okinawa. Gyokusendo, an extensive limestone cave in the southern part of Okinawa's main island, is a popular tourist attraction.

Okinawa is said to have the most beautiful beaches in all of Japan and normally enjoys temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for most of the year. Okinawa and the many islands that make up the prefecture boast some of the most abundant coral reefs found in the world. Rare blue corals are found off of Ishigaki and Miyako islands as are numerous species throughout the chain. Many coral reefs are found in this region of Japan and wildlife is abundant. Sea turtles return yearly to the southern islands of Okinawa to lay their eggs. The summer months carry warnings to swimmers regarding poisonous jellyfish and other dangerous Okinawan marine life. Okinawa is a major producer of sugar cane, pineapple, papaya, and other tropical fruit, and the Southeast Botanical Gardens represent tropical plant species.

Language and culture on a traditional tile roof. pots., a stone that wards off evil spirits (Yomitan, Okinawa).Having historically been a separate nation, Okinawan language and culture differ considerably from that of mainland Japan. There remain numerous Ryukyuan languages which are more-or-less incomprehensible to Japanese language speakers. These languages are in decline as the Mainland Japanese is being used by the younger generation. Many linguists, at least those outside Japan, consider Ryukyuan languages as different languages from Japanese, while they are generally perceived as "dialects" by mainland Japanese and Okinawans themselves. Standard Japanese is almost always used in formal situations. In informal situations, de facto everyday language among Okinawans under age 60 is Okinawa-accented mainland Japanese called :ja:ウチナーヤマトグチ (Uchinā Yamatoguchi "Okinawan Japanese"), which is often misunderstood as Okinawan language proper, :ja:ウチナーグチ (Uchināguchi "Okinawan language"). Uchināguchi still is used in traditional cultural activities, such as Music of Japan#Okinawan folk music, or :ja:組踊. There is a radio news program in the language as well.

Okinawa also has its own Ryukyuan religion, generally characterized by ancestor worship and the respecting of relationships between the living, the dead, and the gods and spirits of the natural world.

Okinawan culture bears traces of its various trading partners. One can find China, Culture of Thailand and Malaysian influences in the island's customs. Perhaps Okinawa's most famous cultural export is karate, probably a product of the close ties with and influence of China on Okinawan culture. Karate is thought to be a synthesis of Chinese kung fu with traditional Okinawan martial arts. A ban on weapons in Okinawa for two long periods after the invasion and forced annexation by Japan during the Meiji Restoration period also very likely contributed to its development.

Another traditional Okinawan product that owes its existence to Okinawa's trading history is awamori—an Okinawan distilled spirit made from indica rice imported from Thailand.

The people of Okinawa maintain a strong tradition of pottery, textiles, and glass making.

Other prominent examples of Okinawan culture include the sanshin—a three-stringed Okinawan instrument, closely related to the Chinese sanxian, and ancestor of the Japanese shamisen, somewhat similar to a banjo. Its body is often bound with snakeskin (from Pythonidaes, imported from elsewhere in Asia, rather than from Okinawa's poisonous habu, which are too small for this purpose). Okinawan culture also features the Eisa (dance), a traditional drumming dance. A traditional craft, the fabric named bingata, is made in workshops on the main island and elsewhere.

Karate Karate originated on Okinawa. There are several styles, among them Shotokan, Shorin-Ryu, Wado Ryu, Uechi Ryu, Goju Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Moto bu Ryu, Shorinji Ryū Karate, and Shuri-ryu.

Architecture Okinawa has many remains of a unique type of castle or fortress called Gusuku. These are believed to be the predecessors of Japan's castles.

Whereas most homes in Japan are made with wood and allow free-flow of air to combat humidity, typical modern homes in Okinawa are made from concrete with barred windows (protection from flying plant matter) to deal with regular typhoons. Roofs are also designed with strong winds in mind, with each tile cemented on and not merely layered as seen with many homes elsewhere in Japan.

Many roofs also display a statue resembling a lion or dragon, called a Shisa, which is said to protect the home from danger. Roofs are typically red in color and are inspired by Chinese design.

U.S. military controversy Because the islands are close to mainland China and Taiwan, the United States has large military bases on the island. The area of 14 US bases are , occupying 18% of the main island. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's land, but hosts about two-thirds of the 40,000 American forces in the country. It should be noted that at least 1/3(9,852 acres) of the land used by the U.S. military is the Marine Corps Northern Training Area, which is mostly National Wildlife Preserve and would have very limited use for future growth by the local economy.

