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Okinawa Island

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Okinawa Island (沖縄本島 Okinawa-hontō) is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, and is home to Naha, the capitol of Okinawa Prefecture. The island is 104km long with an average width of about 5km; it has an area of 1201.03 km².

During the American occupation of Japan, the United States seized Okinawa Island, which remained under US control until 1972. Since then, United States Armed Forces personnel and Kadena Air Base have remained on Okinawa Island by invitation of the Japanese government as part of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan.

In 1990, the total population of Okinawa Island was an estimated 1.22 million people, comprising Ryukyuans (especially native Okinawans), Japanese people, and expatriates, as well as American military personnel and their families.

Whereas northern Okinawa Island is largely unpopulated, the south is markedly urbanized—particularly the city of Nago, and the urban corridor stretching from Okinawa City through Naha. The island also houses six gusuku, Okinawan fortresses most of which now lie in a state of ruin.

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 the south has many caves, the most famous of which is Gyokusendo in Tamagusuku. An 850 m stretch is open to tourists.

The island's subtropical climate supports a dense northern forest and a rainy season occurring in late spring.

Photo gallery

  • Cliffs at Manzamo Cliffs at Manzamo
  • Gusuku wall Gusuku wall
  • Okinawa Island is the home of Tsuboya-yaki, pottery in the Ryukyuan tradition. Okinawa Island is the home of Tsuboya-yaki, pottery in the Ryukyuan tradition.
  • Okinawa Island from Space Shuttle Mission STS-43 (Earth Sciences and Image Analysis, NASA-Johnson Space Center) Okinawa Island from Space Shuttle Mission STS-43 (Earth Sciences and Image Analysis, NASA-Johnson Space Center)
  • Gusuku Ruins Gusuku Ruins
  • Bullfighting arena. Okinawa is the home of a form of bullfighting sometimes compared to sumo Bullfighting arena. Okinawa is the home of a form of bullfighting sometimes compared to sumo
  • Traditional Okinawan house Traditional Okinawan house
  • Map of Okinawa Prefecture Map of Okinawa Prefecture


See also

External links

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