Being ever curious about such things, I stopped to take some photos. I went into the little store and sang out, "Sumimasen!"
A woman came from behind a drapery and appeared somewhat embarassed and apprehensive. Her hair was tossed and she had no dentures in place, yet she acknowledged my question, in my poor attempt to speak in her native language. Pointing toward the statue standing only a few feet away to her right I asked, "Sono zo... namae wa nan desuka?" Despite my having, I am certain, mutilated the Japanese language it was enough for her to understand my inquiry.

She replied, while holding her hand across her toothless mouth and brushing her hair back with the other hand, "Yamazato-san." She then said something else that made me wish that I had spent my fourth grade-thru-college years learning Japanese instead of French (what a waste). I didn't understand what she said but thanked her profusely and was about to make a purchase in order to convey my thanks when she abruptly ran behind the drape and didn't re-emerge.

So, armed with only a few words - 'Yamazato', 'zo' and 'Yagaji' - I plugged them into Google last week and got a couple of hits regarding a professor of business studies at the University of the Ryukyus byname of Yamazato Shoko.

Unsatisfied, I posted these photos on my Facebook group, 'ClickOkinawa.com' asking if anyone could help with deciphering the identity of the man depicted and the writings on the plaques and tablets.

I got a reply from Bobby Yun Cheun Tai who told me, "... your presumption is correct. Professor Yamazato Shoko. The statue was erected to commemorate a professor / honorary professor of Ryukyu University, Political Science - Economics. One of the plaques is a memorial from his disciples / students."

I have also received descriptive comments from George Takaho. Thanks, guys!

I love the Internet and the ready, immediate access that I have to people who know so much more than I! I learn something just about every time I get online.