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64-561: Yomitan is located on the western coast of the central part of Okinawa Island . The village is bound to the north by Onna , to the east by Okinawa City , to the south by Kadena , and to the west by the East China Sea . 31.5% of the land area is zoned for agriculture, 35.7% is zoned as forest, 12.3% is zoned for housing, and the remaining 20.6% is zoned for other uses. The village includes twenty-three wards. Originally known as Yomitanzan ( 読谷山 , Okinawan : Yuntanja ) , it

128-467: A humid subtropical climate bordering on a tropical rainforest climate . The climate supports a dense Subtropical forest in the northern Yanbaru National Park . A rainy season occurs in the late spring. There are many local pubs ( izakaya ) and cafes that serve Okinawan cuisine and dishes, such as gōyā chanpurū (bitter melon stir fry), fu chanpurū (wheat gluten chanpurū ), and tonkatsu (tenderized, breaded, fried pork cutlet). Okinawan soba

192-603: A Miss Beni Imo ( 紅いも娘 , beni imo musume ) contest each year. Sweet potato cultivation first reached Japan via Okinawa from present-day Taiwan , predating rice cultivation, and either Yomitan or neighboring Kadena can lay claim as the first cultivators of sweet potato in Japan. In addition to beautiful and largely unspoiled beaches, Yomitan attracts tourists for its folk crafts, including Ryukyuan pottery ( yachimun , or やちむん in Okinawan), glassblowing ( Ryukyu glass being

256-699: A U.S. government report, Okinawa was a key conduit for smuggling drugs such as heroin from Thailand via Okinawa to the United States. It was called "The Okinawa System" in the global drug trade. A testimony by a head of the Department of Defense said that drug abuse was "quite extensive." It began in the second half of 1968; marijuana was smuggled from Thailand to Okinawa and grown near an unidentified U.S. Marine Corps training area in northern Okinawa. A 100 kg (220 lb) package of marijuana fell from an aircraft, and another 90 kg (200 lb)

320-460: A different segment of the old world. Virtually every individual of this world is infected with one or the other JCV subtype, by the time he/she reaches 10 years of age. This virus is isolated from urine, and another conjecture is that most children are infected from parents, and that too, through living at close quarters for years together. According to this conjecture, even if two different populations, say Americans and Japanese, were living together in

384-474: A famed product), sugar making, and salt making. There are several facilities where tourists can try their hand at these crafts and take their handiwork home as souvenirs. Also of interest are the remains of Zakimi Castle ( 座喜味城 , Zakimi Gusuku ) . Yomitan Village hosts twelve designated or registered tangible cultural properties and monuments, at the national, prefectural or municipal level. Approximately 1,261 hectares (3,120 acres; 12.61 km), which

448-634: A high population density of 1,014.93/km . During the Meiji Period , Okinawan ethnic identity, tradition, culture and language were suppressed by the Meiji government , which sought to assimilate the Okinawans as Japanese ( Yamato ). Many ethnic Japanese have since migrated to Okinawa. The modern inhabitants of Okinawa are mainly ethnic Okinawan , Japanese, half Japanese and mixed. Okinawans are known for their longevity . This particular island

512-472: A large fire burned down sections of Shuri Castle : "Six castle buildings occupying some 4,200 square metres (45,000 sq ft) in total were gutted." Rebuilding efforts were underway as of 10 February 2020. As of September 2009, the Japanese government estimates the population at 1,384,762, which includes American military personnel and their families. The Okinawan language , called Uchināguchi ,

576-468: A nerve agent leak in 1969. Aircraft crashes, hit-and runs and murders killed residents. The perpetrators were often unpunished, since they could not be prosecuted in Okinawa Courts. The 1970s and 1980s also had severe pollution of waterways and wells with PFAS : toxic chemicals in foam used by fire fighting training at U.S. facilities such as Kadena Air Base . In the early 1970s, according to

640-782: A positive growth of 4.7% from 9,396,200 in the previous year. The U.S. military bases account for 4 to 5% of the island economy. There is also a smaller contingent of Japanese military bases on the island. Several former U.S. military facilities on Okinawa have been re-developed as commercial areas, most notably the American Village in Chatan , which opened in 1998, and the Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom in Kitanakagusuku , which opened in 2015. The United States maintains American military bases in Japan as part of

