Okinawa or Mainland Japan-Study Abroad?

Question:

Hello!

I was offered the chance to study abroad in Japan this summer. I can choose to be placed either in Okinawa (islands south of Mainland Japan), or on Mainland Japan. For the mainland, I do not know where I'd be placed, all I know is that I'd be anywhere south of Tokyo (away from the nuclear power plant).

I am torn between which I should choose. Either will be a great experience, just different. I was wondering if someone can explain to me the cultural, linguistic, and overall differences between Okinawa and mainland Japan? Any information would be helpful with my decision. Thank you!

Answer:

First of all, the Okinawan people as a whole, do not hate Americans. There is a small number of people who would like to see the American bases (plural) moved off Okinawa...mainly the Marine bases, but the majority of Okinawans are indifferent to their presence. In fact, the largest protest against the bases numbered about 30,000 people. There are 1.3 MILLION people on Okinawa so where were the rest of them?

As to all military living on base, that is not true either. Although it has mandated by the military that all new incoming people live on base as of last year, those already living off base were not and will not be forced to move on base. Additionally, the revenue from those rentals help the Okinawan economy, as the mainland Japanese don't really care that much about Okinawa or Okinawans...why the bases are there in the first place. That makes the base issue very touchy. Add to the biased media reporting of American criminal activity over local criminal activity, it may be perceived that Americans are not liked there. BTW, most of the anti-base folk are paid by Japanese mainland land speculators who want to get their hands on the land the bases sit on ....away from the current owners...the Okinawan people. I know that's TMI, but you should know the truth.

As to which you should choose, it is an apples/oranges choice. While Okinawa is part of Japan, its people are not ethnically Japanese. They speak Japanese and also their native language known a "hogan". Their culture markedly different from mainland Japanese culture. For example, you will see a lot more shorts and jeans than women in business suits like you would see on the mainland. The people of Okinawa are a lot more laid back and of course there are the beaches and the great weather. Okinawa is just breathtaking and there is a lot to do with festivals and nightlife..

All that being said, a big disadvantage of Okinawa is the availability of public transportation. Unlike the mainland where you can catch a train or the subway, Okinawa has neither. All Okinawa has is bus and taxi service throughout the island and the bus doesn't always go where you need to go. Taxis can get expensive. There is also the monorail in Naha, the capital city, but it too has a very limited route...mainly from the airport to the tourist areas of Naha.

Mainly Japan will be easier for you to get around in than Okinawa, unless you make a friend with a car, which means it will be easier for you to see a lot more of the mainland on your own than you can on Okinawa. You could ride the shinkansen or go to Nara or Kyoto and experience true Japan. However, since you have no idea where you would be on the mainland,

I suggest you read any Japan guide books you can find online to help make your decision.