沖縄
Okinawa
沖縄 · おきなわ
Prefecture
Okinawa
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Offshore Rope"
True Etymology
The name is interpreted as 'offshore' (沖, oki) and 'rope' (縄, nawa). One theory describes the islands' chain-like shape stretching across the sea like a rope laid offshore. The characters may be ateji for an Okinawan (Ryukyuan) language word.
Alternative Theory
In the Ryukyuan language, 'Uchinā' (Okinawa's self-name) has been interpreted as 'place surrounded by the sea' or 'land in the offing.' The Japanese characters 沖縄 phonetically approximate 'Uchinā/Okinawa' while providing a descriptive maritime meaning.
Key Facts
| Capital | Naha |
|---|---|
| Region | Okinawa |
| Reading | おきなわ |
| Pre-Meiji Domains | Ryukyu Kingdom (琉球王国, then Ryukyu Domain) |
| Domain Lords | Shō clan (尚氏) |
| Established | 1871-present |