Ah, Okinawa, My Sweet Okinawa!

I don’t know if you’ve heard about the stunning waters of Okinawa and its surrounding islands, but to me, it’s like paradise on earth. Imagine a place similar to Hawaii—warm weather all year round, tropical fruits everywhere, and the chance to snorkel and dive in some of the most beautiful waters you’ve ever seen. The people are tanned and full of life, very friendly too. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice: once to the capital, Naha, and another time to Miyakojima, which is a bit further out but unbelievably gorgeous.

Okinawa holds a special place in my heart because it helped me pass through a depressing time. Being there, surrounded by those emerald waters, and eating fresh mangoes every day felt like pure bliss. I found myself grounded in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time, spending hours snorkeling, completely losing track of time and worries. It was one of the most freeing activities I’ve ever done. I even found myself more productive with my writing, cortisol level lost forever haha. Maybe I’m romanticizing it, but I truly believe the sun and sea can be a kind of salvation to many.

One night many years ago, I went to a traditional Japanese izakaya, where local musicians were playing the shamisen(the three string instrument). I was the only foreigner there, and when the singer asked me where I was from and invited me to join their dance, my face flush red and super shy to speak anything. Speaking Japanese in front of big group of people(*They say public speaking is one of the greatest fear of humans) was nerve-wracking, but it was also such a special moment.

That’s also where I discovered Okinawa’s famous Orion beer and learned about the band that sings an ode to it. It’s these little experiences that make Okinawa so unforgettable to me. Oh and fun fact this song was played in my wedding too, you can listen it here:

Anyway, let’s get to the real story—the Ogimi village in northern Okinawa, one of the world’s five Blue Zones. I haven’t been there yet, but it’s high on my list of must-visit places. As you might know, “Blue Zones” are areas where people live significantly longer than the average. The term was first coined by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Explorer, Fellow, and journalist, during a project he led in 2004.

So many would raise the question: Why do people in these areas live so long?

It’s still a bit of a mystery, but there are some key factors believed to contribute to the longevity of Blue Zone residents, such as a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and low stress. Ogimi, often called the “village of longevity,” is particularly special. The community offers homestay programs, giving visitors a chance to experience the benefits of a slower island life and to learn from the wisdom that contributes to their long lives.

In 1993, the Federation of Ogimi Village Senior Citizen Clubs even erected a monument titled “Greatest Longevity in Japan” to celebrate and encourage their community’s remarkable life spans. The declaration reads:

At the age of 80, I’m still a child. When God comes to call me at 90, I tell him to wait until I turn 100. Let’s keep going strong as we get older, and not depend too much on our children. If you appreciate longevity, come to our village. We’ll provide you the blessings of nature and teach you the secrets of longevity. We, the seniors of Ogimi Village, proclaim our village the “Longest-living Village in Japan.”

There are several factors that might explain Ogimi village’s reputation for longevity. The villagers live in harmony with the natural surroundings, allowing them to "live without worry or hurry" and truly relax. This video highlight a normal daily life day in this village:

Their diet is diverse and healthy, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. The community also values social interaction, with many events promoting “lifelong activity.” If you want to experience Ogimi’s traditional diet, ‘Emi no Mise’ is a must-visit. The restaurant was opened by Emiko-san in the 1990s.

In one interview, she mentioned, "Having the kitchen and fields close to each other has helped people in Yanbaru to live long and healthy lives."

The restaurant inside and the banana plants growing outside:

A typical meal served at this restaurant is beautifully diverse. Just take a look at the plate—it's a vibrant mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase the variety and richness of Ogimi’s traditional diet.

The locals often consume more meat and proteins like tofu and legumes—about 1.5 times higher than the average in the rest of Japan. They also eat a lot of fruits, and green and yellow vegetables, with consumption being nearly three times higher than elsewhere.

References:

Ogimi Tourism Guide
Visit Okinawa Japan - Rural Charms of Ogimi Village
Ogimi: Village of Longevity - Ogimi Marugoto Tourism Association
The Complete Ogimi (Igimi) Experience

Discover the Blue Zone: Ogimi Village, Okinawa