Okinawa Island in Japan is a beautiful island situated between Taiwan, China, and Kyushu, Japan. It mainly consists of three island groups near the main island of Okinawa: the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands, totaling 152 islands of various sizes, including well-known resort destinations such as Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. Okinawa Prefecture has a population of approximately 1.42 million. Notably, there are 68 centenarians per 100,000 people, making Okinawa the place with the highest number of centenarians in the world. In the United States, the ratio is 10 per 100,000, and in the United Kingdom, it is 5 per 100,000. On this sun-drenched island, the elderly live lives more comfortable than those of immortals, actively participating in society with many working well into their eighties and nineties. This shows that Okinawa is not only a beautiful place but also an ideal place to live.
Okinawa is also known as “Ryukyu.” Previously, as the “Ryukyu Kingdom,” it was a tributary state of China, so Okinawan culture incorporates many elements of Han Chinese heritage. After being annexed by Japan, Okinawa also absorbed many characteristics of Japanese culture, making it a place where Chinese and Japanese cultures intersect, with a cultural style distinctly different from other regions of Japan. The most iconic cultural activity in Okinawa is taiko drum performances. The powerful and vigorous drumbeats are filled with the simplicity of folk music and the mysterious atmosphere of ancient Japanese traditions, which are truly uplifting. It is another typical representation of Okinawan traditional culture. At the end of July and early August each year, Okinawa hosts a grand ten-thousand-person taiko drum festival. If you happen to visit during this time, it’s a great opportunity to witness the spectacle and learn more about Ryukyu culture.
Okinawa is not only home to the ancient and enduring Ryukyu culture but is also a vibrant place full of youthful energy. Every winter in December, Naha hosts the famous Marathon, with around 20,000 long-distance running enthusiasts participating each time, making it a representative national marathon in Japan. The marathon starts from Naha City and loops around the southern part of the island, with local citizens performing taiko drum shows along the route to add to the festive atmosphere. It is a celebration that combines modern vitality with traditional activities. The Kokusai Dori shopping street in downtown Naha is also a favorite spot among young people, featuring numerous trendy shops and fashion boutiques where you can experience the charm of international urban shopping while immersing yourself in Ryukyu traditional culture.
Okinawa Island, with its stunning scenery and rich traditional culture, is now becoming increasingly well-known and desired by travelers, making it the closest piece of oceanic paradise to China in the Pacific. When life gets busy, why not give your mind a break when you’re feeling tired and embark on a journey to this beautiful land of Okinawa together.