Explore Okinawa through manga (graphic novels)! Learn about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawan ethnology, environmental issues, ancient customs, Uchinaguchi (one of five Ryukyuan languages), the Battle of Okinawa, the U.S. military base issue, Awamori (alcoholic beverage indigenous and unique to Okinawa), common Okinawan ghost stories, and above all else, the daily lives of Okinawans. Our collection features not only manga artists from Okinawa but other artists who were so fascinated with Okinawa that they relocated there to write their works.
In addition to our manga collection, we also hold Okinawan picture books, or ehon (絵本). The books contain beautiful illustrations and tell stories on Okinawa in easy to read Japanese. Ehon are a great resource to become familiar with Okinawa while practicing Japanese!
Note: The following collection of graphic novels and picture books includes materials focusing on gender, religion, mental health, women and girls on U.S. military bases, diaspora, leprosy, Shimakutuba (an indigenous language of the Ryukyu Islands), etc. Those interested in DEI issues are encouraged to browse them.