Low tide near Hamahiga Island in Okinawa Japan. Hamahiga island consists of two villages that are on opposite sides of this 7-kilometer wide island (Hama and Higa). Homes in both villages have traditional Okinawan red tiled roofs, stone walls, and residents of Hamahiga island work as farmers or fishermen. Though part of Uruma City, Hamahiga Island is connected to Henza Island by the Hamahiga Bridge.

Seawall at the Ginowan City Marina in Okinawa Japan.

The Ungami matsuri (festival) in Ogimi Village's Shioya Bay is held for the upcoming harvest season and for the good health of the local population. This 500-year old Okinawa festival has been designated as a national cultural treasure by the Japanese government. Japan has the highest population of of centenarians in the world and Ogimi Village itself has 10 Okinawans over 100-years old as of 2020. 

Dragon boat race (hare) in Itoman City, Okinawa Japan. Dragon boat races held on Okinawa are generally held to bless the local fishermen so that they will have a bountiful fishing season. The longest race distance is 2,150 meters during the last race known as Agai Subu. Itoman dragon boat races take place every year in the Itoman Fishing Port on May 4th.

Former U.S. Marine and Art Director and contributing photographer to both Okinawa Living Magazine and Okinawa Outdoors Magazine as well as a contributor to Okinawa Guide and the Best of Okinawa Living book published by MCCS Okinawa. I lived 15-years in Okinawa Japan,  2-years in China and am currently a resident and photographer in Denver, Colorado.

John Russell Burgreen III

A tug-of-war event that takes place once every tens years in Yakena Town, Okinawa Japan.

An elderly Okinawan fisherman on Hamahiga Island in Okinawa, Japan.

Sunset on Miyako Island in Okinawa, Japan.

Fishing nets hang on walls in the small fishing village on Hamahiga Island, Okinawa Japan.

Traditional Okinawa living at the Nakamura House in Okinawa, Japan. Pictured are shoes, stirrups, a cooking pot, an iron, and Nakamura House itself.

The Ungami matsuri (festival) in Ogimi Village's Shioya Bay is held for the upcoming harvest season and for the good health of the local population. This 500-year old Okinawa festival has been designated as a national cultural treasure by the Japanese government. Japan has the highest population of of centenarians in the world and Ogimi Village itself has 10 Okinawans over 100-years old as of 2020.