704-613: A prime staging post for the aforementioned wars. Its ports and airports were used to transport supplies. The base at Camp Chinen, Nanjo City was used by the CIA for covert operations. In 1965, Admiral Ulysses S. Grant Sharp stated that "Without Okinawa, we couldn't continue fighting the Vietnam war." Intense use of the island by the U.S. military caused damage to the environment and residents. There were oil and fuel spills. Exposure to toxic substances caused illness of service members such as

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768-460: A small number of endemic Yanbaru kuina (also known as the Okinawa rail), a small flightless bird that is close to extinction. The critically endangered Okinawa woodpecker is also endemic to the island. The Indian mongoose was introduced to the island to prevent the native habu pit viper from attacking the birds. It did not succeed in eliminating the habu but instead preyed on birds, increasing

832-534: Is 1,384,762. The greater Naha area has roughly 800,000 residents, while the city itself has about 320,000 people. Naha is the seat of Okinawa Prefecture on the southwestern part of Okinawa Island. Okinawa has a humid subtropical climate . Okinawa has been a critical strategic location for the United States Armed Forces since the Battle of Okinawa and the end of World War II . The island

896-530: Is 36% of the area of the village, is leased to the Ministry of Defense of Japan and used as United States military bases under the U.S.–Japan Status of Forces Agreement . Areas outside the current boundary of Torii Station were developed as American family housing, but have been returned to Okinawan ownership. Two facilities, Torii Communication Station ( Army ; 194 ha) and a part of Kadena Ammunition Storage Area (Air Force and Marine; 1066 ha), are located in

960-537: Is a toll road that runs from Naha to Nago , and has a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph), the highest on the island. There are many ferries to many of the nearby islands, such as Ie Shima . Tomarin Port in Naha, has ferries to nearby islands such as Aguni , Tokashiki and Zamami . With Kunigami district , it has an area of 764 square kilometers (295 sq mi) and a population of about 120,000. There

1024-400: Is a so-called Blue Zone , an area where the people live longer than most others elsewhere in the world. Five times as many Okinawans reach 100 years old compared to the rest of Japan. As of 2002 there were 34.7 centenarians for every 100,000 inhabitants, which is the highest ratio worldwide. Possible explanations are diet, low-stress lifestyle, caring community, activity, and spirituality of

1088-518: Is a term used for the distinctive Ryukyuan form of castles or fortresses. Many gusukus and related cultural remains in the Ryukyu Islands have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites . There are three perspectives regarding the nature of gusukus : that they were holy places, dwellings encircled by stones, and castles of the rulers. In this period, porcelain trade between Okinawa and other countries became commonplace, and Okinawa

1152-481: Is also agriculture with tropical fruit such as Malpighia emarginata . Tourist attractions include Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (at one time the world's largest aquarium), Century Beach, Pineapple Park, the Orion Beer Factory and Hiji Falls . In recent years, Okinawa has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from China and Southeast Asia. In 2018, Okinawa attracted 9,842,400 tourists,

1216-625: Is crossed by Japan National Route 58 . Okinawa Island Okinawa Island ( 沖縄島 , Okinawa-jima , Okinawan : 沖縄/うちなー , Uchinaa Kunigami : ふちなー , Fuchináa ) , officially Okinawa Main Island ( 沖縄本島 , Okinawa-hontō ) , is the largest of the Okinawa Islands and the Ryukyu ( Nansei ) Islands of Japan in the Kyushu region. It is the smallest and least populated of

1280-536: Is defined by midden or shell heap culture and is divided into Early, Middle, and Late Shell Mound periods. The Early Shell Mound period was a hunter-gatherer society, with the wave-like opening Jōmon pottery . In the latter part of this period, archaeological sites moved near the seashore, suggesting the engagement of people in fishing. On Okinawa, rice was not cultivated until the Middle Shell Mound period. Shell rings for arms made of shells obtained in

1344-477: Is in the northeastern end of Okinawa Prefecture . Since 1972 over 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of land has been added via reclamation . It is roughly 640 kilometres (400 mi) south of the main island of Kyushu. Okinawa is connected to nearby islands near a land bridge: Katsuren Peninsula is connected via the Mid-Sea Road to Henza Island, Miyagi Island, Ikei Island, and Hamahiga Island. Similarly, from

