History

• Okinawa used to be an independent country called the Ryukyu Kingdom, ruled by their own king. As a trading nation, it developed its own culture while being influenced by neighbouring countries such as China and Southeast Asia countries. 
• After the Meiji Restoration in 19th century, Okinawa became part of Japan as Okinawa Prefecture, but with the end of World War II, it came under US rule. 

• After 27 years of being under US rule, in 1972, it was returned to Japan and once again became Okinawa Prefecture. 

Economy

• After the return to Japan in 1972, the scale of the industry expanded, mainly due to an increase in tourism income. The main industries are agriculture, fishing, and tourism. 
• Agricultural products are represented by sugarcane, bitter gourd, pineapple, and mango, while marine products include fresh tuna and inshore fish landings, and mozuku and sea grape farming are also popular.
• The national currency is the yen. 

Geography

• Okinawa Prefecture, which lies to the south-west of the Japanese archipelago, is the fourth smallest prefecture in Japan with an area of approximately 2,281 square-kilometers.
• It has 160 islands with an area of 1 ha or more, of which 47 are inhabited. The main island of Okinawa has the largest area of the prefecture and is long and narrow from north to south, with the distance from the southernmost to the northernmost point being approximately 100 km. 

Climate

• Okinawa Prefecture is surrounded by the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current and is the only prefecture in Japan that belongs to the subtropical zone, with a warm climate throughout the year. 
• The average annual temperature is 23.3°C, and even in January, which is the Japanese winter season, the average temperature is 17.3°C. Because of the subtropical maritime climate, it has cool breezes blow from the sea even in summer. 

Language

• Although Japanese is used as a common language in Okinawa Prefecture, the unique Okinawan dialect "Shimakutuba" is also used. Many Okinawan words "Shimakutuba" are based on old Japanese. 
• English is also commonly spoken in most places in Okinawa 

Beautiful beaches and rich nature 

There are many beautiful beaches in Okinawa Prefecture, such as Kouri Beach and Araha Beach. In Yanbaru in the northern part of Okinawa Island is registered as a World Natural Heritage site, as well as in the remote islands of Iriomote Island. You can enjoy rich nature and there are many rare species, such as the Iriomote wild cat, an endangered species that lives only here. 

Traditional performing arts

There are numerous traditional performing arts in Okinawa. 

Ryukyu traditional dances, such as "Eisa" which is danced during the Obon Festival* and "Kachashi" danced during festive occasions, are performing arts that the royal government put a lot of effort into fostering for the benefit of diplomatic relations in the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Okinawa City is famous for "Eisa" and holds the “the Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival” which is the largest Eisa festival in Okinawa Prefecture in August every year, allowing visitors to enjoy Eisa from all islands of Okinawa.  

*Obon Festibal: Obon is one of the buddhist events. In Buddhism, it is believed that the spirits of family ancestors come back to this world during the obon period between July and August, and a series of events take place to commemorate them. 

Warm climate and sports 

Okinawa's warm climate makes it possible to enjoy sports throughout the year. In particular, sports such as golf and sap can be enjoyed in the beautiful nature. And marine activities such as glass boats, cruising, and parasailing can be enjoyed at Ginowan Port Marina in Ginowan City. 

Mixed culture streetscapes  

Okinawa offers historical buildings that retain vestiges of the Ryukyu Kingdom period and a cosmopolitan cityscape that reflects the Okinawan culture, which has developed by incorporating a variety of cultures. "Chanpuru" means "to mix" in Okinawan language, and it can be said that Okinawa's culture is truly a "chanpuru" culture. Naha City, near the airport and the biggest city in Okinawa Prefecture, is home to Shuri Castle, which is the motif of the Japanese host city logo of the World Cup. Okinawa City and Chatan area, around the Okinawa Arena, is an area where food, traditional performing arts, and music can be enjoyed. There are many attractive sightseeing spots, such as Mihama American Village, Southeast Botanical Garden, and Okinawa Zoo, and Katsuren - jo, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 in Uruma City. 

Hospitality 

Japan is well known for its generous hospitality, and Okinawa is no exception. In Okinawan language, the word "yuimaru", where "yui" means connecting with others and "maru" means there is an order to go around, contains the meaning of " helping each other".  

Okinawans are renowned for this compassion and kindness and do not leave others alone. 

We invite you to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience by watching a match at the Okinawa Arena and feeling the hospitality of the Okinawan yuimaru spirit.

VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN

KOZA WEB

 Dream Big Okinawa

The Japan LOC has initiated an incredibly inspiring project for the children of Okinawa called DREAM BIG OKINAWA.

This project strives to ignite the spark of dreaming big within these young minds by providing them with a chance to explore the world through the World Cup.

DREAM BIG OKINAWA aims to enrich their lives with unique experiences and discoveries that will leave a lasting impact on their future. By building on the tremendous success of the World Cup in Okinawa, DREAM BIG OKINAWA is all set to make a significant difference in the lives of these children. 

More info

(in Japanese only)