Living in Japan's Subtropical Paradise | Okinawa Street Interviews

Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, but it's not only its geography that makes it feel like the most unJapanese.
Our other 3 videos about Okinawa:
- City of Concrete | Okinawa, Japan • City of Concrete | Oki...
- The Worst Traffic in Japan is Not in Tokyo • Japan's worst traffic ...
- Being Japanese Part 1 of 2 • Being Japanese Part 1 ...
Sources:
- U.S. military chopper crash english.kyodonews.net/news/20...
- Minimum wages in Japanese prefectures wageindicator.org/salary/mini... //and www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunit...
- Prime Minister's Office of Japan photo of Kariyushi www.kantei.go.jp/jp/101_kishi...
- Cool Biz Kariyushi www8.cao.go.jp/okinawa/kariyu...
- QAB News: History or Kariyushi www.qab.co.jp/news/2023060117...
- Cool Biz Orihica www.orihica.com/coolbiz-style...
- Okinawa soki soba at bento shop/ ミス沖縄のおきなわ観光TV　一般財団法人沖縄観光コンベンションビューローOkinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau（OCVB) • 100円で沖縄そばが食べられる！？コスパ最強...
- Coolbiz poster from the Ministry of Enviroment ondankataisaku.env.go.jp/cool...
- Kariyushi cool biz/Mango House www.mangohouse.jp/c/event/coo...
- Beach party www.okinawastory.jp/spot/6000...
- Shinkosen commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
- King Sho Shin en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ki...
- Sijyunnkaiinn www.archives.pref.okinawa.jp/...
- Kariyushi history www8.cao.go.jp/okinawa/kariyu...
- Kariyushi Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kariyus...
- Kariyushi rules www.okikouren.or.jp/kouren-new...
- Okinawa government position on bases www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/kika...
- Okinaw reversion anniversary www.japantimes.co.jp/news/202...
- Okinawa base opposition www.japantimes.co.jp/news/202...
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[@Rat-uv4hv]

I am Okinawan live in US for 13 years. Our イチャリバチョーデー mentality is so unique and rare I get compliments like “I feel so safe to talk to you even though I just met you”. I appreciate spiritual discipline we have🧡

[@zivarosenthal8650]

The usa empire of hell america is dangerous and low class. be gratfeul to have n Nppon, and remain there go back, live in health and safety which usa will cause devastating results.

[@TheRemakersIreland]

I don't understand Japanese, but even the way they talk - their cadence - is so chill and laid back. It's lovely to hear! Cheers Greg!

[@silveriver9]

Anywhere with good weather and sunshine tends to be like this.

[@Tinil0]

I know this sounds stupid, but they just come across as so...normal and average? Everyone that was interviewed I feel like someone I already know and I can absolutely get the "We're siblings here" type thing, it just seems so naturally easy to just get along with everyone. I don't know if it's the island culture mixed with being at a crossroads of Chinese, Japanese, and even American culture now, but Okinawans may as well be the universal people haha.

[@user-no2mz9hl4f]

I find it relaxing to hear them talk.

[@Phlegethon]

How do you know if you’re approaching a local or not: ask them what they are and they’ll tell you Japanese or from Okinawa

[@bebemax95]

​@@silveriver9Not anywhere... California and Florida are not this chill

[@omegasage777]

Okinawa is not only naturally beautiful, but filled with friendly people and a rich culture as well.

[@luciano_ozuna]

Fun fact: I live in a city who has the second larger japanese community in Brazil (it's a city called Campo Grande, which means "Big Field"), and a big part of the immigrants are originaly from Okinawa. So here we have a big Okinawa influence in our food, especially the Soki Soba. Here it's just "Soba" and is one of the most typical food of the city. This dish is so important that it's considered as part of the city's heritage and even has a statue (really). Of course it had to be adapted, but it's basically very similar, with the exception of Kamaboko, which was replaced by an omelette.

[@bentosekai]

I'm on exchange in Tokyo and I've been doing sociolinguistic research on Ryukyuan languages recently so I really enjoyed this video! I just want to emphasize that, like the person from Miyako-jima said, the languages indigenous to different islands/communities in Okinawa prefecture are distinct languages (there are six languages recognized by UNESCO in the Ryukyuan group), and they are still being spoken today. Ryukyuan language revitalization is a fascinating topic, and if you want to learn more about Ryukyuan languages I would recommend looking through the Handbook of the Ryukyuan Languages edited by Patrick Heinrich, Miyara Shinsho, and Shimoji Michinori!

