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Disclaimer
This training is an introduction to cultural norms and is NOT intended to
countermand or supersede current rules of engagement (RoE). RoE are
subject to continuous review and modification in response to strategic
objectives and the dynamic tactical environment. Where ambiguity or
inconsistency exists regarding what you, as an American service member,
should do in a specific situation, consult your chain of command.
The photos and text reproduced herein have been extracted solely for
research, comment and information reporting, and are intended for fair use
by designated personnel in their official duties, including local reproduction
for training. A listing of all references and photos used herein is maintained
by CLREC. Further dissemination of copyrighted material contained in this
document, to include excerpts and graphics, is strictly prohibited under Title
17, U.S. Code.
Operational Cultural Awareness Training –
Okinawa Prefecture
Center for Language, Regional Expertise and Culture (CLREC)
A Directorate of the Center for Information Dominance (CID)
Pensacola, Florida
CLREC@navy.mil
Last Update: May 3, 2010
Version 3.0
Introduction
The purpose of this brief is to familiarize you with the values, beliefs, behaviors and
norms of modern Okinawa; significant cultural differences between America and
Okinawa will be presented so that U.S. military operators can understand and
anticipate the behavior and thought processes of the Okinawan people.
Overview
The following characteristics of Okinawa and its people will be presented:
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Geography
History
Peoples and Ethnic Groups
Language
Religious Influences
Society and Norms
Behavior and Etiquette
Cultural Summary
Prefectural Flag of Okinawa
National Flag of Japan
Geography
• Southern most Japanese prefecture
• Part of Ryūkyū Island chain
• Okinawa means “sea rope”
• Okinawa prefecture
• Okinawa Islands
• Miyako Islands
• Yaeyama Islands
• The island of Okinawa
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Hiji Falls in
Northern Okinawa
About ⅓ the size of Rhode Island
Includes prefecture capital – Naha
Northern ⅔ – mountains, forests
Southern ⅓ – rolling hills
Naha
Geography (Continued)
• Subtropical climate
• Average temperatures
• July – 82°F
• January – 61°F
• Rainy seasons
• May-Jun
• Jun-Nov – tropical cyclone
• Diverse agriculture and wildlife
Nago Pineapple Park
Naha Battered by Typhoon Songda in 2004
Geography (Continued)
• Dangerous wildlife
• Venomous land creatures
• Four types of Habu snakes
• Brown Recluse spider
• Dangerous marine life
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Blue-ringed octopus
Box jellyfish
Cone shells
Lionfish
Marine catfish
Crown of thorns star
Sea snakes
Stingrays
Lionfish
Brown Recluse Spider
Sakishima Habu
Blue Ringed Octopus
Crown of Thorns Starfish
History
• Inhabited continuously since 2,500 BC
• Migration from Melanesia
• Migration from Kyūshū (southern Japan)
• 779 AD – first written reference to “Okinawa”
• A series of dynasties
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Shunten – 1187-1259
Eiso – 1260-1349
Satto – 1350-1405
First Sho – 1406-1469
Second Sho – 1470-1879
Statue of Jianzhen
• 1879-1945 – Prefecture of Japan
Shuri Castle
Shorin-Ryu Karate at Shuri Castle
History (Continued)
• Ryūkyū Island chain
• Important in defense of Japanese mainland
• June 1944 – Japanese soldiers sent to Okinawa
• Before the battle for Okinawa
• October 1944 – Americans commence bombing
• March 1945 – American troops land on Kerama
Islands
• Battle of Okinawa
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1 April 1945 – invasion begins
Lasted 11 weeks
20 June 1945 – battle ended
Heavy military casualities
⅓ of civilian population killed
Invasion of Okinawa
• 2 September 1945 – Japan officially
surrendered
U.S. Forces on Patrol in
Okinawa
Japanese Representatives
Aboard USS Missouri
History (Continued)
• 1946 – rebuilding of Okinawa begins
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First hospital
Civilian newspaper
Bank
Legal system
• By 1950
• Foreign trade begins anew
• Civilian government
• 1951 – treaty signed with Japan
Extensive Damage from the Invasion
• U.S. maintained administrative control
• Okinawa referred to as residual sovereignty
• 15 May 1972
• Full administrative control returned to Japan
• Becomes 47th Prefecture of Japan again
American Vice President Spiro Agnew
Presents Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku
Sato With Documents Returning Okinawa
and the other Ryūkyū Islands
Peoples and Ethnic Groups
• Historically descendants of
• Japanese
