It's the prefecture of Japan that all the Japanese flock to for their tropical getaway. And I get to live on this awesome island oasis! Okinawa is to Japan what Hawaii is to America.
I'm Matt, an American living in Okinawa, Japan. Watch as I explore all of Okinawa's coolest places, try the most bangin' foods, and share whatever else I find interesting here in Okinawa.
I lived there 20 years. I never felt unsafe and I rode my bike at night daily. My friends who bought a house and live in Itoman had many ghost experiences in their home including seeing a spoon picked up by itself and hit my friend's daughter on the top of her head. although I have a horse ranch in beautiful Temecula, I miss Okinawa dearly. I love their culture and people. I may end up there in my old age as seniors are treated much better there than any place I have lived...
Good story and well done video. There is no evidence that samurai ever studied Karate and while many versions of that origin story exist, the Hidari Gomon is also found on ancient temples in Korea and Tibet so it probably is an old Buddhist symbol that was adopted.
There are 2 Yoshinoya restaurants near me in Riverside, CA. I did not know it was the first fast food restaurant. My husband loves the beef bowls. I noticed a sign saying it started in 1899. This surprised me and also didn't considering out how Japanese immigrants in CA survived through most of my state's history. We eat there at least once a month. It's good for the price. Wish there were more pictures from 1899 and throughout the 20th century online.
I was there from 2008-2010. One of my co-workers from my squadron lived next door. He told me a his autistic son, who hardly spoke to others because of his social issues, was standing, facing the fence to the house. After a few minutes, my co-worker went outside and asked his son what he was doing. The son said, “I’m talking to the boy next door.” The father explained that nobody lives there and hasn’t for a long time. His son got frustrated and began describing the boy in exquisite detail. He later reported this to his son’s social worker, and the social worker panics, tells the father of the house’s history, then later digs up pictures of the previous families. Much to everyone’s horror, the son perfectly described one of the kids in the photos. It was shortly demolished after that.
Love your video. I used to live in Okinawa City! It was such a pleasure to view your video! The amount of talking was just right in that you allowed some quiet time as well.
The central islands of Japan even have several unrecognized ethnic/genetic groups. From the Yamato to the Jomon to the Ainu. And it's told that Japan is one ethnic group with very few migrants....recently.
I have been keeping an eye on the Japan base job postings for about 3+ years, and can say that 95% of basic jobs like food service/general labor in the japan base, requires you to be living already in japan with visa or sofa. Direct from their job postings, in their wall of text* Who May Apply: ex.1 "US Citizens and legal US residents who are residing within the commuting area" ex.2 "The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is US Citizens and legal US residents in Okinawa, Japan. Legal US residents must possess a social security number and be citizens of a NATO country. Must be able to provide documentation proving residence status overseas." ex.3 "WHO MAY APPLY: Applicants with SOFA Sponsorship (including applicants with current Military Spouse Preference, Family member preference, active-duty service members, and current CNIC employees) " ex.4 "THIS POSITION IS FOR APPLICANTS CURRENTLY RESIDING IN OKINAWA OR ARRIVING ON OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT ORDERS TO OKINAWA WITHIN 30 DAYS." Those who have a 4 year college degree have more options/chances to get Sofa Sponsorship, but it won't be for basic jobs. The basic jobs is mostly geared towards military family and spouses. *Only when there is not enough Japan military spouses/military family that is available and wanting to work those jobs, they will outsource people from the US states. It is purely luck and timing when these jobs open up as it is random without any notice. Would say the vacancy for each of these job posting ranges from 1-5. So it can be very competitive. The first priority will be those that have military connections/relations, if there are none they will move onto more regular civilians. From there they will take the one that has the most skill, experience, and best character. The person's character (manners, honesty, anti bully traits, teamwork, etc). I did get an interview via video chat on the computer, but there was someone better or have priority(Vacancy was 1), so I didn't get the job. I wouldn't say base jobs are the easiest way to live in Okinawa, but it can be for a select few that has a strong background in what they are applying for or have very good luck/timing.
All standard appliances for most countries.Was this a joke or are you THAT ignorant. Electric kettle - you may as well be describing a toothbrush to two thirds of the world.
At about 10:40 when you were talking about Hideaway the entrance going down to the club was where that Pizza store sign is. The open space to the left of the Pizza sign is where the famous Mickeys you guys keep talking about that store has since closed down. There was a karaoke bar in the direction called GoodTimes now moved across the street that was where I hung out after living shows at Hideaway from 94-02
My husband and I live in Michigan, USA. We are considering a trip to Okinawa in 2025. I don’t know if I’m sure I’ll want to go for sure because of the weather. I hear that it’s VERY VERY humid. I’m looking to relax and get a TAN! I work night shift so I want my body to feel the sun ! 😊
Watching this today because we will be moving in Okinawa Japan next year. Question, while looking for an apartment that is pet friendly where are you currently staying? I hope you can reply. Thanks in advance.
I believe most English speaking people from other countries(ex. Canada, Australia, Etc) have the option of getting a working holiday visa, US does not have that visa. With the working holiday visa, one can work and live normally in Japan with few restrictions. However that visa is only valid for 1 year and cannot be reused again, one must change their visa to a more long term visa during their working holiday. More long term visa would be a normal work visa, tokutei ginou, student, trainee, spouse, etc.
Lived there from 1972-1974 and went to Kubasaki HS. We used to call that gate the “back gate”. 😅 Me, my brothers and friends used to hang out down in that area and get into a little trouble now and then. We teenage boys loved it.
Very very helpful. Definitely going to send this to my friends. We are doing a Japan trip this September and Okinawa is on the list. Was trying to find things to do and see besides the aquarium which is mandatory lol. Worked at my local aquarium for 7.5 years and have a masters degree in marine biology, so how could I not. I'm from and live in the Caribbean, so pretty used to Tropical beaches and might look for more of the historic stuff instead.
Burger is readily available on Honshu. Electronics are pretty cheap in Akihabara, especially with the exchange rate. I use to go to Honshu all the time when i was in japan.
I lived in Washington Heights before rhey remodeled them. My house was haunted by a little boy. Cabinets would be opened when you got up in the morning and doors that were opened would be closed or vice versa. My daughter woke me up in the middle of night to aak if she could sleep in my room because the little boy was waking her up. At first, i just thought she was dreaming until a couple of days later. I was cleaning her room and saw him walking in the hallway to towards the bathroom. When i went to look noone was there. I can still remember what he looked like... Even after that Okinawa is still my favorite place to live
The Ryukyuan people of Okinawa were invaded by Japan in 1609. The Ryukyuans fought like hell but were defeated. The Ryukyuan people were always treated badly by the Japanese. This is why the Ryukyuan people didn't want Japan to regain control of Okinawa on April 15, 1972,, There were RIOTS for months before the 1972 revision...
Great video!! We will be here for 1 day from a cruise ship in March 2025. Love the idea of visiting the different capes, beaches and Shurijo Castle. Is there rental car places by the cruise port? Or can you send me info on your tour?
Okinawa was invaded by Japan. Hence, Okinawans are not Japanese! As long as Okinawans do not identify themselves as Japanese and am willing to drive the invaders out, there is hope that someday they will be independent!
Inunaki village is a cursed and lawless territory who lived furious and vengeful ghosts of dead mortal inhabitants who refused to follow peaceful laws in earthly nature, rules of unity between humanity and alien race, constitution of japan and obey both japanese gods and mortal rulers. Because they called them "hypocrites and imposters".
