I had two images of Okinawa before I visited: One was of a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches; the other, of isolated islands inhabited by strong characters that don't take any nonsense from the Japanese government or the U.S. military.

Arriving at the airport in Naha sort of reminded me of the moment when I arrived at the airport in Managua. The air outside was humid and wet, but it wasn't unpleasant; it welcomed me and hugged my skin — I felt good.

This was my first trip to Okinawa and I spent eight days on the islands with my wife. On a five-week trip last summer I photographed Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu, but didn't have enough time to visit Okinawa. I wanted to travel to the island chain this year to complete my "Japan" photobook.