Okinawa, Japan 1: Introduction
Written & Directed by James Knott

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Okinawa is a sub-tropical island in southern Japan. James Knott explores the geography, history, people and culture of this unique place in a series of short videos.

OKINAWA, JAPAN

Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture. Over 1.25 million people are scattered across nearly 150 islands.

Okinawa has a unique culture that goes back several hundred years to when it was an independent country known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. This kingdom was known to trade frequently with China and as a result adopted much more from the Chinese than the rest of Japan.

The main island, Okinawa-honto, is surrounded by vivid, bright blue ocean and coral reefs. It is densely populated and urbanized in the south, while the the mountainous northern part of the island consists of just a few fishing villages and dense forests.

The beautiful, sub-tropical setting combined with historical roots that are more intertwined with China than Japan, have created a wonderful culture that is distinctly Okinawan.

TRANSCRIPT
Okinawa, Japan 1: Introduction

Okinawa – A sub-tropical island in southern Japan.

Kon-nichi wa!  Welcome to Okinawa.  My name is James Knott.  These are my friends.  Today, we’re going to discover one of Japan’s most fascinating islands in the south.  From the hubbub of Naha to the beautiful ocean views, this place has it all.  Ichi – Ni – San – Hello America!!

Okinawa is a wonderful place to visit.  In my time here, I plan to hit as many sites as possible.  In the south, you can see the WWII Peace Memorial

Wander through the majestic Shuri-Castle

Feel the energy of Kokusai-Dori

And battle in the world’s largest Tug-of-War!

As you head north on the island you can

Explore castle ruins from the Ryukyu Kingdom

Watch planes take off at large U.S. military bases

Catch a show at Ocean Expo Park

Or experience a bull-fight - Okinawan Style

We have food to eat, places to explore, and people to meet, so lets get started...