Prefecture Directory · Okinawa
Okinawa 沖縄県
Okinawa Prefecture is Japan's southernmost island group, stretching nearly 1,000 kilometers southwest of the Kyushu mainland. The prefecture hosts substantial U.S. military bases with associated American civilian communities, as well as growing tourism from across East and Southeast Asia. Okinawa's distinct Ryukyuan culture, warm climate, and world-renowned longevity among its older residents draw international attention.
Healthcare landscape
Ryukyu University Hospital in Nishihara and Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital are the main advanced-care facilities. The U.S. military presence has shaped some Okinawa healthcare facilities' experience with English-language patients. Okinawa International Human Resources Foundation (OIHF) provides consultation in 12 languages and operates a dedicated Medical Interpretation Service line (0570-050-235) for foreign residents requiring healthcare interpretation.
Multilingual medical support
法律・生活相談
公益財団法人沖縄県国際交流・人材育成財団（OIHF）
- Phone
- 098-942-9215
- Hours
- 要予約・随時（詳細はページ参照）
- Languages
- 日本語, English, 中文（簡体）, 中文（繁体）, 한국어, Español, नेपाली, Tiếng Việt, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, ภาษาไทย, မြန်မာ
Public health center (保健所)
Okinawa Prefecture operates public health centers (保健所, hokenjo) across its municipalities. Public health centers manage infectious disease surveillance, maternal and child health programs, and mental health consultation. Contact the prefectural health department or your municipal office to locate the nearest hokenjo.
Emergency numbers in Japan
- Ambulance / Fire: 119
- Police: 110
- Japan Helpline (24-hr English): 0570-000-911
- JNTO Tourist Helpline: 050-3816-2787 (available for medical referrals)
See our emergency guide for full details on calling an ambulance and communicating with emergency services in Japan.
Last reviewed: September 2026