外国人向け異文化理解シリーズ
Discover Japan, Discover Culture
～47都道府県で学ぶ日本～
Learn Japan through 47 prefectures
Vol.1 沖縄県 Okinawa

01：沖縄県とは？/Introduction

Okinawa Prefecture has developed through centuries of exchange with many countries and regions, reflecting the spirit of “Bankoku Shinryo”. The culture that grew from these international connections continues to be preserved and celebrated today in many different forms.

With its unique history and cultural heritage, Okinawa is one of Japan's most distinctive regions and offers valuable insights into the country's rich cultural diversity.

Bankoku Shinryo (万国津梁): A phrase meaning "a bridge connecting the nations of the world."

02：地理・基本情報/Geography

・Location: Located at the southwestern end of the Japanese archipelago, roughly midway between mainland Japan and Southeast Asia
・Area: Approximately 2,282 km² (44th largest among Japan's 47 prefectures)
・Population: Approximately 1.47 million
・Climate: Warm, subtropical maritime climate throughout the year
・Size Comparison: With an area of approximately 2,282 km², Okinawa is almost the same size as Comoros (about 2,236 km²), an island nation off the east coast of Africa. It is also slightly smaller than Luxembourg (approximately 2,586 km²).

03：歴史/History

1429: King Shō Hashi unified the Ryukyu Kingdom.
1879: The Ryukyu Domain was abolished, and Okinawa Prefecture was established.
1972: Okinawa was returned to Japanese administration.

For more information about the history of Okinawa, please refer to the Historical Overview on the official Okinawa Prefectural Government webpage:沖縄県公式「歴史概要」

04：文化・伝統/Culture and traditions

・組踊（くみおどり）/Kumi Odori / Inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan
・琉球びんがた/Ryukyu Bingata / A traditional textile dyeing craft designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan
・壺屋焼/Tsuboya Ware / Traditional Okinawan pottery designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan

05：この地域ならではの特徴/Unique characteristics of the region

・A prefecture consisting of more than 160 islands: Okinawa Prefecture is one of Japan's most distinctive island prefectures, made up of numerous islands.
・Japan's only subtropical region: Its climate, natural environment, and ecosystems are significantly different from those of mainland Japan.
・Unique language and culture continue to be preserved: Shimakutuba (the Okinawan language), traditional events, and other local customs are still an important part of everyday life in many communities.

06:世界とのつながり・異文化比較/Global connections and cross-cultural comparisons

Okinawa , formerly known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, prospered through maritime trade with China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and other places that flourished through trade, such as Venice in Italy and Malacca in Malaysia. Although each has a different history and culture, they share the common characteristic that cultural exchange through maritime trade played an important role in their development.

07：地域のマナー・ルール/Local manners and customs

■ Be Respectful at Sacred Sites (Uganju)：
Okinawa has many sacred places, such as Uganju and Utaki, that are deeply respected by local communities. E Even if they are popular tourist destinations, please speak quietly, respect the sacred atmosphere, and do not enter restricted areas.

■ Do not take coral or seashells home：
To help protect Okinawa's rich natural environment, please follow the local regulations. In some areas, including national parks and protected sites, collecting coral, seashells, or other natural items is prohibited.

■ Respect local rules at festivals and traditional events：
Traditional events such as Eisa may have rules regarding viewing areas and photography. Please follow posted signs and the instructions of event organizers.

08：祭・伝統行事/Festivals and traditional events

■ 那覇大綱挽 （なはおおつなひき）/Naha Great Tug-of-War (Naha Otsunahiki)
・One of Okinawa's most representative traditional events.
・Known as one of the world's largest tug-of-war festivals.

■ 糸満大綱引 （いとまんおおつなひき）/Itoman Great Tug-of-War (Itoman Otsunahiki)
・A traditional event with a history of approximately 300 years.
・Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

■ エイサー/Eisa
・A traditional performing art performed throughout Okinawa during the Obon season to welcome and send off the spirits of ancestors.
・The style of dancing, music, and performances varies from region to region.

09：郷土料理・食文化/Local cuisine and food culture

■ 沖縄そば：沖縄を代表する郷土料理の一つです。
■ ゴーヤー：沖縄を代表する農産物で、家庭料理にも広く使われています。
■ 泡盛：沖縄で長く親しまれてきた蒸留酒です。

10：公式情報・外国人向け情報/Official information and resources for international residents

■ 沖縄県公式ホームページ/Official Website of Okinawa Prefecture

■ 在住外国人向け生活支援ガイドブック「おきなわ生活」/"Okinawa Life" – A guidebook for Foreign Residents

■ 沖縄防災情報ポータル ハイサイ！防災で～びる/"Haisai! Bousai De~biru" – Okinawa Disaster Prevention Information Portal

■ 沖縄県公式観光情報「おきなわ物語」/"Okinawa Monogatari" – Official Tourism Information Website

■ 沖縄県観光案内所/Okinawa Tourist Information Centers

This article has been prepared by our staff based on official information provided by the Okinawa Prefectural Government, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Japan Tourism Agency, and other official sources. The information in this article is accurate as of the time of publication. For the latest information, please refer to the relevant official websites.