[pedronekoi]

Originally Posted by jiarongisme

Perhaps the way I phrased it didn't come out right.

I think Namie serves as a good representation of Okinawa in a pop culture aspect which was then acknowledged by the local government. It was literally why she got the Okinawa National Honour Award. So perhaps she did not make Okinawa popular or famous, nor is she the only huge Okinawa celebrity, but she is now ONE FACET and a very big representation of the prefecture. And yes, I agree with you pedronekoi, it's a bit naive for me to say that she was the sole reason of Okinawa's fame. But I think she definitely has one way or another contributed to it. Heck, they're even making a bronze statue and even a museum of her as part of Okinawan tourism!

Anywho, my point is, commemorating her in Okinawa isn't all that extreme because of her significance, and that September 16 is both her debut and retirement date. Okay I'm out!

100% agree with that!