Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

A couple of days before we arrived a typhoon swept over Okinawa islands, dumping salt laden water all around which damage the leafage on much of the vegetation. Some trees were as good as stripped of the leaves, and were sprouting new ones. Here, the choral landscape in miniature is scattered with leaves fallen from the vegetation running along the edge of the choral bay.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

More landscape in miniature; a chasm that is about 15 cm deep, with the residue of a salt water lake in the bottom, with the sun descending to the left generating shadow and texture to surfaces.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

A close image of the texture of the choral that forms the basis and structure of the island.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

Images of the landscape in miniature can provide a different perspective on the same formation processes, as illustrated to the left.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

This is a photo of the elementary and junior high schools combined on Minna Island; they have an enrollment of 5 students in total; 3 elementary, and 2 high school students attend this school. The total population of the island currently is about 65 people, of whom 18% are young, 61% adults and 21% are elderly residents. However, 29,100 people visit the island every year using the beach some of whom stay overnight in the bed and breakfast accommodations, as we did.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

There are very few roads on Minna Island, they could probably be counted on two hands, if not one hand; they link the port to the opposite side of the island, with a few branches running at 90 degrees off of that main trunk. This is the branch leading to the primary school; on Minna Island there is only elementary and junior high school provision, to attend high school students need to take the ferry daily to attend school.
The first building on the left is a typical older house on the island, constructed of concrete with heavy roof tiles because of the power of typhoons. Looking closely reveals that the tiles of half of the roof furthest away are newer, probably the others were whipped off in typhoon storms.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

Choral textures and colour; the colour of choral is quite varied depending on circumstances and location.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

The shore line on the opposite side of the island from the port, and beach.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

A simple view of one of the few roads on the island, this one leading into the vegetation, perhaps to a farm or house.

Summer Okinawa, Minna Island

The flowers and vegetation on Minna Island are remarkably beautiful and give the island much of its attractive charm. This flower is called hama-omoto in Japanese, and White Spider Lily in English.