Street Snap #18 Koza (Okinawa vol.4)

Koza, Okinawa. A place where the past and present quietly overlap.

Walking through the streets of Koza in Okinawa, I found myself deeply moved. I wanted to understand why this place left such a strong impression on me, so I decided to put it into words.

What struck me first was the natural blend of American and Okinawan cultures. The buildings reflected a car-centered way of life. Bars and restaurants were still being used by American soldiers. Neon signs glowed quietly in the night. These elements were not built for tourists. They belonged to a living city, shaped by everyday lives.

There was something genuine about it. I felt as though I was seeing real fragments of overlapping cultures. ■

All photos in this article were taken with a RICOH GR III and edited in Lightroom.

All images are protected by copyright. Please contact me for usage requests.

Explore the full Okinawa series:

Vol.1 Journey to Naha

Vol.2 Naha Tomari Port

Vol.3 Sakaemachi Market

Vol.4 Koza Echoes of the Town

Vol.5 Koza Living Layers

Vol.6 Koza Park Avenue

Vol.7 Koza Crossroads

Vol.8 Naha Fukushuen Garden

Vol.9 Naha Beach & Departure