Mixing things together, known by some as Champloo,
is a trait signature to its daily life. Why? Well, consider how the cultures of
mainland Japan, America, China, those native to the islands, and others have
mixed together throughout its history to create the whole its denizens know
today, both for worse and for better. Why for worse?
The
short version is that Okinawa, in it's history, was once an independent nation
with its own kingdom (complete with an oppressive ruler!). This kingdom was
soon brought down by invaders from mainland Japan, who, after establishing a
presence, tried to essentially rewrite its past through the suppression of it's
native culture and language.
Some
time after that, the US Army came and set up base on Okinawa during WWII,
bringing with it a great influence on the music, cuisine(see Spam Musubi, Taco
Rice, Tofu chanpuru and others) and the way locals view the Army presence; this
view, thanks to the vast consumption of resources, a history of vile acts by military folks, and numerous other factors, has been less than positive, as of
this writing, and continues to drive the politics and other developments within
the community.
China,
in contrast, has had a long standing and intricate connection to Okinawa's
development, from its architecture, its cuisine, the culture built through
centuries of international trading, and much more. Why, if you wanna see that
influence in person, just check out Shuri Castle and its bountiful Shisa lions!
Complimenting
that relationship is the native beauty and wonder found throughout the islands;
for example, consider the pristine beaches of Miyako Island, the elephant-like
cliffs of Manzamo in northern Okinawa, and the lush forests and waterfalls on
Iriomote Island, plus more just waiting to be discovered. Perhaps, though,
tropical climates and tropical environments aren't your thing; perhaps you want
something a bit closer to the stark wonders of the mountains; perhaps you want
to make your way to Hokkaido.