Shi-sa
Shīsā is a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, from Okinawa mythology. People placed pairs of shisa on their rooftops or flanking the gates to their houses. Shisa are wards, believed to protect people from evil spirits. When in pairs, the left shisa traditionally has a closed mouth, the right one has an open mouth. The open mouth wards off evil spirits, and the closed mouth to keep good spirits in.
Sources: Wikipedia
Go-ya
In the Okinawan dialect, Nigauri is called Goya.
It is said that the bitter taste of Goya is very refreshing in the heat of summer days. A famous yet simple Goya dish would be frying it with pork and eggs, called Goya Champuru. It probably is sold in all Okinawa restaurants. Also, goya is a rich source of vitamin C, and other nutrients that helps keeping the skin beautiful. Personally I think it's pretty bitter, but since it's healthy to the body, I should start eating more. :)
Sources - Wonder Okinawa and Digi-joho Tokyo
