culturally, culinary, and in many other ways, looked in different directions. yet, okinawans were asked to make the ultimate sacrifice, and they did. that's not just ancient history. it informs the present still. okinawa is the largest of over 100 islands making up the ryukyu island chain. it's just over 300 miles from the mainland but worlds apart. okinawa is different. it's tropical. clear waters, some of the best beaches in asia, to the decidedly more laidback, less frenetic, self-serious attitude than the mainland. you can feel it. you can see it. it's just different here.