One of Memoirs of Okinawa

It has been raining continuously in Shanghai recently. Although it has been almost three weeks since the beginning of spring, the late spring cold still makes people dare not relax their vigilance at all. Looking up at the foggy sky, I often recall how beautiful those sunny days in Okinawa were!

In April 2009, I first arrived in Okinawa as an exchange student. What I didn't expect was that this stay would last for 8 years.

(1) First arrival in Okinawa

It was my first time to fly and arrived at Naha Airport to prepare for customs clearance. The customs officers asked for study abroad documents, and as an inexperienced person, I put all the documents in my checked luggage. The scene was really tense and anxious. The most embarrassing thing was that I couldn't understand authentic Japanese at that time. I finally figured out the staff’s true intention, but I couldn’t express accurately and fluently “My documents are all in the checked baggage”… In desperation, I pointed to the suitcase on the conveyor belt tremblingly. , "That, that", everyone finally understood... I found the notice and finally completed the customs clearance.

The moment I walked out of the arrival exit, I secretly made up my mind: I must learn authentic spoken English! Looking back now, if you learn a language, you have to live in a country where the native language is spoken to make rapid progress. Some time ago, I was talking to a Japanese chef at a Japanese restaurant in Xujiahui. He said, your Japanese is so authentic!!! I couldn't help but feel happy. I am grateful for those years of wandering life...

(Peace Memorial Park in Nancheng City)

In anticipation and uneasiness, I started a new journey. Small but neat roads, box-like cars, crowded but surprisingly quiet pedestrian streets, polite and restrained people... I was soon completely fascinated by the colorful life, and I was even a little dazzled at first.

(2) Studying abroad life

At the University of the Ryukyus where I am, as soon as three o'clock in the afternoon is passed, various "department activities" come into action: football club, gymnastics club, classical dance club , Okinawa's unique "Sonson" club, etc. It's so lively. I also joined a salsa dance club organized by Brazilian classmates and fell in love with dancing uncontrollably. My good friend Jutta (Germany) also became involved in the dance club. The interaction with her continued throughout my life in Japan. Later, when I was studying for graduate school, and then working in a bank, I often exchanged my heartfelt feelings with her, whether it was relationships, work, life... etc., I was very passionate about everything. We will also climb mountains together, cook together, travel together, etc. Friends made in a foreign country are worth cherishing for a lifetime.

So, create conditions to go out, see different scenery, meet different people, your horizons will be opened, your life path will be broadened, and maybe you can find your favorite partner~

(Jutta and I traveled to Kume Island)

(Salsa club debuted on stage)

The University of the Ryukyus campus is also famous throughout Japan for being large and beautiful. There is a small lake in the middle of the school, and the running track surrounding the campus is lined with lush green trees. It is so romantic to take a walk along it in the morning and evening. Each international student is assigned a tutor (life counselor) to assist with various matters such as residence permit and bank account opening. With her help, they can go through the adjustment period very smoothly and safely.

(Beautiful University of Ryukyu campus)

In addition to daily language learning, learning about local customs and customs is my favorite.

After watching the movie "涙そうそう" in the culture class, I heard "なだそうそう" for the first time, and I also learned that the hometown of singer Natsukawa Rimi (Natsukawa Rimi) is Okinawa. The famous episode "Sanshin no Hana" The performer BEGIN is also deeply loved and sought after by the people of Okinawa.

When I heard [さとうきび畑の呗] for the first time in the movie appreciation class, I burst into tears for no reason. , just like the Okinawan people who experienced World War II in the movie hate the war and pray for peace...

Okinawa people are tough and endure hardships, and most local people will think that we have been here for hundreds of years. It used to be a family. The [Fuzhou Circle] with its green trees still remains in the center of Naha to commemorate the people who migrated from Fuzhou.

It is a pity that [Shuri Castle] was there. The pride of the people of Okinawa, which was considered to be the same as the Imperial Palace of our country, was completely burned down in a fire in 2019. It is really heartbreaking.

(Shuri Castle before burning)

(3) Okinawa Mark

There are only two seasons on the island, summer and winter. Especially summer lasts from the end of March to early November, so you can take a long vacation. You can go diving and watch the fireworks in the summer, and you can also enjoy the sun bathing on the island in the cold winter.

Okinawa is also known as the "Hawaii of Asia" because of its infinite natural scenery. The number of tourists has increased sharply in recent years. Since around 2016, the number of tourists visiting Okinawa has been increasing, and it exceeded 10 million in 2019. The local permanent population of Okinawa is less than 1.4 million).

In order to promote the tourism economy, the government has specially launched a "multi-entry visa": as long as the first stop in Japan is through Okinawa, tourists can obtain a three-year multiple-entry tourist visa." This policy is still effectively implemented. I hope that the epidemic will end soon and I can enjoy the sunshine and beaches again~~

(Makishi Market in Naha)

Author introduction:

Study abroad + work in I have lived in Japan for nearly 9 years. I like yoga and making friends. I am addicted to reading and travel. Currently living in Shanghai.