Okinawa by: Tony & Kenny Period # 6

1. Okinawaby: Tony & KennyPeriod # 6

2. Size & Population • Okinawa is 2,267.48km2. • Okinawa has 1,310,928 pop.

3. The Symbol Prefectural Symbol The outer circle of this symbol represents the ocean. The white circle symbolizes a peace-loving Okinawa and the inner circle symbolizes a globally developing Okinawa. In short, the mark symbolizes "Ocean" "Peace" and "Development." It was decided on the symbol of okinawa prefectural in 1992.

4. The Flower Prefectural flower: Deigo (Indian coral bean)Erythrina Orientalis Murray The Deigo tree, originally from India, belongs to the pulse family. During the period between March and May, the bright red flowers bloom in clusters along the length of the spray, to the very end of the branches. The bright red flower is very appropriate as the symbol of the southern islands that make up Okinawa, and its beauty plays an important role in promoting tourism. Furthermore, the Deigo tree has a high financial value as its trunk section is used as a material in traditional Ryukyuan lacquerware. These factors were the reason for it being chosen as the symbol of Okinawa Prefecture in 1972.

5. The Tree Prefectural tree: Ryukyu Matsu (Ryukyu Pine) Pinus Luchuensis Mayr A full-grown Ryukyu Pine can reach a height of 15 meters. As the years go by, tree crowns spread and the tree shows gracefully-shaped branches. It is often planted along roadsides, and is widely used in bonsai, and in windbreaks, and is very easy to propagate. The old Ryukyu Government declared the Ryukyu Pine as a prefectural tree on February 7th, 1966 and after the reversion of Okinawa to Japan, the Okinawa Prefectural Government chose the Ryukyu Pine as its prefectural tree on October. 26th, 1972.

6. The Bird Prefectural bird: Okinawan woodpecker (Pryers' woodpecker or noguchi gera)Sapheopipo Noguchii (Seebohm) This is a globally rare species of only one genus which exists exclusively in the northern part of Okinawa Island. It has been designated as a natural treasure of Japan. This species was discovered by a British man in 1886, and was first introduced to people two years later. In 1955, it was designated as a natural treasure by the now outdated Ryukyu Government, and on May 9th, 1970, it became the prefectural bird. The Okinawa Prefectural Government decided to declare the noguchi gera as prefectural bird on October 26th, 1972

7. The Fish Prefectural fish: Banana Fish (Takasago, locally known as Gurukun) Caesio diagramma This is a vividly colored, and beautiful fish which is familiar to all Okinawan people. It inhabits the seas from around Okinawa Island to the Indian Ocean. It is easily caught throughout the year by being driven into nets, in one of the original ways of fishing found in Okinawa. It is one of the few popular fishes found in Okinawa which is often served in people's homes. In addition, this fish serves as a raw material for kamaboko (fish cake).

8. Famous People • Amuro Namie – singer • Max and speed – popular dancers that work for Amuro • Masaki Tsuhako - 17th century bureaucrat Tei Junsoku, the Ryukyuan King Sho Nei, former Okinawan Governor Ota, and maybe even myself.

9. Sister City • Okinawa’s sister city is Hawaii

10. Food • Goya Chanpuru – tofu with vegetables • SOKISOBA – noodles in soup (thicker than soba)

11. Popular Places • The most famous construction in Okinawa may be "Shurei-mon Gate". Originally built circa 1527-1555, and was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa. It was restored in 1958 as one of the first structures in Shuri-jo Castle to be rebuilt.

12. Popular place cont. • This is Japan's largest national subtropical park, created on the site of the 1975 Okinawa International Ocean Exposition