Ryukyu was a prosperous independent kingdom trading mainly with China in a tribute system, and known as a kingdom whose residents carried no arms. People say that Okinawa has the geographical potential to become a trading hub with other Asian countries. At the Prefectural History Museum, the actual Bankoku Shinryo Bell, which had been designated a national treasure, is on exhibit. It was originally cast and hung during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era before the main hall of Shuri Castle. Within Japan, Okinawa is the prefecture of longevity where people live longer than any other and the number of people 100 years or older per 100,000 of population is 28.06, a number which beats the national average by 8.97.
Food plays the most important role.
We must not forget the idea that medical treatment and food can come from the same source. The number of emigrants to the whole of the South American Continent totals 49,000. The group of 27 people who left for Hawaii in 1899 were the first wave of destitute farmers seeking a better way of life outside of Okinawa. Following the first group, others had tried their fortune in the United States and Canada. After the 1972 reversion to Japan, the number of emigrants decreased gradually, and there are almost none in the present day.