Okinawa: life in a blue zone
Ogimi, a village in Okinawa, is a lush landscape dotted with small farms where residents grow much of their own food, live with a strong sense of purpose, make time for leisure, and forge deep social connections within their community
Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost and westernmost prefecture, is a tropical paradise and a globally recognized 'blue zone', known for its high longevity. Its inhabitants believe that typhoons are essential for cleansing their seas. Ogimi, a village near Naha city, is home to many octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians, and is rich in green and yellow vegetables, bitter gourd, mugwort, handama, shikwasa lemon, and purple sweet potatoes.
The Okinawan cuisine emphasizes hara hachi bu, eating until you are 80% full, and relies on dashi, a broth rich in umami, which enhances flavor without sacrificing health. Residents engage in farming, keep the mind active, and value community, with many enjoying karaoke nights and long walks on the beach. The residents of Ogimi believe that living a long and healthy life is a simple matter of living with purpose, staying active, and cherishing loved ones.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Okinawa: life in a blue zone thehindu.com
