Unknown side of Okinawa, as Ryukyu

Imagine your perfect summer vacation. What do you need for it? Whether if you are the kind of person who loves to spend time in the beautiful sea surrounded by corals, or search for delicious and rare food, or are eager to trace great history, Okinawa is one of the perfect places to stay, fostered by Ryukyu culture.

The Ryukyu Kingdom once existed in Okinawa. The kingdom has a long history but exceedingly prospered in the 15th century for over 250 years. Its proximity to China and South Asia allowed the Ryukyu kingdom to play an important role in Asian trade.

The people of Ryukyu groomed a unique culture by mixing foreign cultures, specifically for hospitalizing ambassadors from other places, mainly China. People in Ryukyu invented many ways to welcome ambassadors, such as dance, alcohol called Awamori, and dishes. These were registered as Japanese Heritage by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Dishes in Okinawa may stand for Ryukyu tradition. A famous example is “Goya-champru,” a fried food containing eggs, goya, bitter-tasting loofah, and Tohu and pork, flavored by salt. “Champru” means “jumble” in Okinawa’s dialect. Many Okinawan meals use pork and tofu, which the way of making was influenced by China.

Visiting castles, those called “Gusuku,” you may be surprised at how high level of technology the Ryukyu had. Unfortunately, the most famous Gusuku, Syurijo, was exposed to fire in 2019 and is still under reconstruction. Surprisingly, buildings made in stone were founded much earlier than those on Japan’s main island by 200 to 250 years.

The Okinawa dialect can be heard fresh because the Okinawan dialect is deeply rooted in Ryukyu’s indigenous language, Ryukyuan. Despite many traditions, Ryukyuan is counted as one of the World’s Languages in danger. Ryukyu’s tragic modern history reveals why it is so.

The Japanese government in the Meiji era attempted to end the Ryukyu Kingdom’s history. It annexed Ryukyu, started calling the place Okinawa instead, and denied their culture. This incident is known as “Ryukyu-shobun,” meaning “disposal of Ryukyu.” Moreover, Okinawa experienced rule by the American army and reintegration into Japan, not as Ryukyu. Ryukyuan became less known, and its language is now in danger of extinction.

So, I hope those interested in Okinawa and Ryukyu pay attention to the bitter side of the place, too, now that you know that the incredible sight comes with a rich history. Just visiting Okinawa is enjoyable, but if you try to learn the Ryukyu history as a whole, your memory will be unforgettable.