On September 25, 2026, Taiwanese media Mirror Media reported an episode in which a Taiwanese netizen, when planning a trip to Okinawa with family, was told by an elder that 'it doesn't feel like Japan.'

According to the article, a netizen recently posted on SNS Threads an episode where, after booking airline tickets for an Okinawa trip with family, an elder who looked up landscape photos of Okinawa complained, "It doesn't feel like Japan."

The poster themselves also confirmed that many photos taken by travelers were only of spots like seascapes and American Village, making them feel a "lack of Japanese-ness," so they sought recommendations for spots that would immediately convey "being in Japan."

In response, Lin Shih-pi (リン・シービー), known as an expert in Japan tourism, explained on the 24th on his Facebook fan page "Japan Self-Guided Travel Addicts" that Okinawa "has its own unique charm." He pointed out that Okinawa's predecessor was the Ryukyu Kingdom, which has been influenced by China and Japan since ancient times, and after World War II, the long-term stationing of U.S. forces further shaped its unique character.

Mr. Lin commented that while one might be disappointed if they try to find the "Japanese-ness" of the common image in Okinawa, this blended atmosphere is precisely Okinawa's greatest charm.

The article introduced Mr. Lin's detailed explanation of Okinawa's charms, including its scenery, tourist spots, and gourmet food, and his humorous advice that if an elder still says "it doesn't feel like I went to Japan," then "just take them to local supermarkets, Don Quijote, Bic Camera, Uniqlo, Aeon, or drugstores." (Edited and translated by Kawajiri)