Many Okinawans oppose the presence of the U.S. military due to noise pollution from military drills, aircraft accidents, environmental destruction Impact on the Lives of the Okinawan People (Incidents, Accidents and Environmental Issues), Okinawa Prefectural Government, and past crimes committed by U.S. military personnel 沖縄・米兵による女性への性犯罪(Rapes and murders by the U.S. military personnel 1945-2000), 基地・軍隊を許さない行動する女たちの会. By far the bulk of complaints have come from a small group of Okinawan landowners who protest use of their property for military operations. It has been reported that less than 1 percent of the 32,000 owners object to military use of the land as land owners are heavily compensated for the use. The Okinawan prefectural government and local municipalities have made various withdrawal demands of the US military since the end of WW2 Military base Affairs Division, Okinawa prefecture, however, there is no consensus among Okinawans on the bases. Since the employment of Okinawans on U.S. bases is not inconsequential, there is even a sizable though silent constituency in favor of the status quo.

Other issues continue to arise in Okinawa and have their roots in the early post-war period (as illustrated in the novel, "B.C. Street"). The Yumiko Incident, a notorious rape and murder of six-year-old Yumiko in 1955 by Isaac J. Hart, who was accused of the crime but not convicted. Forty years later, on September 4, 1995, three U.S. Navy sailors abducted and raped a 12-year-old girl. At the time of 1995 Okinawan Rape incident, Japanese police could not arrest the men known to be involved because the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement gave US servicemen immunity (legal) from local laws. Anti-military base emotions erupted in some of the largest protests in recent history. U.S. servicemen convicted in Okinawa rape, CNN, March 7, 1996 Eventually through political pressure, the soldiers were tried and convicted in early 1996. As a result of this incident US-Japan agreements which were criticized for being too protective of US servicemen involved in crimes underwent revision and a movement to alleviate civilian burden by reducing the size of US military bases got under way. In November of 1995, a group called "Okinawan Women Act Against Military Violence" was organized to raise awareness of crimes alleged to have been committed by U.S. military personnel on the island.

Alleged former US nuclear arms base The Japanese government strictly restrained the introduction of nuclear arms into Japanese territory by the Japan's non-nuclear policy (Three Non-Nuclear Principles). Prior to the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese administration in 1972, it is reported that one thousand two hundred nuclear weapons were deployed to US bases in Okinawa 完全撤去の保証を与えよ, Okinawa Times, October 22,1999. Most of the weapons were stored in ammunition bunkers at Kadena Air Base.

There is wide range speculations that not all the weapons were removed from Okinawa. 疑惑が晴れるのはいつか, Okinawa Times, May 16, 1999Edwin O. Reischauer, former US ambassador to Japan, in an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun in 1981, said that US naval ships armed with nukes stopped at Japanese ports on a routine duty, and this was approved by the Japanese government.

In the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists in early 2000, Robert S. Norris, William M. Arkin, and William Burr wrote that the United States has placed nuclear arms on Okinawa. This is disputed by the Federal government of the United States.

MCAS Futenma relocation The governments of the United States and Japan agreed on October 26, 2005 to move the Marine Corps Air Station Marine Corps Air Station Futenma base from its location in the densely populated city of Ginowan, Okinawa to the more northerly and remote Camp Schwab, Okinawa. Under the plan, thousands of Marines will relocate. The move is partly an attempt to relieve tensions between the people of Okinawa and the Marine Corps. Protests from environmental groups and residents over the construction of part of a runway at Camp Schwab, and from businessmen and politicians around Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Henoko, have occurred .

The legality of the proposed heliport relocation has been questioned as being a violation of International Law, including the World Heritage Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in an article titled "Boundary Intersections of UNESCO Heritage Conventions: Using Custom and Cultural Landscapes to Save Okinawa’s Dugong Habitat from U.S. Heliport Construction". The article even questions whether the current use of Camp Schwab for amphibious training violates these three Treaty.

Proposed Solutions As recently as 2003 the US was considering moving most of the 20,000 Marines on Okinawa to new bases that would be established in Australia; increasing the presence of US troops in Singapore and Malaysia; and seeking agreements to base Navy ships in Vietnamese waters and ground troops in the Philippines. Under plans on the table, all but about 5,000 of the Marines would move, possibly to Australia.

