Okinawa, the southernmost part of Japan, is the group of 160 subtropical islands known as the Ryukyu Islands which lie between Kyushu and Taiwan. For about 450 years, from the 15th to the 19th century, Okinawa prospered as the Kingdom of Ryukyu, a state independent of Japan's central government. Cultural characteristics and traditions born through the kingdom’s relations with foreign countries during that time still survive in the islands’ heritage sites, artifacts and festivals, giving additional charm to Okinawa.

Naha Great Tug of War
When:  October 10, 2010
Where:  Naha City
This traditional tug-of-war is the main event of Okinawa’s autumn Naha Festival, and was originally held to help pray for an abundant harvest and good health. Thousands of people compete on east and west teams to pull a giant 40 tonne handmade rice straw rope 186 metres long and 1.5 metres thick. After the competition, participants are welcome to cut the rope apart and take home a piece as a good luck charm.

This amazing event holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest tug of war. Come join in the fun and excitement!

Okinawa’s World Heritage Sites’ 10^th anniversary 
Okinawa was once an independent Ryukyu Kingdom during the 14th to 16th century. 
Nine castle sites, including the beautiful red Shuri Castle which unified the whole Ryukyu Kingdom, and related properties which are symbols of the Ryukyu Kingdom era, were designated UNESCO World Heritage sites in December 2000.  The sites are registered as Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. To celebrate the 10^th anniversary of World Heritage listing, various special events will be held at each site this year.  
The remaining stout stone walls of the castle sites quietly tell the unique, exotic history and culture of Okinawa, quite different from the rest of Japan and deeply influenced by not only Japan, but China and other surrounding countries.
www.okinawastory.jp/en/explore/world.html

Images: Shuri Castle (top) and Nakijin Castle site (below). Courtesy of Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Okinawa tourist information:
www.okinawastory.jp/en/

Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB)
www.ocvb.or.jp/en/

Okinawa Prefecture
www.pref.okinawa.jp/english/index.html

For further information on Okinawa, including the above events, please contact: globalPR@ocvb.or.jp