Okinawa

Okinawa is a chain of islands in southern Japan between the main islands and Taiwan. The islands have a warm, tropical climate very different from the rest of Japan. Okinawa is famous for karate, coral reefs, and people who live longer than almost anyone else on Earth. The islands have their own unique culture and traditions.

Land and People

About 1.5 million people live in Okinawa. Naha is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. The islands have beautiful coral reefs and white sand beaches. Okinawa's climate is subtropical, much warmer than mainland Japan.

Culture and Fun Facts

Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, the famous martial art. The islands are a Blue Zone, where many people live past 100. Scientists think their long lives come from a healthy diet, strong communities, and staying active. Okinawa has a unique culture with its own music, dance, and cuisine different from mainland Japan.

Fun Facts

• Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, which means 'empty hand' in Japanese.
• Okinawa is one of the world's Blue Zones, where many people live to be over 100 years old.
• The Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa has one of the largest tanks in the world, holding whale sharks.

Did You Know?

Karate was invented in Okinawa when the islands were an independent kingdom called Ryukyu. Because weapons were banned, people developed karate as a way to defend themselves using only their hands and feet.