The articles on display are pieces prepared and displayed at Expo’75 (Okinawa International Oceanic Expo) and it is our objective to preserve and pass on these emblems of oceanic culture, particularly that of the Asia and South Pacific Ocean regions throughout the 1970s.

It could be said that 'Oceanic Culture' is one where a people are raised encompassed by Mother Nature's great waters, and come to co-exist with the sea in their everyday life. They are connected to these waters by the boats that guide them from one destination to another on the ocean's vast highway.

Here at the Oceanic Culture Museum, we aim to introduce the rich culture and history that has unfolded on this expansive stage filled with diverse peoples and their way of life.

We can set our sails to new discoveries, starting with the abundance of materials and artifacts of great interest from Okinawa and Japan, and also particularly from its close neighbors in the Pacific Rim. Let's join the old with the new in our journey through Oceanic Culture!

Exhibition Hall

From boats and fishing tools to household items, about 1,000 pieces of equipment are showcased in this hall, illustrating the relationship between mankind and the sea in the Asia and South Pacific regions. All items were collected from across the South Pacific islands—Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia, as well as South-East Asia and Japan.

Click the region below to select.

With an open-plan floor devoid of pillars or windows, the museum’s largest exhibition hall presents a diverse style of exhibits on the theme of “Living on the Kuroshio Current,” and illustrates the relationship between mankind and the sea. The story develops in the following sequence of events—Encounter with the Sea, Looking Out to the Sea, Peoples Living in the Pacific Ocean, Wisdom to Sail the Sea, Island Living, and The Japanese and the Sea—covering the regions of Melanesia, Polynesia, Micronesia, Southeast Asia and Japan.

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Tingara Theater

With a diameter of 18 meters, the Tingara Theater video hall can easily accommodate an audience of 188. Equipped with state-of-the-art video equipment, it offers a wide range of visual presentations from slide shows to planetarium shows. Check out the breathtaking drama depicting man and the sea projected on the gigantic multi-screen in high resolution. It’s guaranteed to make a big impact. [See details]

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Guided Tour

At the Oceanic Culture Museum, a “Guided Tour” by an experienced guide is available to make your visit much more worthwhile. The Oceanic Culture Museum houses over 1,000 resources, from large objects, such as canoes, to small displays, like masks and shell ornaments. Our guided tour will take you through a tour route primarily focusing on the select items from these interesting displays, including a number of valuable pieces that cannot be found elsewhere. [See details]

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Special Exhibits

Mounted specimens of whale sharks and whales are on display. [See details]

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