WELCOME TO OKINAWA!!
by Hitomi Toda
In this essay, I’m going to introduce
Okinawan history and culture. I spent my infancy there and I’ve got memories which
include both good and bad. They are very important for me as a part of my life,
precious things to me. I’d like you to know Okinawa and feel it closer, as same
as your home. I would be really glad if you thought to visit there or wanted to
know about its culture and history.
Mini-Information of History
Okinawa is surrounded by sea, composed of big and small isles and located in the south region of Japan. Once upon a time, Okinawa wasn’t a part of Japan yet, and it mixed well with countries of Asia: China, Korea, Japan and so on. People in Okinawa earned their living by hunting and gathering until about 10th century. In 12th century, leaders who are called “Aji” contended for hegemony, then they built castles “Gusuku” in each territory. In 14th century, three forces gained power, the land was divided into three areas and ruled by them. In 15th century, Ryukyu Kingdom came into existence and had more prosperous trades with them. From 15th to 17th century, in the Age of Discovery, Europe, like Portugal, Netherlands and Spain, took opportunities to have international contacts with Okinawa2. In the early 17th century, the country was under the imperial control of the Satsuma Clan and the Edo Shogunate, meanwhile it built up its own culture. From the beginning to the middle of 19th century, many vessels like those of Admiral Perry, and from the UK and France, dropped into Okinawa’s harbor3. At the end of 19th century, this Kingdom suffered great changes. The Ryukyu Kingdom became 'Okinawa Prefecture' by the Edo Shogunate. It was taken over. In 20th century, World War II began and Okinawa was the only place which had actual ground warfare. At the end of the war, Okinawa belonged to the US and was only restored to Japan in 1972. Even now, there are problems about U.S military bases in Okinawa, problems between the Japanese government and the U.S. govt. Thus, from the remote past, Okinawa trades with overseas and has been affected by various cultures which continue today.
Culture of Okinawa
In this section, I’d like to show you Okinawa’s culture through their living. There are so many customs peculiar to Okinawa. For example, they celebrate the New Year by the lunar calendar. Other occasion is “Shi-mi-” that all relatives gather, eat and drink in front of their family tomb for comforting their ancestor’s soul.
Now then, imagine you are a tourist who visits to Okinawa. You could have seen the ocean from a plane. Of course, there are beaches, but in my opinion local people don’t swim so often. On occasion they swim, they wear swimming gear and go into the sea. After arriving at the Okinawa airport, you will see monorails and many vehicles which include taxis and buses. A long time ago there were trains in Okinawa. Okinawa is vehicular society and most of the transport is by car. I could say that one or two cars per household were given.
Mini-Information of History
Okinawa is surrounded by sea, composed of big and small isles and located in the south region of Japan. Once upon a time, Okinawa wasn’t a part of Japan yet, and it mixed well with countries of Asia: China, Korea, Japan and so on. People in Okinawa earned their living by hunting and gathering until about 10th century. In 12th century, leaders who are called “Aji” contended for hegemony, then they built castles “Gusuku” in each territory. In 14th century, three forces gained power, the land was divided into three areas and ruled by them. In 15th century, Ryukyu Kingdom came into existence and had more prosperous trades with them. From 15th to 17th century, in the Age of Discovery, Europe, like Portugal, Netherlands and Spain, took opportunities to have international contacts with Okinawa2. In the early 17th century, the country was under the imperial control of the Satsuma Clan and the Edo Shogunate, meanwhile it built up its own culture. From the beginning to the middle of 19th century, many vessels like those of Admiral Perry, and from the UK and France, dropped into Okinawa’s harbor3. At the end of 19th century, this Kingdom suffered great changes. The Ryukyu Kingdom became 'Okinawa Prefecture' by the Edo Shogunate. It was taken over. In 20th century, World War II began and Okinawa was the only place which had actual ground warfare. At the end of the war, Okinawa belonged to the US and was only restored to Japan in 1972. Even now, there are problems about U.S military bases in Okinawa, problems between the Japanese government and the U.S. govt. Thus, from the remote past, Okinawa trades with overseas and has been affected by various cultures which continue today.
Culture of Okinawa
In this section, I’d like to show you Okinawa’s culture through their living. There are so many customs peculiar to Okinawa. For example, they celebrate the New Year by the lunar calendar. Other occasion is “Shi-mi-” that all relatives gather, eat and drink in front of their family tomb for comforting their ancestor’s soul.
