Kugani Kutuba: Okinawan Wisdom Through Uchinaaguchi Proverbs

Okinawa has a unique culture that is all its own and includes the indigenous language of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Called uchinaaguchi, this language was once widely spoken on the main island of Okinawa and its smaller surrounding islands. Regional dialects developed as well, meaning that uchinaaguchi spoken in the south of the main island would differ even from that spoken in the north. The use of uchinaaguchi was strongly discouraged after the Ryukyu Kingdom was assimilated by Japan in 1879 and today most uchinaanchu, as Okinawans call themselves, under the age of 60 cannot speak or understand it. As a result, UNESCO has labeled it as a language in danger.  However, thanks to strong grassroots revitalization movements efforts have begun to bring uchinaaguchi back into the classroom and more learning resources are becoming available.

With hundreds of years of history, it only makes sense that uchinaaguchi has captured some of the wisdom of Okinawa. In distilling this knowledge and experience into proverbs, called 黄金言葉 (kugani kutuba) meaning “golden words” in uchinaaguchi, elders have been able to pass on generations-old advice that we can still learn from today.

ぬちどぅたから（命どぅ宝）

Nuchi du takara

Said to have been some of the last words of the final king of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Sho Tai, before being banished from the island by Japanese forces, this powerful proverb translates as “life is a treasure”. It reminds us that life is precious and should be valued above money or physical possessions. Once it is gone it cannot be regained.

なんくるないさ

Nankuru nai sa

One of the more well-known among those who have visited Okinawa, this term is often translated to mean something along the lines of “Don’t worry, it’ll all work out one way or another.” This proverb is intended to help develop a positive outlook on life, as well as trust in the idea that good actions will lead to good things. With Okinawa’s difficult history, it has likely served as a hopeful mantra for many.

いちゃりばちょーでー (行逢ん兄弟)

Ichariba choodee

Often translated as “once we meet, we are brothers and sisters”, this proverb highlights the importance of community and lifelong bonds. It alludes to the idea of a community functioning as a found family and taking care of one another, as many communities in Okinawa have done for generations.

ゆいまーる

Yuima-ru

In Okinawa, where many live to be one hundred, longevity is often attributed to community and sense of purpose. Yuima-ru, meaning “the circle of people”, is used to describe the idea of mutual aid and giving back to the community. Many years ago, the people of Okinawa’s small villages would come together to support one another in times of need, recognizing that their own time of need would surely come around.  This mentality continues today, with communities uniting over common causes, such as the Shuri Castle restoration project.

Looking to learn more about Okinawa? Check out this article about Okinawa’s culture and history or read up on its regional foods and dining philosophy!

About the author:

Nadine Pryor

Nadine first became interested in Japan and Japanese culture after working with an exchange program at her university. After hearing so many wonderful things from the exchange students she worked with she was longing for a chance to see Japan for herself. That opportunity came to her in the form of the JET program where she spent 5 years on a small island in the beautiful prefecture of Okinawa. While living in this very rural community of just under 1,300 people she was lucky to experience a glimpse into some of Okinawa’s unique traditions and culture. In her free time, she traveled the main island of Japan as well as eastern Asia, seeking out the most delicious foods and exciting experiences. She currently resides in the United States but hopes to return to Japan in the future.