Okinawa Islands Traditions Inspire English Teacher

New Zealander Jesse Whitehead, 25, has published a photography book depicting the people, nature, and culture of Okinawa, Japan as he experienced them during his three-year stay in Tomigusuku City.

Whitehead came to Okinawa in August 2012 as an assistant language teacher at a high school. During his stay, he travelled throughout the islands of Okinawa.

The photographs in Whitehead’s book were taken between March 2014 and April 2015. He says that after living in Okinawa for three years, he has come to think of it as his second home.

Whitehead says he was moved by the beauty of the lyrics and sayings, which endeavour to convey Okinawa’s traditional wisdom and culture across generations.

The memories of each and every person he met in Okinawa, he says, are the reason he titled his book Ichariba Chode, which means, “once we meet, we are like brothers and sisters.” He says he wants to say thank you to every single person he met in Okinawa.

Original article by Yoshiki Nagahama, Ryukyu Shimpo, January 7, 2016.