1) Establishing an Exchange Zone Using Okinawa's Pivotal Capabilities

Surrounding Okinawa are the East Asian Economic Grouping (which includes the Greater South China Economic Zone, the Yellow Sea Economic Zone, and NIES (Newly Industrialized Economies which includes Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong) and the Greater Pacific Exchange Region (which includes East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania to North America and Central and South America. To build a network with these regions in the future, we must place emphasis on promoting a planned, systematic approach to exchanges according to the prefecture's basic principles.

Additionally, the regions of the Western Pacific such as Micronesia and Melanesia to regions of Southeast Asia and East Asia such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, South China coastal area, and Taiwan, can be amalgamated with the southwestern islands of Japan, Okinawa and Amami as the "Pacific Tropical Belt Environmental Exchange Region." This region shall be composed by conditions held in common with Okinawa such as tropical and subtropical climate, insular structures, oceanic climate, abundant rainfall from monsoons, natural features and flora. The region shall concentrate on technical cooperation and promote diverse yet inclusive exchanges in various issues held in common. Our prefecture shall develop diverse exchanges with regions in East Asian Economic Grouping and Greater Pacific Exchange Region. We shall carry the role and functions of a core center to link Japan and regions included in "Pacific Tropical Belt Environmental Exchange Region," and contribute to the peace and sustainable development in the Asian Pacific region.

2) Forming a Prefectural Structure of a Self-sufficient Network

The aim for Okinawa in the future is to divide the northern, central and southern parts of Okinawa Island, Miyako Island, and Yaeyama Island into zones and enable them to achieve a degree of socioeconomic self-sufficiency in conjunction to establishing a network which makes maximum use of each zone's characteristics. This will build a structure for diverse, multi-layered exchanges with other areas of Japan and the world. Each zone shall create a mutual network of transportation, information communications, and functions to build closer communications. This shall enable Okinawa to create a structure of self-sufficient network which will serve as the hub of international cooperation with the Asian Pacific region.

[Northern Zone]

The northern zone shall establish stronger relationships with Amami Islands, which is part of the Ryukyu chain, and utilize its insular characteristics in interacting with economic zones both within and outside Japan. Preservation of the natural environment in the northern district is a major issue in which efforts shall be made to preserve and plan use of regional resources with a global view. Furthermore, to promote vitalization of the northern zone and to establish closer ties with other regions, a high level of urban function facilities, an information communication system, and a infrastructure of harbors shall be constructed.

[Central and Southern Zone]

The central and southern zone shall serve as the network center for the whole prefecture and shall be the core of the "cosmopolitan city." We shall reorganize the urban structure obstructed by the U.S. military bases and built an infrastructure which can support exchange activities, including economic activities which take the overseas market into account, and international support activities. This zone shall cooperate with other zones to form a network of peace exchange, technical cooperation, and economic and cultural exchange with the Asian Pacific region.

[Miyako Zone]

The Miyako zone possesses a host of technology and expertise on insular properties which can be adapted to other insular regions. This zone shall promote active technical exchange and cooperation and create a network with other parts of Japan and the Asian Pacific region. Miyako zone shall make sustainable developments utilizing its characteristics of an insular region, promote agricultural development suited for insular regions, and seek an establishment of composite industry utilizing the ocean. Furthermore, this zone shall utilize the Shimoji Island airport to become an exchange center of inter-regional diplomacy.

[Yaeyama Zone]

The Yaeyama zone shall promote the formation of an international network which emphasize on preservations of ecosystems in regards to the international concern on preservation of natural environments. This zone shall also form a network with the Asian Pacific region through the medium of culture and performing arts. Regional exchanges and economic exchanges rooted in daily lives shall be promoted with neighboring Taiwan and China on the basis of friendly relationships. In addition, this zone shall promote agriculture and fisheries utilizing the subtropical environment.

In order to reorganize the functions as a cosmopolitan city and enhance regional cooperation, hubs will be established and each hub shall have functions allocated in an appropriate and planned manner. Each hub shall take advantage of its regional features in establishing various, multi-leveled exchange within Japan as well as overseas. Network involving transportation, telecommunications, and international functions shall be promoted for exchange zones which shall operate over a wide area and serve as hubs of international exchange in the Asian Pacific region.

