Escaping the hectic buzz of modern life may seem almost impossible with the rapid expansion of technology and the fast-paced over-stimulation of contemporary society. However, there are still many places where the most chaotic bustle of city life is hushed and the world seems to stumble into the past beyond phones and internet. Among these dwindling destinations, are the rural regions of Okinawa. |
Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, is a tropical island grown of beautiful coral and volcanic rock situated between Mainland Japan and Taiwan. The city lights of its frenetic cities illuminate the night sky, and busy work schedules and blaring car horns of urban Okinawa give voice to its industrious lifestyles, but there is another style of life: Okinawa's Slow Life. |
When visiting the northern regions and villages, the traditional homes with their red-tiled roofs and coral fences make the frantic pace of urban Okinawa seem like a distant dream. Here you will find peaceful villagers living a full life well beyond their eighties yet still radiating youthful vitality.
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The life of an Okinawan in these outer communities seems as if it is beyond the reach of the standard Japanese language and foreign influences. This apparent seclusion from the modern world has allowed them to retain an easy-going way of life that flows with the tides of nature. They live peacefully with the climate of the island, carrying on the tradition and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom; a culture that existed long before Okinawa became a prefecture of Japan.
Days are spent crouching down in the mud planting rice and tending fresh tea leaves and an array of tropical fruit, while others may choose to navigate the jagged ocean cliffs for a tranquil day of fishing. Giant oxen can be seen pulling carts through rice paddy fields, and rows of crops stretch to the base of coral mountains and wild jungles.
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This is the essence of "slow life"; days spent in leisurely enjoyment of the world around them. In the game of life, even the calm Okinawan will inevitably be thrown the unexpected curveball. The trick to the Okinawan's seemingly stress-free mindset is not worrying when a ball is missed. Most are content to live their days in the fields and enjoy life with their families.
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Here the longevity is astounding. What's more astounding is the active liveliness of individual citizens of the community, regardless of their position in society. Mayors can be seen gardening in the streets while women nearing or even passing one hundred years of age still operate night time karaoke bars even after they have worked long hours all day in the fields.
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Such peaceful lives are seen as prosperous with happiness and love, and Okinawans will often attribute these fortunes to the kindness of the gods. Thanks are always given to these gods hosting the many shrines scattered throughout the island. Throughout Ryukyuan history, every family was required to make daily and annual journeys to different sacred prayer sites to show respect and pray for another prosperous year. Even today, hidden among the trees and vines encoving many homes, are old tombs dating back hundreds of years. Villagers will still make daily trips to these resting places to pay respect and honor to their ancestors.
In fact, most festivals seen throughout the Ryukyu Islands are to pay respect and celebrate the gifts of the gods while praying for continued good fortune. For example, the Dragon Boat races held each summer is much more than an exciting race of speed and strength for each villages' team. Once a village has claimed victory, the people will make their way to a nearby fisherman's shrine and pray to the gods for bountiful catches of fish throughout the year.
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These rural Northern villages seem beyond the traveler's reach, but they are surprisingly easy to stumble upon, and any interest shown in these villages is greeted with warm welcomes and friendly smiles. Of course, it is very important to show respect to their culture, but overall, it's best to keep an open mind to new experiences and philosophies.
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Another attraction of the Okinawan rural life are the wild lands that weave throughout these rustic Northern villages. Trailing down the middle of the island is a lush green burst of jungle. Under the huge banana tree leaves and among the vines there are mazes of dirt paths leading wanderers to follow tricking streams to roaring waterfalls. Surrounding all of these is a world alive with the sounds of buzzing cicada, singing birds and the rustling of the many elusive Ryukyuan creatures, including the ever popular mongoose, the newly discovered Yambaru Kuina, (also known as an Okinawan Rail), and the endangered Iriomote cat.
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Hiji Falls is Okinawa's largest waterfall and one of the most well known hikes on the island. The once dirt trail has been completely rebuilt with a long even path of wooden steps leading to a magnificent waterfall. However, just like all journeys, it's not all about the destination. This long staircase is an array of ups and downs leading over jungle earth and crossing a sparkling river whose crystalline waters race away downstream toward the distant ocean. An orchestra of insects and birds strike up a lively, endless song and the soothing wind weaving through vines and giant leaves pulls at the senses and clears the mind of chores left far behind.
No matter how many pictures have unveiled the secret of the destination, they are no match for the soft roar of cool water rushing over the falls to an emerald pool below. After the long trek through the jungle, a dip in the cool waters is a perfect treat to relieve your body and really enjoy the essence of a hot summer day. Many kids will climb to the top of the waterfall and leap over its edge. Although it is not prohibited, great caution should always be taken when attempting such 'leaps of faith'' as the water is so incredibly clear the depth can be very deceiving.
