Shurijo Castle - Naha

Naha, Okinawa

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October 23rd 2009
Back in Japan today at their lowest island which is along way south of the main Japanese islands. This island formed an important sea trading port during the early days of both European sailing mid 1500s onwards and also for the local countries of the time. The population is over 300,000 and it was flattened in WW11 when the allies drove upwards towards Japan. Apparently there are still US defence ... read more

Asia » Japan » Okinawa

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more