top of page

About Okinawa

Okinawa is known as the "Hawaii of Asia" located in the southern edge of the Japanese islands.

Many are attracted to Okinawa's warm climate, beautiful seas and nature.

Okinawa is known as a unique region with a special, deeply-rooted culture of its own.

Why study in Okinawa?

More about Okinawa

History

Okinawa, also referred to as ”Ryukyu", has followed a unique history not seen elsewhere in Japan.
About 600 years ago, the “Ryukyu Kingdom” existed as an independent nation which consisted of the main island of Okinawa and the surrounding islands.


Until the invasion of the Satsuma (now Kagoshima Prefecture) in 1609, the Ryukyu Kingdom prospered as a trading center with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. 

War and Peace

During World War II in 1945, Okinawa became a major battleground in the Pacific War, and many lives of Okinawan civilians, along with Japanese and American soldiers, were lost in the war, leaving a lasting memory.

​

Okinawans, having experienced the tragic ground war, hold a strong desire for peace and the value of life rooted in their hearts to this day.

"Chanpuru" Culture

Okinawa, as a maritime nation, has long been in close contact with many countries.
Today, Okinawa is attracting attention internationally as a popular tourist destination.

​

As a place where cultures meet, you can experience the “chanpuru culture”, where diverse peoples and cultures interweave and coexist in daily life.

bottom of page