How Okinawa’s past shaped a food culture distinct from the main islands of Japan

Shaped by Japan, China, the US and the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawan cuisine has its own distinct identity.

Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, but it had been ruled by the islands’ own Ryukyu Kingdom for more than four centuries. After incorporating influences from Japan, China and later the US, Okinawa now offers a unique culture blend of food that is quite different from the rest of the country. In this episode of Eat Drink Asia, SCMP reporter Lisa Cam explores what Okinawans eat on a daily basis, delves into the history of the Ryukyu kingdom’s court cuisine and meets a modern chef who is proudly reimagining Okinawa’s rich food culture.