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1408-571: Is much nature with subtropical rainforest . With Nakagami district , it has an area of 280 square kilometers (110 sq mi) and a population of about 590,000. Most U.S. military facilities are located here. Urasoe has strong connections with the southern municipalities, including the Southern Wide Area Municipal Area Administrative Association, Nishihara town, Nakagusuku village, and Kitanakagusuku Village. These belong to

1472-554: Is spoken by adults only, but several local groups promote the use of the Okinawan language by younger people. Whereas the northern half of Okinawa Island is sparsely populated, the south-central and southern parts of the island are markedly urbanized —particularly the city of Naha and the urban corridor stretching north from there to Okinawa City . The population distribution is approximately 120,000 in northern Okinawa, 590,000 in central Okinawa and 540,000 in southern Okinawa. It has

1536-541: Is the chrysanthemum , which, unlike in mainland Japan, can be grown in Okinawa during the winter months with the aid of artificial light at night. Chrysanthemums are followed in value by sugarcane and pigs, in that order. Sugarcane is particularly suited to cultivation in Okinawa, as it does not require significant infrastructure (such as irrigation), grows well in Okinawa's soil, and can be left unattended for 18 months until harvest. The harvesting, refining, and butchering of commercial agricultural products are coordinated by

1600-427: Is the signature dish and consists of wheat noodles served hot in a soup, usually with pork (rib or pork belly). This contrasts with the mainland soba, which is buckwheat noodles. Rafute , which is braised pork belly, is another popular Okinawan dish. American presence on the island has also led to some creative dishes such as taco rice , which is now a common meal served in bentos , and the common use of spam . Among

1664-496: The Motobu Peninsula on the northwestern side, all of Sesoko-jima plus Yagaji Island and Kōri-jima are connected by bridges. Okinawa Island has several beaches such as Manza Beach, Emerald Beach, Okuma Beach, Zanpa Beach, Moon Beach and Sunset Beach (Chatan-cho). Mount Omoto , at 525.5 m (1,724 ft), is the highest mountain in Okinawa, with Mount Yonaha being the second highest. The Motobu Peninsula in

1728-553: The National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA), and the growers receive a share of the profits. Another important crop in Yomitan is the purple sweet potato ( 紅いも , beni imo ) , if not for its value as a cash crop then as part of the local culture and tourist industry; the town promotes itself as the "beni imo hometown" ( 紅いもの里 , beni imo no sato ) , and holds

1792-605: The Sakishima Islands , namely Miyakojima and Yaeyama islands , were imported by Japan. In these islands, the presence of shell axes from 2,500 years ago suggests the influence of a southeastern-Pacific culture. After the Late Shell Mound period, agriculture started about the 12th century, and the population center moved from the seashore to higher places. This period is called the Gusuku period. Gusuku

1856-405: The prefectures of Japan , Okinawa has the youngest and fastest-growing population but has the lowest employment rate and average income. The island economy is primarily driven by tourism and the U.S. military presence, with efforts in recent years to diversify into other sectors. The Motobu Peninsula has a large-scale quarry and cement factory, taking advantage of the limestone in the area. There

1920-504: The Battle of Okinawa. Faced with the rapid advance of American troops, approximately 140 men, women, and children were convinced or ordered by the Japanese military to commit mass suicide ( shūdan jiketsu ) on April 2, 1945. After the war, the village was renamed Yomitan. As of December 2012, the village had an estimated population of 40,517 and a population density of 1,200 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,100/sq mi). The total area of

1984-677: The Peace Memorial Park in Itoman lists 149,193 persons from Okinawa – approximately one quarter of the civilian population – were either killed or committed suicide during the Battle of Okinawa and the Pacific War. Very few Japanese ended up in POW camps . This may have been because of Japanese soldiers' reluctance to surrender. The total number of casualties shocked American military strategists. This made them apprehensive to invade

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2048-527: The Southern Wide Area Administrative Association. With Kunigami district or Yamabaru, it has an area of 764 km (295 sq mi) and a population of about 120,000. Rich nature remains. National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives The National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (Japanese: 全国共済農業協同組合連合会), commonly known as "JA Kyosai" (JA共済) or ZENKYOREN,