[@siamcharm7904]

once the war gets underway, okinawa will be annihilated. FREE OKINAWA.

[@user-zg2yd5mg6g]

@@siamcharm7904gfy separatist

[@alraisenavecesdario1744]

Thanks for your comment, and for your contribution to Okinawan culture.

[@elipandaman]

yesssss fellow sociolinguist in the comments section. come to hawai'i, it's so similar!

[@konumusic]

Very good to hear. I actually went to school for anthropology with a focus on pacific and indigenous culture and language so thank you for the recommendation as it's right up my alley. My father also happens to be from Okinawa but lost his language when he came to Hawaii then California. Ryukyuan language information is very difficult to find, even in Hawaii which has a large Okinawan population. Again, many thanks to everyone who is contributing to this area oh study 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@fangexploring]

I love how friendly everyone are. Thanks for another great video Greg!

[@johnanderson2182]

It's always a good day when you upload a new video, Greg. Thanks so much for the interesting content over the years! It's been really neat seeing more about the background of Okinawa with this series!

[@theonlymegumegu]

i always find it interesting to hear when a culture is generally more laid back when it comes to time. being from the US, I've certainly heard of "island time" from Hawaii, as a filipino American, we always refer to "filipino time", i met a Nigerian priest who referred to "Nigerian time" and I've also heard about "Indian standard time". and now Okinawa joins the list ^_^

[@MissMiserize]

Google "Time zones" you can learn about all the others too.

[@GiveMeCoffee]

"Ecuadorian time" is used to mention that locals do not respect appointments and are not punctual, huge cultural shock for someone from an occidental capital city.

[@lurr875]

That’s actually a really interesting side effect of the weather in different countries. For countries such as the UK where the weather isn’t volatile, it’s significantly more common for them to be a punctual society as appointments and meeting times could historically be met regardless of adverse weather. However for more tropical countries with more volatile climates, a less punctual society is much more common, as the weather can often adversely affect travel conditions. It’s a really interesting topic!

[@theonlymegumegu]

@@lurr875 fascinating, i never thought about local climate being a factor!

[@GiveMeCoffee]

@@lurr875 where I live at the weather is so stable we have dry or wet season for 1-3 years, and 12h daily all year round of sunlight, I think the stability of the weather make them to be too complacent and not to care

[@yann_p]

A pleasure to watch Greg's videos as always. Definitely putting Okinawa on the list of places to visit!

[@robertgulfshores4463]

This was one of your best videos, so simple, and pure, nice people you interviewed too! Thank you! I can't wait to visit Okinawa someday.

[@Melian_Toril]

I always love your videos, thank you for uploading this glimpse into a culture we don't see often! Your videos are always so well done and genuine.

[@andrewlamb3585]

Hey Greg! I appreciate your channel! I feel both equally entertained and educated after watching videos on your channel. I look forward to future content! Take care!

[@romeoviray9487]

thanks for the interesting videos as well as uploading them in a high quality resolution, it makes it more enjoyable to watch especially with the nice videography!

[@5StarAlcatraz]

I’m not Okinawan, but I was born & lived there for 11 years in the 1960s. My father was in the U.S. Civil Service & stationed there at the time. I have some many great memories of growing up there & would love to go visit there again. Thank you for the beautiful video❤

[@user-vf2nw3sl8p]

I love how friendly everyone are. Thanks for another great video Greg!. I love how friendly everyone are. Thanks for another great video Greg!.

[@celcius_87]

gorgeous video footage! So clear and vivid.

[@Persimmon_112]

My sister lives on one of the military bases on Okinawa with her husband and family. She loves it there and is very happy. They are currently riding out a cat 4 typhoon.

[@agin1519]

Lulz. Watching this video I said to my wife ‘What about moving to Okinawa?’ She looked up at me, said one word ‘Typhoons’ and went back to what she was doing…

[@agin1519]

@@ajc5930 I mean I think we could ride them out, it’s just my wife doesn’t want to spend half of summer doing it!

[@agin1519]

@@ajc5930 yeh that’s strange I can’t see it either!

[@Playerdue]

Great video as always! I really like the more relaxed way of life in Okinawa, nice weather and a good seaside tend to have this effect on the mood! 😁

[@nish221100]

Beautiful shots, Greg. Even the non-drone shots look really good.

[@vidsofyermom]

I always learn a lot from your videos. Thanks!

[@mjmikaelson]

Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@Mallalieu200]

Thanks Greg and sister-in-law for your insightful videos on Japan - its my wish to visit Japan sometime soon....

