Moai: the economy of trust

In 2008, a book called Blue Zones was published, pointing out the seven places around the world where people live longest and happiest.

One of those places is Okinawa, Japan. I was born on the main island in this prefecture, so naturally, I was interested to read more.

My most prominent memories of Okinawa are of clear blue waters and delicious purple sweet potatoes. It now seems there are more A&W’s and KFC’s on the islands than in most US states, and American culture has blended into the fabric of many young Okinawan’s lives. …