2112-824: The U.S.-Japan alliance since 1951. Most U.S. military is in Okinawa Prefecture. In 2013, there were approximately 50,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan with 40,000 dependents and 5,500 American civilians employed by the United States Department of Defense . About 26,000 U.S. military personnel are on Okinawa Island. There are 13 United States military bases on Okinawa Island. Approximately 62% of all United States bases in Japan are on Okinawa. They cover 25% of Okinawa island. The major bases are Futenma , Kadena , Hansen , Torii , Schwab , Foster , and Kinser . There are 28 U.S. military facilities on Okinawa. They are mainly concentrated in

2176-413: The bases out of core areas following incidents involving military personnel and resultant protests (including the 1995 Okinawa rape incident ). In 2012, an agreement was struck between the United States and Japan to reduce the number of U.S. military personnel on the island, moving 9,000 personnel to other locations and moving bases out of heavily populated Greater Naha, but 10,000 Marines will remain on

2240-402: The central area. At one point, Okinawa hosted approximately 1,200 nuclear warheads. There were several nuclear weapons incidents on Okinawa and in the sea near the islands. In 1997, the peculiar inhabitant population of this island [both Americans and Japanese living together since 1945] was used to prove a curious conjecture. By that time nine subtypes of JC virus had been found, each from

2304-598: The deposed King Shō Tai was forced to relocate to Tokyo . Hostility against Japan increased in the islands immediately after the annexation, in part because of the systematic attempt on the part of Japan to eliminate Ryukyuan culture, including the language, religion, and cultural practices. Okinawa Island had the bloodiest ground battle of the Pacific War from 1 April to 22 June 1945. During this 82-day-long battle, about 95,000 Imperial Japanese Army troops and 20,195 Americans were killed. The Cornerstone of Peace at

2368-666: The effort to consolidate the American troop presence on the island, though away from urban Naha. In December 2016 the U.S. returned 10,000 acres (40 km ; 16 sq mi) of the Northern Training Area on Okinawa to Japan. This reduced the footprint of the U.S. forces by 20% on the island. It was the biggest land return since 1972. Okinawa has various historical buildings and monuments, such as feudal castles, ruins, UNESCO, and other historical significant sites. There are multiple festivals on Okinawa throughout

2432-435: The five main islands of Japan . The island is approximately 106 kilometres (66 mi) long, an average 11 kilometres (7 mi) wide, and has an area of 1,206.98 square kilometers (466.02 sq mi). It is roughly 640 kilometres (350 nmi; 400 mi) south of the main island of Kyushu and the rest of Japan. It is 500 km (270 nmi; 310 mi) northeast of Taiwan . The total population of Okinawa Island

2496-453: The flying phoenix , playing on the fact that the shape of the village resembles a bird in flight. The village flower is the bougainvillea . 6% of the working population of Yomitan is engaged in so-called "primary" industries, including agriculture and fishing. 25% is engaged in the "secondary" industries, i.e. food processing and manufacturing; and 69% is engaged in the "tertiary" industries, services and trade. The chief cash crop of Yomitan

2560-432: The inhabitants of the island. The Okinawan diet consists of low-fat, low-salt foods, such as whole fruits and vegetables, legumes, tofu, and seaweed. Okinawa is the fifth largest island of Japan. The island has an area of 1,206.99 square kilometers (466.02 sq mi). The coastline is 476 kilometers (296 mi) long. The straight-line distance is about 106.6 kilometers (66.2 mi) from north to south. Okinawa

2624-471: The island (who demand no U.S. troops at all anywhere on the island). Tokyo says the U.S. bases are important for national security. Locals complain that despite being home to less than 1% of Japan's population and area, Okinawa hosts the majority of the U.S. military presence in Japan. In late December 2013, Governor Hirokazu Nakaima gave permission for land reclamation to begin for a new U.S. military base at Henoko, reneging on previous promises and furthering

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2688-425: The island, along with other U.S. military units. Attempts to completely close bases on the southern third of the island, where 90% of the population lives (all but about 120,000 people ) have been impeded by both the American desire that alternative locations be found where bases subject to closure could move to (e.g. Henoko Peninsula , mid-island), as well as by local Okinawan opposition to any suggested locations on

2752-577: The late 18th century. The most important visits to Okinawa were from Captain Basil Hall in 1816 and Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1852. A Christian missionary, Bernard Jean Bettelheim , lived in the Gokoku-ji temple in Naha from 1846 to 1854. In 1879, Japan annexed the entire Ryukyu archipelago. The Meiji government then established Okinawa Prefecture . The monarchy in Shuri was abolished, and

