Aya Ueto - Japanese Cute Idol

Although the end of the 20th century saw the movie industry dominated by Hollywood blockbusters, it also saw the arrival of a new directorial master. With the death of Kurosawa in 1999, Kitano Takeshi (right) became the leading Japanese director on the world stage. His works have continued the trend started by Kurosawa in the 1950's, picking up prizes at the European festivals. Among the other islands in the Nansei chain, the 20 or so largely uninhabited Kerama Islands are an excellent place for coral diving.

Miyako Island is covered with sugar plantations and is very peaceful. Ishigaki Island has the region's tallest mountain, the 526m Omotodake, and many historical buildings. Tokunoshima Island's main claims to fame are its bullfighting and the longevity of its inhabitants.While better known in Japan as a cynical TV comedian and entertainer, Kitano has become the darling of the international movie world and led the Japanese movie industry into the new millenium. In 2000, he made Brother, his first movie to appeal more to a western audience.