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Okinawa Prefecture, Japan's southwesternmost prefecture, consists of 50 inhabited and 110
uninhabited islands scattered over an area 1,000 from east to west and 400 km from north
to south known as the Ryukyu Island Chain. The islands are divided into three major
groups; the Okinawa island group, the Miyako island group, and the Yaeyama island
group.Okinawa island is by far the largest, followed in turn by Iriomote island , Isigaki
island and Miyako island. Okinawa Prefecture is located between Kyusyu and Taiwan.
Major Asian cities such as Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Manila and Tokyo are all
located within a 1,500km radius of Okinawa. Because of its close proximity to the
major Asian cities, Okinawa represents the southern gate to China, Southeast Asia and
Oceania. With this geographic advantage, Okinawa engaged in a prosperous
overseas trade with China and Southeast Asian countries during fourteenth and sixteenth
century. Okinawa established its unique cultural characteristics through overseas trade
and these characteristics seen in it's textiles, lacquerware, pottery , performing arts
and customs. Okinawa Prefecture is Japan's only subtropical climate within 24N to 28N latitude, and has an average temperature of 23 degree. We are blessed with beautiful natural surroundings, emerald green seas, precious wildlife such as the Iriomote wild cat and the Okinawan woodpecker, and seasonal plants. Many tourists from mainland Japan, Taiwan and Korea visit Okinawa, which has recently become known as an international resort, famous for its natural environment and unique culture. Okinawa Prefecture is developing Japan's southernmost foothold in Asia by taking advantage of its geographic and historical advantages and promoting economic cultural and international educational exchange with neighboring Asian and Oceanic countries. With an area of 1176 sq. km. (454 sq. mi.), Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands. The population is 1,229,000 (1991 estimate). Naha is the largest city and major port. The terrain of the northern two-thirds of the island is mountainous and forested. The southern third is hilly, rolling country and contains most of the population. The island's climate is hot and humid, and typhoons frequently strike in summer. The principal economic activities are agriculture, fishing, lumbering, food processing, and the manufacture of textiles and pottery. United States military bases and tourism are also important to the economy. Home Family Ministry Misc Back to Okinawa Menu
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