If you have sampled the traditional sweets of Japan, you might have been surprised how different the tastes – and ingredients that include sweet potatoes, sweet beans and rice - are from Western sweets.

Sata Andagi is an Okinawan donut that is commonly cooked at home. Meaning “deep-fried sugar,” Sata Andagi is a local favorite often served up during special occasions.

Kashi pan or “菓子パン” is a word that means “snack bread” in Japanese. Listed below are some of the Okinawan breads that I have been familiar with since my childhood.

If you live on Okinawa, you might have seen a seasoned rice dish called “jyushii.” This Okinawan dish is similar to mainland Japan’s takikomi gohan but features ingredients like fuuchiibaa (artemisia) and chiribira (Chinese chive).

Chinpin is an Okinawan sweet often described as a pancake or crepe flavored with brown sugar.

In Okinawa, King Tacos is almost like a synonym for taco rice.

On the road to Miyagi Island, Henza Island takes only six minutes to travel through, often making it more of a passing point than a destination.