Message from the Governor of Okinawa
Dinner Reception
Okinawa International
Conference on Longevity


Gov. Inamine

Photo Courtesy Okinawa Prefecture

It is great pleasure and honor for Okinawa to be serving as the venue for Okinawa International Conference on Longevity (OICL) that convenes scholars domestically and internationally under the theme of "Successful Aging --Okinawa Style." 

We are truly grateful of this opportunity and would like to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Hiroko Sho, Honorary Chairperson, and Dr. David Itokazu, Chairperson, of the OICL Organizing Committee, and to all the concerned organizations and individuals.

Many participants have traveled a long distance to attend this meeting; we wish to extend our warmest welcome to all of you.

It is truly significant that prominent scholars of health and longevity, including Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Gary Robert Andrews, would present their respective research findings and exchange views here in Okinawa, the island of longevity and respect for peace.  Another significant accomplishment is that we were able to show internally and externally that such prestigious international conference was held in Okinawa without any obstruction.  From November 1st to 4th, approximately 4,000 Uchinanchus (the people with Okinawan ancestry) gathered in Okinawa from 28 countries across the world for the Worldwide Uchinanchu Festival.  From the United States, in particular, we had more than 2,000 participants.  We were deeply moved by the sense of attachment that the people had of their homeland.

Okinawa is situated amidst rich natural environment and moderate subtropical climate, where we came to possess a unique history and culture.  Last year, the Meeting of Heads of States and Governments, also known as "Okinawa Summit," was held in our prefecture.  The Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, which includes the Shuri Castle, was added to the list of World Heritage last year as well.

Okinawa is one of the places in the world with longest life expectancy.  In 1995, we adopted the Proclamation of a World Longevity Region.

The Bankoku Shinryo Hall, where OICL takes place, was the venue of the Okinawa Summit last year.

The term "bankoku shinryo" means "a bridge between the nations" and it is a term inscribed on a Buddhist ceremonial bell that was cast in the 15th century during the Ryukyu Kingdom era.  The term symbolizes the spirit of our ancestors who built the prosperous era between the 14th and the 16th centuries, known to us as The Great Trade Era of the Kingdom.

In accordance with the origin of "bankoku shinryo," I look forward to a productive outcome of the conference and I hope OICL would become an international bridge between the studies and exchanges on longevity.

November 12, 2001
Keiichi Inamine
Governor of Okinawa