Okinawa is amazing and well worth a visit. Just don’t go wondering into the forest, or the habu snake might find you.

@creedandyupi

Ай бұрын

Some of the most beautiful places have the most dangerous animals 😅. Are the habu snake common in Okinawa?

@Mr.Monta77

Ай бұрын

@@creedandyupi That’s true. The Habu comes in three different types but only that is really dangerous. About 50 people, mostly farm workers are bit every year. In OIST - the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - have done genome sequencing of the species and there are antidotes available now. Still, it is important that tourist keep the Habu snake in mind. I have heard the habu’s prey is mice and mice are attracted to human habitation, so it makes sense to be careful when if you put your hand anywhere near the ground, especially in dark places. But of course, if we are mindful of the danger, there is nothing to worry about, says the Okinawan Tourist Board. Maybe so. Tourists should also be mindful before jumping into the beautiful sea around the islands, as there are many toxic creatures around. So pay attention to the tourist information and warnings available. Okinawa is a wonderful place, and as long as you are a little careful, you can have a wonderful holiday there.

@creedandyupi

Ай бұрын

@Mr.Monta77 Wow, thank you for that information. That was a good read and an important warning to always keep cautious out there. We live in Australia, and we have a few venomous creatures, so I have that carefulness about when it comes to dangerous wildlife.

Since time immemorial Okinawa was a peaceful, prosperous independent nation known as Ryukyu (alternative spellings: Loo Choo, Lew Chew, Luchu). Ryukyu maintained close, friendly, mutually-beneficial relations with China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, and signed treaties of equal recognition with the United States of America, France, and the Netherlands. In 1609 the Satsuma clan of Japan invaded Ryukyu, forcing Ryukyuans to pay tribute which was the start of Japanese prejudice towards Ryukyuans, but Ryukyu nevertheless continued be an independent country. In 1879 Japan again invaded, this time forcefully annexing Ryukyu against the will of Ryukyuans. After World War II all of Japan's other colonies were given back their independence, but not Ryukyu. Instead the United States military decided to keep Ryukyu for itself to use for bases. In 1972 the U.S. "gave" Ryukyu to Japan, without a vote from Ryukyuans, and today Ryukyu is under joint U.S. - Japan occupation.

@creedandyupi

Ай бұрын

That is really interesting. I definitely would love to read more about their history. It is truly fascinating.