[@ronyano]

I really enjoy your coverage of various subjects, you provide some insight into why people do or don't do things.

[@Zanji1234]

your documentaries are one of THE best here on youtube :-)

[@SwissTanuki]

Thanks for another great video 👌

[@gruberaj]

Great video as always!

[@MsCanadianpie]

Spent a few days in Okinawa a couple of years ago and wow, the island is the best! Love the people, food, beach, and laid back lifestyle. Definitely going back one day!

[@vindo17]

great videos as always!

[@peppage]

Great hearing from the locals!

[@sandyquinn491]

really enjoyed learning of this area- much different vibe than other places you've covered. More videos would be wonderful if you get in that area again- maybe going to traditional celebration/annual events or on purpose interviewing tourists to see how welcome they feel there and if they'd consider relocating permanently. Thank you!

[@jimw544]

Great not only is your content really good but you also do a great job with the camera. I enjoy all of you videos. Sounds like Okinawa is the place I need to visit.

[@raeredqueen101]

Really enjoying these videos on Oki! The bit about the ocean was very amusing as a Brit. I've lived in Oki for 2 years and I still can't get over how beautiful the ocean is compared to the muddy looking water I grew up with 😂

[@DylanRoberts7]

Really nice video that adds a lot of other peoples perspective. I enjoyed it.

[@konumusic]

🙌 Thank you for this. Loved it all. Please make more videos about Okinawa. :)

[@psiga]

Oh, wow. Tomigusuku looks _wonderful_ to me. That just went on my Must Visit list. Interesting! Thank you for sharing this!

[@maiying2874]

High quality content 👏🏼👌

[@sbring00able]

Thanks for the video, very interesting!

[@askvlad]

Admirable work my friend ! Congratulations. While the majority of web contents are wonderfully mediocre, yours is clearly clever and showing interesting perspectives! I was delighted. Thanks

[@defunctchannel942]

The b roll in this is heavenly. Also the people interviewed all seemed so nice!

[@agin1519]

It’s really nice to have a thoughtful video to watch that doesn’t focus on controversy, but let’s people speak and introduce things. I hope you had a nice time there! It looks very hot.

[@MartinJutras]

Great video, thanks!

[@jimmyastley]

This is top quality content ❤ I love your channel. 😊

[@iamdmc]

your videos are my favourite videos about Japan my wife and I can't wait to visit !

[@dianechaniewski293]

This was fun and relaxing to watch. Thank you! I hope that your kids are doing well. :)

[@lao6823]

thank you for your amazing content :)

[@dertyp6767]

Thank you, that was super interesting. I'd love to visit this place some time in my life.

[@CptFitzgerald]

Masterful followup to the things I brought up in the last video's comment section about the US millitary bases there. The subtle nuance you utilized with actual native correspondence was more graceful than my electric passion could ever be. Well done. I wish I could be as effective as you in empathy.

[@ludwigheisters8105]

❤I like your professional level of your videos, very journalistic! ❤

[@BrentsTreehouse]

a visit is on our short list! thanks for the video.

[@thewholeworldyoutube]

Most cultural informative video I have seen about Okinawa ! thank you

[@jessievandenakker4549]

この動画ありがとうございます！とても面白い！

[@anreYna12]

The kariyushi shirt is so cool! It's remind me of Tom Selleck's Magnum PI. The kariyushi culture is similiar with Indonesian batik. A very clever adaptation in tropical climate, comfortable, durable breathable, and absorbent. We wear batik in every occasions: work, wedding, meeting, traveling, sleeping, everything.

[@adayortwo]

Very interesting, I like their laid-back approach to time. How about some more videos on that part of Japan? The one on Okinawa architecture was also great by the way.

[@fidykely]

It's off topic but I've watched hundreds of videos about Japan and I think that japanese people are very articulate and very deep in their thoughts. I really hope I'll visit Japan one day and meet these wonderful people. Thanks for your videos Greg

[@askarindarto664]

Great video! Makes me want to visit Okinawa!

[@axis2010]

My mom was born and raised in Okinawa. When people ask her, "Oh, you're from Japan?". She says, "No, I'm from Okinawa."

[@Isaac-qe2in]

How old was she when she left, and where does she reside now?

[@barometerbanner212]

I spent 2 years living in Northern Japan, and during those long Akita winters, I dreamt of Okinawa. What a wonderful seeming place.

