Category Archives: Research

The culture of Okinawa and the Ryukyus is different from that of mainland Japan. A long history as an independent kingdom, the influence of ancient China and more recently decades of American military presence have created a unique culture.

Two great web sites for Okinawa information are Ryukyu culture archives and Okinawa Prefecture’s education pages

Glossary

Posted on May 18, 2006 by artbobo

Okinawa Glossary Glossary of Terms: ***** A, B, C ***** Andagi (Also known as Sata Andagi.) Okinawan donut. Andagi is probably the most well-known Okinawan snack. Go to Anma’s Kitchen for a recipe and photo of this delicious snack! Asadoya … Continue reading →

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Language

Posted on May 18, 2006 by artbobo

uchinaguchi the language of Okinawa   the history of uchina guchi (Excerpt taken from Etsuko Higa’s Master of Arts thesis, Okinawan Classical Music: Analysis of Vocal Performance, University of Hawaii, 1976.) The language of Okinawa belongs to the Japanese-Ryukyuan language … Continue reading →

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Chronology

Posted on May 18, 2006 by artbobo

Okinawan History A Chronological Table PRIMEVAL   Old Stone Age   Shell Mound Age 605 The Chinese Emperor Yo (Sui Dynasty) sends Shu-Kan to the Ryukyus 608 From about this time, the "Southern Island" people pay tribute to the Japanese … Continue reading →

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Birth of Star Sand

Posted on May 18, 2006 by artbobo

folktales  of the birth of star sand Excerpted from Folktales of Okinawa Bank of the Ryukyus International Foundation Naha Okinawa Japan A long time ago, among the twelve signs of the zodiac were the Polar Star and the Southern Cross, … Continue reading →

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Folktales

Posted on May 18, 2006 by artbobo

folktales  of Excerpted from  Folktales of Okinawa Bank of the Ryukyus International Foundation Naha Okinawa Japan English Translation by Terunobu Tamamori and Jayne A. Hitchcock Illustrations by Fumio Amuro   selected folktales: the birth of star sand kajimaya

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Weather, News, Maps

Posted on May 18, 2006 by artbobo

Okinawa Weather What’s the Average Temperature in Okinawa? Okinawa is in the subtropical climate zone and has comfortable weather for vacationers throughout the year. In Japan, Okinawa is the only prefecture that is located in the subtropical climate zone. The … Continue reading →

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Background and History

Posted on May 18, 2006 by artbobo

Okinawa is the name for the island of Okinawa (Okinawa Shima) and the name of the 47th prefecture of Japan (Okinawa Ken) which includes not only the main island of Okinawa but also the southern islands of the Ryukyu archipelago. … Continue reading →

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