Asian Diver — October 2017

54

Okinawa, Japan

Japan does not normally get top billing

when divers are listing Asia’s best dive

destinations. But it seems as if we

are missing a trick. I had always been

fascinated by the culture and natural

history of Japan, and so when I was

invited by the Japanese Tourism Minister

to participate in the “Be.Okinawa

Masterclass” event, I immediately

packed by bags and set off.

My mission was to capture and

present the underwater beauty that is to

be found around the island of Okinawa.

I was certainly not prepared for the

exceptional show that the marine

life of this splendid area put on for me.

I had never expected that these waters

were home to such amazing spectacles,

like vibrant coral reefs, caves, fish,

turtles, sea snakes and nudibranchs.

I was also not expecting the

thorough professionalism and respect

that marked the Japanese dive

operators. Diving rules and safety

guidelines were strictly adhered to, each

dive lasted not more than 45 minutes,

and there were always a maximum of

four divers to every guide.

I will definitely be back to

explore more of Japan’s unexpected

underwater delights.

OKINAWA

JAPAN

AKA ISLAND & ISHIGAKI

AKA ISLAND & ISHIGAKI

By Matteo Visconti

UNEXPECTED ASIA