Travel

The Hidden Okinawa – A Quiet Journey Through Ruins and Beaches

Apr 28 (Tokyo Kenchan) - Japan's southern island chain -Okinawa is a unique destination for travelers that you can enjoy both cultural depth and amazing nature. In this video, I explore quiet ruins and beaches, and a town of Koza that post war history remains.

Koza was located in central Okinawa Island, north of Naha. It merged into Okinawa City (沖縄市, Okinawa-shi) in 1974, but even today locals often still call the central area "Koza."

One of the most famous events in Koza’s history is the Koza Riot (コザ暴動) in December 1970.

After years of resentment over military accidents, crimes, and inequality, tensions exploded when a U.S. serviceman hit a local Okinawan with his car.

Thousands of Okinawans gathered, burned dozens of U.S. cars, and damaged base facilities.

It was a major turning point in Okinawan activism and resistance toward the U.S. military presence.

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