Okinawa history

Foundation and Historical Roots

Although the modern city of Okinawa officially appeared on the map on April 1, 1974, the history of this area is deeply rooted in antiquity. The city was formed through the merger of two historical settlements: the city of Koza and the village of Misato. These lands were part of the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries, serving as a vital agricultural and residential district in the central part of the island.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: Its position in the very heart of the island made this territory a strategically important hub connecting the northern and southern provinces. This facilitated a constant influx of population and the development of the road network.
• Cultural "Melting Pot": The city's predecessor, Koza, historically developed as a centre of intercultural interaction. Here, the traditional Ryukyuan way of life began to transform under the influence of foreign trade and contacts with other nations.
• Urbanisation: The drive to combine resources for infrastructure development and improving the quality of life became the main political motive for creating a single major city in the 1970s.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the region's economy was based on traditional agriculture, particularly the cultivation of sugar cane and vegetables. Local artisans were renowned for their skill in creating textiles and ceramics characteristic of Ryukyu culture.

Music and dance arts played a special role in the city's early history. It is this region that is considered the unofficial capital of Eisa — a traditional drum dance performed during festivals to honour ancestors. This dedication to folklore laid the foundation for Okinawa City's modern reputation as a centre of music and arts.

City Development Chronology

• 1908 — Following the introduction of a new municipal system, the villages of Goeku and Misato are officially formed in this territory.
• 1946 — The area begins to develop rapidly as a commercial and residential hub, gaining the unofficial name Koza.
• 1956 — The village of Goeku receives city status and is officially renamed Koza City.
• 1956 — The first All-Island Eisa Competition is held, laying the foundation for the region's main annual festival.
• 1974 — The historic merger of Koza City and Misato Village takes place, resulting in the official formation of the modern Okinawa City.
• 1975 — The official symbols of the new city are approved, including the crest and the hibiscus flower.
• 1987 — The administration proclaims Okinawa a "City of Sports," initiating the construction of new sporting facilities.
• 1996 — The "City of Music" declaration is adopted, formally cementing the city's status as the island's centre of musical culture.
• 2002 — The City Gymnasium opens, becoming an important venue for local and regional competitions.
• 2004 — In honour of the 30th anniversary of its founding, a declaration regarding the status of "City of International Culture and Tourism" is adopted.
• 2021 — The opening of the "Okinawa Arena," a modern, world-class multi-purpose complex, takes place.
• 2023 — The city becomes one of the host venues for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Stages of Transformation and Their Significance

The development of Okinawa City is a journey from scattered settlements to a modern cultural and sports hub. Below are the key milestones that have defined the city's economic and architectural landscape:

• The "Koza City" Phenomenon: In the post-war years, the district (then known as Koza) became a centre of commerce and entertainment due to its proximity to American bases. This formed a unique economic model and laid the groundwork for "Champuru culture" — a vibrant mix of local and Western traditions.
• Administrative Merger (1974): The unification of the urbanised city of Koza and the agricultural village of Misato was a turning point. This allowed for comprehensive urban planning, combining residential zones with green spaces and creating a unified infrastructure for the entire central region of the island.
• "City of Sports" Strategy (1987): The adoption of this declaration reoriented urban planning towards the construction of sports facilities. Attracting professional teams (including the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball club) for training camps gave a powerful impulse to the local economy and tourism sector.
• Musical Initiative (1996): The official proclamation of Okinawa as the "City of Music" transformed the cultural landscape. Authorities began actively supporting local talents and festivals, leading to the creation of specialised venues and strengthening the city's tourism brand.
• Centre Revitalisation (2007): The opening of the Koza Music Town complex was a significant urban planning project. It replaced outdated buildings with a modern multi-functional centre, which became the core of public life and the main stage for musical events.
• Technological Leap (2021): The commissioning of the "Okinawa Arena" marked a new era in the city's development. The emergence of a world-class venue allowed the city to host international events (such as FIBA Basketball World Cup matches), attracting investment and overseas guests.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Okinawa City is a unique example of "Champuru" (mixing), where traditional Ryukyuan roofs and mid-20th-century American signage can coexist on the same street. Unlike European cities, you will not find Gothic or Baroque styles here. The urban fabric of the city was formed under the influence of the subtropical climate (typhoons) and a prolonged American presence.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

• Traditional Ryukyu Style (Pre-1945 and Revivalism):

  Although much of the historical building stock was damaged during the war, elements of this style are preserved and reproduced in private homes and cultural sites.

