His report appeared as an Okinawa Times series in June of 1999. Says Inagaki, the similarities between Ireland and Okinawa are not only historical and cultural, but are also evident in the politics, economics and social structure as well. So much so, he says, that one cannot help but notice the stark differences. In Ireland, individuals often speak several languages and are generally knowledgeable about computers. Ireland, Inagaki reported, promotes some unique education policies.
Many people study subjects directly related to industry needs.
Children start learning foreign languages at 12. Inagaki notes the history of multiple Irish emigrations in search of opportunity. Language proficiency and technical skills were pre-requisites to survival. In 1999, as call centers were established in Okinawa, there appeared a shortage of workers with the level of skills demanded by the firms. In systems as well as business attitudes, Okinawa has much to learn from other advanced areas.