Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Prefecture
Name	Okinawa Prefecture
Native name	沖縄県
Settlement type	Prefecture
Coordinates	26, 30, N, 128...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Japan
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Naha
Leader title	Governor
Leader name	Denny Tamaki
Area total km2	2,281
Population total	1,467,480
Population as of	1 June 2020
Population density km2	643
Iso code	JP-47
Website	https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/

Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, consisting of over 150 islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Kyushu. Its capital is Naha, located on the largest island, Okinawa Island. The prefecture is known for its distinct Ryukyuan heritage, subtropical climate, and complex modern history involving the U.S. military.

Geography

The prefecture's territory spans the Ryukyu Islands, an archipelago stretching over 1,000 kilometers from Kyushu to Taiwan. Major island groups include the Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands, and Yaeyama Islands, with Okinawa Island being the political and demographic center. The islands are predominantly limestone and coral in origin, featuring unique karst landscapes, extensive coral reefs like those off Ishigaki Island, and dense subtropical forests. Notable natural landmarks include the Yambaru forest in the north of Okinawa Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the brilliant blue waters of Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, with a pronounced typhoon season from July to October.

History

Historically an independent kingdom, the Ryukyu Kingdom was a prosperous maritime trading state with strong cultural and economic ties to both China and Japan. It was formally annexed by the Satsuma Domain in 1609 and then fully incorporated into the Empire of Japan as Okinawa-ken in 1879, an event known as the Ryukyu Disposition. The prefecture was the site of one of the Pacific War's final and bloodiest campaigns, the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. After World War II, it was placed under U.S. administration until its reversion to Japan in 1972. The legacy of this period is marked by the continued presence of major U.S. military facilities, such as Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Kadena Air Base.

Demographics and culture

The population is concentrated on Okinawa Island, with significant communities in Naha, Okinawa City, and Urasoe. The indigenous Ryukyuan people have a distinct cultural and linguistic heritage, with languages like Okinawan and Miyako considered endangered. Traditional arts include Ryukyuan dance, the sanshin (a three-stringed instrument), and vibrant bingata textile dyeing. The prefecture is famous for its Okinawan cuisine, which features ingredients like bitter melon (goya), purple sweet potato, and Awamori liquor. Annual festivals such as Naha Hari (Tug-of-war) and the Shurijo festivals celebrate this unique heritage.

Economy

The economy is heavily reliant on tourism and U.S. military-related spending. Key tourist destinations include the Shuri Castle reconstruction in Naha, the Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu, and the resort islands of Miyakojima and Ishigaki Island. Agriculture focuses on specialty products like sugar cane, pineapples, and mangoes. Light manufacturing includes food processing and Awamori distillation. The national and prefectural governments provide substantial subsidies to offset the economic and social impact of the military bases, which occupy a significant portion of the land, particularly on Okinawa Island.

Government and politics

The prefecture is headed by a governor, currently Denny Tamaki, who has been a prominent voice regarding the U.S. military presence. The prefectural assembly is based in Naha. A central and enduring political issue is the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within the prefecture, a plan strongly opposed by many residents and successive governors. Political movements often emphasize Ryukyuan identity and advocacy for reduced military footprints, creating a complex dynamic with the national government in Tokyo led by the Liberal Democratic Party.

Transportation

The main international and domestic gateway is Naha Airport on Okinawa Island, with additional airports on Miyakojima, Ishigaki, and other outlying islands. A monorail line, the Yui Rail, connects Naha Airport to central Naha and Shuri. An extensive bus network serves the islands, while the Naha Port is a crucial hub for ferry services to other islands in the Ryukyu Islands and to mainland Japan. Bridges, such as those connecting the islands of Ishigaki and Iriomote, are vital for inter-island connectivity.

Category:Prefectures of Japan Category:Ryukyu Islands Category:States and territories established in 1879