b'CoastsYakuzenRyu-Ka cooking class mealLV IN IITG N Iwas my fifth trip to Japan in HFebruary 2025, but my first to Okinawa. Okinawa lies A900 miles south of Tokyo, a RMcluster of islands with a unique history Oas part of the independent kingdom of Y NRyuku, with a distinct traditional cuisine and culture. Since I am a foodie, the foodNature and culture, ancientexperiences were the highlight of myRyukyu heritage and modern stay, especially since I quickly learneddynamism, blend seamlessly inthat Okinawa has one of the longest- this Japanese Blue Zone.lived populations in human historywith a large percentage of residents livingBy Anand Bist, Product Managerto 100 years. I was amazed to see senior citizens working everywhere, men and women in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, fitinto her 70s, yet did all the cooking and independent, doing everythingherself using traditional ingredients and for themselves. Many grow their ownvegetables she grows on her farm. Every vegetables in gardens and use thissingle item on the platter we were served seasonal produce to prepare their meals. was related to longevity, and she took the Okinawa is considered one of the trouble to explain it all to us. There was worlds Blue Zones, where residentsbitter melon sauted with egg, seaweed live significantly longer than elsewhere.and kelp in soy sauce, miso soup with One afternoon, we visited a smalllocal spinach, sweet potato donut with restaurant called Emi-no-mise, in Ogimitapioca, Yanbaru-style mixed rice, and Village, for an outstanding meal referredmuch more (see image). to as longevity food. Ogimi village isOkinawans have a unique approach well-known for its large population ofto food that dates back to the Ryukyu seniors, who lead busy, active lives andKingdom when food was considered follow the principle of ikigai livingmedicine, and this promotes the good with purpose. Yakuzen Ryukahealth and longevity we still see.Emiko, the restaurant owner, was wellcooking class This struck home for me at a cooking 32 \x1a BE ENCHANTED'