Okinawa

Japan is bursting at the seams with magnificent landscapes, priceless traditions, remarkable communities, delicious specialities and so many other things that make it the most beautiful country in the world (tied with France, of course). But Okinawa Prefecture and its wonders will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Okinawa is lost in the middle of the sea between Japan’s largest islands and Taiwan. It is part of a group of dozens of small islands known as the Ryukyu Archipelago. For a long time, these islands were home to a peaceful and prosperous kingdom, and their ideal location made them a trading centre for many Asian countries. Then, in 1879, Japan annexed the Ryukyus by force.

Since then, the islands have had a hard life. Okinawa was almost completely destroyed by fighting during the Second World War. But this has not stopped the Okinawans from rebuilding, preserving their traditions and above all living a gentle life. There, under the scorching sun and in the monsoon, things are done quietly. Delicious seaweed and citrus fruits grow effortlessly. Fishing is good and the sea spray penetrates everywhere.

It’s a well-known fact that Okinawa has more centenarians than anywhere else. Some say the local diet is to blame. Our observations (not entirely scientific) lead us to believe that the closeness to nature and the tranquillity of island life are much more responsible than this hypothetical ‘magic diet’, which cannot be replicated elsewhere. Ah, Okinawa. We hope to see you soon. In the meantime, we’ll be drinking your rum.