NAHA, Okinawa Pref. -- It is said there is a reliable litmus test to gauge the state of Okinawa's economy: Stick out your hand and see how long it takes to hail a taxi.
In central Naha, you'll not be waiting long.
With over 5,000 cabs operating on the main island alone -- one-third more taxis per person than in Tokyo -- Okinawa is Japan's taxi capital, and cabs have been the accepted way for tourists and businesspeople to get around the prefecture for years. During the bubble economy, illuminated "for hire" signs were scarce.