An Okinawan shisa (lion-dog) on a traditional Okinawan red-tiled rooftop. Shisa are placed on the roofs of homes, or in front of entrances, to ward off evil spirits. These guardian lion-dogs originated in China and were later exported to Korea, Japan, and Okinawa. All variations of the Okinawa shisa are close relatives of the Japanese shishi and the komainu lion-dogs, objects whose origin, function and symbolic meaning they share.

A view of Naha City and the South China Sea from Shuri Castle. Shurijo Castle became the kings’ castle after the unification of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and served as the center of politics, diplomacy, and culture during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. 

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.

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

Shoreline near Nago City in Northern Okinawa, Japan.

Sunset from the rooftop of a San-A shopping center in Hamby Town, Okinawa Japan.

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

Sunset on Miyako Island in Okinawa, Japan.

The traditional Okinawan hanagasa "flower hat" worn with a bingata kimono.

A stormy beach in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Japan.

Backstage during a costume change at a theater in Okinawa, Japan.

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

Stormy day at the Kerama Islands, Okinawa Japan.