Okinawa's tourism industry, which has long been the main driver of the prefecture's economy, has been hit hard by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. This has created the challenge of having to diversify the entire industrial structure of the prefecture. Its manufacturing industry is striving to grow by overcoming perceived disadvantages, such as being far from the main islands of Japan.
Many people are wondering whether the prefecture will be able to secure a foothold and make great strides this year, the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's return to Japan.
