In today’s article, we will get to know the Okinawa archipelago (沖縄県) and its cultures that are quite different from the rest of Japan. This archipelago is located and extends in the south of 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 from Japan. Thus, it developed not only a language but a culture of its own.
After the end of World War II, Okinawa continued to be administered by the United States for another 27 years, and in 1972 it was returned to Japanese administration.
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 municipality in Okinawa-ken. There are two Yakuza groups in it, the largest being the “Okinawa Kyokuryu-kai”.
Culture of Okinawa
Tanabata, also known as the neutral day, for the Okinawans is the appropriate day for cleaning graves and butsudans (family altars) to avoid the contagion of negative energy. According to tradition, the family cleans the graves as a sign to their ancestors that 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.
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) is a musical instrument composed of three strings with a sound box covered by snake skin. It is believed that the instrument is over 4000 years old, and its creation is told through the Legend of Akainku.
Highlights of Okinawa
Shuri Castle is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Okinawa-shi has the second largest aquarium in the world and features several shops and restaurants so you can optimize your time without needing to leave to buy food or anything necessary; 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, crafts, animals, food, and various typical performances.
Okinawa-ken has about 1800 hotels, and they are highly sought after due to their white sand beaches and the water shades that range from crystal blue to turquoise, and also to see the fireworks celebrating the New Year, as it is not a place that has much pollution.
Shisa are images of Chinese origin, used as amulets scattered throughout the city; it is believed that placing a Shisa on rooftops protects houses from natural accidents.
Okinawa is located in a temperate climate area, thus a lot of sugarcane, pineapple, banana, guava, jabuticaba, and fruits like dragon fruit and mangosteen are cultivated. Therefore, for those who are, or will travel to Japan and would like to satisfy the longing for some foods they eat here in Brazil, Okinawa is a great choice.
There is much more to be explored in this paradise. A land of singers like Gackt and Amuro Namie, also of the group Da Pump and the band Begin. I will end here today, thank you very much, Gabriel.
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