Okinawa is a small tropical island in the Pacific Ocean,
just south of mainland Japan and near Taiwan.
An Introduction To Okinawa
Okinawa's climate is semi-tropical with an average annual temperature of 72 degrees. The
average annual rainfall is about 82.7 inches. Sugar cane, pineapples, bananas, papayas, guavas,
mangoes, passion fruits, and other tropical fruits and plants are grown on Okinawa and its
surrounding islands. The total land area of the Okinawa Prefecture is 456 square miles and its
population in October 1997 was 1,299,000, of which a quarter of the population live in Naha
City, the prefectural capital. Okinawa itself is just 67 miles long! The average life expectancy of
men is 76.3 years and women 83.7 years -- this was the longest not only in Japan, but also in the
world. Tourism is Okinawa's biggest industry. In 1995, more than 3,150,000 travelers visited
Okinawa and the number of tourists still grows.
More Okinawan Facts:
- Prefectural Flower: Coral tree blossom
- Prefectural Wood: Ryukyu pine
- Prefectural Bird: Noguchi gera
- Sister City: Hawaii (USA), Mato Grosso do sul (Brazil)
J.A. Hitchcock with a local asking for directions in southern
Okinawa
Pick up a copy of the wonderful book, BEING A BROAD IN JAPAN: Everything a
Western Woman Needs to Survive and Thrive by Caroline Pover. Jayne Hitchcock was
interviewed for the book (see page 345)
A fan writes:
"I enjoyed your site. I lived on Okinawa for four years in the
1960s. My dad was in the Navy and we were stationed on Naha Air Force Base. I had a friend
on Okinawa recently send me two of your books, "Ghosts of Okinawa" and "Folktales of
Okinawa". I was so impressed with both and have enjoyed them immensely. Many thanks, and
keep up the good work. You have touched many people with your talent."
To find books in English related to Okinawa and Japan, visit these web pages:
- Stone Bridge Press
- Weatherhill Publishing
Visit the Hitchcock Bookstore
today!!
Hachinoe Horses