This region's cuisine has Chinese influences since it paid tribute to the Ming during the (*) Sanzan Period.
Until the 20th century, this was the more southern of two regions that produced an alcoholic beverage that was fermented using only the saliva of two virgins in one cup. This region is home to a dish in which pork and its skin is dipped into a molasses and soy sauce - that dish is rafute [rah-foo-tee] A soup noodle dish from this region is often served with pork ribs that have their cartilage attached, known as soki. This region's cultural arts include a "grappling hands" contest called kihon. This region's cuisine has Chinese influences since it paid tribute to the Ming during the (*) Sanzan Period. "Taco Rice" became a specialty dish of this region after a restaurant named Charlie's Tacos opened here in the 1940s. The martial art of karate was developed in this region, which was once the largest part of the Ryukyu kingdom. For 10 points, name this southern Japanese island, whose distinct cuisine is vastly different from mainland Japan.
Until the 20th century, this was the more southern of two regions that produced an alcoholic beverage that was fermented using only the saliva of two virgins in one cup.
Okinawa [prompt on Japan; accept Ryukyu islands until "Ryukyu"] 