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Conventional Okinawan settlements, which have become a rare sight on the main island, can still be seen in abundance on outlying islands.
Particularly worth mentioning is Taketomi Island, which was designated "Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings." The entire island resembles years past, as if time came to a standstill long ago; houses with red-tiled roofs, coral fences, boulevard Fukugi trees and pavements bedded with white sand extend left and right across the settlement. Wildflowers blossom colorfully around the houses, and butterflies and birds freely fly about. People on the island keep themselves busy with Someori dyed and woven textiles. This scenery, much like a movie or a theme park attraction, is simply miraculous. But real people actually live here.
Primal scenery can only be found on the outlying islands nowadays. For instance, Tonaki Island, Izena Island, Aguni Island and Hateruma Island, all recently designated "Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings." Co-existing with nature, wishing for and appreciating fertility, and helping each other as they live on.
Red-tiled roofs that fend off the summer heat and the commodious space inside; to endure the fury of typhoons, tiles are plaster-coated, eaves are placed low to lessen resistance and strong trees are planted in lines around houses to serve as windbreakers. Even the roads are built with numerous T-shaped intersections and curves to prevent gusts from sweeping past. White sands are bedded in the roads so that they reflect moonlight and the nighttime stars. The wisdom and lifestyle of the ancestors, born and raised in this climate, are being passed on from generation to generation. 
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