Education The public schools in Okinawa are overseen by the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education. The agency directly operates several public high schools . The US Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) operates 12 schools total in Okinawa. Six of these schools are located on Kadena Air Base.

Sports Football (soccer)


In addition, various baseball teams hold training during the winter in the prefecture as it is the warmest prefecture of Japan with no snow and higher temperatures than other prefectures.

Transportation Air transportation

Highways

Rail

Ports The major ports of Okinawa include

United States military installations

See also

References

External links

News

Geography and maps

Photographs

Culture

History Misc

Peace

{{Infobox Prefecture Japan| Name = Okinawa| JapaneseName = 沖縄県 Okinawa-ken| Symbol = Flag of Okinawa, Japan.svg| Capital = Naha, Okinawa| Region = Ryūkyū Archipelago| Island = Okinawa Island| TotalArea = 2,271.30| AreaRank = 44th| PCWater = 0.5| PopDate = October 1, 2000)| Tree = [Pinus luchuensis (ryūkyūmatsu)] (Sapheopipo noguchii)| Map = Map of Japan with highlight on 47 Okinawa 沖縄県.svg| Website = www.pref.okinawa.jp/english/| Governor = Hirokazu Nakaima--> is Japan's southernmost Prefectures of Japan, and consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over 1,000 km long, which extends southwest from Kyūshū (the southwesternmost of Japan's main four islands) to Taiwan. Okinawa's capital, Naha, Okinawa, is located in the southern part of the largest and most populous island, Okinawa Island, which is approximately half-way between Kyūshū and Taiwan. The disputed Senkaku Islands (Chinese language: Diaoyu Islands) are also administered as part of Okinawa Prefecture.

History The oldest evidence of human existence in the Ryukyu islands was discovered in Naha, Okinawa and Yaese, Okinawa 山下町第１洞穴出土の旧石器について, 南島考古22. Some human bones from the Paleolithic era were unearthed, but there is no clear evidence of Paleolith remains. Japanese Jōmon period influences are dominant in the Okinawa Islands, although clay vessels in the Sakishima Islands have a commonality with those in Taiwan.

The first mention of the word Ryukyu was written in the Book of Sui. This Ryukyu might refer to Taiwan, not the Ryukyu islands. Okinawa was the Japanese word depicting the islands, first seen in the biography of Jianzhen, written in 779. Agricultural societies begun in the 8th century slowly developed until the 12th century. Since the islands are located in the center of the East China Sea relatively close to Japan, China and South-East Asia, the Ryūkyū Kingdom became a prosperous trading nation. Also during this period, many Gusukus, similar to castles, were constructed. The Ryūkyū Kingdom had a List of tributaries of Imperial China with China in the 15th and 16th century.

In 1609 the Satsuma Province clan, which controlled the region that is now Kagoshima Prefecture invaded the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Following the invasion the Ryūkyū Kingdom surrendered to the Satsuma and was forced to form a tributary relationship with Satsuma and the Tokugawa shogunate, in addition to its previous relationship with China. Ryukyuan sovereignty was maintained since complete annexation would create a problem with China. The Satsuma clan earned considerable profits from trades with China during a period in which foreign trade was heavily restricted by the shogunate.

Though Satsuma maintained strong influence over the islands, the Ryūkyū Kingdom maintained some degree of domestic political freedom for two hundred years. Four years after the 1868 Meiji Restoration, the Japanese government officially annexed the kingdom and renamed it Okinawa han (country subdivision). The Qing Dynasty asserted a claim on the basis that the islands had been subject to China, but later forefeited its claim. The Okinawa han became a prefecture in 1879, while all other hans had became prefectures in 1872.

Following the Battle of Okinawa and the end of World War II in 1945, Okinawa was under the Government of the Ryukyu Islands for 27 years. During the trusteeship rule the USAF established numerous military bases on the Ryukyu islands.

