Okinawa Prefecture is warm year-round and a hugely popular destination beloved by Japanese people.
With its stunning nature, cuisine, and scenery distinct from the main islands, Okinawa is packed with charm—irresistible spots and experiences.
In this article, we’ll introduce trivia and fun facts about Okinawa, a place brimming with appeal.
You may discover customs completely different from those on the main islands and surprising facts—even frequent travelers to Okinawa might learn something new!
Enjoy these tidbits and trivia that will make you fall even more in love with Okinawa once you know them!
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Digging Deep into Okinawa’s Charms! A Collection of Trivia & Fun Facts about Okinawa Prefecture (1–10)
Yankees fight using the word “moo.”
I’ve heard that “yankees” (delinquent kids) pick fights using the word “nuu.” It’s a bit hard to picture, right? Think of it as similar to the Tokyo “aaan,” and that might get the idea across.
They raise or drop the intonation on “nuu” to convey the nuance.
By the way, it translates roughly to “What the hell?” It’s a pretty rude expression, so even if you go to Okinawa, be careful not to use it.
Also, if someone says “nuu” to you, you should take it as a sign they’re in a bad mood.
Throwing flour at each other at a junior high school graduation ceremony
When you hear “graduation ceremony,” what kind of scene do you imagine? Most people probably picture a solemn atmosphere or moving interactions.
However, in some parts of Okinawa, it’s customary to throw flour at each other.
The reason is unclear, but it seems this behavior has been passed down mainly among delinquent youths.
Because of that, shops in Okinawa are said to ban the sale of flour to students as graduation approaches.
That said, there are also reports that this practice is now rarely carried out.
I often get 2,000-yen bills from the ATM.
Although it is a current banknote, the 2,000-yen bill is rarely seen; it was issued around the time of the 2000 Okinawa Summit as a commemorative release.
Despite its reputation as a rarity, it actually circulates widely in Okinawa Prefecture.
Featuring Shuri Castle—an emblem of Okinawa—and having been issued to commemorate the Okinawa Summit, the note is thought to have gravitated back to Okinawa out of local pride and attachment.
Another cited reason is that during the period of American administration, people used the 20-dollar bill, which made them more accustomed than other regions to denominations based on the number 2.
People in Okinawa don’t swim in the sea very much.
When people think of Okinawa, many picture the ocean.
If you’re visiting as a tourist, you’ll probably want to go swimming or try some marine sports at least once.
Surprisingly, though, it’s said that locals in Okinawa hardly ever swim in the sea.
Reasons include that it’s too hot, there are many dangerous marine creatures, and quite a few people simply can’t swim.
That said, while they might not swim, they do often enjoy having barbecues by the beach.
And it’s true—a beach barbecue is something people of all ages can enjoy.
People in Okinawa don’t use umbrellas even when it rains.
Okinawa is a popular seaside tourist destination, but it’s also an area that gets a lot of rain because it lies in the path of typhoons.
It’s said that people living in rainy Okinawa don’t often use umbrellas even when it’s raining.
That’s because the rain in Okinawa is like a squall—intense but brief—so the idea that it will stop quickly without needing an umbrella has taken root.
Another major reason may be the strong sea winds, which can easily break umbrellas even if you do open one.
to hold a feast in front of a grave
Graveyards are sacred spaces where we remember and mourn the deceased.
However, it’s said that people in Okinawa hold feasts in front of graves.
And not just drinking—there’s dancing, singing, and even games, creating quite a lively atmosphere.
Why do they have feasts at graves? The reason is said to be “to enjoy together with the departed.” That sounds rather lovely, doesn’t it? By the way, along with the feast, there is also a custom of burning uchikabi, money that can be used in the afterlife.
This practice is said to have taken root from traditions brought over from China.
A shisa with its mouth open is male, and one with its mouth closed is female.
Shisa are lion-dog statues found in Okinawa, and they’re strongly associated with being placed on rooftops as talismans to ward off evil.
They are often displayed as a pair, typically one male and one female.
The male has his mouth open to drive away evil and simultaneously invite good fortune, while the female keeps her mouth closed to prevent that good fortune from escaping.
It’s a culture that developed uniquely while incorporating various elements, such as the Buddhist concept of A-un and the komainu guardian dogs commonly seen at Shinto shrines in Japan.