Have you or your family lived in Okinawa, Japan on a military base?

Question

I'm considering moving with my husband, we love to travel and he has the option of living there for 3 years since he is in the military. I love asian culture and I'm half asian myself so I dont think it would be that strange, but I was wondering how people felt being there and if there were well entertained and happy living among the Japanese culture.

Answer 1

I have been to Okinawa a couple of times. I enjoyed my stay there. Kadena AB was pretty cool, and the view from White Beach was great. Okinawa is slow compared to mainland Japan. It's the Mayberry of Japan.

I was there for about 2 months each time I went. If you are into natural things and adventure, there is plenty to do. When that runs out, you can take flights all over the region. Fly up to mainland Japan, Pusan or Seoul Korea, etc. If you are into scuba diving, there is a dive shop on base with VERY reasonable rates on rental and equipment for purchase. I even bought some items and had them shipped home. There are plenty of dive sights that will keep you occupied for a number of dives.

As others have stated, the weather was very nice. Unfortunately, I went through 2 typhoons. I left worried about my family and an approaching hurricane. They were fine, and I was the one dealing with 30+ knot winds. Neither hit the island directly, but threatened enough to lock the bases down. Keep enough food on hand for at least 3 days. The first time a typhoon approaches and you try to get in and out of the commissary, you will fully understand.

I think it was the officer's club on Kadena that had the best steak. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the place, but ask on base, those familiar with the base will know. Their Kobe steaks have my mouth watering now just thinking about it.

It will take a minute to get use to driving on the opposite side of the street. Then when you come back to the states, it will take a minute to get back into the groove again.

The shopping was pretty good within walking distance of Kadena.

I hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy your stay!

Answer 2

I was in Okinawa for a few months in the 80's. You're not really going to Japan. Anyway, if the military is sending family members to this location, then there are facilities for taking care of families there, IE schools, medical facilities, grocery stores....most probably there will be movie theaters and burger king, baskin robbins and the such as well. The weirdest thing is they drive on the left like the British. This can actually be dangerous for Americans. When you first cross the street you have to look right instead of looking left to see oncoming traffic. Best to get into the habit of looking both ways before you start crossing. This could end up being a really great experience for you, keep an open mind and if you have an explorer mentality, you are going to have a great time. You may even find cheap 20 dollar air force airplane rides to other places in the pacific and see a lot of the world.

Answer 3

My dad lived in the military base in Okinawa for 4 years and absolutely loved it. He talks all the time about us taking a family vacation there. He said that being on the base, you didn't really have to adapt that much to a new culture, though prepare to drive very, very slowly. He always tells us how beautiful the beach was, and how clear the water was.

He was very, very happy there. I hope you and your husband have a wonderful time if you do decide to move there. I've only heard wonderful things.

Answer 4

I did three tours in Okinawa, the last tour was with my wife and four children along. All I can say is you are one lucky woman. Have him take the tour. It's the greatest and deepest secret for assignment in the military. Climate is like Hawaii. The people were generally friendly. The Navy hospital is one of the best around ( a little bragging on my part. I was part of her commissioning crew back in 1978).
You will have to drive on the left side of the road. And your English language TV is mostly restricted to Armed Forces TV Channel 8. But, if you get out and about you can make friends with a pretty wide-ranging group of folks from countries other than Japan or the U.S. We lived in housing on board Camp Lester (the site of the hospital) for three years. I served as Vice President of the PTA at a Catholic Mission School which has since closed. But, I counted among my friends a group of people from all over the world.
The best description I've ever seen written about Okinawa are the opening lines of the character Sakini in the play "Teahouse of the August Moon":
"Lovely ladies, kind gentlemen please to introduce myself.
My name Sakini, my profession interpreter, my nationality Okinawan.
Okinawa very fortunate. Invaded by Chinese bandit in 14th century, Japanese warlord in 16th Century, English missionary in 18th Century and American G.I. in 20th Century. Very fortunate. Not have to seek out world's culture. Have same brought to own doorstep."
Good luck on your new adventure.

Answer 5

Okinawa is fantastic.

The Marines are going to relocate to Guam in 2013 but there will still be plenty of navy, army and air force left on the island as well as some Marines.

Answer 6

the people of okinawa do not like or want the military on their island... the US is being kicked off the island in the very near future..the island and the people are third world , so it is a shock for any of us to see.. i recommend mainland Japan

Answer 7

I heard it sucks there! Of all the people I have talked to, they really dont like it. But good luck in whatever you decide!

Answer 8

My daughter is at Kadena and she loves it. Off base housing is good there.

Answer 9

my dad did once. and so have many of my friends.
DON'T BUY THE JAPANESE T-SHIRTS!!!!
the opens with the cool Japanese writing,
most of them say idiot American tourist. then all the idiot American tourists buy them because they think the righting looks cool.