In 1972, the U.S. government returned the islands to Japanese administration. Under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, the United States Forces Japan (USFJ) have maintained a large military presence. 27000 personnel, including 15000 Marines, contingents from the Navy, Army and Air Force, and their 22,000 family members are stationed in Okinawa. 沖縄県の基地の現状, Okinawa Prefectural Government 18% of the main island was occupied by US military bases and 75% of all USFJ bases are located in Okinawa prefecture.. 沖縄に所在する在日米軍施設・区域, Japan Ministry of Defense

Many Okinawans oppose the large presence of the USFJ and demand the consolidation, reduction and removal of US military bases from Okinawa. 語り継ぎたい「沖縄戦」, Okinawa Times, May 13, 2007 Repeated accidents and crimes committed by U.S. servicemen have reduced local citizens' support for the U.S. military bases. The Japanese and the US government consider the mutual security treaty and the USFJ absolutely necessary and neglected the awkward situation in Okinawa for decades. The 1995 Okinawan rape incident by U.S. Marines in 1995 triggered large protests in Okinawa. As a result, both the U.S. and Japanese governments agreed to the removal of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and other minor bases. However, at present, the closure of the bases has been indefinitely postponed.

Geography Major islands The set of islands belonging to the prefecture is called Ryūkyū Shotō (琉球諸島). Okinawa's inhabited islands are typically divided into three geographical archipelagos. From northeast to southwest:







Cities Okinawa Prefecture includes eleven cities.

Towns and villages These are the towns and villages in each districts of Japan.{||valign="top"|



|valign="top"|

|}

Mergers









Demography Okinawa prefecture age pyramid as of 1 October 2003(per 1000's of people){] 2003(per 1000's of people){||-! align=right|Men! align=center|Age! Women|-| align=right|43 | align=center|0-4| 41|-| align=right|44 | align=center|5-9| 41|-| align=right|45 | align=center|10-14| 42|-| align=right|48 | align=center|15-19| 46|-| align=right|46 | align=center|20-24| 45|-| align=right|49 | align=center|25-29| 48|-| align=right|49 | align=center|30-34| 50|-| align=right|43 | align=center|35-39| 44|-| align=right|46 | align=center|40-44| 45|-| align=right|49 | align=center|45-49| 47|-| align=right|52 | align=center|50-54| 48|-| align=right|32 | align=center|55-59| 32|-| align=right|32 | align=center|60-64| 33|-| align=right|32 | align=center|65-69| 34|-| align=right|24 | align=center|70-74| 29|-| align=right|14 | align=center|75-79| 23|-| align=right|17 | align=center|80 +| 38|}


Climate and nature The island is largely composed of coral rock, and rainwater filtering through that coral has given the island many caves, which played an important role in the Battle of Okinawa. Gyokusendo, an extensive limestone cave in the southern part of Okinawa's main island, is a popular tourist attraction.

Okinawa is said to have the most beautiful beaches in all of Japan and normally enjoys temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for most of the year. Okinawa and the many islands that make up the prefecture boast some of the most abundant coral reefs found in the world. Rare blue corals are found off of Ishigaki and Miyako islands as are numerous species throughout the chain. Many coral reefs are found in this region of Japan and wildlife is abundant. Sea turtles return yearly to the southern islands of Okinawa to lay their eggs. The summer months carry warnings to swimmers regarding poisonous jellyfish and other dangerous Okinawan marine life. Okinawa is a major producer of sugar cane, pineapple, papaya, and other tropical fruit, and the Southeast Botanical Gardens represent tropical plant species.

Language and culture on a traditional tile roof. pots., a stone that wards off evil spirits (Yomitan, Okinawa).Having historically been a separate nation, Okinawan language and culture differ considerably from that of mainland Japan. There remain numerous Ryukyuan languages which are more-or-less incomprehensible to Japanese language speakers. These languages are in decline as the Mainland Japanese is being used by the younger generation. Many linguists, at least those outside Japan, consider Ryukyuan languages as different languages from Japanese, while they are generally perceived as "dialects" by mainland Japanese and Okinawans themselves. Standard Japanese is almost always used in formal situations. In informal situations, de facto everyday language among Okinawans under age 60 is Okinawa-accented mainland Japanese called :ja:ウチナーヤマトグチ (Uchinā Yamatoguchi "Okinawan Japanese"), which is often misunderstood as Okinawan language proper, :ja:ウチナーグチ (Uchināguchi "Okinawan language"). Uchināguchi still is used in traditional cultural activities, such as Music of Japan#Okinawan folk music, or :ja:組踊. There is a radio news program in the language as well.