2816-546: The military, and the noro priestesses. In 1609, the Japanese Satsuma Domain launched the invasion of Ryukyu , ultimately capturing the king and his capital after a long struggle. Ryukyu was forced to cede the Amami Islands and become a vassal of Satsuma. The kingdom became both a tributary of China and a tributary of Japan. Because China would not make a formal trade agreement unless a country

2880-473: The north has limestone layers and karst development. In the center and south is mainly a Ryukyu limestone layer and mudstone. The topography is flat, there are few hills over 100 m (328 ft) with very few rivers. The subtropical rains accelerate erosion so there are many drainages and uvala . The southern end of the island consists of uplifted coral reef , whereas the northern half has proportionally more igneous rock . The easily eroded limestone of

2944-587: The north of Yomitanzan, was an important center of Nanban , or "southern barbarian", trade of the Ryukyu Kingdom . Yomitanzan was also the site of a landing during the Invasion of Ryukyu by Satsuma Domain in 1609. After Japan annexed Ryukyu in 1879, Yomitanzan continued to be a magiri; all of the magiri were abolished in 1907 and Yomitanzan became a village . Yomitan was the initial site of fighting on Okinawa Island during World War II . Zakimi Castle

3008-592: The other main islands of Japan, because it would result in very high casualties. Japan became a pacifist country with the 1947 constitution , so America was obligated to protect Japan against foreign threats. During the American military occupation of Japan (1945–1952), which followed the Imperial Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945, in Tokyo Bay, the United States controlled Okinawa Island and

3072-621: The rest of the Ryukyu Islands. The Amami Islands were returned to Japanese control in 1953. The remaining Ryukyu Islands were returned to Japan on 17 June 1971. America kept numerous U.S. military bases on the islands. There are 32 United States military bases on Okinawa Island by the U.S.-Japan alliance since 1951. U.S. bases on Okinawa played critical roles in the Korean War , Vietnam War , Laotian Civil War , Cambodian campaign , War in Afghanistan , and Iraq War . Okinawa served as

3136-576: The same area, but not within the same family, the individuals would not cross-infect one another. Okinawa island proved an ideal place to test this conjecture. No evidence was found that Japanese children were infected with American type JCV, although they had been living at the same island as the Americans. Since it is assumed now that JCV subtypes are virtually unique to each world area, it is now used to determine human migration patterns. In 2020, tests around Kadena Air Base showed severe contamination of

3200-610: The south has many caves, the most famous of which is Gyokusendō in Nanjō . The northernmost Cape Hedo is only 22 km (14 mi) away from Yoronjima . Cape Arasaki is the southernmost location of Okinawa island. It is sometimes confused with Cape Kiyanmisaki. The northern half of Okinawa has one of the largest tracts of subtropical rainforest in Asia called the Yanbaru . There are many endemic species of flora and fauna. There are

3264-522: The threat to the Okinawa rail. The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial hermit crab of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands. It is an endangered species due to over-hunting, which has made them scarce on Okinawa island. In 2021, coconut crabs were found to live in a small cave system on the islet Nagashima off the Henoko district. A small population of endangered dugongs lives around Okinawa. The estimates are between 3 and 50 survivors. The island has

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3328-657: The unification of the three kingdoms and founded the Ryūkyū Kingdom with its capital at Shuri Castle . His descendants conquered the Amami Islands . In 1469, King Shō Taikyū died, so the royal government chose a man named Kanemaru as the new king, who chose the name Shō En and established the Second Shō Dynasty. His son Shō Shin conquered the Sakishima Islands and centralized the royal government,

3392-471: The uninhabited Senkaku Islands , the People's Republic of China began questioning Japan's sovereignty to the island of Okinawa, citing its past as the independent tributary state of Ryukyu. On 31 October 2019, the main courtyard structures of Shurijo were destroyed in a fire. It marked the fifth time that Shurijo was destroyed following previous incidents in 1453, 1660, 1709 and 1945. On 31 October 2019,

3456-455: The village is 35.17 square kilometres (13.58 sq mi). This is the largest village in Japan by population. The mayor of Yomitan is Denjitsu Ishimine. As Yomitan is designated as a village, it is under the administration of Nakagami District . Once Yomitan reaches a population of over 50,000 it can then be classified as a city shi ( 市 ) , thereby gaining a measure of autonomy and independence. The village has adopted as its symbol