[@bustin9938]

Loved it thanks greg

[@aibao_eipariru_april]

I really hope someday you’ll be able to talk with my in-laws (we talked when covid was still scary a while back) I think my FIL and UIL would have good history stories. And I personally think it’s cool that our surname is limited to our immediate family and uniquely Okinawan (not an overused common Japanese name), because I’m a geek like that 😂 It’s funny to see through your video which parts of my husband are Okinawan and how much his mom (Hiroshima) has influenced, and how much Okinawa has rubbed off on her too, but I think after watching your video - it’s definitely a different mindset, Iriomote vs Okinawa island, too. I need to catch up on your videos, great work as always Greg!

[@niksn022]

This is a very interesting video to be honest. I'm surprised it doesn't have more views by now.

[@WANDERER0070]

What a beautiful clean water,definitely need to visit 😊

[@TheBeatles..]

Loved this

[@riowhi7]

the last point you mentioned is interesting because depending on where you are, places ranging from Okinawa Island to Honshu to Asia can all be considered "mainland".

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Amazing work as usual, Greg. That part about Okinawa being a rare place in Japan that isn’t ‘ruled by the clock’ really rang true. I especially noticed that feeling of a different relationship with time in the Yaeyama Islands. On Ishigaki Island (my family’s favorite vacation spot) I remember being initially amused-annoyed by just how slow everyone drove - consistently under the speed limit. But then when I was back in my hometown in central Japan I felt myself lamenting the increase in speed of traffic…and life.

[@magnetospin]

Those waters are absolutely beautiful.

[@littlekirby6]

yeah it doesn't surprise me that Okinawans are easy to talk to, it seemed like Takashii had an easy time interviewing them as well. Would be cool if you could do a video with him! it's interesting to hear that Okinawans just swim in regular clothes, yeah everyone I've been with wears swimming shorts or bikinis to the beach. I also liked that you interviewed locals how they feel about the military bases. I work at a US naval base, but it was never my desire. I can't imagine what it's like having foreign bases on my home land. Well, I can, but this isn't my personal blog lol

[@PervertedPanda3]

Great Video! Part of me has been having thoughts of just moving back there and getting a simple place near the beach to get away from all the 'hustle & bustle' and difficulties I face in the US.

[@pyroglyphicsglass]

As someone who grew up on a landlocked island, on a freshwater lake, there is something to be said about how much slower life moves and how much respect you have for your neighbors. Island life isn’t about the weather, but it only adds to the experience.

[@deemon710]

I'm speaking as someone who's only visited once and is still largely ignorant about Okinawa. I think this video is a fantastic primer on Okinawa. Those, like me, who had little idea of how it and its people differ from the mainland can now have a baselevel to grown from. Thanks!

[@Nillok]

I lived in Okinawa as a kid, from 7 to 12, and loved this video! Learned so much that I didn't pick up on as a kid :).

[@jeremiahgrayest]

Man Okinawa is such a beautiful place. Amazing culture and people

[@ericng5707]

7:00 I believe that lady giving her thoughts about the military bases doesn't want bases to be like malls. The English translation should actually be along the lines of "I sometimes think it would be better if the bases were gone and shopping malls occupied those spaces instead."

[@OllamhDrab]

Well, the thing about bases isn't just about ecoomics or preferences. The whole damn party's over if China decides the place is cost-effective to hoover up again like they've done in history. Our bases should be better neighbors but no one's gonna want the free world to have to fight *another* Pacific empire cause someone wanted more convenient shopping.

[@Alicia-ag]

So beautiful shots! It was surprising that okinawans don't use bathing suits. These videos make me want to visit the places so badly. Great job, guys 🎉

[@yumikotoyama838]

No sense in bothering with swim wear. Land and sea are one. Just hang out and enjoy the process of drying

[@user-my3di3cm4j]

“Before being annexed by Japan by 1879” - actually Okinawa was already part of Satsuma Domain of Kyushu in 1609.

[@grrumakemeangry]

not really, 😊

[@astrar7]

hi greg it's been a while since i watched your videos. i remember when the kids were making natto in one of your early videos and your videos really inspired me to move to japan so thank you for that. How are the kids nowdays? i hope they're doing great now that they've all grown up

[@megflan23]

I lived there for six years as a kid, between ages 8-14. My mom was in the marines and we were stationed there. It was a beautiful place to live and “grow up” with an amazing culture! We lived a little on base but mostly off base in kitanakagusuku. :) I miss Okinawan food especially the soba - it’s hard to find anywhere! Even living in nyc.

