Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Small island economies and cultures enable us to see more clearly the challenges, dangers, and opportunities to economic development. The case of Okinawa Prefecture, an archipelago of over 170 islands, Japan’s southernmost and poorest prefecture, offers both a generic and an exceptional case of an island culture experiencing some of the best and worst of an increasingly globalized infrastructure and economy. This paper highlights Okinawa’s current situation of increasingly rapid economic devlopment within a very limited space. Specific suggestions are given to allow for sustainable development of Okinawa, without ruining chances for the young and for future generations as well as the physical and cultural environment. What is learned about Okinawa’s successes and failures relating to fast development can be applied to other small island communities.