10 Facts about Okinawa

Okinawa is a prefecture made up of hundreds of islands in southern Japan. The islands cover a total area of 877 square miles (2,271 square kilometers) and are home to more than 1.3 million people. Okinawa Island is the largest of these islands, and it is where Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is located.

Here are ten important facts to know when exploring or traveling to Okinawa:

1. The main group of islands that make up Okinawa is called the Ryukyu Islands. They are divided into three regions: the Okinawa Islands, the Miyako Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands.
2. Most of Okinawa’s islands are composed of coral rock and limestone. Over time, erosion has shaped the limestone across many islands, resulting in numerous caves. The most famous of these is Gyokusendo Cave.
3. Due to the abundance of coral reefs, Okinawa is home to a wide variety of marine life. Sea turtles are common on the southernmost islands, while jellyfish, sharks, sea snakes, and several species of venomous fish are found throughout the region.
4. Okinawa has a subtropical climate, with an average temperature of 30.5°C (86.9°F) in August. Much of the year is also rainy and humid. The average low temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 13°C (55.4°F).
5. Thanks to its favorable climate, Okinawa grows crops such as sugarcane, pineapple, and papaya, and is home to many botanical gardens.
6. Historically, Okinawa was an independent kingdom separate from Japan and was under the influence of China’s Qing Dynasty. At that time, the islands were known as Ryukyu in Japanese and Liuqiu in Chinese. In 1872, Ryukyu was annexed by Japan, and in 1879 it was officially renamed Okinawa Prefecture.
7. During World War II, the Battle of Okinawa took place in 1945, after which Okinawa came under United States control. In 1972, control was returned to Japan under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. Despite this, the U.S. has maintained a significant military presence on the islands.
8. Today, the United States operates 14 military bases in Okinawa, most of which are located on the main island of Okinawa.
9. Because Okinawa was separate from Japan for much of its history, local residents speak distinct languages that differ from standard Japanese.
10. Okinawa is known for its unique architecture, shaped by frequent tropical storms and typhoons. Most buildings are constructed from reinforced concrete and feature cement roof tiles designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.