[@HappyComfort]

Thank you for the wonderful video on Okinawa! What a great place! That’s definitely where I would visit if I went to Japan!🌷👍😊💕 I also do not wear a bathing suit, but like to wear shorts and a T-shirt. When I’m at the ocean, but I basically only weighed in up to my knees and look for seashells or whatever I am allowed to have to do according to their local customs what a beautiful place! Says🌺🪷🪸🌾

[@arkijona_]

We are currently living here in Okinawa!!! Definitely enjoying our OkiLife! 🥰🌺 my kids often say we are like on a permanent vacation! Haha! We love the beaches, the food😊 and everything Okinawan! ❤

[@captainobvious9188]

I love it this. I didn’t realize there was this perfect mesh of Japan and Hawaii.

[@fragrantflame586]

1:33 Thank you for that kawaii insert! I think that local added well to your documentary. 🐈‍⬛

[@miyokudo]

Sir Greg is the best documentary youtuber among the rest 🙂❤ specially in Japan 🎴

[@dothackjhe]

Goya, otherwise known as "ampalaya" in the Philippines or "bitter gourd" in English, is actually good for maintaining blood sugar level. Paired with an active lifestyle, eating this food regularly could help diabetics, pre-diabetics, or thos predisposed to getting diabetes in the struggle against the disease. I eat this veggie myself whenever I have the chance, as a type-2 diabetic.

[@omegasage777]

It's called Karela in Urdu and Hindi!

[@dothackjhe]

@@AsianSP I just ate the same dish for lunch earlier today.

[@dothackjhe]

@@omegasage777 The veggie is known by many names across the world, for sure!

[@MrJohnblaine]

I didn't know there was a difference in Japan. Thank you for educating me! 🎉🎉

[@hella9068]

great video as always! Thank you for it! I guess southern places have a more relaxed lifestyle because of the warm/hot weather, just like in Italy/Spain/ Greece here in Europe, but it varies also between the northern and southern reagions of these countries, depends if smaller towns or metropolis. It's very interesting. I moved to the southern part of Switzerland from the north and even here the life is much more relaxed as up north. I guess it's the ☀️😊

[@HansenFT]

Unless you get far north. I believe that here in Norway, it's much more relaxed and friendly in the northern most regions, where it's very scarcely populated.

[@EdensukoV]

Okinawa is awesome, so chill

[@Spazum888]

I think that most of the people that were stationed on Okinawa will have nothing but AMAZING stories to tell you about the culture, locations, and people they met. When he said, "Even though we just met, were family" is super true. I miss it

[@user-yh7vc3so5s]

Okinawa is also the best, but the small islands around Okinawa are also popular, and Ishigaki, Miyako, and Yoron islands have many resort hotels and the sea is more beautiful than Okinawa.

[@silveriver9]

Is it easy to island hop between the Yoron, Ishigaki and Miyako islands? Expensive?

[@user-xy8xy7us2b]

2:30 This guy has a great reaction haha. People there do seem very friendly.

[@modkhi]

My parents met and married in Okinawa as international students from China, but I was born after they left, so I've always been curious about the place they got together. It's pretty interesting; thanks for this video!

[@kristofferhedlund4504]

Islanders tend to be much friendlier in most countries. Being one myself, I've heard it so much.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Epic place. Diving. Food. People. Weather.

[@christophermoralesclark]

I think tropical island mindset is the same everywhere. I heard several familiar thoughts on life that my extended family share, even though my mother’s from the small island of Vieques, beside Puerto Rico.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Cool. I've never been that far south in Japan. But, I'd like to go for a visit sometime.

[@KarakorumDiary]

I wanted to see more about food, restaurants, commute system and schools. The place looks stunning...

[@kylotech5056]

So cool and fascinating the culture! the Goya vegetable we call Carilla in Guyana South America, and we loovee it! It has tons of health benefits. Usually cut into small pieces and fried or boil the leaves to produce a medicine for cleansing toxins. Okinawa is a bucket list destination ❤. Great video!

[@AR-pm9nv]

I spent 2.5 years in Okinawa in the USAF. Worked right alongside locals on base. Virtually all were friendly and fun to be around.

[@motivational7531]

The beach is beautiful, I'm surprised they don't go there now often!

[@deemon710]

@2:32 That "Eh?" as you point it out. 🤣🤣

[@Mrschillijones]

Definitely love to see more sushi videos

[@takedashingen2834]

I was due to go back to Okinawa 2 weeks ago for my holidays but due to the Typhoon the flight got canceled and we didn't make it. Hope everything gets back to normal and big love to everyone in Okinawa, hope to see you again soon.

[@salguodrolyat2594]

Avoid travel to Japan in August to October.😁