3520-501: The village. Senaha Communication Site ( Air Force ; 61 ha), Sobe Communication Site (aka Elephant Cage , decommissioned in 2006, Navy ; 54 ha), and Yomitan Auxiliary Airfield ( Marine ; 191 ha) were returned in 2007 and have been developed into the Yomitan Village Office and civic facilities, including running tracks and baseball fields. Yomitan is connected to Naha and other areas of Okinawa Island by bus. The town

3584-453: The wells and waterways of Dakujaku River and Hija river with toxic chemicals PFAS . This affects the drinking water of 450,000 residents. PFAS was used in foam at fire fighting training sites on U.S. facilities during the 1970s and 1980s. The 1971 Okinawa Reversion Agreement officially ended the U.S. military occupation on Okinawa. The bases primarily exist to serve Japanese and American strategic interests, despite recent efforts to move

3648-636: The year. Naha Airport is the main transportation hub for the Ryukyu Islands and has an increasingly large role in regional logistics. All Nippon Airways opened a cargo hub at the airport in 2009, providing overnight freight service between Japan and other Asian countries. The Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) runs from Naha Airport to Japan's south-easternmost monorail station, Akamine Station , before heading to its final destination of Tedako-Uranishi Station ( Urasoe ) and back. There are multiple bus companies, such as Toyo Bus , Ryukyu Bus Kotsu , Naha Bus , and Okinawa Bus . The Okinawa Expressway

3712-485: Was a tributary state, the kingdom was a convenient loophole for Japanese trade with China. When Japan officially closed off trade with European nations except for the Dutch, Nagasaki , Tsushima , and Kagoshima became the only Japanese trading ports offering connections with the outside world. At some time, karate came into existence as a type of systematized martial arts . Several Europeans visited Ryukyu starting in

3776-671: Was an important relay point in eastern-Asian trade. Ryukyuan kings, such as Shunten and Eiso , were important rulers. An attempted Mongolian invasion in 1291 during the Eiso Dynasty failed. Hiragana was imported from Japan by Ganjin in 1265. Noro , village priestesses of the Ryukyuan religion , appeared. The Sanzan period began in 1314 when the kingdoms of Hokuzan and Nanzan declared independence from Chūzan . The three kingdoms competed with one another for recognition and trade with Ming China . King Satto , leading Chūzan,

3840-452: Was discovered at a military post office. From the mid-1970s onwards, LSD and heroin became more prevalent. Deserters worked as "passport civilians" and smuggled the drugs into Okinawa. A lack of customs inspections made smuggling easy. There were well organized Ryukyuan smuggling rings who brought heroin, LSD, and marijuana to Okinawa, and produced LSD on the island. In 2013, following escalating tensions following competing claims to

3904-587: Was formally controlled by the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands until 1972, with around 26,000 U.S. military personnel stationed on Okinawa today, comprising about half of the total complement of the United States Forces Japan , spread among 31 areas, across 13 bases and 48 training sites. United States military installations cover approximately 25% of the island. Early Okinawan history

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3968-686: Was part of the Kingdom of Chūzan during the Sanzan period . In 1416, the Aji of Yomitanzan Magiri , Gosamaru , helped Shō Hashi invade Hokuzan . Although Gosamaru lived in Yamada Castle , Shō Hashi allowed him to build Zakimi Castle . The castle, along with other castle sites in Okinawa, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in November 2000. The port of Hamanaga, which was located in

4032-787: Was used as a gun emplacement by the Japanese military. The Hija River , between Yomitan and then- Chatan (Kadena area), was the site of the initial landing of the Allied forces in the Battle of Okinawa . The United States Marine Corps landed on the Yomitan-side of the river, while the United States Army landed on the Chatan side. The village is known for one of the most devastating examples of mass suicide during World War II. Villagers took refuge in Chibichiri Cave during

4096-617: Was very successful, establishing relations with Korea and Southeast Asia as well as China. The Hongwu Emperor sent 36 families from Fujian in 1392 at the request of the Ryukyuan king. Their job was to manage maritime dealings in the kingdom. They assisted the Ryukyuans in developing their technology and diplomatic relations. In 1407, however, a man named Hashi overthrew Satto's descendant, King Bunei , and installed his father, Shishō , as king of Chūzan. In 1429, King Shō Hashi completed

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