April-June 1945. 7,600 Americans died taking the island, and 110,000 Japanese died trying to defend it.

Okinawa is not a volcano; it is a Japanese prefecture located in the southern part of Japan. Japan has several volcanoes, but Okinawa itself is not one.

The second largest city in the area, Okinawa is located in the center of a 1,000 km long island chain, and is only 20 km north of Naha, the largest (and capital) city. Only about 35 years old, Okinawa is home to almost 130,000 inhabitants.

With large shopping districts and a big US military presence, Okinawa is very American-friendly with many signs written in both English and Japanese. The United States has six facilities that are at least partially located in Okinawa, and Japan’s Ground Self Defense Forces operate in the city, too. The Southeast Botanical Gardens - a 100 acre park with over 2,000 species of plants - are located in this city as well. Famous for architecture, Okinawa’s layout is beautiful to see.

Rich in culture and military significance, Okinawa is a Japanese city that is well worth the visit.

1941

沖縄県 (okinawa-ken), which is "Okinawa Prefecture", omitting the last Kanji 県 (ken) makes it 沖縄 (okinawa).