Okinawa also has its own Ryukyuan religion, generally characterized by ancestor worship and the respecting of relationships between the living, the dead, and the gods and spirits of the natural world.

Okinawan culture bears traces of its various trading partners. One can find China, Culture of Thailand and Malaysian influences in the island's customs. Perhaps Okinawa's most famous cultural export is karate, probably a product of the close ties with and influence of China on Okinawan culture. Karate is thought to be a synthesis of Chinese kung fu with traditional Okinawan martial arts. A ban on weapons in Okinawa for two long periods after the invasion and forced annexation by Japan during the Meiji Restoration period also very likely contributed to its development.

Another traditional Okinawan product that owes its existence to Okinawa's trading history is awamori—an Okinawan distilled spirit made from indica rice imported from Thailand.

The people of Okinawa maintain a strong tradition of pottery, textiles, and glass making.

Other prominent examples of Okinawan culture include the sanshin—a three-stringed Okinawan instrument, closely related to the Chinese sanxian, and ancestor of the Japanese shamisen, somewhat similar to a banjo. Its body is often bound with snakeskin (from Pythonidaes, imported from elsewhere in Asia, rather than from Okinawa's poisonous habu, which are too small for this purpose). Okinawan culture also features the Eisa (dance), a traditional drumming dance. A traditional craft, the fabric named bingata, is made in workshops on the main island and elsewhere.

Karate Karate originated on Okinawa. There are several styles, among them Shotokan, Shorin-Ryu, Wado Ryu, Uechi Ryu, Goju Ryu, Isshin-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Moto bu Ryu, Shorinji Ryū Karate, and Shuri-ryu.

Architecture Okinawa has many remains of a unique type of castle or fortress called Gusuku. These are believed to be the predecessors of Japan's castles.

Whereas most homes in Japan are made with wood and allow free-flow of air to combat humidity, typical modern homes in Okinawa are made from concrete with barred windows (protection from flying plant matter) to deal with regular typhoons. Roofs are also designed with strong winds in mind, with each tile cemented on and not merely layered as seen with many homes elsewhere in Japan.

Many roofs also display a statue resembling a lion or dragon, called a Shisa, which is said to protect the home from danger. Roofs are typically red in color and are inspired by Chinese design.

U.S. military controversy Because the islands are close to mainland China and Taiwan, the United States has large military bases on the island. The area of 14 US bases are , occupying 18% of the main island. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's land, but hosts about two-thirds of the 40,000 American forces in the country. It should be noted that at least 1/3(9,852 acres) of the land used by the U.S. military is the Marine Corps Northern Training Area, which is mostly National Wildlife Preserve and would have very limited use for future growth by the local economy.

Many Okinawans oppose the presence of the U.S. military due to noise pollution from military drills, aircraft accidents, environmental destruction Impact on the Lives of the Okinawan People (Incidents, Accidents and Environmental Issues), Okinawa Prefectural Government, and past crimes committed by U.S. military personnel 沖縄・米兵による女性への性犯罪(Rapes and murders by the U.S. military personnel 1945-2000), 基地・軍隊を許さない行動する女たちの会. By far the bulk of complaints have come from a small group of Okinawan landowners who protest use of their property for military operations. It has been reported that less than 1 percent of the 32,000 owners object to military use of the land as land owners are heavily compensated for the use. The Okinawan prefectural government and local municipalities have made various withdrawal demands of the US military since the end of WW2 Military base Affairs Division, Okinawa prefecture, however, there is no consensus among Okinawans on the bases. Since the employment of Okinawans on U.S. bases is not inconsequential, there is even a sizable though silent constituency in favor of the status quo.

Other issues continue to arise in Okinawa and have their roots in the early post-war period (as illustrated in the novel, "B.C. Street"). The Yumiko Incident, a notorious rape and murder of six-year-old Yumiko in 1955 by Isaac J. Hart, who was accused of the crime but not convicted. Forty years later, on September 4, 1995, three U.S. Navy sailors abducted and raped a 12-year-old girl. At the time of 1995 Okinawan Rape incident, Japanese police could not arrest the men known to be involved because the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement gave US servicemen immunity (legal) from local laws. Anti-military base emotions erupted in some of the largest protests in recent history. U.S. servicemen convicted in Okinawa rape, CNN, March 7, 1996 Eventually through political pressure, the soldiers were tried and convicted in early 1996. As a result of this incident US-Japan agreements which were criticized for being too protective of US servicemen involved in crimes underwent revision and a movement to alleviate civilian burden by reducing the size of US military bases got under way. In November of 1995, a group called "Okinawan Women Act Against Military Violence" was organized to raise awareness of crimes alleged to have been committed by U.S. military personnel on the island.

