A key reason for the islands poverty is sheer distance: Because of its long distance from the mainland, costs for transportation are high. While the economies of cities and towns on the Japanese main islands that are located close to U.S. bases do not struggle with poverty, such is not the case for Okinawa.

What is the poorest region in Japan?

Okinawa Okinawa is the poorest of Japans 47 prefectures, with the lowest average income and the highest levels of unemployment.

Can of Coke in Japan?

Coke (Coca Cola 350 ml/can): 120 yen. Curry rice: 656 yen. Hamburger/fries: 350 yen.

Why Japan is so rich?

The most striking fact about the economy of Japan is that the extraordinary prosperity has been achieved in the conditions of an almost total absence of minerals. The country has developed one of the worlds most powerful economies based entirely on imported raw materials.

Are Okinawans Chinese?

The native Okinawans, densely populating the Ryukyus, are a mixture of Ainu, Malayan, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese stock. Okinawa itself has a population of approximately 450,000, mostly ethnic Okinawans and concentrated in the southern half of the island. For many centuries the islands were under Chinese domination.

Does it get cold in Okinawa Japan?

Winter in Okinawa lasts from January to March. Although it is technically winter, as it is located at the southernmost point in Japan, the temperature here when compared to that of Tokyo can hardly be called cold. For that reason, you will never find yourself need a heavy winter coat or down jacket in Okinawa.