 It was during this period that Okinawans became familiar with Americanized food culture.The cuisine has evolved in modern times, especially because of the American military presence on Okinawa since the end of World War II.Besides vegetables and fruits, the influences of southern and southeastern Asia are evident in Okinawan cuisine in its use of herbs and spices, such as turmeric, used in Okinawa more often than in mainland Japan, but less frequently than other tropical island cuisines.