Okinawa, Japan 12: U.S. Military and Central Okinawa
Written & Directed by James Knott

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James Knott visits the central part of Okinawa's main island. This area has the highest concentration of U.S. Military bases in Japan and is a great place to see the influence of American culture on Japanese Society. There are also some great resorts - like Moon Beach and Busena Terrace - and some deliciously cheap sushi to enjoy.

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 12: U.S. Military and Central Okinawa

My Okinawan adventure continues as I head south through the central part of
the island.

Along the western coast are several resorts. One famous one is The Busena
Terrace Beach Resort where the 2000 G8 Summit was held. It has a cool
underwater observatory at the end of the pier where you can watch fish swim
around the reefs.

Further down the coast is Moon Beach. This place has a nice beach to relax
on and is a great place to partake in some watersports like - sailing suck
in that gut james - or watching your brother-n-law, joby, fall off his
windsurfing board while you awkwardly glide past him.

We also had some great family moments inside the hotel.

Continuing down the road in central Okinawa, one thing becomes clear, the
U.S. military has a huge presence here. Since WW2, the U.S. military has
maintained several large bases on the island.

This presence has been controversial because the military took some of the
best land on the island for its bases and the bad behavior of some soldiers
has angered citizens.

On the flip side, the island has benefitted economically from the spending
of military members and their families. Also, many Okinawans have enjoyed
some of the unique cultural imports from American society.

Gate 2 Street, just outside of Kadena Air Base in Okinawa City, is a great
place to experience the juxtaposition of cultures. the street is lined with
American-esque shops catering to G.I.s.. At night, the young americans leave
the base to experience the vibrant night life at bars and restaurants along
this busy avenue.

During the day, you can watch planes of all different shapes and sizes
flying in and out of the base. Japanese tourists flock to watch this unique
show of military might. I was a bit impressed myself.

For another great view of the city, We head to the odd shaped viewing tower
at the top of these stairs. From up here we can gaze upon a sea of urban
buildings from the convention center in Ginowan City to the Futenma Air
Base.

My last stop in central Okinawa is for hyaku-en sushi or 100 yen sushi.
100 yen is about a dollar and at these prices you can't afford not to eat.
Each plate that rolls by costs 100 yen and that is cheap for sushi. Eight
plates later, I am stuffed and ready to head to my next destination.