Faces of Okinawa

Faces of Okinawa





			Khaskhely Noor Mohammad
		This 33-year-old native of Hyderabad, Pakistan is a doctoral candidate at Ryukyu University researching a disease called Leishmaniasis. This is his fourth year in Okinawa and he plans to return to Pakistan after completing his studies.


	Q: Have your impressions changed after living in Okinawa?
		I heard about Okinawa on the news before coming here. At that time, news regarding military incidents was on the air. I remember feeling that Okinawa was a dangerous place and the only place in Japan with military bases. I chose to come here because the professor specializing in this disease was at Ryukyu University. I remember I was quite surprised after coming here because I found Okinawa peaceful and safe. It was totally different from what I originally thought. I guess you only see a glimpse of the country when major news of that country is aired on TV.

	Q: Did you experience any culture shock?
		I assumed that the culture and customs would be different, but in Okinawa goat meat is eaten. In Pakistan we eat a lot of goat meat, too. We don't eat pork because of religious reasons. Many assume that mutton is widely consumed in Pakistan, but goat meat is actually more popular than mutton. It's cooked in many dishes such as in curry or tempura. This led to my trying the popular Okinawan goat soup but it wasn't what I expected...I guess the goats in Pakistan are a different breed. However, I do love fresh fish, especially sashimi and sushi. I even invited a friend to a delicious sushi lunch at a Japanese restaurant in Pakistan. I truly enjoyed the meal.

	Q: Is there any place you recommend that visitors to Okinawa should see?
		Shuri-jo Castle is really nice. And the beaches are a definite see. Back in Pakistan, you see the waters near the city but I can't really say that it's beautiful. The waters in Pakistan are more beautiful in the outskirts of the city. In Okinawa, you find many beautiful beaches and I also go swimming at these beaches. I also recommend visitors to see the Gyokusendo Kingdom Village and Ryukyu Mura with its traditional Okinawan houses on display.

	Q: What do you like about Okinawa?
		Let's see… I like Ryukyuan Dance the most. The language, culture and customs in Okinawa are very different from Pakistan but I feel there are moments of mutual understanding which words fail to express. I remember having a difficult time when I first came here. I was cooking and needed salt, so I went to a nearby supermarket. I tried my best to explain what I needed but couldn't get myself understood in the beginning. Now I don't have such problems because I can speak Japanese.

	Q: What do you think of the G8 Summit being held here?
		Well, I think it's a good opportunity to present Okinawa. Other than that, I can't really say anything else because my country is not involved in any way. If the press from my country comes, I do hope they'd see Okinawa as it really is, not the difference that I saw in the news before coming here.

	Q: Is there anything you feel that Okinawa needs to do as a host?
		I think it's extremely significant to show nothing else except their best hospitality and to make good use of this opportunity by introducing the culture and many unique aspects of Okinawa. As the meeting date approaches, security will tighten and become strict. I think we need to accept these facts and make a little sacrifice till the meeting ends.

	Q: What opportunity does the Summit present for Okinawa?
		Ryukyu University Hospital is now constructing an emergency helipad. And the parking lot for outpatients is crowded with many cars. I think there is a need to establish larger parking facilities for such big hospitals. I hope they take this opportunity to devise a solid strategy for future emergency situations.

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