Now then, imagine you are a tourist who visits to Okinawa. You could have seen the ocean from a plane. Of course, there are beaches, but in my opinion local people don’t swim so often. On occasion they swim, they wear swimming gear and go into the sea. After arriving at the Okinawa airport, you will see monorails and many vehicles which include taxis and buses. A long time ago there were trains in Okinawa. Okinawa is vehicular society and most of the transport is by car. I could say that one or two cars per household were given.
OK. You get on a rental car and go to a hotel. While driving, you will see a lot of trees and flowers you may be unaccustomed to. Nature is spectacular there. There are many kind of plants, but I’ll tell you a few of them. Okinawa’s symbol flower is “Deigo ”. In South of Okinawa, you can find Poinsettias which is a traditional flower of Christmas in Western countries. Okinawa’s Poinsettias are a little different from theirs. The height is tall and they stand like weeds. “Gajumal” is also popular there. It grows roots into the surface of the ground, and they go deep into it. The trunk is twisted complicatedly. “Gecko” is a reptile which inhabits the forest and sometimes human habitations. It is called ‘the Guardian Angel of a house’. Once, suddenly a gecko fell from above -I think from the ceiling- to my head. It is usual thing to coexist with them. Please, check these plants and animals which flourish in the semi-tropical zone.
On the way hotel, you’re getting hungry.
Well then, what do they in Okinawa eat and what is the traditional Okinawan
food like? In Okinawa, pork, which was introduced from China, is very popular
and every part of the pig, ears, even its trotters and intestines are cooked
thoroughly. There are a large number of vegetables here (note that the words in
parentheses are dialect words): Nigayri (Goya), Hechima (Na-be-ra-), Tougan (Shibui),
Papaiya (PaPaya-) etc. Maybe Goya is the most famous, a little bit sour taste. Kombu
is also familiar. However, Okinawa is not a source of it. Most Kombu comes from
the north of Japan, like Hokkaido. There is a local fast food there, for
example “Pork Tamago” which comes from Hawaii.
Famous Okinawa’s home cooking: Somen-Chanpuru
Ingredients:
Japanese thin wheat noodles…2 bunches(100g)
Salt…half-teaspoon
Salad oil…dash
Salad oil…1tablespoon
Spring onion…pinch
How to prepare:
(I recommend looking in the local supermarket and convenience store. You will discover
All the necessities for daily life and this dish.)
Japanese thin wheat noodles…2 bunches(100g)
Salt…half-teaspoon
Salad oil…dash
Salad oil…1tablespoon
Spring onion…pinch
How to prepare:
- Pick the noodles and put them
into plenty of boiled water in a pan.
After blanching up, drain them in a colander. Sprinkle half-teaspoon
- Mince spring onion.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of salad oil
on a frying pan. Stir-fry the noodles and mix
them with oil well. Dish out. Scatter spring onion on them.
(I recommend looking in the local supermarket and convenience store. You will discover
All the necessities for daily life and this dish.)
Conclusion
Well, you get the hotel. Now please have a rest and prepare for tomorrow’s sightseeing!!
Did you find something interesting for you? Are there differences between Okinawa and your home? These are insignificant things that I show you here. You might hear dialect and intonation of speaking and meet something, same or variation. You could enjoy traditional arts and plays which developed from 17th century to 18th century. People in Okinawa have warmth, however, they are closed to persons who come from another place on the other side. It is a fact that there is distance between mainland of Japan and Okinawa. To consider about these points; I think it is a really important thing to feel another culture, so by learning the distinct customs of an unfamiliar area you can find the real identity of the place and the people there. And by carrying out these acts, it is possible to develop your ability to be generous to culture-diversity for all people. To live together in our future.
Notes:
1. www.okinawastory.jp/information/history.html Accessed/3/10
2. Takara, 1993, pp.116-117
3. Takara, 1993, pp.39-40
4. Hokama, 2000, p.120
Bibliography:
Takara, R. Tanaka, S. (1993) “Zusetu-Ryukyuokoku”. Tokyo: Kawadeshobou.
Hkama, Y. Matsumoto, K. (2000) “ShokuhintoRyouri・Okinawanoaji”. Okinawa: Niraisha
www.okinawastiry.jp/information/histori.html
Finally, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, teachers and, of course, to Okinawa.