culturally, culinarily, and 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 laid back, less frenetic, self-serious attitude than the mainland.