Okinawa
Why Okinawa ?
Okinawa is one of most popular resorts in Japan and there are a great number
of fine hotels. Okinawa is located at southernmost area in Japan and its
north latitude is between 24 degrees and 28 degrees. Okinawa is the only
region in Japan that belongs to the subtropical oceanic climate. Okinawa
has interesting cultures, heritages, nature and delicious foods. The committee
members believe that all participants will have excellent experiences in
Okinawa, Japan.Please check the web-site about Okinawa informations
Okinawa History
Before Okinawa, there was Ryukyu, an independent kingdom ruled by its kings,
its people seafarers prospering through trade with China and other neighboring
countries. In 1609, Ryukyu was invaded by Satsuma Han forces and incorporated
into mainland Japan's Tokugawa Era "bakuhan" feudal regime. Okinawa
prefecture was created in 1879 when Japan's new Meiji government abolished
hans (feudal domains).During the Pacific War, the people of Okinawa
were engulfed in the war's only land battle on Japanese territory. After the
war, America retained control of Okinawa until 1972 when sovereignty reverted
to Japan.Nature of Okinawa
Japan's only prefecture in the subtropical latitudes, Okinawa enjoys a mild climate all year round. With schools of brightly tropical fish, the coral reef seas support a rich profusion of life. In the forests of northern Okinawa island and Iriomote island, rare animals Yambaru Kuina (Okinawa Rail) and Iriomote Wildcat live, and they are known worldwide as rare and important creatures.
Foods for health and longevity in Okinawa
Okinawa is renewed worldwide for its people's longevity. A number of things no doubt contribution to this - the temperature climate, the people's open-hearted character, the "yuimaru" or sprit of mutual support - but surely the islands' traditional healthy foods deserve much of credit. From China, the principle that food is medicine came to permeate Okinawan healthy culture.