• Southeast Asian
• Uchinanchu – the people of Okinawa
• Do not consider themselves Japanese
• Refer to Japanese as Yamatunchus
• Culture more influenced by China than Japan
• Uchinanchu developed their own
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Political system
Local and religious festivals
Languages
Holidays
• Similarities to Japanese
• Behavior
• Social framework
• Diet
Language
• Official language – Japanese
• Used during formal occasions
• Mainly spoken by younger generation
• Taught in school
• Uchinaguchi or Uchina Guchi
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Mainly spoken by people over age of 60
Native language of Okinawa
Some commonality with Japanese language
Used in cultural activities and radio news
Grandparents teach younger generation
Billboards in Kin, Okinawa – The
Center Uses Standard Japanese,
the others Use Okinawan
• Additional languages in the Ryūkyū Islands
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Amami
Miyako
Kunigami
Yaeyama
Yonaguni
Mutually incomprehensible with others
Endangered of being lost
Differences in Japanese and
Okinawan Numbers
Religious Influences
• Onarigami – a core belief in Okinawan culture
• Sister has spiritual power
• Power used to protect her brother
• Fire God
• Worshipped at kitchen hearth
• Predates ancestral worship
• Ceramic incense container used to offer
prayers
• Prayers then offered at ancestral shrine
• Prayers always conducted by oldest woman
• Prayers conducted on 1st and 15th of each
month and during other rituals
• Incense container disposed of when the oldest
woman dies
Kouro
Tisaji
Hinukan at Nakijin Castle Ruins
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Many religions practiced
• Animism
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Belief in different kinds of spirits
Spirits are sacred and supernatural
Ceremonies appease the spirits
Many rituals throughout year
Many sacred places for worship
• Shamanism
The Sefa Utaki Sacred Site
Yutas During the Shioya
Ungami Festival
• Good and evil spirits
• Kaminchu – priestess
• Performs all ceremonies in village
• Hereditary position
• Holds position for life
• Yuta – shaman
• Intermediary between spiritual and
physical world
• Called when misfortune present
• Highly integrated into society
• Sanjinso – fortuneteller
• Lunar Calendar
• I Ching
• Other books
Uganju at Ozato Castle
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Ancestor Worship
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Introduced in the 14th century
Widespread by the 17th century
Ancestors’ spirits watch over descendants
Ceremonies honor ancestors
• Ancestral shrines in nearly every home
• Located in an alcove in a main room
• Top shelf includes sacred tables
• Oldest woman is in charge of the shrine and
conducts rituals
Ancestral Shrine
• Family tomb
• Located in remote areas of a village
• Family gathers there for prayers on special
occasions
Family Tomb
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Buddhism
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Originated in India
Mid-6th century – arrived in Japan
7th century – embraced by Empress Suiko
Prince Shotoku considered the father of
Japanese Buddhism
• Buddhist rituals used for almost all funerals
• Several large monasteries throughout Japan
Tourinji Temple
Obon Festival
Great Buddha of Kamakura
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Temple etiquette
• Usually must remove shoes
• Be calm and respectful
• Praying at temples
• Throw a coin in the offering box
• Pray in front of sacred object
• Place incense in burner and
wave smoke toward self
• Photography
• Usually allowed outside
• Not usually allowed inside
• Signs may be posted
Offering Box
Conan Praying at Temple
Lighting Incense
Osenko
Remove Shoes Before Entering
a Temple
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Shinto – “way of the gods”
• Major influence on culture
• Huge shrines throughout Japan
• Follow gods or spirits found in nature,
heavenly bodies, and natural phenomena
• Sacred objects marked with ropes and
white paper strips
• Temples identified by torii gates
• Major differences from other religions
• No official creed
• No moral guidelines
• No holy scriptures
Torii Gates Mark Entrance to Torii Station
• Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity
combined by many people
• Shisa statues outside the house
Shisa Statue
Shinto Priest
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Shrine etiquette
• Calm and respectful
• Do not visit while sick, with and open
wound, or while mourning
• Before entering
• Rinse hands at purification fountain
• Rinse mouth
• Prayer
