[Updated April 13, 2000]
 Tatsuhiro Yogi New!
(Age 43, Automotive Engineer)
For me, the best thing about Okinawa is the
humanity of the people here. And all the
nature here, the things that are cultivated
in a natural environment. I am a native of
the Yanbaru-Kunigami area. I always had chances
to get out and experience the natural environment,
the rivers and mountains there, and I consider
it a treasure. I feel strongly that we should
ensure that the natural environment of our
home is left behind for later generations.
With the summit, we have a chance to establish
Okinawa's societal role and position as a
hub port. I hope it will have an effect on
the economy as well. I want Okinawa to have
more links with the world; I want us to reach
the world level.
Shino IzenaNew!
(Age 23, Staff member of the Information
Office at Naha Airport)
I work in the information kiosk and
I find
many people are showing interest in
the summit.
I even get questions about it. The
national
flags are displayed in the airport
lobby
and we often get questions about them.
People
ask, so we have had to memorize what
country
goes with what flag and are trying
to deepen
our awareness about what the countries
are
like. Since the summit is close, I
am very
happy that the roads have been cleaned
up.
Going to work is pleasant and the bypass
has gotten more convenient to use..
Shinsyo Miyagi New!
(Age 66, Taxi Driver)
Muneyasu Serikyaku New!
(Age 47, Taxi Driver)
As drivers, we are half looking forward
to
the summit and half worried about it.
During
the summit, fewer tourists will come
to Okinawa
and the traffic will probably be regulated.
1500 of us taxi drivers have volunteered
for work as guards during the summit
so service
is going to be restricted for three
days.
We have to deal with all of that. Okinawa
will be just fine if after the summit
everything
moves along favorably and efficiently.
What
we like about Okinawa is its culture;
the
traditional performing arts here are
splendid.
We are always proud to show visitors
the
high level of culture that has come
from
our international trading since ancient
times.
Moriaki Kise
(Age 34, Photographer)
I am extremely proud of Okinawa's native
clothing, architecture, cuisine, language,
music, and dancing. At one point I felt a
bit of an inferiority complex about Okinawa's
peculiarities. As a native of Ishikawa City,
I joined an Eisa folk dance troupe at the
youth association there between the ages
of 16 and 28, but even then I felt a complex
about Okinawan culture. Thanks to the World
Music Movement carried out by local musicians
such as the Rinken Band and Shokichi Kina,
my self-confidence in things Okinawan was
restored. I want those that come for the
summit to see Okinawan culture.
Fumihiro Motomura
(Age 34, TV station staff)
I would like to see focus placed on the added
value of having the summit in Okinawa. I
think that the openhearted characteristic
of the people of Okinawa, as expressed in
the saying "the land of propriety,"
should first be exhibited in the administrative
areas of Okinawa. I would like to see people
think of something other than just Shurijo
Castle when they say "This is Okinawa.
These are the southern isles." Just
like Hawaiian clothing, the aloha shirts,
when Okinawans get dressed they should not
just jump into neckties- they should try
some of the Kariyushi wear from Okinawa.
It would be nice if the Okinawa we see when
we glance at ourselves, the living traditions
of Okinawa, could be packaged. I hope to
make Okinawa both appealing to and felt with
the five senses.
Norie Uehara
(Beautician, 30 years old, resident of Itoman
City)
I would like for the people of the world
not to just know the dyeing and weaving,
the pottery and other traditional arts and
crafts of Okinawa, but also have the chance
to try and make it for themselves. I wish
we had facilities for that kind of experiential
learning. I think that sort of thing can
be become a goal for Okinawa. I would like
them to know of the military bases. Don't
be mislead in thinking they are securing
peace-I would like them to know that the
noise and other things intrude on the people
of Okinawa. Residents here have their own
lives and I would like some measures for
coexistence (opening up the highways and
easing of traffic jams, etc.). I want people
to know of Okinawa, this small island that
cannot be found on world maps.
Sachi Tokeshi
(Age 68, Part time worker at a fish store)
It's great to have the Summit here! Everybody
will be able to see areas like the nature
of Yanbaru, the Okinawa Rail found only in Okinawa
and the beautiful seas. You know, if you
pour hot water on the skin of irabucha fish, it becomes crunchy and savory! Even
the tuna, caught in the payao fishing method,
tastes different because it's caught near
the islands and not in deep sea waters. The
fresh sashimi of rabbitfish is wonderful...and
if you simmer it in salt, it's unbelievably
good! There's a lot of fish in Okinawa. Make
sure you try it!
