Okinawa, Japan’s Southern Island Gem: Experiencing the Island’s Five Senses Daily

Okinawa was once the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, and its cultural differences from mainland Japan are not only evident in language but also strongly reflected in its arts and crafts. To truly experience authentic Okinawa, beyond its blue coastlines, the island’s rich culture and colorful craftsmanship are irresistible draws. On this day, we took a direct flight with Revival Airlines, arriving in Naha in just 75 minutes, and immediately began our brief but sensory-rich encounter with Okinawa.

To get a basic feel for Okinawan culture, it’s recommended to try a sanshin class and experience playing the instrument. Stepping into a sanshin classroom, holding the stringed instrument that originated from Fujian, China, I struggled to remember the musical notes on the sheet music. Gently stroking the sea snake skin stretched over the body of the instrument (though practice instruments usually use imitation skin), I plucked the strings following the teacher’s instructions. The sound, though halting, drifted through the air—clumsy, yet deeply moving. From formal lessons to roadside uncle’s emotional renditions of “Nada Sousou,” the unique tone of the Okinawan sanshin not only complements the rhythm of island songs but also directly expresses the islanders’ straightforward joys and sorrows.

The auditory experience of Okinawa is enchanting, but the earthy scents and smooth textures of pottery and glass crafts have a strangely calming effect. A bit farther from central Naha lies Yomitan Tsuboya Pottery Village, where a community of ceramic artists gathers. They absorb techniques from various regions and blend them with creativity to produce unique Okinawan pottery. It feels like a mountain village—just a few steps between each studio, with artists displaying their self-made works right at their doorsteps. The Okinawan glass produced at the glassblowing workshop “Nijiiro” features vivid, translucent hues with tiny bubbles inside, creating an ethereal yet tangible beauty. Meanwhile, the more modest pottery from various workshops, though lacking in flamboyance, reflects the islanders’ easygoing charm. Artworks displayed under the sun on the grass carry warmth and emotion, telling more stories than the mass-produced souvenirs commonly found in Kokusai Dori shops—and they resonate even more deeply.