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Throw a coin in the offering box
Bow deeply twice
Clap hands twice
Bow deeply once
Prayer for a few seconds
Strike gong before praying if present
Praying at a Shrine
• Photography usually allowed – look for
signs
Purification Fountain
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Confucianism – a philosophy
• Based on The Analects
• Important impact on Japanese culture
• Some core teachings
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Social harmony
Parental respect
Loyalty to superiors
Kind and bureaucratic government
Family loyalty
Ancestor worship
Respect for the elderly
Statue of Confucius
• Other areas of importance
• Prominent in Japanese development
of education system
• Credited with writing the original
Golden Rule
Honoring Ancestors
Religious Influences (Continued)
• Taoism
• Both philosophy and religion
• Developed over 2,500 years ago
• Taoism influences
• Japanese thought
• Zen Buddhism
• Shamanist tradition and rituals
• Other beliefs rooted in Taoism
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Rinzai Buddhist Sect Temple
Lunar calendar
Selection of favorable days
Selection of building sites
Folk medicine
• Yin and Yang – symbolizes perfect balance
• Black – yin
• White – yang
• Does not represent good and evil
Yin and Yang
Society and Norms
Family and Family Values
• Marriage
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Bride of eldest son moves to in-laws’ home
Adds to social interaction
Married couple helps financially
Inherit family altar
• Onarigami
• Can cause conflict with married brothers
• Proverbs and fables – wives have negative
influence, sisters protect
• Girls stay attached to their “birth” home
• Visit often, sometimes daily
• Can cause conflict with in-laws
An Okinawan Women Tends to a Family Tomb
Society and Norms (Continued)
Gender Roles
• Role of women in mainland Japan
• Responsible for the home
• Men responsible for income
• Role of women in Okinawa
• Well-regarded
• Responsible for religious activities
• Believed to have ability to communicate with gods
Women in Traditional
Clothing at Shuri Castle
Women Praying at
Utaki
Conducting Prayers to the Fire God
Women Praying in Animist
Ceremony
Society and Norms (Continued)
Dress and Appearance
• Typical clothing
• Reflects tropical climate
• Mostly Western-styles
• Traditional clothing
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Hand woven
Dyed using natural colors
Geometric designs vary
Kariyushi – very common
• Bingata-styled
Women Selling Fresh Produce
Typical Everyday Clothing
• Dyed cloth
• Used for ceremonies
• Designs inspired by nature
Bingata-styled Dance Clothing
Japan’s Prime Minister and Cabinet
Members Hold a Meeting Wearing Okinawan
Kariyushi Shirts
Society and Norms (Continued)
Housing
• Mainland Japan
• Houses built with wood
• Open floor plan
• Okinawa
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Houses built with concrete
Barred windows
Built to withstand typhoons
3 basic types of structures
• Roofing – Chinese influenced
• Usually red in color
• Build to withstand high winds
Apartment Building Near Kadena Airbase
• Shisa found on most single-family homes
Shisa
Family Housing on Kadena Airbase
Society and Norms (Continued)
Literacy and Education
• Literacy – 99% male and female
• Primary education
• Mandatory for ages 6-15
• Generally free
• Curriculum stresses math and sciences
• Private schools
• Require difficult entrance exams
• Students attend cram schools to prepare
• University
• Required difficult entrance exams
• Competition intense
• Affiliated with elementary, middle, and
high schools
Iheya Junior High School
Students from Iha Elementary School Present
U.S. Marines with Gifts as a Sign of Appreciation
Society and Norms (Continued)
Medicinal and Healing Practices
• High standard of health
• Low infant mortality
• Extremely long life expectancy
• Healthy diets and active lifestyle
• Medical facilities are very good
• Universal health care
• Everyone falls into 1 of 2 programs
• Costs based on earnings
Hospital in Kochinda
Society and Norms (Continued)
Crime, Vice and Trafficking in Persons
• Level of crime – low
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Personal disputes
Theft
Vandalism
Violent crime rare
Sexual assaults
Hate-crimes possible
Pick-pocketing in crowded
places
Japanese Police
Bar
• Organized crime – Yakuza
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Sex-related industry
Gambling
Protection racket
Bars and nightclubs
• Travel advice
• Travel in pairs
• Do not carry large sums of
money
• Keep wallet in front pocket
Nightclub
A Message Written on the Roof of a
Ginowan City Building
Society and Norms (Continued)