Shuji Urasoe
(Age 27, Post Office Worker)
My name is put in English on my nametag and
I also started studying English. Many post
offices want to cooperate as much as they
can. A commemorative stamp will also be issued
pretty soon! (Don't miss it!) As for my expectations,
I hope the northern area will become livelier
and fun for the younger generation. I hope
the issue of peace will be considered. This
also includes the good and bad points of
having military bases on the island. The
subtle color difference bordering the blue
sea and sky and the rugged cliff are so beautiful.
But most of all, I wish many people would
go to Manzamo and see the magnificent ocean
view and clear blue sky we're extremely proud
of.
Ayako Fukuhara
(Age 26, Bus Guide)
I look forward to the ways our culture, performing
arts, food culture and the warm-hearted people
of Okinawa will be promoted. I hear many
enthusiastic offers to start international
exchanges are being made. These things are
possible because of the Summit! And I wish
it to be successful. Many customers taking
bus tours ask the location of the Bankoku Shinryokan. The response is tremendous. On the other
hand, I hear people are worried that it might
become like Nagano. I hope the industry of
Okinawa will improve with the actual situation
taken into consideration.
Tetsuya Miyagi
(Age 46, Farmer)
Okinawa is proud of its sanshin and diverse
culture. And the food is extremely unique-goya (bitter melon), tebichi (pork feet, also called "high heels"),
pumpkin and na-be-ra (loofah) made in Haebaru! It would make
me happy if a lot of people had the chance
to try these delicious dishes. But out of
all these dishes, I hope they'd try the na-be-ra. It resists many strong typhoons and is
the perfect vegetable for Okinawa's climate.
Won't the demand increase if the press tries
it and likes it?
Yusuke Kawabata
(Age 21, University Student)
I hope the number of tourists will increase
from 4,500,000 to more than 10,000,000, with
Okinawa becoming a gateway for Asian nations.
However, I do feel that the meeting itself
is something unreal. The one yen donation
when buying Orion Beer is somewhat more familiar
to me. I like the seas of Okinawa, especially
the momentary glimpse of the sea between
buildings when driving. That glimpse is extremely
impressive. Oh! I also hope they'd experience
socializing during the evening hours at beach
parties with a beer in hand.
Tomoe Nakamine
(Age 31, Tour Agent)
A diversity exist in the culture of Okinawa.
You see Kumi Odori dances and various dances which pray for
good harvests. You hear nurtured folk songs
arranged to peak the interest of various
generations. It is a culture we are proud
of! I hope we could broadly convey this diversity
through international exchanges and communication.
As for my expectations, I hope the Summit
will improve the economy. There should be
effects not only before or during the Summit,
but after as well. That is where my concern
is.
Masaki Tsuhako
(Age 22, Communications Industry Employee)
Objectively speaking I think that it would
be excellent if Okinawa were to achieve a
position held by other famous name resorts
like Hawaii. People gather at Hawaiian resorts
from all around the world. If we could achieve
that kind of image recognition it would be
good. I would like it to lead to an economic
recovery. I also hope the issue of world
peace is clearly stated during the summit.
I am proud of the many famous people from
Okinawa. There are many entertainers from
Okinawa that you see on television, but I
would like to see more focus on historical
figures as well. People such as the wise
17th century bureaucrat Tei Junsoku, the
Ryukyuan King Sho Nei, former Okinawan Governor
Ota, and maybe even myself. HA!
Makoto Maeda
(Age 30, Architect)
I want Okinawan culture to become better
known and the Summit will be a chance to
show some of the architectural atmosphere
here. On mainland Japan most of the construction
is wood oriented but on Okinawa you see a
lot more stone construction, this has left
a great impression on myself as well. I am
looking forward to seeing Okinawan traditional
costumes being worn by people around the
unique spaces and structures that are around
Okinawa. I would like others to see the diverse
expressions to be found within the same small
island of Japan and remember the views and
scenery here. And by all means experience
the diving found here. The water is pure
and clean, the variety of what you can see
in the oceans, truly leaves an impression
and touches one's heart.
Nagisa Nakamura
(Age 32, Construction Company Office Worker)
I hope the summit will bring with it increasing
employment and new projects. More work in
the construction business of course but also
in building roads and preparing the environment
would be good. And also if this would continue
after the summit as well. The cooperation
of volunteers to help in planting and cultivating
more greenery would be good too. I think
it will go very well, the Okinawan heart
is filled with hospitality. "Ichariba
Chode", as we say, though we meet but
once, we are friends for life. I hope not
just one section of the people here, but
all of us in Okinawa will help out with the
summit and deepen the recognition of its
importance.
