NAHA, Okinawa Pref. (Kyodo) Okinawa has begun promoting goat meat, once a traditional food here but on the decline due to the increasing diversification of culinary culture.

According to the prefecture's animal husbandry department, the custom of eating goat meat came to Okinawa from mainland China about 600 years ago and eventually goat broth became a festival treat.

A decline in the number of festivals coupled with a tendency among young people to shun the peculiar odor of goat meat caused a drop in consumption.