Crime, Vice and Trafficking in Persons (Continued)
• IAW UCMJ U.S. armed forces and DoD civilians prohibited from engaging in any
form of prostitution
• Trafficking in persons – major problem
• Women are trafficked
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From other Asian countries
Brought into country Japan on entertainment visas
Passports seized by managers
Work to pay off debt
• Employed in bars
• Located in major metropolitan areas
• Near military installations
• Base commanders typically publish off-limits areas
U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Graphic
Society and Norms (Continued)
Recreation
• Popular sports:
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• Popular activities:
Soccer
Basketball
Baseball
Softball
Martial arts
Water sports
Volleyball
Track and field
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Television
Karaoke
Movies
Bars and nightclubs
Nature walks
Diving
Botanical gardens
Expo Park
American Village
Southeast Botanical Garden
American Village
Expo Park
Society and Norms (Continued)
Arts
• Dance
• Eisa – the most well-known
• Main performance at end of
Obon festival
• Music
• Sanshin – three-stringed lute
• Taiko drums – large
• Paranki drums – small
Eisa Dance
• Karate – from Okinawa
• Lacquer ware
Paranku
Sanshin
Karate
Taiko
Society and Norms (Continued)
Holidays
• Important holidays
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New Year’s Day
Adult’s Day
National Foundation Day
Vernal Equinox Day
Golden Week Holidays
Marine Day
Respect for the Aged Day
Autumnal Equinox Day
Culture Day
Labor Thanksgiving Day
Emperor’s Birthday
1 January
Second Monday in January
11 February
First day of spring
29 April, 3-5 May
Third Monday in July
Third Monday in September
First day of fall
3 November
23 November
23 December
Vernal Equinox
• Many important festivals and religious rituals
Dragon Boat Races Kick Off Golden Week
Standing on the Rope, Preparing for the Tug-of-War
Behavior and Etiquette
Introductions, Meeting and Greeting
• Proper etiquette is very important
• Greetings
• Bowing most common
• May shake hands with non-Japanese
• Handshakes slightly different than in U.S.
• Bowing – a sign of respect
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Different bows for different reasons
Originate at the waist
Back straight
Hands at sides for men and boys
Hands in lap for women and girls
Depth of bow depends on relationship
Longer, deeper bow shows more respect
Behavior and Etiquette
Introductions, Meeting and Greeting (Continued)
• Introductions
• Wait to be introduced
• Considered rude to introduce oneself
• When introducing someone else
• Do not point with the index finger
• Point with an open hand
Correct
Note the open hand
Incorrect
Never use the index finger to point
Behavior and Etiquette
Introductions, Meeting and Greeting (Continued)
• Seating arrangement
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Most important guest furthest from entrance
Guests in front of niche or alcove
Least important person by the entrance
Highest ranking person behind the driver
• Speeches
• Highest ranking person speaks last
• Higher status person speaks politely using
casual speech
• Lower status people use “super polite” or
“respectful” language
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Non-Verbal Communications
• American gestures
• May have no meaning in Japan
• Could be misinterpreted
• Acceptable gestures
• Sniffing
• Snorting
• Spitting
• Unacceptable gestures
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Blowing nose in public
Keeping hands in pockets while speaking
Pointing with index finger
Prolonged direct eye contact
Dramatic arm and hand gestures
Unusual facial expressions
Avoid Blowing Nose in Public
Smile, Even When Angry
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Non-Verbal Communications (Continued)
• Laughter – meaning depends on context
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Embarrassment
Confusion
Shock
Amusement
• Personal space
• Larger than in the U.S.
• Men do not slap each other on the back
• People may push others out of their way
• More behaviors to avoid
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Standing with the legs crossed
Leaning on walls or desks
Crossing ankle over leg
Showing the bottom of the feet
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Non-Verbal Communications (Continued)
• Come here
• Hand held palm down and fingers flapped
• Should not be used with superiors
• No
• Open hand waved in front of face
• Faster wave is more emphatic
• Has multiple meanings
• Excuse me
• In a crowd or as an apology
• Hand flat in front of nose
Are You Talking to Me?
