The main exhibit of the Okinawa Prefectural Art Museum showcases the influence World War II had on many Okinawan artists. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac).
NAHA, Okinawa (July 25, 2008) -- For history or art buffs looking for a glimpse into Okinawa's history and culture, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum both offer a variety of experiences to enjoy.
The historical museum hosts an array of artifacts from ancient Okinawa dating back 18,000 years. The art museum showcases the pre and postwar era art by Okinawan artists.
The Okinawa Prefectural Art Museum is the first prefecture-run art museum on Okinawa, according to the museum's Web site, and it displays the influence World War II had on many Okinawan artists.
Some of the art displays show the chaos and destruction during the battles of World War II. In other displays, modern artists use their work to display their thoughts and feelings on modern day life, Okinawa's culture, and the trends in Okinawan art over the years.
There are also English- and Japanese-language newspapers from the World War II era as well as exhibits where visitors can learn about Okinawa's ecosystem or about the Okinawan culture from its beginning.
The Okinawa Prefectural Museum is dedicated to the study, collection and preservation of materials and resources related to Okinawa's nature, history and culture.
Visitors can view such things as an 18,000 year-old man from primitive Okinawa named Minatogawa Man.
Other exhibits include displays of ancient shrines, ancient tools and clothing worn by Japanese and Okinawan people throughout its historic periods.
History buffs may also take their time in the museum's media center, which contains archived documents and other audio and visual information detailing the history of Okinawa including the Battle of Okinawa.
The museum is a good way for visitors to learn about the island's culture and history, according to Lance Cpl. Daniel True, a combat videographer with the Camp Foster Combat Camera Center.
"The museum was the first one on Okinawa I had ever been to," he said, "and I didn't know Okinawa had so much rich, art history. The staff was very accommodating, and I recommend the museum to anyone who is new to Okinawa."
"The museum was the first one on Okinawa I had ever been to," he said, "and I didn't know Okinawa had so much rich, art history. The staff was very accommodating, and I recommend the museum to anyone who is new to Okinawa."
General admission to the historical museum is Y400 and the art museum is Y300. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays. Friday and Saturdays the hours are extended to 8 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.
To get to the museum from Gate 1 on Camp Kinser, take Route 58 south seven stoplights and turn left. Go to the second stoplight and the museum is on the left-hand side.
For more information, visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum Web site at http://www.museums.pref.okinawa.jp/.
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