Not that I’m not conscious of how the locals feel about our presence their especially marines. But I wanted to know is it really that tense between civilians and military there? I heard there’s a 6pm curfew. If so how does that work for off base people?
Honestly I’m nervous to go there I don’t really want people to cuss me out for just being there (not that the locals wouldn’t have fair reason to)
I’m extremely ignorant to a lot of the situation
Finally if possible I would love to know some things I shouldn’t do or should avoid doing either for cultural sensitivity or just whatever
by Spirited_Cattle_2663
15 comments
There’s nothing to worry about. Nobody is cussing out anybody like that unless they’re crazy. There’s no curfew.
Just go in as if you’ve heard nothing online. be respectful and you’ll be fine. The negative news stories are vastly overblown by people with a political axe to grind.
You’ll be fine:) Go snorkeling.
You’ll love it. it’s great
I grew up in Japan. The Japanese people are some of the kindest and most respectful people I’ve ever come across. Okinawa is no different. Enjoy your time and explore! Get off base and embrace the culture & festivals. It’ll be great!
If you are respectful and kind to them, they will be the same towards you.
You’ll be fine. When I was on kadena (2015-2018) there was a month or so of a curfew but not the way you think. It was basicly “don’t be off base after 8pm” and there are a plethora of exceptions for people living off base, working late on one base but living on another.
There is tons of hiking and outdoor stuff to do in the north and the aquarium, pineapple park. The south has a lot of shopping and cool shops to explore ( I got a kick ass set of knives from a shop in Naha). There are festivals almost year round. The giant tug of war is a blast. The outlying island are fun to explore, the Karamas to the south west you can take a ferry from Naha (on a clear day you can see them as you head down the hill toward gate 1). IE island west of Nago, Izena north west of okinawa you can take a ferry out of Motobu for both of those.
There are plenty of castle ruins from the Ryuku Kingdom. Nakijin Castle Ruins are beautiful during the cherry blossoms in the spring. Shuri Castle is fun to walk around.
The food is great. Some of my favorite places are middle of nowhere Soba shops with no English on the menu, they usually have the best Soki Soba.
the people of okinawa are extremely kind and friendly. At no point did I feel unsafe or like I was intruding or unwelcome. Just be respectful. You might be tempted to laugh at the cultural commercials of AFN but for the first time you see them pay attention they can help a little, then you can laugh at them because they are kinda goofy.
There are also MWR events that will take you places if you don’t have a car.
Try going snorkeling, if you like it maybe get PATI certified to SCUBA dive. The beaches are beautiful everywhere. Even the harbor water in Okinawa is beautiful.
If you never leave the base you will be miserable for your whole tour. Get out and explore, be respectful, and you’ll have a great time.
Sorce: I’m a Marine Corps brat who spent 3-5th grade and 12th-college junior, (2005-2008, and 2015-2018) in Okinawa. The active duty experience is 100% different to mine but those things to do are still on the island.
You’ll occasionally come across businesses that will respectfully refuse you service and you might witness a couple protests here and there but generally the people are nice friendly and helpful, especially if you put in the effort to learn the language and culture.
You’re more likely to have issues with other Americans out there lol
Lived there 93-96. Absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it. Yes, there is some dislike and prejudice towards Americans (very small number of people) but the people are so polite and the prejudice is so very subtle you probably won’t even notice it happening. Most of the people really like the Americans but again, the politeness can also get in the way of making strong connections. If you’re polite and make an effort, the boldest will also make an effort towards you. I promise, you will remember this tour fondly for the rest of your life if you get off the base and take advantage of all that Okinawa has to offer. I tell people it was my best tour out of 44 years of military and federal service.
I would do disgusting things to go back to Okinawa
This is hilarious. Where did you get your info?
american military is all the same to the japanese. the protest are in good reason the military keeps sending hoodrats straight from the slums of bootcamp and the rapes and murders of the locals are mostly from the same american demographic. i’ve seen the americans be way more racist to the locals if anything. if youre respectful and try to learn the culture there’s no reason not to do well.
I think as long as ur mindful, respectful, and not obnoxiously loud you should be ok
I was stationed at Kadena AB from 1987-1990. I know things are different since then. But, I never had any problems with the local populace. I even made a few close friends with some. In fact, I had more problems with the Marines on the island than I did with the Okinawans. The Marines were the rowdy bunch that we often butted heads with. Bottom line, just be polite, respectful of others, and most of all, embrace the wonderful Japanese culture.
Don’t be the ugly entitled American, period. Experience the culture, make friends, and explore.