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11. Life Is a Treasure
The people of Okinawa often say Nuchidu takara.
"Nuchi" means "life," and "takara" means "treasure."
Together, the saying means "life is a treasure."
The most precious thing in this world is life.
This saying comes from an old Okinawan song.
Okinawa once used to be the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The kingdom held no weapons.
It was a peaceful paradise.
However, in 1609 the Satsuma Domain invaded the kingdom.
After that, the people suffered for a long time.
Finally in 1879 the Ryukyu Domain became Okinawa Prefecture.
King Sho Tai had to move to Tokyo.
The king sang a song for the people of Okinawa when he left his hometown.
It meant, "We suffered through the war;
there will be a peaceful time in the future;
my people, please don't grieve;
Nuchidu takara -- you must treasure your life, life is a treasure."
For a long time, the people of the Ryukyu Kingdom lived peacefully without war.
When Napoleon heard that there were no weapons in Okinawa, he was shocked.
But in World War II, many lives were lost in Okinawa.
The people realized more than ever that "life is a treasure."
Nuchidu takara tells us of the importance of life and people's strong desire for peace.