Travel Journal of Miyako Island, Okinawa #2

The language of Miyako Island is unique.

It is completely different from that of the mainland of Okinawa or that of Ishigaki Island.

For example, there are many words including “pa, pi, pu, pe, po” sounds.

In the Miyako Island’s language, “I’m glad” is “Pukaras”. 

It is cute, isn’t it?

Also, there are many words starting “n” pronounciation. 

You can see the cards saying “Nmyachi” on reserved tables at restaurants in Miyako Island. 

That means “Welcome”.

In the mainland of Okinawa, they say “Mensore”, and in Ishigaki Island, 

they say “ori-tori” to express “Welcome”.

These differences make me think that these islands were like different countries and

created each independent culture in the past.  (H.S) 

There is a studio which you can experience indigo-dyeing and Miyako hemp weaving.

I experienced the indigo-dyeing. I didn’t know that dyeing can be done by oxidation.  

So it requires skill when you pull the cloth out of the indigo liquid and aerate rather than soaking it in the liquid. If aerating process is not done evenly, it causes uneven dyeing. 

Mango smoothie at a cafe on a mango farm. The coaster is indigo-dyeing.

The cafe’s wife said that typhoons have not yet hit Miyako Island this year, and

it causes coral bleaching and damage to food crops from insects.

So perhaps rains and winds by typhoons might be necessary in nature.  

Miyako-soba noodles is my favorite. It is similar to Okinawa-soba noodles

but the noodles are thinner and the topping is a bit different from Okinawa-soba

noodles. I also like Yaeyama-soba noodles which you can eat in Ishigaki Island.  

*These noodles called “soba”, but actually they are made with wheat flour and not with buckwheat flour.

Dinner menu of one day. Rafuthy(braised pork belly) ,mimigar(pork ear skin), and

Orion draft beer is a must. Why is Orion beer that I drink in Okinawa so delicious? 

A live stage at an Okinawan restaurant where live shows are held every night.

The two musicians usually look after their cows (Miyako beef is very good!) , and give

live performances at nights. I hope that the tradition of Miyako Island such music

has worked itself into the lives of people of the island would continue. 

A house with an entrance approach full of southern country atmosphere.