Chuo Park Avenue is a modern shopping area whose length is just a few city blocks. It is located in okinawa City running parallel on the north side of the street leading to the Gate 2 entrance of Kadena Air Base.

Called BC Street prior to Reversion, it was a place filled with bars, restaurants, gift shops, tailor shops and clothing stores for U.S. military personnel and their families. It was also a place to make money after the battle of okinawa and many people flocked to okinawa City, previously named Koza, from the prefecture’s outer islands and northern region. Businesses related to the U.S. military proved to be lucrative. Indian and Chinese businessmen also came from abroad and engaged mainly in clothing and restaurant businesses. The Indian community still lends its influence to the international flavor of okinawa City.

During the Vietnam War, business activity reached its peak. Soldiers coming from and going to Vietnam would spend a few days of rest and recreation in the city, getting their first taste of Asia and specifically okinawa. At that time the town seemed to be a 24-hour amusement district.

The consequences of the Vietnam era were numerous. Some servicemen became happily married to Okinawan women and returned to the States. Other young mothers gave birth to children without the presence of their American fathers. Okinawan rock music also was born in those times.

More recently the street was rechristened Chuo Park Avenue and renovated by okinawa City. Many shops have changed their target markets and the street is now popular with young people. There are many trendy fashion stores located along the covered walkways that attract customers from afar.