I am in the midst of a redesign of this entire site.
You might not find things easily that were on before
but please be patient as I migrate content. Thanks!

1-24-2020 update: I have migrated most of the material from this page to other areas of the website.
Use the "Culture" tab on the drop-down menu above to find more specific content and features.
Meanwhile, I've left some content here for you to enjoy.

- - Language - -

Uchinaaguchi
Intro to Ryukyuan language

Are the Ryukyuan Languages distinctly separate languages or are they "dialects" of Japanese?
That question has been bandied about for a long time. Here's an opinion worth reading:
" “Wanne Uchinanchu – I am Okinawan.”
Japan, the US and Okinawa’s Endangered Languages
Patrick Heinrich and Fija Bairon
added 2-19-18

- - Society - -

Ryukyu Kingdom after 1609:
Social Classes and Genealogy

A Sword Called Chiyoganemaru

Okinawan Family Names

Hajichi (hand tattoo)

Okinawa Times Photo Gallery - Exquisite photos 1946-1976

Higaonna (Higashi Onna) Museum

Ishiganto

Kusu Kwee - nothing to sneeze at!

- - Myths & Legends - -

Protective Charms

Ghosts

Legends

Bunagaya

- - Cuisine - -

Traditional Foods Soba Soy Sauce Dashi Rafute Goya Champuru Tsukune Yakisoba Sata andaji Fried Rice Kombu And some Not-so-Traditional Taco Rice Aspera-Bacon Lots of recipes by RunnyRunny999 Japanese style Yakisoba HIROYUKI TERADA Diaries of a Master Sushi Chef

An all-time favorite street food - YAKITORI !

Explore Okinawa - Art, Culture and Cuisine from the Ryukyu Islands