Naruhito Moromizato
(Age 32 / Illustrator)
I want the summit to be an opportunity for
promoting the splendid qualities of Okinawa
as a resort. Even though it is called a resort
island, there are actually very few tourists
from overseas. Okinawa needs to be more well
known. I want more people to come here. One
of the best things about the prefecture is
that older people are so active and healthy.
This is perhaps due to the climate but I
think it is the warmhearted people as well.
You will find many things in Okinawa that
make a powerful connection.
Hitomi Takara
(Age 42 / Housewife)
I believe the world is one big family and
together we can move in a positive direction.
Environmental improvements,, such as roadwork,
have really made the prefecture look good.
Planting flowers and other things, for example
town planning to make it an enjoyable and
human place to come to, are the basis for
this. I want the summit to be a success for
everyone. I believe the significance of the
summits is that they can be economic conferences
that are created by and for all people without
partiality and we can hand the achievements
down to the next generation. I hope people
will see in Okinawa's summit that peace is
the most important issue.
Shoichi Hisano
(Age 40 / Temp Job Placement Agency Employee)
What I am most proud of about Okinawa is
that the people here are so long lived. The
cuisine is very healthy, and even though
they say it is flavored heavily, it really
is mild and makes good use of oil in it.
Even when I eat foods like Rafute (a simmered
pork dish) they are not greasy at all because
of the skillful cooking methods. I believe
the real secret to the longevity here is
the truly human qualities of relationships
with people. It is something I find truly
satisfying about Okinawa. My main hope for
the summit is that it brings an improving
economy, creates jobs, and invigorates the
prefecture. I also hope the unique business
conditions of Okinawa, such as the creation
of the Free Trade Zone and our close proximity
to other Southeast Asian countries, will
help our development.
Yoshikazu Uchima
(Age 43, Owner of A Diner)
Welcome Summit! I have great hopes, especially
for after the summit. A week or so later
it will be fun to do satires of the G-8 leaders.
I enjoy that kind of parody. It would be
great if the media people continue to be
attracted to Okinawa after the summit as
well. Maybe some of the leaders will come
back privately for vacations and such, to
enjoy what we have here. We have the chance
to show the world what Okinawa is about.
For example, the stars seen from the Kerama
islands are fantastic! The islands are great
during the day too, but the stars at night,
wow!! I would like to have a chance to show
that side of Okinawa.
Satoshi Gibo
(Age 38, Bank employee)
I want the 2000 Okinawa Summit to be something
people will still look back on 20 or 30 years
from now and say, "That was a really
good experience." I hope for a summit
that will be of significance and look forward
to the leader's declarations. The summit
is a chance for us to rebuild the ties between
countries; we can show the world a peaceful
Okinawa, that in the past we were a country
without need of weapons, and show, basically,
that Okinawa is a pleasant and happy place
to live. These are the treasures we can send
to the world. I would like it to be an event
that the people will still talk about in
the 21st century, something our children
will value highly.
Kasane Oshiro
(Age 25, Souvenir shop salesperson)
The summit is a chance for people to come
to know the culture and history,special regional
products,traditional arts and crafts, and
folk tales of Okinawa. I really want people
to see the animals and scenery of Okinawa
that make it special. It will be good to
establish exchanges between the locals and
people living on base, and also an opportunity
for us to interact with people from other
Asian countries. I am also proud of Okinawan
food! The Goya (bitter melon), sea grapes,
Okinawa soba (noodles)...all of them are
really delicious.
Makiko Takamine
----(age 27) Travel Agency Office worker
"I was really surprised when I first
heard of the summit meeting in Okinawa. It's
a good chance for us to introduce our home
to the world. I noticed many hotels on the
island are improving their customer service
skills. I think this motivation will lead
to better service quality in the tourist
industry. Everyone related to the tourist
business is very happy about it. The prefecture
is improving the island's infrastructure
so I believe both locals and tourists will
find Okinawa more convenient in the future."
Tomoaki Miyagi
----(age 34) Hotel worker
"I work in the hotel business so I hope
the meeting participants will have a chance
to get to know Okinawa as one of Japan's
outstanding resort destinations. I hope they
enjoy the warm and relaxed atmosphere here
in addition to the summit. "I hope our
visitors will go and see all the distinct
features of our subtropic climate and natural
scenery, have contact with the warm hearted
locals and experience the good parts of Okinawa.
I wish to provide them with professional
service and customer satisfaction."
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