Okinawa, the largest island in the Ryukyu archipelago, was not part of Japan until 1879, and still feels separate from the culture of the mainland. The distinction between the two cultures is like that between the Northeast and the West Coast in America: the mainland is fast-paced and work-oriented, while Okinawa is decidedly more laid back. Despite its chill reputation, Okinawa is a hotspot for traditional martial arts practices. Karate was invented in Okinawa, and the island’s residents still practice the martial art at a higher level than people anywhere else.
Read the full article here: Okinawa’s Laid-Back Approach to Life
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