The outer circle of this symbol represents the ocean. The white circle symbolizes a peace-loving Okinawa and the inner circle symbolizes a globally developing Okinawa. In short, the mark symbolizes “Ocean” “Peace” and “Development.” This symbol of Okinawa prefecture was decided on in 1972, when the United States (who gained Okinawa after WWII as a territory/protectorate) handed Okinawa back to Japan.