The islands of Okinawa offer subtropical resorts, original delicacies and a distinct culture.
"The land of longevity," Okinawa has produced many singers and celebrities, including Namie Amuro, Speed, Rimi Natsukawa, Yu Yamada and Kurara Chibana.
May 15 marks the anniversary of Okinawa's 1972 return to Japan after nearly 30 years of being under U.S. control after Japan's defeat in World War II. Japan first took control of Okinawa at the end of the 19th century — before then it was the Ryukyu Kingdom.