  • Characteristic features: Red tiles, stone walls made of coral limestone, open layouts for ventilation.
  • Examples: Historical residences in the Misato district, landscape design elements in parks.
• Post-War Utilitarian Modernism (1950s–1970s):

  The era when the city was known as Koza. Due to frequent typhoons, wood was displaced by reinforced concrete. The style was shaped under the influence of American military bases.

  • Characteristic features: Flat concrete roofs (often topped with water tanks), rectangular forms ("boxes"), and extensive use of neon signs and English lettering on facades.
  • Iconic places: Gate 2 Street — an open-air museum showcasing the atmosphere of a 1960s American town with characteristic commercial buildings.
  • Residential buildings: So-called "foreigner houses" — single-storey American-style concrete structures, which are now being converted into trendy cafes and shops.
• Modern Functionalism and High-Tech (from the 2000s):

  A period of renovation and the creation of large public spaces. Architecture is becoming more complex, utilizing glass and steel, but with consideration for seismic and climatic standards.

  • Iconic buildings:
    • Koza Music Town: A complex combining postmodern elements with functionality. This multi-level building has become a symbol of the city's musical culture.
    • Okinawa Arena: An example of modern world-class sports architecture. The building's facade is designed with references to local traditions but uses advanced technologies.

Features of Urban Development

The development of Okinawa City did not follow the classic canons of radial planning, but was polycentric, influenced by external factors:

• Influence of Military Bases: The urban structure literally wraps around the territories of American bases (Kadena, etc.). This created a unique, occasionally chaotic layout where residential quarters neighbour restricted facilities.
• Car-Centricity: Unlike mainland Japan, where railways dominate, Okinawa developed as a city for automobiles. There are wide roads and large parking spaces here, which is atypical for older Japanese cities.
• Merger of Districts: After the unification of Koza and Misato in 1974, city authorities began work on linking the urbanised south with the greener and quieter north, creating a unified infrastructure network.

Prominent Personalities of Okinawa City

The history of Okinawa City (formerly Koza) is closely tied to the development of modern music and the island's political life. Most famous individuals from here are artists who shaped the unique "Champuru culture" (a mix of styles) and politicians who worked on the region's development.

• Shoukichi Kina (born 1948)
  Role: Musician, political activist, leader of the band Champloose.
  One of the most influential figures in the history of modern Okinawan music. He became a pioneer of the "Okinawan Rock" genre, combining traditional melodies with Western rock and roll. His song "Hana" became a global hit and an anthem for peace. For a long time, he owned a legendary live music venue in the city, turning the district into a centre of musical pilgrimage.
• Denny Tamaki (born 1959)
  Role: Politician, Governor of Okinawa Prefecture.
  Although born in a different district, his political career began right here: he was elected to the Okinawa City Council. Tamaki is the first governor of American-Japanese heritage, making him a living symbol of the city's post-war history and its multicultural society.
• Rinken Teruya (born 1949)
  Role: Musician, founder of the Rinken Band.
  Grandson of a renowned master of classical Ryukyu music. Rinken Teruya became a key figure in popularising "Uchina Pop" (Okinawan pop music) in the 1980s and 90s. His work contributed to Okinawa City securing its status as the "City of Music" on an international level.
• Issa Hentona / ISSA (born 1978)
  Role: Singer, dancer, leader of the group DA PUMP.
  A native of the city who became a star of the Japanese pop scene. He actively participates in the life of his hometown and was even appointed "Night Mayor" of Okinawa City (a tourism ambassador role) to promote local culture and evening entertainment. His success inspired many local young talents to take up street dance.
• Susumu Higa (born 1953)
  Role: Mangaka (comic book author).
  A famous artist born in Okinawa City. He became renowned for his realistic and profound works dedicated to life on the island, the influence of military bases, and local beliefs (for example, the manga "Sword of Sand"). A laureate of prestigious awards, he has contributed to the understanding of the region's history through visual art.