Top 10 things to know about Okinawa, the island where we live super old

Often nicknamed the Hawaii of Japan, the island of Okinawa, located in the archipelago of the same name, is like an earthly paradise with its absolutely sublime landscapes, its mysteries and its oh so welcoming inhabitants. A distant land with multiple riches that is well worth exploring in due form.

1. It is the homeland of karate

Karate was born a very long time ago in the kingdom of Ryukyu, an ancient independent kingdom located on the island of Okinawa. However, it fully took off in 1609 when the island was conquered by the Japanese Satsuma clan. It is also in Okinawa that was born Mr. Miyagi, the famous character of the film Karate Kid, played by the late Pat Morita. I

2. It’s never cold there

Even in the middle of winter, it rarely drops below 20 degrees in Okinawa. The climate is therefore ideal for indulging in all the activities that the place encourages, such as diving.

3. We live there very old

Okinawa has the longest life expectancy in the world: 87 years on average for women and 79.4 years for men. There are 33 centenarians per 100,000 inhabitants. Despite everything, for several years, this life expectancy has continued to decline. A phenomenon linked to the recent establishment on the island of several fast food restaurants, very popular with young people. As a result, today, we eat less well, we live less old and Okinawa has the highest male obesity rate in all of Japan.

4. Anyone can dive

Yes, Okinawa is one of the few places in the world where no training is required to dive. That’s good because the seabed is sublime. And in terms of safety, it is good to know that a guide always supervises the outings. A good opportunity to visit the incredible Blue Grotto of Cape Maeda.

5. And by the way Okinawa is made of coral

In part anyway! It is this same coral, a very particular species, which gave birth to the island’s unique star-shaped beaches.

6. There is a river like no other

Not only is the Siokawa salty, which is very rare on the planet for a river, but it is also the shortest in Japan, at only 300 meters long. It has its own ecosystem and is surrounded by a magnificent subtropical forest.

7. A third of the island is protected

Because there are many endemic species, such as the Iriomote wildcat and the Yonaguni horse, and because nature is as beautiful as it is fragile, a third of Okinawa is therefore considered a national park. Preserved areas that it is nevertheless possible to visit.

8. 75% of US military bases in Japan are located there

Incredible but true. This is because after World War II, Okinawa came under US military rule. The country therefore seized land on which it settled the soldiers and their families. In total, 1/5th of the total area of ​​the island is therefore American. As a result, and this can be understood, Americans are not super popular in Okinawa.

9. The salt here is exceptional

Listed in the Guinness Book of Records, Okinawa salt is the one with the most minerals. There are 14 of them. According to the inhabitants, it is partly responsible for the exceptional life expectancy.

10. Okinawa wasn’t always Japanese

No, because before, the island was part of the independent kingdom of Ryukyu. Suddenly, the culture remains very different from that of Japan with marked Chinese influences, in terms of music or gastronomy in particular.

Attention, here, we drive on the right, and not on the left as in Japan. It’s good to know.

About Thiruvenkatam

Thiruvenkatam is a distinguished digital entrepreneur and online publishing expert with over a decade of experience in creating and managing successful websites. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English, Business Administration, Journalism from Annamalai University and is a certified member of Digital Publishers Association. The founder and owner of multiple reputable platforms - leverages his extensive expertise to deliver authoritative and trustworthy content across diverse industries such as technology, health, home décor, and veterinary news. His commitment to the principles of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) ensures that each website provides accurate, reliable, and high-quality information tailored to a global audience.

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