Alleged former US nuclear arms base The Japanese government strictly restrained the introduction of nuclear arms into Japanese territory by the Japan's non-nuclear policy (Three Non-Nuclear Principles). Prior to the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese administration in 1972, it is reported that one thousand two hundred nuclear weapons were deployed to US bases in Okinawa 完全撤去の保証を与えよ, Okinawa Times, October 22,1999. Most of the weapons were stored in ammunition bunkers at Kadena Air Base.

There is wide range speculations that not all the weapons were removed from Okinawa. 疑惑が晴れるのはいつか, Okinawa Times, May 16, 1999Edwin O. Reischauer, former US ambassador to Japan, in an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun in 1981, said that US naval ships armed with nukes stopped at Japanese ports on a routine duty, and this was approved by the Japanese government.

In the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists in early 2000, Robert S. Norris, William M. Arkin, and William Burr wrote that the United States has placed nuclear arms on Okinawa. This is disputed by the Federal government of the United States.

MCAS Futenma relocation The governments of the United States and Japan agreed on October 26, 2005 to move the Marine Corps Air Station Marine Corps Air Station Futenma base from its location in the densely populated city of Ginowan, Okinawa to the more northerly and remote Camp Schwab, Okinawa. Under the plan, thousands of Marines will relocate. The move is partly an attempt to relieve tensions between the people of Okinawa and the Marine Corps. Protests from environmental groups and residents over the construction of part of a runway at Camp Schwab, and from businessmen and politicians around Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Henoko, have occurred .

The legality of the proposed heliport relocation has been questioned as being a violation of International Law, including the World Heritage Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in an article titled "Boundary Intersections of UNESCO Heritage Conventions: Using Custom and Cultural Landscapes to Save Okinawa’s Dugong Habitat from U.S. Heliport Construction". The article even questions whether the current use of Camp Schwab for amphibious training violates these three Treaty.

Proposed Solutions As recently as 2003 the US was considering moving most of the 20,000 Marines on Okinawa to new bases that would be established in Australia; increasing the presence of US troops in Singapore and Malaysia; and seeking agreements to base Navy ships in Vietnamese waters and ground troops in the Philippines. Under plans on the table, all but about 5,000 of the Marines would move, possibly to Australia.

Education The public schools in Okinawa are overseen by the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education. The agency directly operates several public high schools . The US Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) operates 12 schools total in Okinawa. Six of these schools are located on Kadena Air Base.

Sports Football (soccer)


In addition, various baseball teams hold training during the winter in the prefecture as it is the warmest prefecture of Japan with no snow and higher temperatures than other prefectures.

Transportation Air transportation

Highways

Rail

Ports The major ports of Okinawa include

United States military installations

See also

References

External links

News

Geography and maps

Photographs

Culture

History Misc

Peace



Okinawa Prefecture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県, Okinawa-ken?, Okinawan: Uchinā) is one of Japan 's southern prefectures, and consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over 1,000 km ...

Category:Okinawa prefecture - Wikimedia Commons
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A Check-list of the Birds of Okinawa Prefecture
A Check-list of the Birds of Okinawa Prefecture with Notes on Recent Status including Hypothetical Records Douglas W. McWhirter, 784 Michigan Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, USA ...

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Stuff / Cooperator Copyright(C) 2003 Okinawa Prefectural Government. All rights reserved. Information on this site is 2003. April 1st present.

Okinawa Prefecture - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about Okinawa ...
Okinawa. Group of islands, 520 km/323 mi from the Japanese mainland, forming part of the Japanese Ryukyu Islands in the west Pacific; Okinawa is also the name of the largest island ...

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Okinawa (ō'kĭnä`wä), island (1990 pop. 1,222,458), 454 sq mi (1,176 sq km), W Pacific Ocean, SW of Kyushu; a part of Okinawa prefecture, Japan.

 

Okinawa Prefecture



 
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