Tokyo VS Okinawa

Sayo Kato

 

    Do you know that Japan has a lot of variations in each region? In Japan, there are many differences because the history is different in each area. For example, Tokyo and Okinawa are parts of Japan with great distinctions. Tokyo is a main city in Japan and Okinawa is a sightseeing island. Although Tokyo and Okinawa are parts of Japan, there are many variations in language, culture and music.

     First, there are a lot of dialects in Japan. The language spoken in Tokyo is standard Japanese. For example, “OHAYOU means “GOOD MORNING” in Tokyo. Almost all parts of Japan use this word when they say a greeting. However, people in Okinawa say “ UKIMISOCHI.” It is very different! Okinawa has very unique language. Almost all people from other areas can’t understand what people from Okinawa say. It is like a foreign language.

     Second, Japan has a lot of various cultures with each area. Tokyo has a modern culture because Tokyo is a main city and it is fashionable. People who like fashion gather in Tokyo, so Tokyo tends to adapt the present tendency. Tokyo is like New York in Japan! On the other hand, Okinawa has a traditional culture. They have industrial arts, their symbol, god and so on. It looks like a kind of religious. Especially, Okinawa’s god is very famous. It is called “SISA”. It is a like dog. SHISA was descended from China. They included many meanings. For example, SHISA is said that they protect their home from disaster.

     In addition to culture, music is very different in Tokyo and Okinawa. Tokyo’s music is mainly J-POP. Some famous idol groups are in Tokyo including SMAP and AKB48. People also like K-POP ( KARA, GIRLS GENERATION.) They are famous idol groups in Korea. Tokyo has no traditional music because Tokyo produces new music every year. However, Okinawa’s music is very unique. They use unique musical instruments and sing their traditional songs. They are proud of their music. The reason why they have a different music, language and culture are also because Okinawa was an individual kingdom a few hundred years ago and it is separated from a main island.   

     There are various languages, culture and music in Japan even if it is a same country. Tokyo is a main city in Japan, so a lot of people gather here. However, even though there are many people, they don’t have their culture. They always follow the mode. On the other hand, people in Okinawa have their own individual culture, music and language. They enjoy their life in different ways. No matter where you are from, I think it’s important to treasure own culture.

 

shibuya in Tokyo!

There are a lot of people!

I always passed this city to go to my university!

Is it unbelievable because there are many people??

It looks like New York City isn't it?

 

              This is Okinawa! very different from shibuya! there are many beautifuful natures!


                                          This is a SHISA which is god of people in Okinawa!