Kokusai-dori is probably the nucleus of downtown Naha, and it lives up to its name ("International Street"). The American influence is very evident, and there's even a surprising number of shops with Hawaiian names (though the connection is dubious at best). The one that struck me was "Hawaii Steak House." Where do they get their beef - the "Big Island" of Honshu? For the record, on my trip around the island I saw very little evidence of cattle ranching.

One clear sign of Western influence: T-shirt shops with slogans on the T-shirts. Japanese simply do NOT wear these, and their presence here clearly indicates a Western orientation. Another sign: lots of taco restaurants, particularly around the U. S. bases. I tried one shop that had been recommended to me, but unfortunately I think something got lost in the translation; they weren't very good. One restaurant north of Naha that's marked on the Mapple Touring guide offers a menu that consists entirely of tacos, cola and beer. Now THAT'S American...