Okinawa

is unique in that Ryukyu (Okinawan) society was unusual in passing directly from antiquity to modernity without an intervening medieval, Buddhist period.

Tanigawa Ken’ichi Ryukyu society was unusual in passing directly from antiquity to modernity without an intervening medieval period. Okinawans often say they are surprised when they first see the many Buddhist temples in Asuka, Nara, and Kyoto. The lack of a medieval period has carried a strong sense of ancient culture into the present. Okinawa is a mirror through which it is possible to see ancient Japan. Japanese from the main islands are fascinated with Okinawa especially for this reason, because it is pos­sible there to see what Japan was like before the advent of Buddhism.

okinawa, n.All

okinawa