Reflection of OKINAWA experiences

Baby sea turtles which the students of Kayo Elementary School release into the sea when they become bigger	Shining blue seascape at west side of Nago City. I thought of the Gragon's Palace.	The musical instruments called 'KANNKARA SANSHIN' which Okinawan POW then improvised using their food can to keep up their hope.	Eisho of music band 'BEGIN' who sang the participants a song 'SHIMANCHU NU TAKARA' which became the project's theme song

We had a session to reflect their experiences in Okinawa. Some mentioned about the rich nature but the comments focused on more about the human-nature relationship in Okinawa and their lifestyle.

Shikha from India said 'Kayo area is said 'countryside' but it is much more developed compared to those in India. They have paved roads, electricity, safe water and beautiful scenery,' suggesting the reconsideration of the meaning of 'development.' Tetsuya said 'We tend to consider life in cities is better, but people in Okinawa has a sense of freedom. I believe we could see the real wealth in such places.' Following the comment, others continued to say 'Okinawa is peaceful and quiet. People seem to help each other,' 'People are warm,' 'Considering how Okinawa people are, I feel in my nation Thailand that people are losing big heart and smile,' etc.

Joon Mo of Korea and a crab	Bosei Maru at Naha Port. The voyage began from here.	Go into the sea protected by corals. Someone entered into the ocean first time.	They thought of a way of a community and wealth in Okinawa

When someone pointed out that there were trash at the same place in the beach where they found turtle tracks and crabs, many others raised their voice saying they did notice that, too. Being asked who dropped these trash, many said 'tourists' and 'locals.' Perhaps, but the beach is not known for the outside tourists, and it remains fairly quiet all the time. The participants were not totally convinced when I mentioned that many garbage were actually drifted from other Asian nations. The environmental issues cannot be solved only by local people.

What is wealth, what the development should aim at, the environment on the earth is connected ... we began our voyage with many clues of learning in Okinawa.

Edinburgh, 25 August, 03
(Photos were taken by the participants with NHK's devices)

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