Evangelia Papoutsaki MA Leeds, PhD Cardiff, MRSNZ

While tourism is undeniably the lifeblood of the markets today, glimpses of the past linger in the smaller arcades, where echoes remain of a time when this was the main shopping district for locals—before shopping malls drew people away from central Naha for their daily needs. Still, I’m glad the markets have adapted and found a way forward.

Returning to Okinawa reminded me how deeply I love this place: its incredibly kind people, its light, its nature, and yes, even its climate. I’ll take the hot, steamy weather any day; my body thrives in it.

Aki-san, an 84-year-old former accountant, marathon runner and the current Head of the Shintenji Shopping Arcade Association,...

I fell in love with Naha's public markets during my first visit in 2017.