Okinawa Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kyushu region. Its capital is Naha City. The prefecture consists of the islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago—excluding the Satsunan Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture—and includes the Okinawa Islands, Sakishima Islands, and Daito Islands. It lies geographically between the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. With an area of 2,281 square kilometers, it is the fourth smallest among Japan’s prefectures but includes the southernmost and westernmost municipalities of the country.
Geography and Population
About 90% of the prefecture's population resides on the main island of Okinawa, and around 80% of those people live in the central and southern parts of the island. Especially in and around Naha City, population density is extremely high—comparable to Japan’s three major metropolitan areas. Okinawa’s geographical location makes it an important maritime nation, serving as both a key sea lane and a military strategic point (the First Island Chain). Consequently, many U.S. military bases are located within the prefecture.
Climate and Natural Environment
Okinawa belongs to a subtropical climate zone, with some areas exhibiting tropical climate characteristics. The weather is warm throughout the year, with subzero temperatures being extremely rare. The average annual temperature is around 22°C, and the region experiences high humidity and annual rainfall exceeding 2,000 mm. However, due to the surrounding ocean, days with extreme heat over 35°C are uncommon, making summers relatively comfortable.
Okinawa is also known as the "Typhoon Ginza" due to the frequent typhoons that approach the region every year. From September to early November, weather conditions can become severe, often affecting air travel and other services. Rainfall increases during the rainy season (around May) and the typhoon season (August). In winter, northern winds bring cloudy or rainy days. After the rainy season, Okinawa experiences the Kaachibee (夏至南風)—a seasonal wind that heralds the arrival of summer and is considered a cultural symbol of the region.
History and Cultural Characteristics
Okinawa Prefecture has a rich history as the Ryukyu Kingdom, and its religion, culture, customs, language, and cuisine remain distinct from those of mainland Japan. Because of these cultural differences, people in Okinawa often refer to mainland Japan as "Naichi", and people from the mainland as "Naichaa", reflecting linguistic uniqueness.
Okinawa is also known as the birthplace of karate (Ryukyu Tode), having produced many outstanding practitioners, and is highly regarded both domestically and internationally as a center of traditional culture. In the field of boxing as well, Okinawa has produced numerous world champions, indicating a deep-rooted sports culture.
Economy and Tourism
In terms of economic structure, tertiary industries make up 85% of the prefecture's economy, with tourism being one of the main sectors. As one of Japan’s leading resort destinations, Okinawa offers a variety of attractions including marine sports, wartime heritage tours, cultural experiences, and Okinawan cuisine. Since the airing of the 2001 TV drama Churasan, the number of tourists and migrants from outside the prefecture has surged, helping to shape Okinawa’s nationwide image.
On the other hand, primary and secondary industries account for a smaller share compared to the national average, with agriculture and fisheries making up only 1.2% of the economy. Additionally, the presence of U.S. military bases significantly impacts the economy and society, presenting various challenges that remain unresolved.