(1) Hub of Technical Cooperation and International Exchange

The area around Futenma Air Station includes existing facilities such the Okinawa International Center and several universities, therefore it has a foundation for becoming a hub of technical cooperation and international exchange. The aim is to use this area as a hub of centralized academic information and general research on subtropics on "Pacific Tropical Belt Environmental Exchange Region." The results will then be made available with mutual provision of information, academic exchange, and technical cooperation through Okinawa International Center and other related organizations. International exchange shall be promoted by utilizing the Okinawa Convention Center. Futenma Air Station occupies a large area of land. After its return, its convenient location shall be used in strategically reorganizing the area to function as the center of cosmopolitan city Okinawa and become the core of the southern zone.

(2) Hub of New City Development

A new Naha urban center shall be located at the northern perimeter of Naha City and will be linked to center of the city and Naha airport by a Shuri to Naha Airport designated monorail. While making use of the existing businesses in central part of Naha, it shall become the new center for business activities. For this purpose, high-level urban functions shall be consolidated to include improvements in residential areas and in cultural and educational facilities. The new Naha urban center shall serve as a business center with the functions of a centralized city.

(3) Hub of Transportation and Distribution Networks

The western coastline along Itoman City, Naha City, Urasoe City, and Ginowan City has facilities such as an airport and harbors. With the vision of connecting sea, land and air routes, this area shall be designated as a hub of commodity and human resources exchange. Naha Airport and Naha Port shall be strengthened and expanded in international functions as the main entrance to Okinawa from other areas in Japan as well as other countries. The surrounding area shall be prepared as a hub of promoting industries which utilizes the free trade system and the international functions of the airport and harbors.

(4) Hub of Peace-oriented Exchange

The southern coastline of Okinawa Island was the final site for the Battle of Okinawa where many people including civilians were killed. It is also the site for many war memorials such as the Peace Memorial Park, the Himeyuri Monument, and the Peace Hall which stand to remind us of the horrors of war and to pray for peace. With its many facilities expressing the longing for peace, this area will serve to generate a global message for creating international peace through the study and exchange on peace.

(5) Resort Centers

Areas with priority for consolidation (Shioya-Okuma coastal district, Motobu district, Ginoza coastal district, Onna Coastal district, Miyako district, and Yaeyama district) and health resort districts are determined by the Okinawa Tropical Resort Concept and are designated as international resort hubs. These hubs will be characterized by additional functions such as researching, conducting sport activities, economic activities, and cooperation with other fields.

(6) Hub of Industrial and Technical Exchange

The area around Nakagusuku Bay Port is the site where Tropical Technology Center, Industrial Technology Centers and other facilities are located. These facilities will be used to provide industrial cooperation to "Pacific Tropical Belt Environmental Exchange Region." Here, both business and leisure facilities will be constructed to promote joint research related to industrial and technical development using subtropical environment resources. This area will serve as a hub of technical exchange and support personnel training for the Asian Pacific region.

(7) Airport Urban Center

The area which contains Okinawa City and Kadena also includes Kadena Air Base which occupies 2,000 hectare of land. Using this vast land, it shall be designated as the key urban city in central zone and as a center for promoting international culture and tourism.

(8) Hub of Agricultural Research and Development

The western coastline of Okinawa Island in the vicinity of Yomitan will be designated as a central network station for research institutions and experiment laboratories. It will serve as hub of practical agricultural research and development by utilizing bio-technology.

(9) Hub of Model City in Harmony with Nature

Chosen for the area's natural resources, the northern part of Okinawa Island around Nago City will be employed as a model zone in balancing preservation of natural environment and urban development. The main focus will be on protecting the natural forest environment around Motobu Peninsula while making the most of its environment. At the same time, promotion of building an experimental university town centering Meio University and expansion of recreational resort functions shall be pursued.

(10) Hub of Preservation of Natural Environment and Technical Research

The northeastern coast of Okinawa Island will serve as the base for environmental protection and planned utilization of the natural environment. In liaison with the resort areas, it will serve as an exchange center for research work. Development in the restoration of subtropical environments and preservation of valuable species will be promoted.

(11) Hub of Exchange in Insular Development Technology

Employing technology for the development and use of underground dams, Miyako zone, especially Miyako Island, will be the hub of technical cooperation and application in development, uses of resources and energy and industrial activities in insular regions. Utilizing Shimoji Airport for transportation, Miyako zone shall promote inter-regional diplomacy and exchanges, health conscious activities such as sports, and a model zone in development of agriculture and fisheries.

(12) Hub of Environmental Protection and Cultural Exchange

Yaeyama zone which includes Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island is renowned world-wide for its magnificent natural environment and its exclusive tradition of performing arts. This area shall be designated for preservation of its unique natural environment and a center for providing information on methods of preservation of natural environment. Furthermore, developments shall be made on industrialization with land and sea resources and various exchanges with neighboring Taiwan and China.