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Another hike worth taking is to Okinawa's highest peak,Yonaha Dake. As the record reveals, this is a very strenuous hike, so be sure to bring plenty of water and utilize the small out house at the base of the trail before beginning. From the small dirt parking lot, a flag can just be seen among bare rocks. That distant flag is the highest peak. Although at first it can seem pretty overwhelming, the end result is worth every aching muscle and heavy drop of sweat. At the highest point, a view of the island stretches out, with the East China Sea to one side and the Pacific Ocean to the other.
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Kin Cho and Higashi Village: |
Back down at sea level, forests of mangroves can be found where the salt water from the ocean mingles with the fresh water of the many rivers that cut through the island. These strange tangles of verticle roots grow above the water's surface and hide an unimaginable diversity of insects, mammals, and water life.
What better way to see these creatures and the twining branches of mangroves than to paddle under their leaves? Kin Cho and Higashi Village among others, offer the opportunity to rent kayaks and float down the calm rivers that cut through the island's interior to enjoy the Ryukyu wildlife. Schools of fish can be seen darting below the rippling surface while the soothing hum of insects drifts out from the cool shadows of the mangrove forest. Often times, the sudden presence of travelers startle the snowy white egrets to take flight on the warm winds.
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Rooted in the Old Ways and Crafts: |
However, there is more to the "slow life" of Okinawa than farming, fruit, wildlife and waterfalls. Evidence of the Ryukyu Kingdom can be found hidden within the wild growth of jungle as ancient shrines and tombs while each small village thrives with the a culture as rich as Okinawa's beautiful colors of nature.
Bashofu Weaving:
In Northern Okinawa, tucked in among wild groves of banana trees, is a tiny village within Ogimi that proudly continues a tradition dating back before the 13th century. Here, the villagers of Kijoka carry on the art of Bashofu, which is a style of weaving using the fibers of the Basho, or banana trees. The process is long and tedious, beginning with the tender growth of the trees to ensure the quality of fibers lining the stems. Years later, once the trees are mature, the centermost fibers are pulled to be softened, scraped clean, separated, and colored using natural dyes. They then use antique wooden looms held in small, one-room factories, to weave the thread into beautiful Kimonos and Kamishimo, which are traditional wear of medieval Japan. The banana tree fiber is light weight and is comfortable during hot Okinawan summers. The tradition is passed from mother to daughter through generations in hopes of keeping one of many cultural traditions unique to the Ryukyu Islands alive. When visiting the factory, one may be surprised at the size of the old fashioned work room. The soft whoosh of weaving and hushed conversation mingles with the outside hum of insects. The entire process is done by hand and is very tedious, but most agree it is almost therapeutic.
Glass Blowing:
One of Okinawa's newest art forms is the art of glass blowing. Ryukyu glass has earned its name and since the sudden popularity in practice after World War II and the presence of American soldiers based on the island, it has been considered another part of Okinawan character. Masters of glass blowing take the art very seriously and it shows through the skill and perfection of each hand blown glass product. Born from discarded bottles from US soldiers, the craft soon took a life of its own as cups and bowls progressed into anything from tiny, delicate jewelry to extravagant chandeliers and sculptures. It is amazing to watch the artists at work as they carefully heat the glass and mold it into their vision.
Pottery:
Scattered in various villages around the island, pottery has been an ancient craft passed down over generations since the very beginnings of the Ryukyu Kingdom. One of the main pottery villages is Tsuboya, in southern Okinawa. On the back roads off of Naha's main city scenes, potters steadily work to create beautiful designs and practical merchandise for everyday use.
Celebration:
Every year, Naha brings the craftsmanship of these Tsuboya potters to the city streets with a large festival to celebrate the traditional culture and impressive work. The streets are lined with tents and tables covered with various forms of pottery being sold at lower prices than what is found in the factories themselves. The pottery museum opens its doors offering free entry for all and artists of the craft teach the technique behind each vessel. As with all festivals of Okinawa, many use the celebration of their thriving culture as an excuse to display other talents around the city. The great Shisa will performs its shishimai, or Shisa dance, and the twang of the Okinawan Sanshin, a traditional instrument of the Ryukyu Kingdom, can be heard among the drums of the Eisa dance. This is typically a several day event because of all the excitement each Okinawan festival brings.
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Essence of The Slow Life:
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Okinawa and its surrounding islands within the Ryukyu chain embody the essence of "slow life". Life is about the journey, with only one possible destination. These rural Okinawans may never see snow or climb to the peak of Mount Everest, but a life spent content with loved ones sharing laughter and peace, is a life lived to its fullest. When traveling to areas that seem to abandon the rules of modernization, there is nothing better than to temporarily shrug off the burdens of a hectic life. Use these peaceful settings as a backdrop in which to frame precious moments with family and friends in a small rustic home, with the scent of tatami and tea, enjoying fish caught only hours before eating.
Despite the sense of slipping back in time one gets when visiting these rustic trails and quiet villages, the city with an essence and life all it's own, lies merely a couple hours drive away.....
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT: www.mikesryukyugallery.com |
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Asian Continent