Excuse Me
• Let’s eat
• Middle and index finger simulate chopsticks
• Pretend to shovel food from the other hand
• Me
• Index finger to nose
• Has multiple meanings
Come Here
Let’s Eat
Indicates No
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Non-Verbal Communications (Continued)
• Sitting upright on the floor very common
• During meals
• Tea ceremony
• Other traditional events
• Formal way of sitting – seize style
• May be uncomfortable
• Foreigners may not be expected to do so
• Casual sitting
• Men – legs crossed in front
• Women – on knees with legs to one side
Formal Style For Men
• Shoes
• Removed before entering many places
• Socks should be clean and in good repair
Informal Style for Men Only
Sitting in the Formal Seize Style
Informal Style for Women Only
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Official Business and Meetings
• Meetings
• Punctuality important
• Japanese may be late
• Saving face
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Very important in Japan
Never embarrass or criticize in public
Do not force person to admit lack of knowledge
Ask if further information is desired
• Silence while communicating
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Could indicate a lack of knowledge on a topic
Considered useful and valued
May be reflecting on the conversation
Do not break the silence
May be used to personal advantage
Be on Time
Silence is Golden
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Official and Business Meetings (Continued)
• Form of address
• Introduction may be the last name only
• Attach the suffix -san as a sign of respect
• Business cards
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Presented and accepted with both hands
Treated respectfully
Presented with introduction – organization, position, and name
Held by corners, face up, facing recipient
Reviewed when received, followed by a bow
Placed in shirt pocket or held
Bilingual business cards are a very good idea
• Gift giving
• Gifts common, especially at first meeting, mid-year, and New
Year’s
• Wrapped and unwrapped very carefully
• Sweets, tea, coffee, liquor, sporting goods
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Social Engagements and Visiting
• Shoes and slippers
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Shoes not worn in homes
If wearing sandals, carry white socks
Slippers provided for guests at the door
Slippers not worn in bathroom or on tatami mats
• Bathing
• Baths are for relaxation, not cleaning
• Body and hair cleaned before entering the tub
• Separate sink or faucet and stool near tub
Tatami Mats in a Japanese Home
Slippers Kept by the Door
Shoes Left at the Door
Japanese Bathroom
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Food and Dining
• Wipe hands with damp towel provided
• Chopsticks – hashi
• Primary eating utensil
• Honest attempt to use shows respect
for the culture
How to Properly Hold Chopsticks
• Proper chopstick etiquette
• Place across bowl when not in use
• Place in rest if provide, on bowl, or in
paper sleeve when finished
• Improper chopstick use
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Left sticking out of a bowl
Transferring food to someone else’s
Moving a bowl
In a communal bowl
Waived over bowls
Spearing food
Improper
Correct Chopstick
Placement
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Food and Dining (Continued)
• Table manners
• All foods placed before eating
• Itadakimasu – before the meal
• Gochisosama deshita – after the meal
• Soup
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Drunk directly from the bowl
Solid portions taken with chopsticks
Slurping accepted and expected
Noodles led into mouth with chopsticks
Eaten with ceramic spoon if provided
Chimushinji – Typical Soup
Proper Way to Eat Rice
• Rest of the meal
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Bite of main food, a bit of rice, some soup
Large pieces separated with chopsticks or bitten
Small portion of rice saved for the end
Dishes returned to positions at end of meal
Itadakimasu – Said Before a Meal
Soba in Okinawa
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Food and Dining (Continued)
• Drinking etiquette
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People serve each other
Refill friend’s cups when near empty
Allow friend to refill your cup
Place hand over cup if no more desired
• Toasting etiquette
• Wait until all glasses have been filled
• Everyone should stand before the toast
• Kampai – to your health
• Drinking too much
• Inappropriate in very formal restaurants
• Acceptable in less formal restaurants if
one does not bother others
Saki
Behavior and Etiquette (Continued)
Food and Dining (Continued)
• Typical foods
• Strong flavors
• Spicy
• Chinese-influenced
• Staple foods
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Pork – the entire pig
Seafood
Vegetables
Fruits
Black sugar
Awamori – rice liquor
Awamori
Chanpuru
• Popular foods
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Chanpuru – stir fry
Rafuti
Toofuyoo – snack
Taco rice
Rafuti
Taco Rice
Cultural Summary
• 47th Prefecture of Japan, includes 3 major island groups
• Okinawa is the largest and most populated island
• Subtropical climate similar to Hawaii
• Populated continuously for 4,500 years, played a major role in World War II
• Okinawans are descendents of Japanese and other southeast Asian peoples
• Official language is Japanese, Uchina Guchi spoken by older people
• Very diverse mix of indigenous and imported religions
• Normally wear Western styles, traditional clothes for their numerous festivals
• Extremely long life expectancy due to diet and lifestyle
• Women play a key role in religion, concept of Onarigami very important to the culture
• Proper etiquette extremely important to building relationships
• Observing etiquette builds trust and demonstrates appreciation of Okinawa culture
CLREC Contact
CLREC@navy.mil
COMM: 850.452.6736
DSN: 922.6736