Okinawa: The Jewel of Japan's Southern Isles

• Helloハーイ
  [Hāi]
• Goodbyeじゃねー
  [Jane]
• Yesうん
  [Un]
• Noいや
  [Iya]
• Please/You're welcomeお願いします
  [Onegaishimasu]
• Thank youありがとう
  [Arigatō]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [Menyū o misete kudasai]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [Niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [Okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!出て行って！
  [Dete itte!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [Keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [Isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [Michi ni mayotte imasu]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです
  [Kaitai desu]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [Miteru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensive高すぎます
  [Takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)十時半です
  [Jūji han desu]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [Yūgata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinō]
• Today今日
  [Kyō]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Yon]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Ku]
• 10十
  [Jū]

• Where's a/the...?…はどこですか？
  [… wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で示してもらえますか？
  [Chizu de shimeshite moraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)…までのチケットをください
  [… made no chiketto o kudasai]

From the 15th to the 19th century, Okinawa was the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom, an independent kingdom that played a vital role in maritime trade across Southeast Asia. The kingdom's strategic location made it a hub for commerce and cultural exchange, especially with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian nations. Shuri Castle in Naha was the royal palace and a symbol of the kingdom's prosperity and unique culture.

In 1609, the Satsuma Domain from southern Kyushu invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom, bringing it under Japanese control while allowing it to maintain a façade of independence. This dual subjugation to both China and Japan led to a unique blend of cultural influences, evident in Okinawa's language, arts, and religious practices.

The Ryukyu Kingdom was formally annexed by Japan in 1879 during the Meiji Restoration, which aimed to modernize and centralize Japan. The annexation marked the end of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the beginning of Okinawa Prefecture. This period saw significant cultural and social changes as Okinawans were integrated into the Japanese nation-state.

The Battle of Okinawa in 1945 was one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. The island became a crucial battleground, resulting in immense loss of life and widespread destruction. The aftermath of the battle had long-lasting effects on Okinawan society and landscape, with many historical sites being restored or memorialized to honor those who suffered and perished.

After World War II, Okinawa was placed under U.S. administration, separate from mainland Japan. This period lasted until 1972 and brought about significant cultural and economic changes as American military bases were established across the islands. The presence of U.S. military personnel significantly influenced local culture and daily life, aspects of which can still be seen today.

In 1972, Okinawa was officially returned to Japanese sovereignty, marking the end of U.S. administration. This period saw efforts to reintegrate Okinawa into Japan's political, economic, and cultural frameworks. However, the legacy of the U.S. military presence remains a contentious issue, highlighted by ongoing debates about base locations and their impact on local communities.

In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Ryukyuan culture, arts, and language. Efforts to preserve and promote Okinawan heritage have led to a revival of traditional music, dance, crafts, and festivals. Sites like Shuri Castle and the Okinawa Prefectural Museum serve as cultural touchstones that connect modern Okinawans with their rich historical legacy.

Okinawa is accessible via Naha Airport (OKA), the main gateway to the island, which is well-connected to major cities in Japan and several international destinations. Direct flights are available from Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Once you arrive at Naha Airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or the Okinawa Monorail (Yui Rail) to reach your destination within the city.

Getting around Okinawa is convenient with multiple transportation options. The Okinawa Monorail (Yui Rail) connects Naha Airport to Shuri Castle, passing through central Naha. For broader travel across the island, buses are available, though they can be infrequent outside major routes. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the island at your own pace, especially for visiting remote beaches and historical sites. Taxis are also readily available but can be expensive for long distances.

The official currency in Okinawa, as in the rest of Japan, is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas, but cash is still king in rural areas and smaller establishments. ATMs are available at convenience stores, banks, and post offices, but not all accept foreign cards, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash.

Okinawa is generally a very safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, and serious crimes targeting tourists are rare. However, it is always wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas like Kokusai Street in Naha. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings. Be cautious of natural hazards such as strong ocean currents and jellyfish when swimming.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for the police and 119 for ambulance and fire services. Major hospitals in Naha, like Okinawa Prefectural Hospital, offer emergency services. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are widely available for minor health issues, and English-speaking staff can often be found in larger establishments.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples and shrines. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in these settings. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and shrines. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and avoid talking loudly or making phone calls. Eating and drinking on public transport is also frowned upon. Greetings: Do bow slightly when greeting locals. A handshake is less common but acceptable among younger generations. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Okinawa soba and taco rice. Always say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama' after finishing your meal. Don’t leave food uneaten, as it is considered wasteful.

To experience Okinawa like a local, visit traditional markets like Makishi Public Market in Naha where you can buy fresh seafood and local produce. Try the local specialty awamori, an Okinawan distilled spirit, at a local izakaya. Attend local festivals such as the Naha Tug-of-War or the Eisa Dance Festival to immerse yourself in the local culture. Renting a bicycle to explore less touristy areas can also offer a unique perspective of Okinawan life.