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The crimson pillars of Shuri Castle, the bronze-red tiled roofs of private homes, and the silver shine of modern skyscrapers: Everything in this southern land stands out sharply in the heat of a glittering sun. Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is also its commercial and tourist center. The semi-tropical city is situated in the southwestern-most island group of Japan, a two and half-hour plane ride from Tokyo.
A port town, Naha was once the capital of the Ryukyu kingdom (1410–1860), a seafaring nation trading actively with China and the countries of Southeast Asia. The rich Ryukyu culture of the uchina (the Okinawa dialect meaning “we” or “us”) reflects a colorful and pliant way of life that remains an integral part of the Okinawa personality to this day.
The three-month Battle of Okinawa at the end of World War II in 1945 ravaged the peaceful island and left Okinawa under the control of the American military. One of the first projects to rebuild from the ashes of war was the construction of Kokusai-dori, a main avenue which has evolved into the focal point of the city. The development along the new avenue progressed at such a rapid pace that it came to be known as the “Miracle Mile,” a symbol of the Okinawan people’s resilience and positive outlook on life. |
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Shisa dog-like figures look down with fierce mien from atop red-tiled roofs. Meant to ward off evil, the figures were introduced from China. In the past, shisa were fashioned by roofing tile craftsmen as a gift to the home-owner in appreciation for giving them work. |
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